Page 38 of His Long-Lost Baby

“Ha-ha. Very funny.”

Inevitably, the mention of virginity makes me think about James. Being with him would probably be nothing like my first time was.

It would be wild and passionate, with an intensity that would leave me breathless.

I can’t deny that the thought of being with him sends shivers down my spine.

But I can’t let myself get lost in those fantasies. I have a job to do, a mission to complete.

I stand up, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. “I should finish packing,” I say. “We have an early flight tomorrow.”

Monica nods, giving me a knowing look. “Don’t worry, girl. You’re gonna have some fun in Hawaii. And once you quit that job you’ll forget all about James.”

But I know that’s not true. James is already living rent-free in my head. And as much as I hate to admit it, I can’t wait to see him again.

CHAPTER13

JAMES

“Sir. We’re here.”

I look up from my phone to see rain splattering the windshield. My driver looks at me in the rearview mirror.

“I’ll go get her, Mr. Garris.”

“No.” I put away my phone — and the emails I was trying to catch up on before our flight — and open the back door. “I’ll get her.”

Stepping out into the drizzle, I make my way up to Billie’s apartment. The front area is friendly and warm, with a welcome mat and a few potted plants. I start to ring the doorbell before but before I can even touch it the door opens and Billie is there, her suitcase in tow.

“Hi!” She hustles out the door, quickly closing it behind herself.

“Hey.” I swallow hard, trying to not be affected by how great she looks.

Her hair is in loose waves that cascade down her back, and she’s wearing a dress that hugs her curves in all the right places. I can feel the heat rising inside of me, and I try to keep my cool.

“Let me get that for you.” I reach for the suitcase, but she’s already pushing past me, headed for the car.

I glance back at her apartment, with its drawn blinds. For a second, I think I see a blind move, like someone is peeking out of them.

But then I look again, and nothing is there. Maybe I imagined it.

I follow behind Billie, who is already at the car. “Ready for Hawaii?”

She nods, a small smile playing at the edges of her lips. “I’m so ready. I can’t believe we’re actually going.”

My driver is already at the trunk, where he helps Billie with her luggage before opening the back door for her.

I slide into the car next to her, careful to keep a comfortable distance between us.

“Is Quinn home?” I ask. “I thought I saw the blinds move.”

It takes her a second to answer. “Yes. My friend is staying with her all week.”

“I would have loved to meet her.”

She studies me. “I thought you didn’t like kids.”

I shrug, trying to keep my expression neutral. “It’s not that I dislike them. I just don’t know what to do with them.”