Free Accidental Lovers (The Accidental Series, Book 3) by Tina Martin

his
family.
    Donovan called as soon as he read it.
    “Hey,” she answered.
    “Where are you guys going for dinner?” he
inquired.
    “I don’t know yet, but I’ll text you when I
find out.”
    “Is everything okay? Do you feel
comfortable?”
    “Yeah. I’m fine.”
    “Cool. Call me if you need me.”
    “Okay.”
    “And don’t forget to text me.”
    “Will do. Thanks, Donovan.”
    “You’re welcome, sweetheart.”
     
    At dinner, Shayla found out more about the
family. Her father was eight years older than her mother. He was
very happy and settled in his current life. His wife was sweet and
her half brothers were well-mannered, respectful young men.
    She told them about Carter and Jack said she
wanted to plan a trip to Charlotte soon to meet Carter in person.
Said he wanted to work right away on making up for lost time with
Shayla. Towards the end of dinner and conversation, Shayla called
Donovan, seeing that he had texted her three times to find out
where she was and it dawned on her she’d forgotten to text him the
name of the restaurant.
    “Hey, how’s it going?” Donovan asked after
answering the phone on the first ring.
    “It’s going good. I completely forgot to
text you my location, but it’s all good. Jack has offered to drop
me off at the hotel so you don’t need to meet me.”
    “I’m already here.”
    Shayla frowned. “You where?”
    “Outside of the restaurant…been here since
ten.”
    “How’d you know where I was?”
    “I followed you.”
    “Oh yeah, I forgot…you’re good at that.”
    Donovan chuckled a bit and said, “Just
wanted to make sure you were safe. Jack might be your father and
all, but I don’t know him that well and neither do you.”
    “Well I can assure you…all is well. Now go
ahead and go home and spend some time with your little boy. You
don’t have to wait for me.”
    “Are you kidding? I want to know what
happened. Tell Jack you’re riding with me.”
    “You sure?”
    “Of course.”
    “Okay. See you in a minute.”
    She went ahead and told Jack that Donovan
was taking her back to the hotel. Walking out of the restaurant
together, Shayla embraced Jack, his wife and the boys.
    Donovan watched her – saw her wipe tears
from her eyes as she said goodbye to her father. When he saw her
heading for his car, he got out, opened the passenger door for her
then quickly walking around the car to get in himself, starting the
engine.
    “You all right?” he asked her.
    “Yes.”
    “Why are you crying?”
    “Because I can’t believe that just
happened,” she said, her trembling hands covering her face.
    “Breathe, sweetie.”
    “I’m trying. It’s been a whirlwind day.”
    Donovan started the car, beginning the drive
to the hotel where Shayla was staying.
    “So are you glad you went through with it?”
he asked, checking the mirrors and changing lanes.
    “Yeah, I am. Jack seems to be a pretty
decent, straightforward guy. He wants to come to Charlotte in a few
weeks…said he wanted to meet Carter.”
    Donovan nodded. So she talked about
Carter .
    “He said he was in love with my mom.”
    “You believe him?”
    “I don’t know. I mean, I want to believe
everything he said, but I can’t trust him from one meet-and-greet
all these years later.”
    “Right.”
    “We gotta get to know each other again, you
know. I have to learn him, then maybe trust will come later.”
    “Yep,” Donovan agreed, then found a parking
stall at the hotel, shifting the car in park and shutting it
off.
    “Donovan, what are you doing? You don’t have
to walk me to the room. I got it.”
    “I’m sure you do, but I’m going to walk with
you anyway.”
    A smile touched her lips. “Of course you
are.”
    When they arrived to her room, she dug
around in her purse, found the keycard, swiped it to unlock the
door then walked in, dropping her purse on the bed. She turned
around and saw him standing there, near the door. Had he planned on
staying for a while?
    “Well, I