Just One Night (The Kingston Family #1) - Carly Phillips Page 0,27

a secluded, tree-lined street, turned left into a hidden driveway, and pulled up to a gate, where he opened the back window and Linc punched in a code.

“Oh, God.” Aurora’s eyes opened wide. “This isn’t a house, it’s a mansion.”

Jordan put her hand over the young woman’s knee. “Hey, my mother used to be the main housekeeper here. If I can adjust to it, you can.”

Aurora whipped her head around in surprise. “You never told me that!”

“It never came up but I’m not ashamed. It’s how Linc and I met.” The car started up again, and Max drove forward, parking at the top of the driveway, in front of a four-car garage. “But as overwhelming as everything looks, Linc’s mother is a wonderful person. I promise this is all going to work out for you.”

“I have to go,” Linc said to whoever he was talking to. I’ll talk to you again on Monday.” He disconnected the call and turned to face them. “We’re here.”

“Obviously.” Jordan smiled at a nervous Aurora. “Okay. Let’s get you moved in.”

They stepped out of the car just as one of the garage doors opened and Melissa Kingston stepped out, looking as elegant as always, her dark hair reaching her shoulders, subtle but perfect makeup on her face.

“Mom, hi.” Linc kissed her cheek.

“Hello, honey.” She turned to Jordan. “It’s been a while. You’re looking well. It’s good to see you again.”

“You, too,” Jordan murmured.

Melly’s gaze shifted. “And you must be Aurora. Welcome,” she said warmly.

Aurora studied Melly, who was a contradiction. On the outside, she was a wealthy socialite, but on the inside, she obviously had a warm heart. The young girl needed to relax enough to see the hidden parts of Linc’s mother.

“Hi,” Aurora said. “Thank you for your generosity. I know it can’t be easy for you to overlook who I am.”

Jordan winced.

“Aurora–” Linc started to speak, but Jordan grabbed his arm, indicating he should let the two women find their footing.

Melly stepped over to Aurora. “To me you’re a young woman who got a raw deal that wasn’t of your own making. My son likes you and wants you to become part of the family.” She took Aurora’s hand. “So when I say welcome, I mean it. And I can’t wait to have a baby around again. It’s not like my sons are rushing to give me grandbabies,” she said, shooting Linc a pointed look.

“Well, Chloe’s getting married, so you can focus on her, too,” Linc said, obviously eager to take the spotlight off of him.

“Speaking of Chloe, she can’t make it today, but she promised to call you later,” Melly said to Aurora. “Now how about we go inside?”

Max picked up the bags and followed them in through the garage and the lower level, with Aurora gaping at the enormity of the mansion and the décor. Aurora had bought suitcases in Florida so she could pack her things and bring them to New York. Max placed those in the bedroom Melly had chosen for Aurora to stay in. Then he excused himself and said he’d be waiting when Linc was ready to head back to the city.

Linc left the women and excused himself to make some calls. The man was constantly working, Jordan thought.

In the half hour they’d been in Aurora’s new bedroom, it became clear Melly intended to treat Aurora like a daughter, and the young girl relaxed, becoming more like her normal, talkative self.

It didn’t take long for Melly to realize Aurora was sadly lacking in clothing and to take charge of the situation. She announced they were going shopping.

“Jordan, come with us please?” Aurora asked, obviously overwhelmed.

But Aurora needed to get to know Melly, and Melly hadn’t extended the invitation.

“I can’t,” she told Aurora. “I have laundry and things to catch up on at home. But you have fun! I’ll check in later, okay?”

Aurora stepped forward and pulled Jordan into an awkward pregnant hug. “You’re the best. You’ve been so good to me.”

“You make it easy.”

“I’m going to get my handbag and freshen up. I’ll be back in a couple of minutes,” Melly said, walking out of the room.

Aurora swept her arms around. “Look at this room! It’s meant for royalty!”

Taking in the queen-size bed with a gorgeous floral spread in beautiful colors, draperies on the windows and a large television on the wall, a private bathroom and walk-in closet, Jordan had to agree.

“It’s gorgeous. There’s space for a crib in here, too. Or you can put the baby