Page 12 of Stone's Promise

Instead, I forced a small smile. “I’m happy for Oliver.” I changed the subject quickly. “He’ll probably never go to sleep now.”

As I moved to clear away the last of the cookie crumbs, I found my gaze drifting toward the window. The street was empty, Cody’s truck long gone.

I knew I’d be up for a while... thinking about him anyway.

Chapter Four

EMILY

The next evening, I was running late.

I hated running late. It made me feel flustered, like I was already losing control of a situation before I even stepped into it. When the situation involved Trey, it was even worse.

After dropping Oliver off at the sitter’s, I drove across town, gripping the wheel a little too tightly. I hadn’t seen Trey in months. He never called. And now, suddenly, he wanted to talk about Oliver? I should’ve been used to his unpredictability by now, but it never stopped being frustrating.

When I pulled up to the restaurant, my irritation doubled. It was one of his places, overpriced and pretentious. The kinds of spots Trey loved had menus that read like an art exhibit instead of actual food.

The hostess barely looked at me as she led me through the restaurant, her expression cool and vaguely judgmental, as if she could tell I’d rather be anywhere else.

Then I spotted Trey.

He was already seated at the table, casually flipping through the menu with one hand while his other hand rested near his half-finished martini. The crystal-clear liquid gleamed under the low lights, and his Rolex flashed as he turned his wrist to glance at the time.

When I slid into my seat, he didn’t offer a greeting. He tossed out a question, sharp and clipped. “Where’s Oliver?”

I reached for my water as the waiter filled my glass. “With the sitter.”

Trey frowned. “You’d rather leave him with a babysitter than let him see his dad?”

I took a slow sip, willing myself to stay calm. “You said you wanted to talk about him. I’m not going to let him hear us work out visitation.”As if you ever come around anyway.

He set the menu down. “It’s time you let me spend more time with my son.”

I exhaled, already exhausted. “I never stopped you. You’re always on some big business trip halfway around the world. I didn’t even know you were back in town until I heard people whispering about it in the hallway at work.”

“I was going to call you,” he said, dismissive. “I had to take care of some things.”

My brows drew together. “What’s more important than your son that you claim you want to see?”

His lips thinned. “Hey, I don’t need that. We both know your little job at City Hall doesn’t begin to provide him with the life I can.”

My fingers tightened around my glass, my appetite vanishing. “I don’t want to go back and forth with you. We did that years ago. If you want to be in Oliver’s life, let me know so we can be good co-parents.”

Before he could respond, a waiter arrived, setting down a plate of appetizers. Trey immediately helped himself, not even bothering to offer me any.

Between bites, he said, “I’m taking him to the Kentucky Derby in a couple of weeks. And don’t worry, we’ll be back in plenty of time for your Fun Day.”

“Family Day.”

The idea of Trey whisking Oliver away on an out-of-state trip didn’t sit well with me, but I had to be fair. “Just... please make it a father-son thing. No flashy parties, no women.”

“You got it. But you’re the one going around town with flashy athletes.” He leaned back, swirling the last of his martini. “I saw you and Stone’s picture all over that comedy club’s social media.” He angled his head. “It’s not a good look.”

I stiffened. “Cody is—”

Trey downed the rest of his drink, a drop slipping down his chin. “I don’t know what you and that guy got going on, but make sure my son isn’t part of it.”

I took a steady breath, forcing myself to stay civil. “I heard you out, Trey. Just like always, I put Oliver first. That hasn’t changed.” I pushed my empty plate aside, no longer in the mood to order dinner. “I need to get home. It’s been a long day.”

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