Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 29279 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 146(@200wpm)___ 117(@250wpm)___ 98(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 29279 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 146(@200wpm)___ 117(@250wpm)___ 98(@300wpm)
“Oh, my love,” Brynn’s mother says clasping her hands at her heart. “The cat knows. He likes him!”
Brynn’s father shakes his head.
“That cat hasn’t let anyone near since she got here. It does like you.”
I look at the kitten who puts his head back down while continuing to watch me. I can’t think of what to say. I want to say everything, but I don’t know how to.
“Sweetheart,” I begin hoarsely.
But at the sound of my voice, Brynn’s long lashes flutter. Holy shit! Is she reviving? Sure enough, the beautiful woman opens her eyes, revealing that chocolate gaze. She looks over at me and smiles weakly, and my heart leaps.
“What took you so long?” she whispers.
I laugh, more of a choke than a chuckle, and lean over her hands, resting my head on her stomach. I love her so much it hurts and I have her with me again. Now with the baby, we’ll be together no matter what it takes.
10
Brynn
“Come on, Ana,” my dad says to my mom, who’s hovering over Tom and I. “Let’s give them a minute alone.”
She glares at him.
“No, I will not leave me daughter. Anything they say, they say in front of me too.”
“Ana,” my dad admonishes, his mustache quivering.
My mom sighs and gets to her feet.
“I will be right outside the door, mi amore,” she says and leans over to kiss my forehead. “You just holler if you need anything.”
“Thanks Mom,” I whisper.
My voice is hoarse and my throat is dry from the air conditioning. Ana and my father leave the room as Simona grins at me from the corner of my hospital room.
“Tom Masters,” she clucks, shaking her head. “I can’t believe you kept this from me, girlfriend! I’m going to get you back for this.”
She pats Tom on the shoulder and also leaves. He looks a bit uncomfortable, but that’s to be expected. Meanwhile, Tom the kitten is staring at his namesake with adoring eyes, which looks a bit ridiculous since the cat is so small whereas the movie star seems larger than life.
“You found me,” I say, unbelievably happy to see him.
“Of course, I did,” he rumbles. “I’ve missed you.” His face is haggard and there’s so much emotion in his eyes that I almost have to look away. “I’m so sorry Brynn. I never wanted this to happen, and this is all my fault. I wanted you have you space but instead this happens.”
He closes his eyes for a moment, at a loss for words. Then he just looks at me, his blue eyes searing my form. After a second, he reaches out tentatively and tucks a loose curl behind my ear. His finger trails down the side of my neck and I close my eyes at the gentle touch; it’s overwhelming how desperately I miss this man.
“Did I hurt you?” he asks, his voice low and rough.
I shake my head, which makes me dizzy.
“No, I’ve just missed you, Tom.”
“You have?”
“Of course I have, I…”
“I thought you hated me,” Tom interrupts, letting out a shaky exhale. I smile a bit.
“I thought I did for maybe, a minute. You lied to me and I wanted to hate you. After the boat left though, all I wanted was to be with you again. I can’t explain why I feel the way I do about you, but I guess things just are the way they are. You’re so much more than I deserve.”
His laugh interrupts me.
“Are you kidding me?” he asks roughly.
I look up at him, startled, because he sounds angry. His blue eyes are flashing and his face is more serious than I have ever seen it.
“Brynn, I basically kidnapped you after you were lost at sea and you’re saying that don’t deserve me? Honey, it’s me who doesn’t deserve you. You need to see you the way I do. You’re beautiful and strong and kind and sexy. God, you’re sexy. You should be boiling with rage at the fact that I lied to you, but instead, you’re carrying my child, and …”
His breath hitches and oh my god, but the movie star looks like he’s going to cry.
“Yes, I’m having your baby,” I affirm in a tearful whisper.
Tom’s mouth snaps shut. I watch him for one terrified second before he grins at me.
“So I heard.”
“So … you’re alright with that?” I ask, a little afraid to hear the answer. His handsome face breaks out into a wide grin, and I can see how Tom’s smile has sold millions in movie tickets.
“Of course, I am. I couldn’t be happier about it, sweetheart. A baby! Who would have thought?”
I take a deep breath even as I smile a bit.
“But this car accident! I’m so scared something bad has happened … I mean, what if…what if …”
Tom stops me, squeezing my hand urgently.
“It doesn’t help to think like that, honey. Everything’s going to be alright. We’re together now. I’ll always protect you, and the child too. You belong to me and I’m not going to let anyone or anything hurt either of you. I swear it.”