TRACY
Glad that she chose to wear a pair of comfortable shorts, Tracy dropped down to the blanket and crossed her legs. It was an amazingly beautiful day in Chicago, and the beauty of the Lurie Garden alone was incredible, but with the gorgeous Chicago skyline as a backdrop, it was breathtaking.
Francis had taken her to Millennium Park. Earlier, he’d told her that there were things they needed to discuss. But as Tracy scanned the garden, Francis was nowhere to be found. He’d disappeared behind a large hedge of flowers. So Tracy relaxed, appreciating the warm weather and the beautiful array of flowers and trees.
A tap on the back of her head caused her to jump. Tracy turned around, relieved to see Francis. Admittedly, since her “run in” with Will, Tracy’s nerves had been shot to hell. Sadness, or something like it, flashed in his expression.
“I’m sorry, donna. I didn't mean to frighten you.”
“No, it’s okay. I’m sorry. I’m still a little jumpy.”
Francis lowered himself to the blanket and moved closer to Tracy. He took her hand and gently squeezed. “It’s understandable. I wish that I could have spared you that horror,” he said sympathetically.
“I believe that you would, Francis. But I’m gonna be okay, really.”
Francis smiled and handed her a flower that was the brightest of blue. Tracy’s mouth flew open. “Oh my God, Francis,” Tracy said, looking around the park. “Picking flowers in this garden is like a federal offense or something. Man, you goin’ to jail.”
“I like to live on the wild side,” he said with a sexy grin. “Are you always so good? Always following the rules?”
“Yes,” Tracy chuckled.
“Then you'll have a hard time being with me, good girl,” Francis remarked through soft laughter.
“Beingwith you? I don't remember agreeing tobewith you.”
“Ah, Tracy, stop playing that game. You and I both know that you want me as much as I want you. I know when a woman wants me, donna. And you do. You’ve been denying yourself, and denying me, but that’s over now. Soon, we’ll have a child, and we need to figure out how we’re going to raise him. How we’re going to be together and raise him.”
Tracy resisted rolling her eyes. Francis could be downright frustrating.
“Francis you just outright told me what I’m going to do. You make decisions without an ounce of concern for my opinion. And just in case you haven't figured it out yet, I don't like being told what to do.”
“I know,” he acknowledged with a nod.
Tracy waited for him to say more, something along the lines of not doing it again. But he said nothing. She stared at him. Studied him. Francis was not about to apologize for his high-handed behavior, nor was he going to explain himself.
No longer able to take his silence on the matter, Tracy asked, “Why are you so damn bossy?”
Francis stretched out on the blanket and placed his head in Tracy’s lap. As he looked up at her, Tracy couldn't help but to admire his beautifully constructed features. Her eyes scanned the outline of his full lips, and she remembered the sensual kisses they’d shared. And as she looked into his sexy, deep brown eyes filled passion and wisdom, she almost forgot that she had issues with the man.
“I amso bossy,bella, because I am the boss. I will make decisions based on the safety and well-being of you and my child. I do not intend to compromise. What I say goes.” He paused before saying, “There are reasons, donna.”
“Francis, you may be a boss, but you're notmyboss.”
“But I am,” Francis countered. “I have acquired your marketing firm.”
Tracy was floored. He might as well had slapped her across the face.
“What?! When?!”
“I inquired a while ago, but I closed the deal the day that I found out about the bambino.”
Tracy’s jaw dropped. “Why on earth would you do that?”
“I’m a businessman, Tracy. It’s a smart business deal.”
Bullshit, Tracy thought. Francis just wanted a way to control her.
“Smart business deal? Francis, what exactly is your business? What the helldoyou do?”
