Filthy: A Second Chance Holiday Romance (Stratford Family Christmas Book 1) by Nikki Rome

Author:Nikki Rome [Rome, Nikki]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rome Publishing Group
Published: 2024-12-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

Nix

Hattie and I spent the entire night together, right until the moment I heard my mother downstairs getting breakfast ready. The first sounds of life in the house spurred both of us into action, just like it did when we were kids trying to hide from our parents after we snuck into one another’s house. She wrapped herself in my sheet and ran off to my brother’s empty room while I got into the shower. By the time I made it downstairs, my parents were sitting at the table with Rashid, who was in the middle of an intense conversation with my father. They quieted as soon as I walked into the room and I won’t lie. Even after all these years, the secrets between them still stung.

“Good morning.” My mom said, walking up to pull me into a hug. “I just love waking up with my whole family under one roof. How did you sleep, Nicholas?”

“Fine, Ma.” I said as I moved toward the coffee pot.

“Really? Because from my bed, it sounded like you were tossing and turning most of the night.” Rashid said, while I shot him an evil look.

“I hope you got enough to carry you through the day. You are always so grumpy when you’re tired and Hattie doesn’t need any of your attitude this weekend.” My mother went on, completely ignoring the looks from my father and brother. “What time are you two picking up, Claire?”

“The nursing home said we could pick her up after ten. I guess we will have breakfast and then head that way.”

“Good, there is no reason she should sit there when she could be here with us.” She turned to look at me. “You know, I’m very proud of you, son. The Anderson’s have meant so much to our family over the years and it’s important we are there for them now.”

I nodded, unable to find words. Hattie had always meant the world to me, and as much as I wanted to be with her, I didn’t think we could go another round. The sex was phenomenal, but we had reasons we didn’t last and most of them had to do with her not trusting me. I couldn’t repeat history with her again and again while continuing to expect a different outcome. She was alone other than her mother and that made my heart hurt for her. Sure, in the city she had made friends, got a job, made a new life for herself, but friends weren’t the same as family and Hattie Anderson was my family.

“Good morning.” Hattie’s soft voice floated through the kitchen as she approached my mother. “Thank you so much for allowing me to stay last night and today, Mrs. Stratford. I was thinking about it earlier and I just can’t thank you enough.”

“Of course, dear, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Here, let me get you some coffee. Nicholas says you are heading to pick up your mom around ten?”

“Yes, I believe so. As long as that’s still okay with all of you.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.