Page 29 of His Long-Lost Baby

“Oh!” I jump back like I’ve been shocked. “I’m sorry.”

“Everything all right?”

My jaw actually drops. Is that… concern in his voice?

He’s probably just faking it. Trying to get me to trust him. Or stop me from telling everyone what an asshole he is.

“Fine.” I stand a little taller.

He raises an eyebrow. “You sure? You seem a little upset.”

I try to keep my guard up, but my emotions are still raw from the conversation with Quinn. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

“I heard you talking on the phone.”

My chest tightens. Is he trying to get me to admit something?

Hell no. I’m not playing that game.

“Do you make a habit out of listening to what’s happening in the women’s room?” I cross my arms.

His face falls, and it’s probably the first time I’ve really scored a point against him. The win makes me feel so jubilant I want to jump and shout for joy.

Instead, I giggle.

Which he hates.

James’s eyes darken, and I realize that I might have pushed him too far. But I can’t help myself. Every time he’s around, I feel like I’m suffocating.

“Is that an accusation?” His voice is low and dangerous.

I shake my head, trying to keep my laughter under control. He’s trying to turn this around on me, but I won’t be falling for it.

His face is still red, and he doesn’t press the issue any further. Instead, he steps aside and gestures for me to go ahead of him.

“Thanks,” I mutter, brushing past him.

I can feel his eyes on my back as I walk away, and it makes my skin crawl. But I don’t turn around. I don’t want to give him the satisfaction.

As I round the corner, I realize that the floor is quiet. Everyone else has left for the day.

It’s just me and James.

Alone.

I start to pick up my pace, but James catches up. “Hold on a minute.” His voice is soft, and I can feel his breath on my neck.

I freeze. What does he want now?

I turn to face him, and his eyes are intense. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to listen to your conversation. I was on my way back from the bathroom as well. It was completely unintentional.”

I stare at him, trying to figure out if he’s telling the truth. His expression is open, but I’ve learned to be wary of him.

“Why should I believe you?” I ask, my voice trembling slightly.

“Because it’s the truth.” He takes a step closer, and I can smell his cologne. It’s a musky scent that makes my stomach flutter.

I try to shake off the feeling, reminding myself that I can’t trust him. But as I look into his eyes, I see a glimmer of sincerity. Could it be possible that I’ve misjudged him?