Page 53 of His Long-Lost Baby

“Hey. What’s going on?”

“I slept with him,” I blurt out, then shut my eyes tight with shame.

“What?!”

“No, it’s not like that. I mean, it was like that, but it was more than that too.” I realize how crazy I must sound.

“So did you have sex with him, or did you not?”

“I did.” Moaning, I fall against the sheets.

The sheets that smell like James. The sheets that make me want him all over again.

“Oh my God, Billie,” Monica breathes. “What are you going to do?”

“I don’t know. I’m in love with him.” I bite my lip, both hating and loving the fact.

“What?! How?”

I can hear the judgment in her voice, and it’s not helping my displeasure with myself any.

“I don’t know. I just am. And I think he’s in love with me too.” I sit up on the bed, feeling miserable. “Maybe.”

“Good God, Billie. This is crazy.”

“I know. I’m being so stupid.”

“No, you’re not being stupid. If you feel this way about him, there must be something special about the guy.”

For a second, I think maybe I’ve misheard. “You told me to remember that he’s the enemy.”

“Yeah, I did. But, also, you’ve barely spoken to men since I met you. If you’re all gaga for James, there must be a good reason.”

I groan. “I know. I want him to be a good guy. I really do. I’m just so confused.”

“About what, exactly? Just ask him about Quinn.”

“I plan on it. He had to run downstairs to get to the conference, but I will. As soon as I see him.”

My stomach twists at the thought. I’m afraid that telling him will mean losing him, but if he walks out on my daughter twice he’s definitely not someone I want in my life.

“What about the medical information?” Monica prods. “Have you found out anything?”

“James grew up in foster care. He doesn’t have any information about his family.”

“Damn,” she hisses.

“It’s a lot to process.” I sigh. “And I really, really have to tell him about Quinn. I have to tell him, but I don’t think he’ll believe me.”

“He will.”

“He wouldn’t even acknowledge her existence before.”

“He’ll listen now.”

I shake my head, but I’m a little more hopeful after talking to Monica.

“You’ll get through this, Billie. I know you will.”