Page 47 of Secret Baby for the Bad Boy

He grins. He’s the captain of this vessel and a master of making my heart beat far too fast. I know Win is safe at his mother’s house, but I’m not used to being without my son at home. It’s different when I work and come home to him, but this… I couldn’t go home. I couldn’t face the emptiness or Damon’s silence.

While my brother is happy that Win gets time with his father and grandmother, I sense that he misses when it was just us and all the quality time he’s spent with his nephew. I understand the feeling. Sharing my son won’t be easy, but it’s what’s best for him.

“Uh-oh, you’re looking too serious again,” Lark says, and I glance at him. His white shirt flutters in the ocean breeze and sleeves rolled up to the elbows, revealing those mouthwatering tanned forearms. The way the sunlight plays on the sharp angles of his face is breathtaking. Handsome doesn’t even begin to describe him; the guy is a damn God.

“Just thinking,” I say.

“Well, stop it. You’re out here to get away and have fun. Care for a tour?” he asks, motioning around the yacht with a sweep of his hand.

I nod my head. “Lead the way.”

Lark grins, his eyes sparkling with excitement and a hint of pride. I find myself wondering who he can trust and brag to about his accomplishments. With a mental note to ask later, I exhale.

He takes my hand, and we start our tour. The yacht is even more impressive than I expected, with sleek lines and polished wood that gleams in the sunlight.

“This is the main deck,” Lark says, gesturing to the spacious area around us. “Perfect for lounging and soaking up the sun.”

I can already imagine myself sprawled out on one of the plush white loungers, a book in hand and the gentle sway of the yacht beneath me. But Lark is already moving on, leading me down a set of stairs to the lower deck.

“Here’s the dining area,” he says, pointing to a long table surrounded by comfortable chairs. “I did have a plan for eating tonight, if you’d like.”

I nod, already looking forward to the evening. The thought of a candlelit dinner on the water with Lark sounds perfect. It shouldn’t. I should be putting on the brakes, but I’m starting to worry that’s not an option anymore. My heart doesn’t want that, and even my head knows it’s a bad idea… and wants it anyway.

Lark continues the tour, showing me the cozy cabins, the state-of-the-art kitchen, and even a small library filled with books. Finally, we reach the upper deck, where a hot tub bubbles invitingly.

“And this,” Lark says with a grand gesture of throwing his arms wide, “is my favorite spot.”

I can see why. The view from up here is breathtaking, with the endless expanse of the ocean stretching out before us. I take a deep breath, feeling a sense of peace wash over me.

“This is amazing,” I say, turning to Lark. “Thank you for bringing me here.”

He smiles, his expression softening. “I’m glad you like it. Now, how about we take a dip in the hot tub?”

I laugh, feeling lighter than I have in days. “Sounds perfect.”

Hand in hand, we make our way to the hot tub. Lark removes his shirt and pants, revealing his swim trunks and I pull off the cute deck dress that’s hiding my suit. I catch him glancing at me with an appreciative look that has me feeling warm and wanted all at once.

Lark steps into the hot tub first, the steam rising around him as he settles into the warm water. I follow, feeling the tension in my muscles melt away as I sink into the bubbling water.

“This is heaven.” I sigh, leaning back and closing my eyes.

Lark chuckles. “I knew you’d like it. It’s the perfect way to unwind.”

We sit in comfortable silence for a while, the only sounds the gentle lapping of the waves against the yacht and the soft hum of the hot tub. I open my eyes and glance at Lark, who is gazing out at the horizon with a thoughtful expression.

“What are you thinking about?” I ask, curious.

He turns to me, a small smile playing on his lips. “Just how lucky I am to be here with you.”

I feel a blush creep up my cheeks and look away, the warmth of the hot tub suddenly matched by the heat in my chest and core. “I’m the lucky one,” I say.

Lark reaches out and takes my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “We’re both lucky, then.”

We stay like that for a while, holding hands and enjoying the peaceful moment. Eventually, the sun begins to set, casting a golden glow over the water. The breathtaking view leaves me feeling comfortable and happy with a sense of awe rising within me. Today has been amazing, and I’m grateful to Lark for making what would have been a very rough transition easier.

As we part ways for a while, I make my way to the main deck and perch on the edge of a plush sun lounger, my legs dangling off the side. The yacht bobs gently, lulling me into a tranquil state, but my heart strings tug with an ache that's both sweet and sour. I miss him—my little boy with his too-big laugh and boundless energy. Yet here, with Lark, excitement bubbles through my veins.

“Thirsty?” Lark appears with two bottles of water, offering one to me, and I can’t help but smile. How did he know?

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