Page 30 of Like You Love Me

“My wife Kathy knows about Sierra. She has forgiven me for all my transgressions.”

“Wife? I thought you hadtwowives?”

Collin dragged a hand down the length of his face. “That marriage resulted from a wild drunk weekend in Mexico and wasn’t even legal,” he explained and looked surprised that she knew. “Look, what I am trying to say is my wife has forgiven me, and our marriage is stronger than ever. We have two boys, Joshua, and Drake and—”

She held up her hand. “Uh-Uh, don’t do that. You’re trying to humanize your family.”

“Because wearehuman, and I want my daughter to be a part of my family. Look, I made a mistake; I admit that, but please just think about it.”

“Mommy!” Sierra came running over, stopping Bianca from saying anything else. She noticed how Collin’s eyes lit up, yet she refused to allow the longing she witnessed to rope her in emotionally.

“Mommy, Mr. Clark is my drama teacher.”

“We’ve met,” Bianca murmured and painted on the best fake smile she could manage. “We need to get going, honey. Your father is waiting.” She saw the way Collin flinched at the reference and felt only slightly guilty. He had made the choice. And she would never forget the way Collin had threatened her, and neither would London.

The entire ride, she listened to Sierra talk about how great her drama teacher was and her excitement about getting a part in the play. Bianca had a feeling Collin made sure Sierra landed a role so he could have an excuse to spend time with her.

“Are you sure you want to be in this play?” Sierra wanted to be an actress, so Bianca knew what the answer would be before she even answered.

“Yes, Mommy, more than anything,” she told her. “I can’t wait until I tell Daddy I painted the trees.”

“Oh boy.”

In a daze, Bianca drove toward Beaumont Manor. Her mind was reeling, and the blood in her vein was running hot with fear she could not quench. Collin was living right here in Sheraton Beach. How was it possible she had never run into him before? And all this time, he knew. He also knew her daughter—their daughter—lived in this town. There was no way getting a job here was by chance. As innocent as he tried to behave, she didn’t believe it for a second. Collin planned to make her life hell if she didn’t do something soon to stop him.

All during dinner at her parents, she’d thought about him. Bianca could still see that fake innocent smile on his face. Even on the drive home, she couldn’t shake his image from her mind. They were almost at the house, and heavy snow was starting to fall, when the conversation shifted to Valentine’s Day, and Bianca was happy for something else to think about.

“Mommy, I have to give a valentine to everyone in my class.”

“Okay...”

“I’m hoping that Parker will give me a valentine,” Sierra admitted with a sheepish grin.

“Parker? You like Parker?”

Sierra bit her bottom lip indecisively. “He’s okay, but Cynthia says hereallylikes me.”

Bianca laughed. “You better not let your daddy hear that.”

She pulled into the driveway, pushed the remote and parked in the three-car garage next to the Hummer. They walked into the house to hear London watching television in the family room.

“Hey, babe,” Bianca called. “I brought you dinner.” She put the leftovers on the island, shrugged out of her coat and hat and hung them. London walked into the kitchen.

“Hi Daddy,” Sierra said and rushed over to London and hugged him.

“Hey, Honeybee.” He brushed a gentle finger down the length of her face. “Go and hang your coat.” Once she departed, London’s eyes shifted over to gaze at his wife as he closed the distance between them. “How was work?” he asked as he leaned down and planted an affectionate kiss on Bianca’s lips.

“It was long and busy. Jabarie walked me to my car.”

London searched her eyes. “Is everything okay?”

She felt the tension in his body when he touched her. “I should be asking you that question. How are your sisters?” She reached for the plate of leftovers, stuck it inside the microwave, leaned over the island, and waited patiently for him to respond.

“Another day in the neighborhood.” He shook his head. “How about you go get comfortable, and we talk later?”

Nodding, Bianca turned on her heels to leave the room and instead found herself in his arms as he lowered his head and pressed his mouth to hers in a savoring kiss that sent warmth through her body. London released his hold and removed the plate from inside the microwave.

Bianca walked up to the master suite, slipped the dress over her head, and took a seat on the bed. While she unzipped her boots, she thought about her conversation with Collin. What in the world was she going to do?

---