Dani Wade - The Blackstone Heir

“So you admit that the baby is mine?” Jacob demanded.

“Of course,” KC said, as if it made perfect sense under the circumstances.

Jacob stalked closer. “Why would you do this, KC? Was I really so horrible that you refused to let me be a part of—this?”

“That was never the issue, Jacob—”

“Then what was? Because I can’t imagine one big enough that you told yourself it was okay to deceive me. To keep my son a secret from me.”

Her arms crossed over her ribs, pushing those delectable breasts higher in the tank top. Something he shouldn’t notice right now. At all.

“I was afraid,” she said. “Going away just seemed the safest thing until I was sure what to do.”

“Safe? How? What the hell would safety have to do with it? I would never hurt you.”

“I know that, Jacob, but it wasn’t—”

“Fact is, you deprived me of three months of knowing my son,” he choked out. “Not a note, a card or a call. Hell, not even a text. By the way, I’m pregnant .”

He’d made himself available, chased after her like a dog with no sense, and this was what he got for it.

This time, he didn’t stop moving until he loomed over her petite frame. “So now, I’ll have what I want.”

* * *

The Blackstone Heiris part of the No. 1 bestselling series from Mills & Boon ®Desire ™, Billionaires and Babies—Powerful men … wrapped around their babies’ little fingers.

The Blackstone Heir

Dani Wade

www.millsandboon.co.uk

DANI WADEastonished her local librarians as a teenager when she carried home ten books every week—and actually read them all. Now she writes her own characters, who clamor for attention in the midst of the chaos that is her life. Residing in the southern United States with a husband, two kids, two dogs and one grumpy cat, she stays busy until she can closet herself away with her characters once more.

To Ms Bobbie Tate—many years ago, you became my grandmother through marriage. You became my friend through your sweet spirit and my Maw Maw through your love. I can’t thank you enough for being such a treasured part of my life.

Contents

Cover

Introduction “So you admit that the baby is mine?” Jacob demanded. “Of course,” KC said, as if it made perfect sense under the circumstances. Jacob stalked closer. “Why would you do this, KC? Was I really so horrible that you refused to let me be a part of—this?” “That was never the issue, Jacob—” “Then what was? Because I can’t imagine one big enough that you told yourself it was okay to deceive me. To keep my son a secret from me.” Her arms crossed over her ribs, pushing those delectable breasts higher in the tank top. Something he shouldn’t notice right now. At all. “I was afraid,” she said. “Going away just seemed the safest thing until I was sure what to do.” “Safe? How? What the hell would safety have to do with it? I would never hurt you.” “I know that, Jacob, but it wasn’t—” “Fact is, you deprived me of three months of knowing my son,” he choked out. “Not a note, a card or a call. Hell, not even a text. By the way, I’m pregnant .” He’d made himself available, chased after her like a dog with no sense, and this was what he got for it. This time, he didn’t stop moving until he loomed over her petite frame. “So now, I’ll have what I want.” * * * The Blackstone Heir is part of the No. 1 bestselling series from Mills & Boon ® Desire ™ , Billionaires and Babies—Powerful men … wrapped around their babies’ little fingers.

Title Page The Blackstone Heir Dani Wade www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author DANI WADE astonished her local librarians as a teenager when she carried home ten books every week—and actually read them all. Now she writes her own characters, who clamor for attention in the midst of the chaos that is her life. Residing in the southern United States with a husband, two kids, two dogs and one grumpy cat, she stays busy until she can closet herself away with her characters once more.

Dedication To Ms Bobbie Tate—many years ago, you became my grandmother through marriage. You became my friend through your sweet spirit and my Maw Maw through your love. I can’t thank you enough for being such a treasured part of my life.

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Seventeen

Extract

Copyright

One

“Hello, beautiful.”

KC Gatlin heard the bell of a store door as she walked past on the sidewalk, but it simply registered as background noise. That voice, on the other hand, landed like a grenade on her senses. She could still hear the same words, the same deep sigh as she opened her door to him for the first time. Only this time he sounded not just sexy, but surprised.

Turning slowly, she found herself face-to-face with a man she had hoped not to see for many long, long months. The expectation was unrealistic, she knew, considering she once again lived in the same town as his family. The town he came home to visit often. His appearance now marked the approach of sure disaster, even as it brought into sharp focus how much she’d craved a glimpse of his tall runner’s build and the unique blend of blonds in his close-cropped hair.

“Jacob Blackstone,” she said, stalling while her brain struggled to come up with the flirty, easy responses for which she was known. They made her great tips as a waitress and bartender. But now, when she needed flippancy the most, it remained scarce. “What’re you doing here?”

Stupid. There was a very logical reason why he would be here: to check on his invalid mother, Lily Blackstone, now that his grandfather was dead and his brother Aiden had moved home. KC had just hoped to catch a few months’ breather before facing her past.

Facing her mistakes.

“I mean, what are you doing on this end of town?” At least that question made sense. After all, Blackstone Manor was on the other side of Black Hills. But her fears, along with the steady, sober gaze of her former lover, had her brains whisked around like scrambled eggs. She had to get a handle on the panic jangling along her nerves.

He held up a small shopping bag. “Bandages. I needed to pick some up on my way home from work.”

“Are you hurt—wait, home from work?” She tilted her head back for a better view of Jacob’s face. She’d loved his height when they were together; how it sheltered her, protected her. Too bad that feeling of security had been nothing but an illusion.

“Yes, from the mill.” He didn’t look away, his gorgeous amber eyes with their unusual swirl of dark chocolate boring into her. She wanted a break from his unrelenting stare...and paradoxically wished she could bask in his attention. While her reactions ricocheted inside her, he went on, “I guess you haven’t been home long enough to hear the news?” His voice rose at the end in a question, along with his brow.

“I guess not. I just moved back this week.” Her stomach slowly turned over. Once. Then again. Why had her family not told her before she came home? The answer was obvious: they wanted her here, with them. She might never have returned if she’d known Jacob was now a permanent resident of Black Hills again.

She and Jacob had met on a plane to Black Hills—she’d been coming home from visiting her aunt in Seattle and had made a connecting flight in Philadelphia, where Jacob had been flying from to check on his mother. They’d seen each other every time he’d come to town since. Then reality had caught up with her in the threats of Jacob’s grandfather and she’d gone to live with her aunt. A world away from this fascinating man and what they’d shared together.