Page 19 of Dancing in the Rain

“That’s pretty cynical.”

“It’s realistic,” he said shortly. “It’s why I was skeptical when Sara first approached me. I didn’t even remember her. It’s why I expected that she wanted something. It’s why I insisted on a DNA test, and when it turned out I am Chloe’s father, I’ll be honest—I still expected that Sara wanted something. I wanted to know as much as I could about her and her situation.”

“I understand that,” Peyton said slowly. “I guess I hadn’t thought about this from your perspective. So all those questions you were asking…you already knew the answers.”

“Some of them,” he admitted. “And since we’re being honest here, I’ll also tell you that I’ve consulted a lawyer.”

She blinked. “What for?”

“Just checking some things out. One of my friends told me about someone he knew who found out he had a five-year-old son. The mother sued him for child support for the past five years.”

Her mouth dropped open. “For a child he didn’t even know about?”

“Yep. Apparently laws differ from state to state, but here in Illinois she wouldn’t likely win that.”

Peyton’s face now wore that pinched expression she’d worn when she answered the door.

“You look pissed,” he said bluntly.

She drew in a long breath and sighed. “You’re right. I have no right to be pissed. I’m a very pragmatic person. But I hate the thought that someone thinks Sara would do something like that. She’s fiercely independent and determined. Even if she was financially destitute, I doubt she’d try to get anything from you.”

“I’m getting that,” he agreed dryly. “Look, this is a weird situation. I know there are a lot of emotions involved, and a child meeting the father she never knew should be all sweet and joyful. But the reality is, I don’t feel sweet and joyful about it.”

“How do you feel?”

He had to think about that. “I’m honestly not sure,” he finally said. “Things haven’t exactly been going well for me lately, and I really didn’t need another huge complication in my life.”

“I’m sorry that you see Chloe as a complication.”

She didn’t say it in a bitchy, snippy tone. She said it calmly and sincerely.

“I’m sorry, too,” he acknowledged. “And the last thing I want is forChloeto feel like I see her as a complication. So this is tough. But I also have to admit I’m curious and also pretty fucking terrified, which is something I’m not used to feeling.”

She studied him, looked away for a long moment, then back at him. “Thank you for being honest.”

He lifted his chin.

“I better check on Sara.” She pushed away from the counter and walked past him into the dining room.

He followed along behind. Jesus. This was so fucked up.

“Hey, sis.” Peyton bent over Sara in the recliner. “You awake?”

“Yeah. Sorry, I fell asleep.”

“That’s okay. Drew and I were chatting in the kitchen.”

“I should be going,” he said quietly. “I’m sure this is tiring for you.”

“Wait,” Sara said. “There are a few more things we need to discuss.”

He took his seat on the couch again and leaned forward. “Like what?”

“I want you to know what I’ve told Chloe about you.”

“Oh.”

“I mean, before we knew who you were. I told her the truth about us—that I met you at a party, we had sex one time, and she was the result.”

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