Page 54 of Secret Baby for the Bad Boy

The yacht pitches slightly, a gentle reminder of the force of the ocean beneath us. Lark steadies himself with a hand on the rail, his other finding my waist. Strong. Assuring. He’s there for me in ways I never knew I needed, but now worry I can’t live without.

I lean into the bar to keep my balance.

“Careful now,” he teases, a slight smile crossing his lips.

I laugh. “I should be saying that to you, Mr. Distracted.”

“Guilty.” He doesn't look away this time, and something in that steady gaze makes my heart race faster than the plane overhead cutting across the sky.

“Ever think about buying one of these yourself?” he asks, nodding to the helm visible through the open cabin door.

“I’ve thought about it,” I say with a shrug. “But I’d prefer to let others take the wheel.”

“Trust issues?” he teases, but he has no idea how close he’s come to the heart of things.

“Maybe with boats,” I say as his arm squeezes my waist, sending warmth spiraling through me. “Not with people. Not with you.”

“Good answer.”

I lean into him, the motion as natural as the waves stretching out before us. We’re out here celebrating, thrilled that he’s a partner now. But Shana couldn’t make it – she had previous plans. A date with a guy I haven’t met yet. I feel like a bad friend sometimes, but she’s been pretty secretive about him, and I don’t want to push.

“Look at that,” Lark says, gesturing to a flock of birds diving into the ocean in search of food.

“Can't,” I say, though I don't tear my gaze from his face. “Too distracted.”

“By what?” he asks, glancing down at me with a look that betrays his curiosity.

“By you.”

“Ah.” A genuine smile – a bigger one this time – curves up the corners of his lips and his eyes crinkle handsomely at the corners. “The feeling's mutual.”

Hearing those words makes my heart flip flop in my chest and my gut does a happy dance. I smile, feeling a warmth spread through me that has nothing to do with the sun and everything to do with the man beside me.

“You know,” I say. “This is all a surprise, you know? Being here with you, feeling this way.”

Lark’s hand tightens on my waist, and he turns to face me fully, his eyes searching mine. “Feeling what way?”

I swallow hard, unsure how to respond that’s both honest and not giving away too much.

“Like… like anything is possible,” I say, my cheeks flushing. “Like we can do anything.” I leave out the part of me that includes him for that to be a possibility. With him by my side, we can do anything, I’m sure of it. That’s part of the reason I wanted him to be a partner.

He leans in closer, his breath warm against my ear. “You can, Lara. We can.”

The sincerity in his voice makes my heart swell. I reach up, cupping his face in my hands, and pull him down for a kiss. It’s soft at first, but quickly deepens as all the emotions I’ve been holding back come rushing to the surface.

When we finally pull apart, we’re both breathless. Lark rests his forehead against mine, his eyes closed. “I’ve wanted you for so long,” he murmurs.

I want to tell him that I’ve wanted him for a long time, too, but words just won’t come. As my fingers trace the line of his jaw, I meet his green eyes and I’d swear my heart is about to beat right out of my chest.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. “Lark,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper, “I’m afraid.”

“Afraid of what?” he asks, his gaze searching mine, looking for answers.

“I don’t want to lose what we have. This partnership, our friendship… it means everything to me.” I have no doubt he’ll be a great partner, and that the friendship we share is genuine. But if we keep going… what happens if down the road we realize we’re not right for one another? It’s a question that kept me awake last night, and it’s one that’s been relentless since yesterday.

He opens his eyes, the intensity in his gaze making my knees weak. “Lara, you won’t lose me. If anything, this will make us stronger.”

I nod, wanting to believe him. “I hope so. I really do.” But what if he’s wrong? Am I strong enough to let him go if the time comes?

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