The Kiss that Sparked it All (Ellinor and Theo) novel Chapter 2796

He didn't love Regina any less, but before his paternal affection could fully bloom, there were other things taking precedence — a picture-perfect family, one that could be the 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.