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Paisley steps forward. “I just want to say I am sorry for how I left too. I caused a huge upheaval, not just in Lucas’ life but also yours, Brianna, and I want to apologize. But we’re back now, and I want to show Jackson off to everyone and be a part of this amazing group of people who I know would have supported us if I had stayed... I should have given you all a chance,” she states.
Lucas reaches out, gripping Paisley’s hand, and squeezes it. “I think we just have to remember what’s done is done. All we can do is move forward… together.”
“And we’re all here for the both of you. Lucas is a part of our little family here, and you’re with Lucas, so you’re a part of us too, Paise. We look out for our own, don’t we, gang?” Tahlee asks, and everyone raises their drinks.
“To the Revel Rose billionaires,” Dane calls out, and everyone laughs.
“We’re not calling ourselves that,” Cleo mocks.
“I like it. Has a catchy ring to it.” Asher smirks.
Nash chuckles. “I have a feeling it’s going to stick.”
“I think I need a pay rise if you’re going to countmeas a billionaire,” I tease Nash because, technically, I’m not a part of their group.
Blake grins at me.
God, that smile.
It melts meevery. Damn. Time.
“Put a formal request in Nash’s inbox. We’ll see what we can do,” Blake states.
Is he flirting with me?I can’t tell.
But the thought makes me let out a silly schoolgirl giggle, and I shake my head at the stupid noise before replying, “Somehow, I don’t think Mr. Harrington is going to pay me a billion a year. Though, I wouldn’t turn it down if you’re offering, sir.”
Nash chuckles. “I mean, you’re certainly worth a billion. I’m just not sure it’s a viable option right now. Just know you’re worth it, Zoey.”
My chest squeezes, hearing those words coming from my boss. “Aww… thank you. That means a lot,” I reply.
Suddenly, a thumping pair of feet come barging into the dining room. “Zoey,” a familiar voice yells, and we all turn to Kyle, who’s dressed in his work clothes, walking with Hailee beside him. Her face is bright red from crying, and that same expression is crossing her face that I know only too well.
He has lost his shit, and he’s terrifying her.
My eyes widen as I stand, almost losing my footing as I mumble, “Shit!” under my breath. I place my champagne glass on the table in front of me and then move over to Hailee, pulling her against my legs.
I want to protect her.
To keep her away from this asshole.
But he’s her father, and I don’t have that luxury.
“What’s wrong?” I ask Kyle.
“What’swrong?What’swrong… is that you were meant to pick your daughter up from baseball practice, and she was left standing by the side of the road in the rain waiting for her mother, who is out galivanting and getting drunk with a bunch of stuck-up assholes rather than caring about her kid!”
Anger rages inside me so damn hot I feel like I need to rip my clothes off to cool myself down.
This asshole—this fucking assholealwaysdoes this!
And now he’s come in here—with my bosses watching—and pulling this shit!
You fucking bastard!
Scoffing, I shake my head as I gently stroke Hailee’s hair. “You always do this, Kyle. I specifically told you I was going out for dinner tonight with my work friends to meet Mr. Grant’s baby. I messaged you about it last week. You even replied, saying you would be there to watch her practice.” I grunt out my frustration with a large sigh. “Kyle, you have to stop blaming me for these mess-ups and take some damn responsibility. You’re her father. If you want to keep this arrangement, you’re going to have to step up.”
He takes a hostile step forward, balling his fists at his sides. It’s his way of intimidating me. Healwaysdoes this—tries to scare me with his anger and outrage. “You better watch how you talk to me, Zo.” He grits the words out through his teeth, then grinds his molars to be sure I get the message loud and clear.
