Chadwick's Rare Find (An Intriguing Romance Novel) by Heidi Sexton Page A

been mediocre about anything.  He did everything with gusto and fervor.  She always knew he would love the same way.  She herself had been a passionate person.  Time had moderated some of her passion, but she would always recognize it when she saw it.  She knew Chadwick had found someone to be passionate about.  Mara hoped that even if Brittany could not match him, she would at least embrace him in his passion and accept him with all her heart.  But Brittany had a suspicion that Chadwick had met his match. 
    “James don’t you think Chadwick can handle this by himself?  If he needs us to do anything he will let us know.  He knows that we are always here for him.”  Mara rolled away from James. Sitting up, she put her feet on the floor and fished around for her slippers.  She was hungry after her early morning activity. 
    " I can’t wait to see Chadwick this morning to find out how things went last night.”  Mara had tied her robe and was brushing her hair as she walked into the connecting bathroom. James could hear her running a bath.  He decided he didn’t have time for all that.  He wanted to speak with Chadwick now.  He put on his robe and slippers and left the room. 
    #
    James went straight to Chadwick’s bedroom and knocked on the door.  There was no answer.  He turned the knob to enter the room thinking that maybe Chadwick was in the shower and couldn’t hear him.  Upon entering the room, he was shocked to find Chadwick still in bed.  James knew Chadwick was a light sleeper and it disturbed him that Chadwick had not heard his knock.  
    He walked to the side of Chadwick’s bed to get a closer look at him. He noticed the bottle of sleeping pills on the side table.  He was sleeping deeply.   He was on his back with his right arm thrown above his head and his left arm holding a pillow across his chest. 
    “Wake up, son.  I need to talk to you.” James bellowed. 
    “Dad, please go away.” Chadwick murmured as he turned over and away from James.  
    “I want Brittany here tonight for supper.  Her whole family should come.”  This brought Chadwick completely awake.  He turned back over and stared at his father.  
    “She can’t come here tonight,” Chadwick said. 
    “Why is that?  I thought you liked her.”  James crossed his arms over his chest and waited for Chadwick’s answer.  
    “I did not say I didn’t want her here.  I just said she can’t come.  She has a prior engagement.”  Chadwick felt bad for lying to his father, but he knew after last night that he was not ready to share Brittany with his family.  There were too many unanswered questions.  He needed to know why she and her family hated rich people.  He wanted desperately to know why she was still a virgin.  At twenty-two with her looks and sexual attraction it was unbelievable that she was untouched.  The mysteries surrounding Brittany were driving him crazy.  He needed time and privacy to maintain his equilibrium. Any added pressure from his family right now would be ruinous.  He had to keep Brittany away from them until he figured things out.  
    “Well, Mara is going to call her anyway.  She might decide to change her plans.”  Chadwick could not believe that his father was being so persistent.  What was going on here?
    “Dad, why are you doing this?  I don’t need interference from you guys right now.  Just back off.  I know what I am doing.”   Chadwick’s teeth seemed to be clenching more and more whenever he found himself in his father’s presence.  He didn’t make a practice of being disrespectful to his father.  But his dad was pushing it this time.  Chadwick knew, though, that his dad could be as stubborn as he, when he wanted to be.  
    “I don’t think you know what you’re doing.  First of all, that girl isn’t fast like those hussies you normally date.  She doesn’t want your money, Chadwick.  If you aren’t ready to settle down and get married, you need