by Ella Jade
“Always.” She leaned against the doorframe, hardly able to stand. Even in her current state, she was still the most alluring woman I’d ever met.
“Then I’ll be back.” I waved Alec over. “He can get the booster seat out of your car and put it in mine.”
“Thank you.”
“I’m ready!” Zoey joined me on the porch, her coat hanging off her shoulders and her shoes untied.
“Oh, baby.” Kara looked her over before kissing her forehead. “You’re a mess.”
“I got it.” I kissed Kara’s warm cheek, pressing my palm to her face. She had a fever and a nasty cold. “Go back to bed.”
“I will, thank you.”
“Bye bye, Mama.” Zoey waved to Kara. “Hi, Alec! I’m going in the car with you.”
“That’s wonderful, Z,” Alec said. “What can I do?”
“Can you get her booster seat out of Kara’s car?” I asked.
“Sure.”
While Alec transferred the car seat, I tied Zoey’s shoes and adjusted her jacket. “That’s better,” I said as I zipped her up. “Now you’re not disheveled.”
“That means I’m a hot mess.”
“Disheveled sounds better, don’t you think?” I took her backpack from her and held her hand as we walked to the car.
“You never look disheveled.” She skipped down the walkway. “How come?”
“I don’t know.” I helped her into the car, admiring how perceptive she was. “I’m careful about the way I look in public.”
“Oh.” She climbed into her seat and buckled herself in. “What does public mean?”
“Where people can see me.” Although, not many people saw the real me. “I’m glad I get to take you to school today.”
I made sure she was secure in the seat. Not that I was happy that Kara wasn’t feeling well but being able to take Zoey to school was one of those things I didn’t know I wanted to do until I actually did it. I found that about almost everything we did together. There were many firsts and not just with Zoey. Kara was showing me a whole new world.
“Me too.” She waved to Kara who still stood on the porch, waiting for us to leave. “Dads take kids all the time.”
“To school?”
She nodded.
“You’re lucky because you have your mom to take you every day.”
“Do you keep secrets?”
“What do you mean?” Kid, if you only knew.
“I have a secret and I want to tell you.”
“Okay.” How deep of a secret could a four-year old have?
“I want you to be my dad.”
That’s pretty deep. Could I tell her my secret? No, are you stupid? She wouldn’t understand. She doesn’t want me to be her dad because I am her dad. I’m the closest thing she has to a father figure. That’s why she wants me to be her dad. Isn’t that what John would say? Why am I paying him? I’m doing fine all on my own.
“X.” She pointed out the window. “Look at the birds.”
“I see them, Z.”
Kara
I tugged the covers higher as I rolled over. Why is it so cold in here? Trying to get comfortable was impossible. Had I fallen asleep? The cough medication was making it hard to stay focused. I didn’t know if I was coming or going.
“Are you okay?” A familiar, comforting voice called to me as he placed his hand on my forehead. “You’re burning up.”
“I feel terrible.”
“Maybe you should call your doctor?”
“No,” I groaned. “It’s just a virus.” I sat up as he propped the pillows behind me. “You shouldn’t be here. I’m probably contagious.”
“I’ll take my chances.” Risks were my specialty.
“How was Zoey?”
“Her usual amazing self.”
When he smiled, I couldn’t help but fall for him a little more.
“She talked my ear off in the car.” He sat on the edge of the bed, handing me a glass of juice. “Drink this.”
“Thank you.” I sipped from the straw, feeling like a kid. “My mother is visiting her sister in Florida. When she called this morning, she wanted to get on the next flight home. I told her you were taking Zoey to school and shopping for me. She said she loves you.”
“The feeling is mutual.” He grinned. “Lila is making homemade soup for you and dinner for Zoey. I’ll swing by my place and grab it before I pick Zoey up from school.”
“Don’t you have to work?”
“I can do that from here.”
“I don’t want to inconvenience you.”
“You’re not.” He took the glass from me. “Are you hungry?”
I shook my head.
“I’ll make you something in a bit. You should try to eat.”
“You’re taking such good care of me and Zoey.”
These past few weeks had become effortless between us. We’d fallen into a routine but not a boring, senseless one. He still managed to surprise Zoey and me on a regular basis. Flowers, milkshakes, ice skating, and even a weekend at a hotel in the city so Zoey could see her first Broadway show. The biggest surprise of all was him. I never expected for any of this to turn out the way it had that day we met him in the park. Not many men would be so attentive to a child he had no ties to.
“We did have a little mishap on the way into school,” he said.
“Did Zoey jump in a puddle?” I laughed because it wouldn’t be the first time.
“No, apparently there is a new student at the school.”
“Ah, yes, her mother was a famous runway model.”
“Yes, actually I saw her walk the runway in Paris.”
“Of course you did.” His life was so intriguing that sometimes I wondered what he was doing with ordinary me. “I forgot to tell you about the reporters who have been camped out at the entrance all week.”
“I’m having that taken care of as we speak. I’ve called the mayor and I’ll get the governor involved if the media doesn’t move away from the doors where the children have to enter. I spoke to the director about the issue. You’re paying far too much money to not have a safe place for her to enter.”
“Actually, you’re paying far too much money.”
“You know what I mean. I won’t have it.”
“Aren’t you fierce?”
“I might have let it slide if they didn’t start taking pictures of Zoey and me. They were searching for a story.”
“The billionaire taking the kid to school?”
“Something like that.” His jaw tightened when he spoke. “I got her into the building as Alec spoke to them about our privacy. I can’t control where the pictures will show up or how they’ll spin the story. I didn’t give them any comments and I informed the school that if Zoey’s name was leaked to the press in conjunction with those pictures, I’d sue them.”
“Oh, boy.”
“I value my privacy and Zoey shouldn’t have to deal with the media because I’m her… well, because of who I am.”
“The sexiest, most eligible bachelor in the city? Successful, smart, rich, kind, and protective of my kid? That’s who you are.”
“I’ll agree with all of that except for one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“I’m hardly eligible.” He leaned down and kissed my cheek. “I’m all yours. Don’t forget it.”
“I like the sound of that.” I pushed at his chest. “Don’t get too close to me.”
“I’m not afraid of your germs.”
“Don’t feel bad about the media. I’m sure Zoey didn’t even know what was going on.”
“She asked me if I was more famous than the model.”
“To her you are.” I reached for his hand. “To me you are.”
“There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for either one of you.”
“And you think you’re too good to be true.”
“That again.” He rolled his eyes. “I’ve just found the right woman to focus all of my time and energy on. “
/>
When his phone buzzed from my nightstand, he glanced at the screen. “Do you mind if I take that even after I said I’m focusing all of my attention on you?”
“No.” It was already so kind of him to look after me. I didn’t want him to neglect his work.
“Hello.” He answered the call. “What did you find out?”
There was a long pause as he listened to the person on the other end. “That’s, ah, unfortunate. I’m sorry to hear that.” He stood from the bed and began pacing the floor. “Yes, well, at least now we know why Stan has been so distracted.”
He stayed silent again as he listened intently, stopping to gaze out the window. He appeared lost in thought. Judging from the way he looked, the news wasn’t good.
“I want to renege on my bid.” He shook his head. “I know it’s a lucrative deal. One that would benefit me in many ways but that doesn’t seem to matter in the big picture, does it?”
He continued to stare outside. His demeanor had changed. Why would he back out of a deal that could be so beneficial for him?
“I’m quite certain that I’m handing it to him. Start the paperwork this afternoon. Have it on my desk tomorrow morning and I’ll sign it. Keep it quiet until then.”
After he ended the call, he didn’t move from the window. He stood there, brooding and I wondered what would make him back out of a deal that could be so important to him.
“Is everything okay?” I asked.
“Just business.” He turned and smiled at me. “Are you sure I can’t get you lunch? I could have Alec pick something up for us?”
“Maybe.” I patted the bed. “Tell me what’s bothering you and then I’ll consider eating.”
“Oh, are you trying to negotiate with me?” He joined me on the bed, this time he slipped off his shoes and settled in next to me. “Let me hold you for a second. I could use that right now.”
“Was that about the waterfront deal? The one you’ve been working so hard on?”
“Yes, but it wasn’t the right time for me.”
“I know how much you wanted that property.” He didn’t talk much about his business dealings but this one seemed to be front and center. I had wondered if it was more about beating Stan as it was about getting the property.
“I did.” He shrugged. “It’s an excellent deal. It could be profitable for many years.”
“Then why are you backing out?”
“Do you remember that day in the library when I introduced you to Stan?”
“Yes, he was there with his daughter.”
“Grace.” He nodded as a frown formed on his perfect lips. “She’s a freshman in high school. His only child. I don’t know much about his personal life. We’re business rivals not friends.”
“Then why does it sound like you’re backing off to let him win?”
“I found out Grace has leukemia.”
“Oh.” I gasped because no parent wants to hear that news. “That’s terrible.”
“I can only imagine.” His body tensed when he spoke. “Stan isn’t as savvy when it comes to business as I am. He makes a lot of poor choices and continues to put himself in debt. He tries but it doesn’t always work out for him. He makes my job that much easier.”
“If he gets this property, it could turn things around for him?” Xavier, the media is so wrong about you. You’re not a shrew bastard.
“Financially.” He stared at the ceiling. “I’m not sure about Grace’s condition, only that he’s been preoccupied the last few weeks. Maybe if I ease the financial burden for Stan that will help in some small way.”
“You’d walk away from the deal in order to help him?” I love this man.
“It’s only money and I have plenty of it. If my daughter was sick, I don’t know what I would do. How I would react but my mind would not be on my work. I would do everything in my power to make sure she was going to get better. You know, if I had a daughter.”
“I know you would.” I rested my head on his chest. “What you’re doing for Stan and his family is beautiful.”
“I walked away from a deal. Stan will never know why I did that.”
“You will.” I kissed his neck. “I will.”
“I want to help.”
“You know how you judge a person’s character?” I asked.
“How?”
“By the things they do when no one is watching.”
“Don’t do that.”
“What?” I pressed him because he did so much for Zoey and I. He needed to know the man I saw in front of me. “Praise you?”
“I don’t deserve praise. I’m ruthless and determined to get what I want. It’s not always a good thing. People don’t usually understand my motives or methods. It’s how I win. They don’t see me coming.”
“Today you did a good thing for Stan.” I closed my eyes, feeling a bit groggy from the cold meds. “You do good things for me and Zoey all the time.” I cuddled deeper into his chest, slipping into a relaxed state, feeling safe and secure in his arms. “You’re a good man. The only man I would ever trust with Zoey.”
“Kara? I…”
I drifted off, too tired to talk anymore.
13
Xavier
Adrian stood from the conference table in my office, tablet in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. She was settling into her role here with dignity and confidence. It was a pleasure to witness. Dare I say it, but she was the best assistant I’d ever had. Maybe things changed when I met Kara. There was no maybe about it. Kara had changed me. I was a better man than I was six months ago. Luckily for me, Adrian decided to stick it out.
“Is there anything else?” she asked.
“Passports.”
“Yours?”
“No, one for Zoey and one for Kara.”
“Are you taking a trip?” My assistant appeared shocked.
“A bit of business and pleasure,” I said. “I need to go to London in the spring and Kara and Zoey will be joining me. They don’t have passports. I told Kara you would get the ball rolling for her.”
“Of course.” She smiled. “That’s an amazing trip. Zoey is going to learn so much.”
“Have you ever been to London?”
“It’s on my bucket list.”
“Would you like to cross it off?”
“What do you mean?”
“I’ll be setting up several meetings while we’re there. I think it would be appropriate for you to join us. You could assist me and make it a vacation when we’re done. Bring a friend if you’d like. I’ll take care of your expenses.”
“Are you kidding?”
“Have you known me to kid much?”
“Ah, no, I’m sorry.”
“I’m kidding.”
“Oh.” She let out an uneasy laugh.
I still frightened her. I’d have to work on that. “We’ll discuss it later but if you don’t have a current passport, look into it for you as well.”
“Yes, thank you.” When she opened my office door, she whispered. “Wonderful.”
“What is it?” I glanced over her shoulder.
“Kate’s in the lobby.”
“Wonderful is right.” I took my glasses off and put them on my desk. “Show her in. She’ll only cause a scene if you don’t.”
“Are you sure? I could try to get rid of her.”
“I appreciate it but no. Whatever she wants, it’s best to hear it now.”
“Ms. Hightower,” Adrian greeted her. “Mr. Trapp has a few minutes and can see you now.”
“How lovely.” She looked my assistant over. “I can’t believe you’re still working here. The benefits must be pretty appealing.”
“It’s the best job I’ve ever had.” Adrian smiled at me before closing the door.
“Are you sleeping with your assistant?” Kate sat down. “How cliché of you?”
“Did you come here to discuss my sex life?” I sat in my chair, wanting to cut the small talk. “Somehow, I doubt that.”
“Did I hit a sore subject?”
“I’m extremely busy, so if you’ll get to the point, I’d appreciate it.”
“You’re abrupt but I can forgive that today.”
“Why is that?”
“You found her.”
“Found who?” The tension in my muscles alerted me to the possible problem that was brewing here.
“Don’t play games.” She clapped her hands. “I don’t even care that it took you this long. I knew you’d find Lanie’s daughter.”
“What?” Fuck! The stupid media pictures. I’d been trying to stay on top of that shit storm but obviously I’d missed something.
“That’s why I gave you the letter.”
“The letter you said you knew nothing about?” I slammed my fist on the table. “How could you let Lanie give my child up for adoption without telling me? You were supposed to be the reasonable one to Lanie’s impulsiveness.”
“I didn’t agree with her choices.”
“Why didn’t you tell me when she was pregnant?” The rage boiled to the surface when I realized the magnitude of Lanie’s secret. How many conversations had they had on the subject of not telling me? “There wasn’t a doubt in my mind that you knew the child existed but I wasn’t sure you knew Lanie confessed in the letter.”
“I had to stay loyal to my sister while she was alive. That letter was never meant for your eyes. She told me she wrote it to feel better. You were never supposed to see it. When I came across it, I had to give it to you. It was the only way.”
“So much for your loyalty.”
“Now that she’s gone all bets are off. I had no idea where the child was but I knew you’d stop at nothing to find her. You’re a very determined man.”
“You were banking on that.” How could I have been this stupid? I was so determined to find my daughter that I didn’t stop to think Kate could be working me. That was a sloppy mistake on my part.
“How did you get her adoptive parents to let you take her to school?”
She showed me the picture from the morning Kara was sick. That headline! Could it be more true for a fucking tabloid?
Xavier Trapp takes his secret child to school.
“She looks like Lanie, doesn’t she? She’s beautiful. I can’t wait to meet her.”
