Page 61 of A Bossy Surprise

“I know. I was out of line. I know you would never do that.”

“If you know I would never do that, then why would you even think I’m trying to exploit our relationship for professional gain?”

“Listen, to be very honest with you, my head isn’t on straight at the moment.”

I take a beat. “Actually, you don’t look so good. Have you been sleeping?”

He laughs. “Not really, but I’ve been getting by. That trip to LA yesterday really took it out on me. Conversations with my father tend to have that effect.”

“Do you want to talk about it?” When he’s silent for a long while, I add, “You don’t have to, but it might help.”

He runs a hand through his hair and exhales then gestures to the chair across his table. “I actually should tell you about what happened, because it kind of involves you.”

My heart stops.

Why would I be a point of conflict between he and his dad?

Nevertheless, I sit down and wait for him to speak.

“Yesterday, my father summoned me to his office to speak in person. I have refrained from telling him about Brady because I know how he can be. He tends to dominate in bulldoze his way into getting what he wants. Anyway, yesterday he found out that I have a son.”

“How did he find out?”

“I told my mother and she told him. I had no idea they were even in contact.”

“So what happened?”

“Now, I’m going to tell you this because I feel you should be in the loop. I know how what I’m about to say is going to sound, but don’t worry. I have everything under control.”

“I don’t know if anyone has ever told you not to worry, but it has the opposite effect than intended.”

He smiles and scratches his head. “I know, but it had to be said. Anyway, Dad is upset with both of us. He’s upset with me for not being psychic enough to know that I had a son somewhere in the world, and with you for keeping Brady from me.”

I smile. “I can’t speak to his desire for you to be clairvoyant, but I can understand his frustration with me.”

“Yes, if he were merely frustrated, that would be understandable, but he tried to convince me to go after full custody of Brady.”

My vision blurs monetarily as I become lightheaded. “What?”

“Yeah, the man’s insane. I told him repeatedly that I had no interest in that, but he kept insisting. That’s why I prefaced this by telling you not to worry. I would never try to take Brady away from you.”

“I know enough about the human temperament to know that your feelings on the matter could change at any time.”

He stands up and walks around his table and comes to perch on the desk in front of me.

He takes my hands in his. “Kayla, listen to me. I promise, I will never attempt to take Brady away from you, no matter what happens. You’re a great mother, and Brady is lucky to have you. Even if I was selfish enough to want to do that, knowing what he would lose as a result would stop me.”

I look into his eyes, and all I see in their depths is sincerity.

I take a deep breath and nod. “Okay.”

He smiles then let’s go of my hands, and I instantly feel the loss of his warmth.

He goes back to his chair and sits. “I only told you about this so you would know what to expect should you ever meet my dad. Knowing him I wouldn’t put it past him to turn up here one day and demand to meet you. I want you to be prepared.”

“Do you really think he could show up here and confront me?” I ask.

I can hear the trepidation in my voice, and apparently, so can Adam, because he smiles.