Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 68743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Winter flushed and took another sip of her water. “We hit it off,” she murmured, her evasive answer telling Nikki she was right in thinking something had happened between the two.
“Something you want to talk about?” Nikki asked, offering a shoulder in case Winter needed one.
The waiter returned. “Hello, again. Can I take your order?”
Winter shook her head. “We haven’t had a chance to look at the menu yet. Can you give us some time?”
“Of course.” He walked away.
Winter curled her hand around the water glass and met Nikki’s gaze. “I slept with Harrison,” she admitted.
Nikki blinked in surprise. Though she’d asked, she hadn’t thought Winter would truly open up. “I thought he was a great guy. You two make a cute couple.”
Winter shook her head. “That’s not what it was. He made it clear he doesn’t do relationships, and I was okay with that.”
It was Nikki’s turn to narrow her gaze. Winter said she was okay with that. Had something changed? Did she now want more from Harrison than he was willing to give? Or had Winter fallen for the charming actor/producer and he didn’t reciprocate?
“So what changed?”
Winter shook her head.
Nikki opened her mouth but Winter jumped in first. “As much as I appreciate it, I’m not ready to talk about it yet. I need time to process my feelings, you know?”
“Makes total sense to me. I’m a processor, too. I like to think things through when I can.”
Winter nodded. “Are you ready to order?”
“Definitely or I’ll be late for the baby shower.”
For the next hour, they laughed and ate breakfast. Nikki kept her meal light so she’d be hungry at the party. After, she and Winter split the bill and walked out.
Once at the front of the hotel, she caught sight of Asher walking in, and she called out his name. He turned, saw her, and a bright smile lit his handsome features.
He headed toward her, and she was aware of other female eyes on him as he made his way over.
Winter leaned close. “He’s got it bad for you,” she whispered.
“Hi.” Without glancing around, he leaned in and slid his lips over Nikki’s, kissing her long, hard… and publicly for the first time.
By the time he stepped back, butterflies were in her stomach and desire rushed through her like it had this morning. She couldn’t be near the man without wanting him.
“Introduce me to your friend?” Asher asked.
“I’m Winter Capwell.” It was a good thing Winter had taken control of the conversation. Nikki was still too dazed from the kiss.
Asher extended his hand. “Asher Dare and I’ve heard a lot of good things about you,” he said.
They shook hands, and once introductions were over, Nikki had regained her composure.
Winter glanced at her phone screen. “I need to get going. It was a pleasure meeting you,” she said to Asher.
“Same.”
Winter walked out and Nikki met Asher’s gaze. She was about to ask him what that public kiss had been about when a buzz of energy and people whispering sounded around them.
Nikki spun to see a crowd of well-dressed people walking their way and quickly realized her parents were leading the group. Big-money donors, no doubt, probably here for a luncheon.
“My parents,” she said to Asher. Although her stomach cramped at the thought of dealing with them, they were in a public place. With so many people around, her mother wouldn’t make a scene or call Nikki out for the scandal. She’d save that for the private dressing down.
“They’re coming this way,” Asher said.
“Which means we will have to say hello.”
He slipped a hand into hers and she appreciated the support.
She took a step toward the approaching crowd, putting on her best pageant smile. “Mother,” she called out.
Her voice could have gotten lost in the din, but her father must have heard her because he turned his head and met her gaze but her mother pulled on her husband’s arm. Without a word, she steered the senator past Nikki, the large group following along with her.
Chapter Twelve
Asher didn’t know whose shock was greater. His or Nikki’s. Her parents had dismissed her as if she were nobody. Beside him, she trembled, and he slid an arm around her waist before her legs gave out.
He was barely able to control his temper but confronting the senator and his wife now wouldn’t help Nikki. She’d made it through two weeks after being splashed naked on social media without breaking down once. At least not in his presence. But the people who were supposed to protect her, care for her, and make sure the world didn’t steamroll and hurt her had caused her to crumble. They ought to be ashamed of themselves and he wanted them to know it.
He led Nikki to the nearest bench and waited until they were sitting side by side so they could talk without anyone overhearing.