Page 103 of Rumor Has It

“Will Hatcher be around much?” Reed studies me, waiting for my response.

“Boone and I are actually seeing each other again.” My muscles tense defensively, as wariness digs itself deeper in my belly.

His mouth twitches as he fights a smile. “You are, and he’s alright about this?”

“Again, this”—I motion between us as my pulse begins to buzz—“is for my daughter. I want nothing more or less from you than what you already do for her.”

“Do for her, what do you mean?” His chin juts out, waiting for his praise report I’m sure.

I sigh heavily, regretting asking him now. “The packages and money that are shipped from your office every month. They were unexpected, but appreciated.”

“Absolutely, with pleasure.” He thrusts his chest out. I swear I should look for his tail feathers.

I tuck my hair behind my ear, averting my eyes. “I’ll set the tests up tomorrow and let you know where to go for those.”

“Can I meet her? I mean, if she’s my daughter too, I’d like the chance to get to know her.” He smirks, and there’s something about it that makes my skin crawl.

My hands begin to tremble to think about him being around her. “I suppose we could work something out.”

“With you present, of course. We could all do a family meal or something.” He takes his phone out, flicking his finger over the screen.

“I’m sure Boone will make time. I can let you know.” His head snaps up with widen eyes.

“I think it would be better if I got my time alone with her, since Hatcher has apparently.” His brow cocks, flashing a smug smile. I fist my hands, abating my fears.

“We can arrange something.”

“I’m only asking because if she’s my daughter, I’d like to have visitation.” He tilts his head, scrutinizing my every word.

I lean forward, clasping my hands tightly. “I’m only going to warn you once—don’t play with us, Reed. If I even catch a whiff you’re using us for whatever trivial vendetta you think you have, I’ll release a rain of hellfire and brimstone on you like no one has ever witnessed in this lifetime.”

“Ohhhh, scary.” He mocks me dismissively. “Moving on, I’ll text you a time and place to meet once I’m settled.”

“And the test?” I trot my foot, impatiently waiting for him to actually answer me.

He waves his hand. “We’ll get to that; there’s plenty of time.”

“Once I set the appointment, we’ll need to keep it.” My mouth forms a thin line.

“You have nothing to be concerned about from me. I take care of my business. Hatcher, on the other hand, I suppose we’ll see.” He moves his shoulders back with a look of superiority.

I force my best fake smile, clutching my aching belly. “Yes, we will.”

“How about we get out of here?” He stands, placing his hands on the table and chair behind me. Reed leans in, crowding me in my seat. “We could go for a ride.”

I stare out the window, buying me some time until my phone rings. “Excuse me, I’ll just be a second.” I yank it from my pocket, clicking it immediately. “Hello.” Reed straightens, checking his cell again. “Yes, Ridge. I’ll be right there. Thank you.”

“Trouble?” His brows furrow.

I spin around, ducking under his arm. “We didn’t get a shipment of parts, so I need to run over to the garage and get a call in for them.”

“You think about my offer. I’ll be in touch.” The next few seconds happen in slow motion with me front and center for the events. Reed’s head slants, his face coming incredibly close to mine with puckered lips.

I shout, screaming. “What the actual fuck?”

“I’ve missed that mouth of yours.” He smirks. “I think I’m still madly in love with you, Mackenzie.”

“I think you’ve been smokin’ the hard stuff.” I back away from him as quickly as possible.