How did my life change overnight?
Drivingup to the high rise, I wonder what runs through a woman’s mind to fuck around on a man who has done nothing but love and cherish her for years. Maybe that is the problem; when you give too much, you’re gonna get nothing in return.
My time is hers; my life is hers. I gave up my family, my hometown, everything for love, and look what good it’s done me.
She’s Medusa, and I’m a fallen man.
I walkinto the opulent lobby and give the doorman the details Katherine provided me with.
“The penthouse, sir. Simply press the top button in the lift, and it will take you there.” The older man smiles at me.
Penthouse.
She opens the door before I knock. The doorman probably told her I was on my way up.
I hand her the envelope. “Can I see Bailey?”
“Yes, but you have to understand that we can’t make this a habit if the DNA results come back and you’renothis father.”
“I am his father. I will always be his father,” I growl.
“Take a seat. I’ll be right back.” She walks away, her heels clicking on the porcelain tiles. Katherine is the kind of woman who will be dressed to impress from sunrise to sunset.
I look around me at the fancy house; everything is a contrast of stark white and tourmaline. Bailey is only three months old, but he’ll be walking soon, and all these designer pieces had better beware. There’s a sense of satisfaction at the thought.
She returns a few minutes later with my son in her hands.
I look at his eyes and hair that match my own, the dent in his tiny cheek, and there is no doubt that the boy is mine.
Katie hands him to me. “Hey, Bailey.” I place a kiss on his forehead, holding him close to me. “You being good for Mommy?”
He giggles, and I can’t help but smile.
She walks over to the counter where she left the envelope. She removes the contents, turning to the signature page. Shaking my head, I meet her gaze across the room. “I wouldn’t stand in your way.”
She nods curtly. “Alex could be home anytime now, so maybe you should leave.”
“Alex, as in your boss, Alex?” I almost chuckle at that. That explains the late nights and hushed calls—those impromptu business trips.
I give my son a hug. “I’ll see you soon, bud, yeah.” I kiss his soft curls. He smells like a vanilla cake.
“Take care of him. Take care of yourself, Katie.”
“I will. And thanks for not making this awkward.”
“Let me know when the papers are filed,” I tell her when I’m standing on the threshold. I lean in and kiss my son once again.
“As good as done,” she tells me.
PRESENT
“Did you stay out here all night building that?”
Shelby’s voice drags me from my unwelcome memories. “Yeah, pretty much. I promised Brody I’d build him a treehouse.” I look up at her from my place on the ground. Her oversized soft green pajamas make her look smaller than she is.
“It’s beautiful. Thank you for doing that for him.”
“I had some help from my father.” I smile.
