Page 36 of His Long-Lost Baby
Honestly, I don’t know what I was thinking when I bought it. I never wear things that revealing. I must have been drunk on the thought of being the kind of woman who can proudly rock something like that.
“That’s not exactly appropriate for a work trip with my boss.” I fold up some T-shirts and put them in my suitcase.
Monica rolls her eyes. “Come on, live a little. You’re going to Hawaii! And James will probably be working anyway. It’s not like he’ll be at the beach with you, right?”
“I don’t know…” I hesitate, feeling anxious at the thought of it.
Monica comes over and sits next to me on the bed. “Billie, listen to me. You’re beautiful, and you deserve to feel confident and sexy. You don’t have to wear this bikini if you don’t want to, but don’t let your insecurities hold you back from having an amazing time. Who knows, maybe wearing something like this will give you the confidence boost you need.”
I bite my lip, considering her words. She’s right, of course. I shouldn’t be so afraid of showing a little skin. It’s not like I’m going to be walking around in public wearing it.
“Fine,” I finally say, grabbing the bikini from her. “I’ll try it on.”
Monica grins, thrilled that she’s convinced me. I head to the bathroom to change, feeling a little nervous but excited at the same time. As I slip into the bikini, I can’t help but admire how it looks on me. The tassels swish back and forth as I move, and I feel like I could conquer the world in this thing.
I open the bathroom door and step out, feeling self-conscious at first. But Monica’s eyes widen in approval, and I can tell from the way she’s looking at me that I look good.
“Damn, girl. You look smoking hot.” She gives me a high five, and I can’t help but feel a little giddy.
Maybe this trip will be exactly what I need to break out of my shell and embrace my inner confidence. And who knows, maybe James will take notice too…
Wait. No. Did I just think that?
“What?” Monica asks. “You’re red all over.”
“No, I’m not.” I touch my cheeks.
“Are you…” Her jaw drops. “Oh my God. You’re hot for James Garris, aren’t you?”
Shit. How can she tell?
“No!” I shriek.
But her eyes are bugged, and she’s looking at me in that awful, judgmental way. Monica has a sixth sense when it comes to things like this, and I know I’m busted.
“Billie,” she says, “he’s the enemy.”
I feel my face heat up even more, embarrassed that she’s caught me in my stupid crush. “I know, I know,” I mutter.
“I get that he’s hot. Who wouldn’t be into that, right?” She studies me. “But he’s your daughter’s—”
My bedroom door flies open and Quinn bursts into the room. Launching herself on the bed, she bounces up and down.
“I want to go to Hawaii!” She stops bouncing and stares me down with mournful eyes.
My heart nearly cracks in two, but no way am I breaking. “We’ve been over this. You have school.”
Quinn pouts. “But everyone else gets to go on vacation. Why can’t I?”
“Because school is important, Quinn,” I say firmly. “You’ll have plenty of opportunities to travel when you’re older.”
“But I don’t want to wait!” she whines.
I sigh, feeling guilty.
James did offer to hire a nanny for her, and it’s not like missing a week of first grade will derail her education.
But it’s James.