Summer Secrets: Complete Trilogy by Tharp Emma

Author:Tharp, Emma
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-05-11T16:00:00+00:00

Thirteen

Ryan

* * *

"I was hoping to set up an appointment to get your input on the grant I'm writing," Faith, the department chair of fine arts, says. We’ve worked at the college together for years as professors, but this is her first year as a department chair and mine as dean. We have mutual respect for each other and in the month that's gone by since the semester began, we've been a sounding board for each other.

"I have some time early next week. Let's get you on the schedule," I tell her.

Faith crosses her legs and leans back in the chair across from my desk. "How do you think things are going so far this semester?"

I lean my forearms on the desk. "So far, so good. What about you? Are you liking your new position?"

"Yes. It's early, but so far, I'm pleased. Darren hasn't been complaining about me being stressed out, so there's that."

We both laugh. She's mentioned in the past when things get stressful, she ends up taking it out on her husband. When she agreed to this position, she was worried that it might cause her more stress, thus more marital issues. "Glad to hear it."

The buzz from my cell phone goes off, alerting me that I received a text.

"Go ahead, answer your phone. It's your lunch break. I can coordinate our meeting with your administrative assistant when she gets back from lunch."

"That sounds great."

Faith gets up and leaves the office.

I take my phone out of my briefcase and find a selfie of Hannah and Claire sitting on a blanket with a picnic lunch.

Come outside.

My chest lights up and I'm suddenly overwhelmed by how enchanted I am with Hannah. Being around her is infectious and the more time I spend with her, the more attached I become. And it’s not only because she’s amazing with my daughter, although she is, but I’m drawn to the person she is and the way I feel around her.

Making my way outside, I breathe in the warm, early fall day. The leaves are changing and are brilliant shades of copper, fiery red, and butterscotch. I love everything about this time of year, from the rich earthy smell to the slightly cooler temperature. It's my favorite season.

Hannah and Claire are sitting on a blanket in the center of the courtyard. Claire has her hair in ponytails with a pink whale patterned dress on. Hannah takes my breath away, as usual, with her hair in a braid and dressed in leggings that hug her curves and a sweater.

"Daddy!" Claire notices I’m coming and bolts toward me. Leaning down, she runs into my arms and I lift her and swing her around.

"Are you surprised?" Hannah asks, wearing the most beautiful smile. I set Claire down and have a seat on the blanket.

"To get to have lunch with my girls?" Shit. How did I let that slip? Hannah’s not mine. Clearing my throat, I say, "I mean, my daughter and my nanny." Damn. Where the hell did that come from? Awkward!

Hannah smirks at me, a gleam in her emerald-green eyes.

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