Page 42 of His Long-Lost Baby

We sit down at the table and start going over our plans for the week. But my mind keeps wandering back to the bikini. I can’t help but wonder what Billie would look like wearing it.

Would her body look as good as it does in her clothes? Would I be able to resist her if she were wearing that skimpy little thing?

I know I’ve already crossed the line by having Billie stay in my room, even though the mix-up was completely unintentional.

I just can’t help myself. I’m already picturing what it would be like to peel that bikini off her toned body.

Groaning quietly to myself, I try to focus on the work in front of me. Billie’s not going to be a distraction, I tell myself.

She’s here for one reason only, and as long as I keep that in mind, everything will be okay. I just need to remember that.

CHAPTER14

BILLIE

“Another drink, ma’am?” the waiter asks.

“Huh?” I look at my empty cocktail glass. When did I finish it?

A light wind blows across the hotel’s outdoor patio, lifting my hair. “I’m fine, thank you. I’ll just take the check.”

“It’s all taken care of. Everything will be billed to GarrisTech, courtesy of Mr. Garris.”

“Oh.” I blink. “Okay. Thank you.”

The waiter walks away, and my gaze turns to the amazing sunset. It’s probably the most romantic setting I’ve ever been in, and I’m here all alone.

It briefly occurred to me to ask James to join me for dinner, but that thought didn’t last more than a second or two.

But as I sit here, watching the beautiful hues of orange and red blend together in the sky, I can’t help but feel a little sad.

I’ve had barely any alone time since the day I brought Quinn home. Any vacations we’ve taken have involved a lot of bags and a fair share of tears — traveling with little kids can be messy.

I haven’t had a quiet, sensual moment like this in… well, over six years.

It makes me feel lonely. Makes me think of the days when I had a man to go out with.

Of course, my ex was a total loser. I haven’t heard from him in years, and good riddance.

Sighing, I push my chair back. Enough of the pity party.

My heart heavy, I walk back into the hotel and to the suite I have to share with James. He’s offered me the bed while he takes a cot on the floor, and I didn’t even think of turning him down.

Pausing at the door, I knock, just to let him know I’m coming in. I don’t want to walk in on him with half his clothes off.

Or do I?

“Ugh. Come on, Billie,” I mutter to myself.

There’s no answer, and I start to turn the door handle when suddenly the door flies open.

James stands there, a look of alarm on his face.

My stomach drops. “What is it?”

“The presentation for tomorrow is gone. I must have deleted it somehow and it’s not in the cloud. That account ran out of storage and I didn’t see the notification.”

“Oh, no,” I murmur.