in my face wearing that tight nurse uniform. “Where have you been? I haven’t heard from you in a couple of weeks.”
I scratch my head awkwardly. “I’ve been busy.”
“Too busy for your favorite girl?” She smirks.
I smile. Mia is the most uncomplicated woman I know. We fuck. We’ve fucked for a long time. No strings. No feelings… just as it should be. “Never.” I smirk.
“Do you want to catch up later?”
I purse my lips as I consider her offer. “I’m not in the mood, Moo,” I reply.
She frowns. “Since when are you not in the mood?”
“Since today.” I sigh.
“I can put you in the mood. I’m an excellent stress reliever.”
I smile as my eyes drop to the floor. Maybe that’s just what I need?
“We’ll see. I might call you later,” I reply as I walk into the elevator.
She smiles and goes up onto her toes with excitement. “I’ll look forward to it,” she calls after me.
I get into the elevator and I’m grateful when the doors close on her. At the back of the elevator an elderly couple holding hands smile, and I nod in acknowledgement. Great. Old people. Happy, in love old people. Just what I fucking need.
I want to go home and get to the gym. This day can’t end soon enough. Now I know why Ashley had to have today off. She had to pick up her son from the airport. I feel the fury boil in my gut.
I’m so angry with her, I can’t see straight. I don’t even know her. I haven’t the slightest idea who she really is. There I was being all soppy and honest and fucking pathetic, and she’s been lying to me through her teeth.
The elevator opens and I walk down the hall to my office. Well, I gave the relationship thing a crack for the first time and got burned and that’s it. I’m not doing that again.
Sex is a lot easier than this bullshit.
I walk into my office and sit down. My phone rings and I glance at the screen. Joshua.
I answer. “Hey.”
“Hey, mate. Can you swing past my office on your way home?”
I frown. “Why?”
“I got some shit I need you to sign for the settlement.”
“Fuck, man. I’ve had a prick of a day. Can’t it wait until tomorrow?” Joshua and I are co-investing in some property.
“What’s up your ass?” he asks.
“Nothing. I’m tired,” I snap.
“Just come in for two minutes. I’ll have the paperwork ready.”
I roll my eyes. “Fine.” I hang up.
Two hours later, I walk into Joshua’s office on the top floor.
It’s just after six and most of the staff have gone home for the day. He’s sitting at his desk when I walk in.
“Where’s this document that couldn’t wait a fucking day?” I roll my eyes as I sit at his desk.
Joshua fakes a smile and holds his pen in his hand as he gestures to the leather sofa in the corner. My mother is sitting there. I didn’t see her as I walked in.
“Mom?” I frown. “Sorry, I didn’t see you there.”
She stands, walks over and kisses my cheek. “Hello, darling.” She puts her hands on both of my cheeks and looks at me. “Are you alright, dear?”
My stomach drops. I never could hide my emotions from her. “Yes, fine.” I sigh.
She walks over and stands near the window and looks out. I frown at Joshua. What’s she doing?
He shrugs.
“I ran into Ashley today, Cameron.”
My jaw clenches and my eyes flicker to Joshua. “Did you?” I reply flatly.
“Yes. She was dropping off Natasha’s dress at the dry cleaners.”
I stay silent as my eyes drop to the floor.
“She had a child with her. Her son.”
I roll my eyes. Here we go.
Joshua frowns in question. “Ashley has a son?”
“Yes. I only found out last night,” I reply.
He widens his eyes. “Fuck,” he whispers to himself.
“How well do you know Ashley?” she asks.
“Not as well as I thought, clearly. I didn’t know she had a son.” I walk over and look out the window at the street way below.
“The child is yours, Cameron.”
I turn to her. “What?” I frown.
She raises her chin defiantly. “I’ll bet my life on it.”
“He’s not. No way. That’s ridiculous—” I huff.
“What the hell are you on about, Mother?” Joshua interrupts.
“You met her before?” she asks.
“Yes, but...”
“The child would be four or five then? And he just so happens to be the spitting image of you at his age.”