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I’mnoteasy.
I have had two one-night stands in my entire forty-one years. One in my early twenties and the other with Ward. My family is highly respected in the Philadelphia society, and Iusuallyconduct myself much better than this.
I’ve dated powerful and interesting men. Just never met the one to settle down and have a family with.
Ward asked me the first time we met if I had other dreams besides my career. I do. I want a baby. The clock has been ticking and possibly already run out of batteries, but the need to be a mother is palpable.
Thing is, you can’t go around talking about it. It makes people uncomfortable.
It makesmenuncomfortable.
Especially if you are a single woman.
I’ve had an amazing life. I run a non-profit because it’s my passion to help animals, but I’m also a lawyer and have a master’s in political science.
Yet, love seems to have passed me by.
“I was wrong. I should have phoned you.” Ward lowers his chin, and I hear the authenticity in his apology.
Yet, that isn’t what I asked.
“Why did you...I know you’re attracted to me.” I sip my glass of Cristal.
“Of course I fucking am.” He grates out. Those broody eyes of his shoot away and he muttersthank youto the server who delivers him another glass of Macallan.
Then they slam back to mine as my heart thumps inside my chest.
I want to yell at my body for wanting this man who left me needy and wanting. Feeling rejected and humiliated.
“Perhaps you need more time to self-reflect.” I sip my champagne angrily and step back. “It was lovely seeing you again, Mr. Montgomery.”
I notice the blood on his hand as my eyes dip.
Goddamn him.I reach out and take his hand, surprising both of us.
Ward glances down as his blood coats my fingers, and I grab the napkin I’d tucked into my dress. As I wrap it around his hand, he tugs me closer with his other hand and my eyes lift to his.
“Come home with me,” Ward whispers roughly.
I swallow.
Oh, how I want his big masculine body wrapped around mine. To feel his skilled hands running over my body. The way he lifted me with such ease. I don’t know a woman alive who wouldn’t have her breath taken away by this man.
“Ward Montgomery, isn’t it?” James steps up next to me and extends his hand. Then notices our hands entwined with the napkin. “Damn. They don’t make crystal glasses like they used to, do they?”
James laughs as I move a few inches away.
“In your day?” Ward arcs a brow and I glare at him, surprised by the acid in his voice.
He’s jealous.
Oh my god.
“Do you need someone to look at that? Pen, is there a medical kit somewhere?” James asks, using a nickname I hate.
I lift my own brow. I’m not his personal assistant. Ward looks amused, clearly happy to see the tension between us.
God, I can’t believe I was about to weaken and go home with him.