Page 28 of His Long-Lost Baby

“I understand that,” I say, my voice trembling slightly. “But I have a—”

“A what?” He raises an eyebrow. “Another job? What could possibly be more important than what we’re doing here?”

I clench my fists, anger boiling inside of me. Is he being serious? What could be more important than work?

A dozen other things! Like my family, my health, my sanity. But I don’t say any of that. Instead, I force a smile and say, “Nothing. You’re right. I’ll stay until the work is done.”

James nods, apparently satisfied, and goes back to typing on his computer.

The brief attraction I had to him is gone. The man is arrogant, domineering, and completely uninterested in anything that doesn’t benefit him personally. Anyone who might end up with him is unfortunate.

“I just need to run to the restroom.” I head for the door, not waiting for a response.

In the bathroom, I pull out my phone and text Chelsea, Quinn’s babysitter. Fingers crossed she can stay later. If not, my only other option is Monica, and I’m pretty sure she’s on a shoot until late tonight.

Sure, I can stay,Chelsea texts back.Quinn wants to call, if that’s okay?

I chew on my lip and glance at the door. I desperately want to talk to my daughter — especially because there’s a good chance I won’t make it home until after she’s asleep.

I just don’t want to risk James hearing me.

Making a quick decision, I call Chelsea’s phone. It’s Quinn who answers.

“Hi, Mommy.”

“Hey, baby girl,” I say, beaming at the sound of her voice. “How was your day?”

“It was good,” she says. “We painted today. And I made a new friend. Her name is Aurora.”

“That’s great, sweetie,” I say, feeling a pang of guilt in my chest. I wish I could be there with her, watching her paint and make friends. But instead I’m stuck here, working for a boss who doesn’t care about me at all.

“I miss you,” she says, her voice small. “When are you coming home?”

“I’m not sure,” I admit, feeling a lump form in my throat. “But I’ll be home as soon as I can, okay? And when I get there, you might be asleep but I’ll still come in and make sure Morris Elephant and you are comfy.”

She sighs. “O-kay.”

I hate the sound of disappointment in her voice. It’s like a knife twisting in my gut.

I take a deep breath, trying to keep the tears at bay. “Hey, how about we make a deal?” I say. “If you go to bed on time tonight, I’ll take you to the goat farm this weekend. Sound good?”

“Really?!” she squeals, and a smile spreads across my face.

“Really. Scout’s honor,” I say.

“Yay! Thank you, Mommy!”

I smile, feeling a little bit better. “No problem, Quinnie. Mommy loves you so much.”

“I love you too,” she says, and we say our goodbyes.

I hang up and take a deep breath. I can do this. I just have to get through tonight, and then I’ll have the weekend with Quinn. And on Monday, I’ll come up with a new way to find the information I need.

Maybe James’s secretary has it. I wouldn’t be surprised if Terri were the one who scheduled his doctor’s visits.

Tucking my phone away, I wipe a couple tears from the corners of my eyes and head out of the bathroom.

And right into James’s chest.