A Lie for a Lie (All In) - Helena Hunting Page 0,68

of them and that you’re not just a playboy and a liar.”

“It was one lie.”

“Unfortunately, it was a pretty damn big one. She needs to know she can rely on you, so be reliable.”

“Okay. I can do that. I can be reliable.”

Less than twenty-four hours ago I was thinking about all the ways I wanted to get back into Lainey’s pants and her bed, and now all I can think about is how I’m going to find a way to cement myself back in her life so I don’t miss out on any more time with my son—because I sure don’t want him to grow up without a dad.

CHAPTER 20

SHOW ME YOU MEAN IT

Lainey

I glance at Walter’s closed door as I back out of the elevator. I don’t want to hurt him, but I need to give RJ a chance with Kody—and possibly give us a chance too, depending on what he wants out of this. It isn’t until I spin Kody’s stroller around that I notice the pile of boxes stacked beside my apartment door. “What the heck is all this?” I ask Kody, who babbles and shakes his teddy bear rattle.

The door across the hall opens, and Walter appears, arms crossed over his chest. “Most of them have been here since I got home from work. Except the two on the top—they arrived a few minutes ago.” He’s still dressed in his work wear, a pair of khaki pants and a white short-sleeved button-down complete with pocket protector and striped tie.

“Oh, hi, Walter.” I slip my key into the lock, aware we need to have a conversation, one I’m not excited about.

Walter is right there to help me, rushing over to hold open the door while I get Kody inside. He assists with all the boxes—some of which are heavy, based on the way the veins in his neck bulge and his face goes red with exertion.

Once we’re done bringing everything in, he stuffs his hands in his pockets. “I didn’t realize you were seeing other people.”

I unbuckle Kody from his stroller and pick him up, half using him as a shield for this conversation. “It’s not like that, Walter.”

“Really? Because last night you went on a date while Eden watched Kody, and then you brought him back here and flaunted him right under my nose.”

I realize how it all must look to him—and how I would feel if I were in his shoes. “I wasn’t flaunting him. He’s Kody’s father.”

The anger shifts to confusion. “I thought you said his father wasn’t interested in being part of his life.”

I rub my temple. “I thought he wasn’t. We recently reconnected.”

“Reconnected how? Are you planning to get back together with him? He hasn’t been a part of Kody’s life at all, and now you’re going to let him jump back in like he’s been here the entire time? Is this stuff all from him?”

“Maybe?” I glance at the stack of boxes. Logically they must all be from RJ, but I’d have to open them to be sure. “It’s a complicated situation, Walter. I don’t really know what’s going on myself right now.”

“What about you and me?” He motions between us.

“I don’t know about that either,” I say honestly.

His shoulders curl forward, and he nods at the floor.

Before he can say anything else, the buzzer for my door goes off. My phone also pings in my purse. “Just give me a second.” I shift Kody to my hip and hit the intercom button. “Hello?”

“Delivery for Lainey Carver.”

“Okay. Come on up.” I buzz the person through.

“I guess I should probably go,” Walter says dejectedly.

“I’m really sorry, Walter. I don’t want to mislead you, but this whole situation is just . . . confusing.”

“I understand.” He bops Kody on the end of the nose. “See you later, little guy.”

He leaves my apartment as a deliveryman steps out of the elevator rolling a cart of boxes. I recognize the name of the company on the side of the box; it’s one of those high-end grocery delivery services.

Walter disappears inside his apartment without another word. I feel bad, but there’s nothing I can do about it right now. I allow the deliveryman to come in and unload the cart in the kitchen. The boxes take up all the space on the counter. Once he’s gone, I put Kody in his activity center to play while I unpack everything. Fresh produce and ready-to-cook meals, as well as a variety of types of baby food, fill my