Page 32 of One Baddie for Three Daddies

"Good to hear," she says, taking another sip of wine. "You know how important it is to have a good working relationship with your team."

"Absolutely," I reply, my mind racing back to the last time Liam and Alex had me pinned against the conference room wall.

"But enough about work," she says suddenly. "How's your personal life? Met anyone interesting?"

Oh boy. Here we go.

"Not really," I lie through my teeth. "I've been so busy with work that I haven't had much time for anything else."

Mom looks at me skeptically but doesn’t push further. Thank God.

“Well,” she says after a moment of silence, “just remember to take care of yourself too.”

“I will,” I assure her.

We spend the rest of dinner talking about safer topics—family updates, old friends from back home, and her plans while she's in town. But beneath it all, I can’t stop thinking about the tangled web of relationships I've found myself in.

As we finish dessert and get ready to leave, Mom gives me a hug and whispers, “I’m so proud of you, Bia.”

“Thanks, Mom,” I say softly.

Walking to my car, I can’t help but feel like I'm juggling flaming torches—and one wrong move could burn everything down.

As I drive back home, the weight of my tangled relationships presses down on me. When did everything get so damn complicated? I think about Liam and Alex, their confident smirks, their touch that sets my skin on fire. It’s impossible to ignore the magnetic pull they have on me. But then there’s James, with his brooding intensity and the way he makes me feel like the only woman in the world.

I’m lying to my mom now, trying to keep everything under wraps. She’d flip if she knew I was back with any of them, let alone all three. I sigh, gripping the steering wheel as I pull into my driveway. I walk into my apartment, kick off my shoes and flop onto the couch as the weight of the day settles on my shoulders like an unwelcome guest.

15

JAMES

Ithrow on my boxers and glance over at Bianca. She's slipping into my t-shirt, the hem brushing against her thighs in a way that makes me want her all over again. We've been at it for hours, but the urge to have her once more already gnaws at me. She grabs the remote and plops down on the couch, patting the spot next to her with a playful smile.

“What’re we watching?” I ask, joining her.

“Something mindless,” she says, scrolling through Netflix. “Got any suggestions?”

“Not a rom com,” I say. “I’d rather eat nails.”

She laughs, settling on an action movie. “This good?”

“Perfect,” I say, pulling her close. The scent of her hair mingles with the lingering smell of sex in the room. It’s intoxicating, making it hard to focus on anything else.

I try to focus on the movie, but my thoughts keep drifting. The way she fits against me feels so natural, like she’s always belonged here. I shake off the nostalgia and turn my attention back to the screen, determined to enjoy this moment.

Bianca gets up to go to the bathroom, and my eyes follow her every move. The sway of her hips is hypnotic, and I can't help but admire how she still has that effortless allure. Damn, she’s still got it.

Her phone lights up on the table, catching my attention. Curiosity tugs at me, and I lean over to glance at the screen. It’s a text from Alex.

Alex: “Are you free tonight? Liam and I have something planned for you.”

My blood boils as I stare at the screen. Alex’s text is casual, too fucking casual. She never mentioned she was seeing them too. The bathroom door creaks open, and she saunters back, looking relaxed and satisfied.

"Why the hell didn’t you tell me you’re seeing Alex and Liam too?"

She freezes, eyes wide. “James, I?—”

"Don't," I snap. "You’ve been fucking them while seeing me? What the hell, Bianca?"

---