Page 25 of Baby Contract

Chapter Sixteen

ADDISON

Istare into Carr’s eyes, wanting to believe him so badly. I have to fight back tears. The last thing I want to do is cry in front of everyone. The Yamamotos have been so lovely. I feel like a jerk for lying to them, and if it weren't for what happened with Robert today, I might have actually believed our story.

I wanted it to be true. That there really was something real happening between the two of us. There were a few times that I had forgotten about everything and got caught up in the moment.

“How can you say that?” I can’t hear the L word come from his lips right now. I’m barely hanging on.

“How can I not? You and Violet are my whole world now.” I don’t know what to make of this. There is no need for him to lie. He already blew the plan up. That had to mean something, right?

Unless he’s still trying to get into my pants and feels like I’ve been indifferent to him most of the evening and is trying to turn it back around. But that sounds stupid. Who would jeopardize a deal they've been working on, which I assume is worth millions, for sex? I don’t think sex is hard for Carr to get if he wants it.

“Robert came to our hotel today.” What is there to really lose at this point? It feels like I’ve already lost everything. I was trying to fight my feelings for Carr, but after he pulled out those papers for me to sign, I knew it was too late. I’d already fallen hard for him.

Plus, Robert will be getting this deal if Carr has already taken himself out of the running. What would he gain from this? I might as well lay everything out on the line. There is no reason for Robert to blackmail me now.

“What?” Carr grits out. I hold Violet closer to my chest. I could be losing her too.

“Robert Remington?” Mr. Yamamoto asks. I’d forgotten he was still standing there. We’re in the entryway of their home.

“Yes, he said something that was very upsetting.” Heat rushes to my cheeks. I really don’t want to talk about sex in front of the Yamamotos.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Should we maybe—?” I glance toward the double doors, trying to signal that we should go.

"Did what Robert have to say have to do with our business dealings?" Mr. Yamamoto asks, stepping closer.

"Kinda." I mean he is basically blackmailing me for something I haven't even done. But I knew deep down it was going to happen. At least before he showed up at my hotel door.

"Anything that man tells you is bullshit. He's a prick and a sleazebag," Carr says. I can tell he’sreallypissed off. He doesn’t even care that he’s talking like this in front of the Yamamotos.

"I didn't believe him at first.”

"And now you do?" Carr jerks back like my words have smacked him in the face.

A sense of guilt immediately fills me as I stare at Carr’s hurt expression. That’s something you can’t fake.

“I didn’t say that.” My thoughts are so damn scattered at the moment. There are so many things I want to say, but I really don’t want to have this all play out in front of an audience. Carr runs his hand through his hair, taking a breath. I can tell he is trying to temper his anger.

“Then, what?” he pushes, and the dam breaks. I blurt it all out, telling them everything that Robert said. It’s not as though I’ll see the Yamamotos again. So I let all the details come out.

“That motherfucker,” Carr growls.

“I was the one who asked for the nondisclosure agreement.” Mrs. Yamamoto steps forward. “I ask it of anyone who comes into our home when children will be present. It’s to protect them.”

“Oh gosh, I’m so sorry.” I’m not sure who I’m speaking to, the Yamamotos or Carr. I suppose both of them.

“Thank you for dinner,” Carr tells them. “We need to be going.” His hand goes to my back as he opens the door for me.

“Thank you,” I tell them again, stepping outside.

“McRae,” Mr. Yamamoto calls.

“Not right now.” He cuts him off. This deal is more than dead.

“Understandable.” Mr. Yamamoto nods before closing the door.

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