Chapter 2796
—
He didn’t love Regina any less, but before his paternal affection could fully bloom, there
a picture-perfect family, one that could be the were other things taking precedence envy of the neighborhood. These were the considerations that preoccupied his mind.
Nolan’s heart ached for Regina who was caught in such a predicament. If it were within his power, he would spare her all this turmoil.
Imogen Skinner? Domingo Skinner?
He sat up abruptly, a subconscious reaction. Lately, the number of Skinners crossing his path seemed uncannily high.
“Hmm, I’m overthinking this,” he muttered to himself, flopping back onto the pillows. “There’s a ton of Skinners out there. What are the odds they’re all connected?”
Yet, sleep eluded him for the next half-hour. He longed for those times when Lucy would dump a pile of paperwork on his desk. At that moment, he figured he’d rather be up reviewing contracts than tossing and turning.
But tonight, he hadn’t brought any work home with him. After two restless hours, sleep finally claimed him.
The next morning, Regina woke up in a daze.
It wasn’t until she saw Nolan’s text that she snapped to attention. The text read: [Let me know when you’re up. I’ll come pick you up.]
Her cheeks flushed a bright red at the message, which had only been sent ten minutes earlier. She quickly typed out a response, then buried her face in her pillow, recalling the previous day’s embarrassing moments.
“Oh God, please give me a break. Let me just forget it all,” she pleaded silently.
Despite her reluctance to confront the reality, Regina knew she had to get up and get ready for the day. She slipped into a casual sundress that made her feel effortlessly chic.
—
Once she was done prepping, Regina caught sight of herself in the mirror. A voice inside her grew clearer with each passing second she would present her true self to Nolan all over again if given the chance. Sure, she was a little shy now, but Nolan was different. He wouldn’t nitpick her past; he was genuinely a great listener.
Regina got ready in a flash, but when she dashed downstairs, she found Nolan already waiting there for her.
Leaning nonchalantly against his car, he was engrossed in his phone.
Regina’s heart skipped a beat at the sight of him.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to keep you waiting!” she called out, a little breathless.
Nolan looked up with a smile that melted away his furrowed brow. “No worries, I just got here. And Miss Tanner, you don’t look like your usual reporter self today.”
Regina blushed at his frank observation. “Mr. Harris, what exactly do you mean? Do I normally look bad in my reporter’s attire?”
“Not at all.” Nolan replied. “You’re usually quite the professional. But I’ve never seen you with this college-girl vibe.”
They had met once before at a formal dinner, where Regina had arrived in full gala attire – meticulous makeup, not a hair out of place. She was beautiful, but not as approachable as she seemed now, standing there in her simple dress. It felt like he could just reach out and touch her.
Regina casually sized up Nolan, “Well, I must say, the clothes I chose for you really shave off a few years, Mr. Harris.”
His laughter was genuine, and it lifted her spirits.
“Well, I have you to thank for that, Miss Tanner.”
It was the first time Regina had seen this side of Nolan laid back, as if shedding his suit had also cast off all his restraints. Now, he seemed truly himself.
“Let’s hit the road, Miss Tanner. But let’s get something straight – you can’t call me Mr. Harris today.”
“Just Regina and Nolan, then. I’m pretty good at camouflage!” she said with a wink.
