Page 31 of Unwrapping Romance

“Fuck!” I lowered my head. “I need a drink.” I left the kitchen and walked over to the bar in the living room.

“I told you this situation warranted alcohol,” Sierra said, following behind me. “Claire said she went to your office first, and when they told her you were across town at a meeting, she came here.”

“That child barely knows me,” I said, tipping the glass to my lips.

“She knows you enough to call you dad. When was the last time you saw her?”

“I don’t know. Six months ago. She and her mother lived in Pennsylvania, and I had a meeting there to discuss some property.”

“Oh. How very kind of you to visit your kid only because you were there for a meeting.”

“Don’t start with me, Sierra.” I pointed at her. “It’s a complicated situation. I ensured Claire had plenty of money to care for Ellie by making monthly deposits into her account.”

“Because money replaces a child.”

“I said don’t start with me!” I shouted.

“Okay. Well, since you’re home. I’m leaving.”

“Hold on a second. You aren’t going anywhere. I need you here.”

“For what?” Her brows furrowed.

“To help me with her.”

“Ha. I don’t know the first thing about kids, Jack.”

“I don’t either! Just until I can hire a nanny.”

“Yeah, no. I’ll see you tomorrow at the office. Good luck.” She began to walk away.

“Then you’re fired. You are employed as my assistant and are to do what I tell you. If you can’t do that, you’re fired. And I know damn well you need this job.”

“I was hired to do office work, not care for a kid—your kid. She’s your responsibility, Jack.”

“Then I guess you’re out of a job, Miss Knight. As for the remaining money you owe me, I will have my lawyer file a garnishment of wages against you, and when you find another job, the payments will come out of your check. So, you better find another job that pays you more than I am.”

She stood and stared at me. I could see the anger in her eyes.

“Fine.” She folded her arms.

“Okay. Good.” I finished my bourbon and poured another.

“Daddy, I’m done coloring,” Elianna walked into the room. “I want my mommy.”

“Your mommy’s gone and left you with me.”

“I want her!” She cried.

“Do something.” I looked at Sierra.

“What do you want me to do? She’s your kid, Jack.”

Sighing, I set down my drink, scooped Ellie up, and took her to the couch.

“You’re going to stay here for a while, just until your mom comes back.”

“No. I want my mommy!”

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