Page 136 of Fiery Romance

My heart slams against my ribs.

I squirm in my seat, wishing I’d told Byron upfront that I wasn’t feeling well and that I wanted to go home immediately.

It doesn’t seem fair to run out though, especially since I’m wasting his time. The least he can get out of it is a free meal and a dessert.

I force myself to remain in place. “It depends on the guy and the kids.”

His attention snags on something behind me and his expression softens. “Aw. How about a kid like that?”

I turn and see Regan traipsing toward our table with a plate of chocolate cake. Clay’s behind her, watching every step she makes but letting her take the spotlight.

My eyes jump to him and I recall the shockwaves that ran through my body when he touched me. It feels like someone has their hand around my throat.

“Here you go,” Regan says, sliding the plate on the table.

“Thank you,” Byron coos.

I can’t speak so I only nod my thanks.

“Are you the chef’s daughter?” Byron asks.

“No, I’mhisdaughter!” Regan points out Clay.

Byron’s eyebrows jump.

Clay doesn’t look at me. When Regan runs back to him, he scoops her in his arms.

I expect him to stalk off, but he lingers long enough to say, “Regan really wanted to serve something. It’s past her bedtime, so we’re leaving now.”

That’s it.

He walks away.

I open my mouth to call him back, but my voice is gone.

He and Regan disappear into the kitchen. They’re probably leaving through a back exit. My heart is thundering and I feel like bursting into tears. Why is this so complicated?

Byron leans toward me. “You saw that, right?” He shakes his head and takes a bite of his chocolate cake. “White people and their savior complex.”

I stiffen. “Excuse me?”

“The kid was black and he was white.” He laughs at me. “Did you think they were actually related?”

“Of course they’re actually related.”

“You can’t have seen what I saw.”

“I saw a father and a daughter,” I say tightly.

He senses the tension in my words and sets his spoon down. “Whoa, don’t get angry.”

“Don’t say ignorant things and then I won’t have to get angry.”

He chuckles. “Sorry, Island. Geez. I don’t think anything’s wrong with adopting black kids either.”

“Then why did you throw shade at him?”

“I just assumed you’d be one of those black women.”

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