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I turned with a frown, my eyes taking on a life of their own as I greedily watched his well-defined torso disappear as he pulled on his shirt.
“Um…” I began again, wondering where my words had run off to.
“Look, Zoey, you’re obviously still having some issues with everything that’s going on with your sister and I, and on one hand … I can totally understand that.” He sat and began pulling on his shoes, then brought his eyes to mine. “On the other, you’ve had seven weeks to sort it out. To talk it over with me, and with Chloe, but you haven’t. I’d hoped your greeting at the door meant that you were ready to move forward. For us to figure out what our next steps were, but from what just happened in there, I’m guessing you don’t want to talk about moving forward.”
I wanted to say something, but the words were stuck in my throat. Instead I kept opening and closing my mouth silently, like a carp or something.
“I came here straight away from the airport, because I wanted to see you. I didn’t mean for that to happen,” he said, gesturing toward the door. “But I’m certainly not sorry that it did. I wish you looked like you felt the same.” He ran a hand through his hair, then patted it down in an attempt to fix it. “Look, I have to go. I told Chloe I’d meet her so we could talk to Chris, and I’m already running late. I’d planned to ask you to go with me, but I think it would be better if I came back later, when I have more time, so we can discuss the things you want to discuss. All right?”
My heart fell at his admission that he wanted me to be there when he and Chloe told Christopher that Gabe was his father, even though I didn’t think it was my place to be there.
“Tomorrow,” I croaked, thinking I needed more time to process what just happened, and figure out what I wanted to say to him.
“Seriously?” he asked, anger flashing across his features.
“Please,” I begged, not wanting to hurt him, but needing the extra time.
Gabe walked passed my desk, pausing to pick up the tablet that always had my to do list, prioritized with things crossed off when I finished them.
“Edits, contact publisher, cover design approval, schedule events, update blog,” he read, then looked at me, eyes blazing, and asked, “Am I on your list of priorities? Maybe you can schedule me in for tomorrow.”
I felt the jab, and knew he was lashing out because I’d hurt him. After all, he’d been in such a rush to get to me, that he’d made me his first stop after landing, proving that I was his first priority, even above going to speak with his son.
The door shut firmly behind him and I sagged against the counter, wishing I knew what the right answer was, and that I didn’t feel so betrayed by the fact that he and my sister had not only had sex, but produced a beautiful son together.
My coffee forgotten, I went to my room and crawled into bed, the scent of Gabe swirling around me as I laid down and cried.
Chapter Thirty-Five ~ Gabe
I was torn between wanting to go back and shake some sense in Zoey, and heave her over my shoulders, take her to bed, and make love to her all day.
I’d been so caught up in being happy, that I didn’t see her pulling away until she came out of the bathroom after I’d heard her hitting the door. I’d hoped I could persuade her into getting in bed with me to cuddle, and then leave her there with the promise of what I’d do to her wh
en I returned, but she’d definitely doused that flame.
Now I needed to turn my focus on what I was about to do. I’d had a little while to get used to the fact that I had a son, who although practically grown, would still, hopefully, want me in his life. Christopher, however, had no idea that his life was about to change.
So I’d give Zoey the time she requested, and focus on meeting Chris again … This time, as his dad.
It was about fifteen miles from Zoey’s property to her sister’s. I crossed over into city limits, and pulled up to a nice town house in a well-established neighborhood. I’d been let into the gated community, passed a pool, tennis courts, and playground, and was pleased to see that Chris had grown up in a kid-friendly environment, and probably had lots of friends and neighbors within walking distance.
Before I had a chance to knock, Chloe answered the door, once again professional from top to toe in a business suit, makeup freshly done, and hair pulled back off her face.
“Sorry I’m late,” I said, hoping to lay the groundwork for a positive meeting.
“No problem,” she said, stepping aside to let me in. “I told Chris to be home in about fifteen minutes, just in case you wanted to discuss things before he arrived.”
“Great,” I replied, and followed her into what I assumed was her home office.
We’d talked since Reardon had given us the results of the DNA test, so I knew that she’d started off waitressing, moved up to restaurant manager, and now managed a catering business. Her friend was the chef, and she was in charge of marketing, working with clients, and everything that would fall under Human Resources in a company.
Chloe sat down behind her desk and I took the chair closest to the door upon entering.
“Have you thought any more about your plans?” she asked, not wasting time with small talk, which I actually appreciated.
I leaned forward, elbows to my thighs and said, “Yes, actually, I have something I want to run past you … I figured today I’d talk to him, then ask if he wants to spend some time alone, maybe go back to my hotel. I’ll be here for a few days, and any time he has free, I’d like the chance to spend with him.”
“As long as he’s comfortable with that,” she replied, something I didn’t understand crossing her face.
