Cinderella Story by Elizabeth August

Author:Elizabeth August
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2014-11-27T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Nina rose early the next morning. Although William and Alex had informed the staff that they were to be available to her at all times, she’d been careful not to make too many demands on them. But she didn’t want to face Alex this morning. He’d haunted her dreams all night, and she’d woken with him on her mind. Was her attraction to him a growing emotional attachment, or was she attracted to the security he could provide? The question tormented her. She didn’t like to think she could be so mercenary. On the other hand, an emotional attachment could lead to pain. She needed time by herself to sort out her feelings and give the future some very practical thought.

Reaching the kitchen, she found Matilda sitting at the table drinking coffee and going over the household books. Rosemary was at the counter, busily combining ingredients in a large mixing bowl. To her relief, John was there, as well. His breakfast eaten, he’d pushed the dishes aside and was reading the morning paper.

“I was wondering if you’d mind taking me to the hospital right away?” she asked him.

He was instantly on his feet. “Yes, ma’am.”

Rosemary turned with a worried, questioning expression on her face.

Concern spread over Matilda’s features. “Is there a problem with your son?”

“No. I just want to be with him,” Nina replied.

“You should have some breakfast,” Rosemary scolded. “I’ve made some fresh scones. You can take a few along, and some jam and coffee, as well.”

Before Nina could protest, Rosemary was organizing a basket of food.

A short while later, Nina sat beside Tommy’s bed, the untouched basket of food on the floor beside her. He was still heavily sedated to keep him from moving around too much. Positioning her chair so that she could hold his small hand, she leaned back and closed her eyes and tried to conjure up Tom’s image. Normally, especially when she was with one of her children, he came easily to her mind. But today it was Alex who appeared. She recalled him eating pizza with her children that first night in her apartment. He’d looked overwhelmed. Having observed him for several days now, she guessed that was a rare experience for him. He was a man who was used to being in control of any situation.

Now he was at ease with her children. But would he be a good father to them?

His very businesslike proposal of marriage replayed itself. It was followed by the memory of him carrying her to the house and then up the stairs. Just thinking about it caused the fires of desire to ignite. But was his playfulness merely a calculated act to break down her defenses? If she did marry him, would he take her and her children for granted…treat them like objects he’d purchased…never letting them touch his heart?

Silently she groaned. What she needed was some sort of sign, some sort of omen to guide her.

* * *

“John is waiting for you at the front door,” Helen said firmly, entering the hospital room and approaching Nina.

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