Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 50527 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 253(@200wpm)___ 202(@250wpm)___ 168(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50527 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 253(@200wpm)___ 202(@250wpm)___ 168(@300wpm)
“I understand. I mean, he’s very handsome.” Hollis might hate his scars, but they do not take away from how attractive he is. If anything, it makes him all the more interesting.
“His mom, Mary, speaks so highly of him. I’m glad he found his match.” She gives me a warm smile. “And on that note, I want to offer to stay at the bed-and-breakfast and still help with the party, or I can leave you my notes and ideas along with a few contacts.”
“I think I’d like that,” I tell her. “If you wanted to stay, that is, but don’t feel like you have to either.”
“I think I’ll stick around. This town is rather cute.”
“It really is. You have to try the bakery, and there is—” I trail off when I see the two uniformed officers entering the kitchen with Hollis.
“I’m going to head back to the bed-and breakfast for the night. I’ll stop by tomorrow.” Polly says before quickly exiting the room.
“They think I’ve kidnapped you.” Hollis smirks.
“You know, I wouldn’t put it past him.” I laugh. The cops glance at each other. “It was totally a joke.” Tough crowd.
“Ma’am, your fiancé is in a panic—”
“I’m her fiancé,” Hollis cuts in, and there’s a bite to his words. “And the babies are mine too.” Both of the cops' brows rise.
“All right, that’s a civil matter. We’re here to make sure Gwendolyn is okay.”
“Candy,” Hollis corrects, folding his arms over his chest. He is getting worked up.
“Candy,” the officer keeps going, “and that you’re okay and here of your own free will.”
“I’m the one who came here,” I tell them as I slip off the counter.
“Careful.” Hollis comes over to stand next to me. The man is ridiculous, and I kind of love it.
“I’m here of my own free will, and I don’t have plans to go back to the city till after the holidays,” I let them know.
“When we’ll be picking up her belongings and coming back to New Hope.”
“Listen.” The other cop starts to speak. “I got a bad feeling from Maxwell, but he is a Holmberg, and the Chief of Police wanted us to see if we could find Ms. Snow. I’m a cop and don’t give a shit about the politics of who has a big-shot last name. But I did as I was asked and found Ms. Snow. That part is done, but I’m going to give you a heads-up about this Maxwell. He’s got all my red flags flying, especially when he told me she was pregnant, and we know better than most the risk to a woman’s safety goes up when pregnant, and he’s saying that baby is his."
"They’re not," Hollis grits out.
"That's a civil matter." The cop holds his hands up, making it clear that's not his area. "But keep a close watch over her. I would tell you to get a restraining order, but you can't get one of those just because I get a bad vibe from him."
"I understand," I tell him. "Thank you."
Hollis takes a deep breath. "Yes, thank you. I already have lawyers on this."
"All right, I'll report that she's safe and sound and wishes to be left alone for now?"
"Yes, please."
He reaches into his back pocket, pulling out a card. “I’m going to leave this here.” Hollis reaches out, taking the card from him and then handing it to me. “Be safe and enjoy your holiday.”
“You too,” Hollis tells them both.
“Thank you,” I say again as they leave. I hand the card back to Hollis. “Do you think Max would really hurt me?” The flex of Hollis’s jaw answers the question.
“He’s already done fucked-up shit.” That is very true.
“You’re right. I don’t know him at all,” I admit.
“And you never will.”
Chapter Sixteen
HOLLIS
Imight not be into this whole Christmas party, but I enjoy the hell out of watching Candy have a part in planning it alongside Polly. I’ll see Candy hurry past my office in one direction and then back a few minutes later. She’s flittering around the whole house and issuing orders for where she wants things.
Good. My girl is getting comfortable. That’s what I hoped she would do, and over the last week, each day she has settled in more. Not only to our home but to the town as well. A handful of people have been told to keep a watch out for Maxwell but to not approach if they see him. To only let the sheriff and me know.
Maxwell has dropped off the radar, and while I might be upping security around here, I won't be playing defense waiting for him to pop out. No, I'm going to lure him out. I won't have Candy filled with worry; that's the last thing she needs. I want Maxwell handled and out of our lives permanently.
I don't think that should be too difficult. Not with all the shit my lawyers and I have dug up. I also have a security team that's been hired and put into place. They too are digging into Maxwell and have feet on the ground to get more information. I called in a favor, and they're the best out there.