Page 22 of His Long-Lost Baby

“Lunch should be here soon.” He stretches his arms above his head. “It’s a good time to take a break if you want one.”

I try not to look defeated. “Oh. Right. Sure.”

Feeling like I’ve failed horribly, I grab my purse and head for the door. As I’m opening it, I see James’s reflection in the glass. He’s looking right at me, a puzzled expression on.

I take a deep breath and push the door open before stepping out into the hallway. Damn it, I need to get my act together. I can’t let him get the best of me like this.

Time is running out. I don’t have the cutthroat attitude to stay at this job forever, and if I don’t get the information I need before I leave then my chance will be over.

James is clearly a hard nut to crack, but I’m also determined. When it comes to Quinn, there’s very little I won’t do.

CHAPTER8

JAMES

“James!” A little shriek fills the air and Alexa runs at me, her pigtails flying behind her.

Her little brother Manny follows, and a moment later the two rug rats are around my knees.

“What did you bring us?” Alexa demands.

Carlos, who has walked into the backyard right behind me, shakes his head. “Hey, now. James isn’t your personal toy store.”

I shake my head, trying not to smile. “Your dad is right. I’m not a personal toy store. However…” I reach into my pockets.

The kids shout with glee, knowing what’s coming next.

I pull out two small bags of candy and hand one to each of them. They each grab a handful and run off to play.

“Thanks, James,” Carlos says, clapping me on the back. “The kids love you.”

I shrug, a little uncomfortable with the praise. “I love them too. They’re good kids.”

We take our beers and sit down at the picnic table, enjoying the warm evening. Carlos has invited me over for a barbecue, and I’m happy for the distraction. Work hasn’t been its usual sanctuary this last week, and I’ve been feeling oddly ungrounded.

The sliding door opens, and Carlos’s wife Jen comes out. “Hey, you.” She puts a dish of watermelon on the table.

“Hey.” I get up and she pulls me into a hug.

I’ve never been much of a hugger, but with some people it’s not optional. And, even if I won’t admit it, I like getting hugs at this house.

Hell, I like everything about this house. The sounds of laughter and the smell of cooking meat fill the air, and I feel at peace. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt like this, and it’s all thanks to Carlos and his family.

“What can I help with?” I ask Jen.

“Nothing,” she says. “Everything is done. We’re just waiting for the burgers to cook.”

Carlos opens up the grill and flips said burgers over. “What’s new with you?”

“Nothing much.” Immediately, a picture of Billie flashes up in my mind.

Which is weird. We have new employees all the time. There’s nothing special about her.

Aside from her beauty.

And her brains.

And her creativity.