Page 2 of The Foster Dad's Peridot

“Okay, sir, I think it’s been uploaded,” the sweet voice said in my ear.

“I see it here. Everything appears good to go so at 12:01 tonight, your book will be sent out to all those that pre-ordered it.”

“Oh yay! I cannot tell you how relieved I am. Now I can take a hot bubble bath and celebrate. At least I can enjoy part of Valentine’s Day.”

I found myself stunned into silence at the image her words brought forth. For all I knew, this woman could be a sixty-year-old grandmother in Idaho. Yet my cock was suddenly harder than it had been in a long time if not ever.

“Well, thank you for blessing me with that beautiful image. You just gave me the perfect gift for this holiday. If you need anything, feel free to call anytime.”

“Would it be odd if I requested to speak with you again next time?” I could practically hear her blushing as she asked and smiled.

“Not at all. My extension is 2101. If I don’t answer, just give my coworker your name and I’ll be right with you.” I’d never given out my direct extension to a customer before, but I found myself not wanting anyone else to help her. My thoughts and feelings were ridiculous, but I couldn’t stop them.

“Oh, that is incredibly sweet. Thank you so much, Alastair. You know, I just love that name. I might have to use it in one of my books. Thank you, again.”

“You’re very welcome, Ms. Winters. Happy Valentine’s Day.” After clicking disconnect, I found myself looking up Perie Winter’s account. The more I discovered the more impressed I became.

There was a subtle knock at my door as I absently called out, “Come in.”

“Mr. Heney, I wanted to remind you about dinner with Ms. Winters this evening,” my assistant, Paul, stated as he placed the information down in front of me.

“Ms. Winters? Oh, Candace. Yes, I remember. Now that’s quite the coincidence, I just spoke with a Perie Winters.”

“Perie Winters, as customer service? If I remember correctly, doesn’t Candace Winters have a grown daughter named Peridot Winters? I’d have to verify the background report we had done on Candace, but if I recall, Ms. Winters had her daughter at sixteen and they are quite estranged. She wasn’t a royal bitch or anything was she?”

“Not at all. Quite the opposite,” I mumbled my reply. Perie Winters was the daughter of my wife, Candace. Fuck! That was going to make things complicated especially if there is an attraction there. I was going to have to find out more about their estrangement.

“Get me everything we have about Peridot Winters. I don’t necessarily trust Candace to be open and forthright about her daughter if she’s yet to even mention her. Speaking of Peridot, get Bryan Cox on the phone. Also, find out who is in charge of the hold music for customer service.” As Paul left to take care of my requests I looked back at Perie’s account.

Chapter 2

Alastair

Who was Perie Winters? I knew who she was according to Authors Plus but I wanted to know more. I craved more. Picking up my cell phone, I called Candace to see if I could anything out of her. While we were married on paper, we rarely spoke about anything other than the merger of our companies. Winter’s Publishing added that missing piece to make Authors Plus the company I wanted it to be.

As her phone rang, I roamed the internet trying to find every tidbit I could about Perie. Her fans were rabidly loyal. They raved about how she was so patient and sweet with every fan she met. The more I discovered the more I liked. She seemed to be the complete opposite of her mother.

Finally, Candace’s phone picked up. “Alastair.”

“Hello, Candace. I have a question for you?”

“We have dinner plans tonight, what can’t wait a few hours to discuss?” At thirty-seven, Candace Winters was one of the coldest women he’d ever met. We’d only been ‘married’ a week but I was already regretting agreeing to this arrangement.

“Peridot Winters, your daughter.”

Her voice became even colder as she answered, “My daughter is none of your concern. She has nothing to do with us or my company for that matter.”

“She’s a successful author, I’m surprised you haven’t signed her. The romance market is very lucrative.”

“If you must know, I haven’t spoken to my ungrateful child since she graduated high school. Now if that’s all, I will see you for dinner where we can make this merger official. Bring a pen.” Before I could even respond I heard the click as she hung up. No wonder Perie didn’t speak with her, how miserable had life been with her growing up?

Since that was a dead end, I decided to read one of Perie’s wildly successful books. I tried to read a little of everything to keep apprised of the different genres but this would be my first foray into the romance genre. Flipping through all of the choices in front of me, I chose one at random.

Once it was loaded, I settled in to read and before long I was captivated…

Chelle continued to give Dean a massage as she sat behind him in their soaking tub, gently concentrating on his sore shoulder. His soft moans and sighs of contentment made her smile. Placing a kiss on his cheek she moved her fingers to his scalp and temples.

His eyes closed as he leaned his head back against her shoulder, his hands caressing her thighs on either side of him. She moved her hands gently but firmly over his shoulders, his arms, and his chest as he relaxed even further in her arms.

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