Page 64 of His Long-Lost Baby

“No!” I shake my head vigorously. “Of course not. But I had to make sure, for her sake.”

He studies me for a long moment, and for a second, I think I see a hint of softness in his eyes. But it’s quickly replaced with ice.

“I can’t believe you would do this,” he says finally, his voice low and dangerous. “I trusted you, and you betrayed me.”

I take a step back. What am I doing?

Am I really asking him to stay in my life? To enter Quinn’s life?

Sara didn’t want James in Quinn’s world; how do I know he’s any different now?

Last night could have been a temporary thing — a wonderful period before he reverted back to his asshole, grumpy self.

Tears fill my eyes. It feels like this is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But I’m doing it. I’m letting him go.

“Goodbye, James,” I say.

For the briefest moment, something flickers in his eyes. Regret?

As quickly as it’s there, though, it’s also gone, and then he turns and stalks away, vanishing into the crowd.

CHAPTER22

BILLIE

Itake a look at my desk, making sure I haven’t forgotten anything. Though it’s not like I had anything precious here, anyway.

Since before even my first day at GarrisTech, I saw my time here as temporary. A means to an end. I never intended to put down roots, and now I’m glad that I didn’t.

“What happened?” David comes up. “You’re leaving?”

I nod, swallowing hard. “Yeah. I am.”

David looks at me, his expression softening. “Is it about James?”

There must be rumors circulating about us. Who knows what people are saying?

Even before we got back from Hawaii — me on a commercial flight I booked myself — I put in my resignation at GarrisTech.

I didn’t know whether James intended to fire me or not, but I figured there was no point in waiting around to find out.

I shake my head, but I can’t help the tears that are starting to fall. “It’s about everything. It’s about me, and my choices, and where I want to go from here.”

David doesn’t say anything for a moment, just standing there with his hand on my shoulder. I appreciate the silent support.

Finally, he speaks. “I’m going to miss you, Billie.”

I nod, unable to speak past the lump in my throat.

David sighs and pulls me into a hug. “Wherever you go, you’re going to do great things. I know it.”

“Thanks,” I whisper, feeling a mix of gratitude and sadness wash over me.

“Is it true?” David drops his voice. “What people are saying about you and James?”

“I don’t know what they’re saying,” I answer quietly, also glad I haven’t heard any rumors. That would be added heartache that I don’t need.

“Some people say you two were together in Hawaii,” David says hesitantly. “That it was more than a work trip.”