Page 305 of New York Love Stories: Vol. 1

“My parents got one. The name Devreux carries weight in certain circles.”

He sips his drink, indifferent. None of that seems to impress him. It’s something I appreciate.

“Harrison?”

We both turn toward the sound of a woman calling his name. My instinct tells me to mark him, grab onto him, to do something to stake my claim. But that’s not something I need to lower myself to do. I hold the cold glass a little tighter when I see a blonde with legs hanging out of a very short skirt. It’s a skirt I would totally wear, which makes her more annoying.

Peeking over at Harrison, I’m thinking he’s caught in some fight or flight mode the way he’s eyeing the exit but knows he’s stuck with me.

She throws herself at him, at my baby daddy, hugging him as though she owns . . . or has had sex with him. I’m tempted to step away to give them privacy. Not really. It’s the jealousy I’m trying to walk away from, but that’s inside me, so yeah. Fun times.

Oohing over him, she says, “You look so good.”

“I did not expect to see you, Talon.”

Talon?I flip my hair over my shoulder and raise my chin.

She asks, “Why didn’t I call you back?”

“I guess because I never called,” he says and then smoothly takes a gulp of his drink. Yep, he’s all mine, ladies, and I can’t be more proud. “I thought you got married?”

“I was supposed to. Got to the altar when he presented a prenup, so I called it off.”

She shrugs like it is no big deal. “If he doesn’t trust me, we have nothing.”

“Agreed.”

Patting his chest, she laughs, but it’s fake as fuck. “So I was thinking we should give it another go.”

He reaches for my hand, but since I had kind of slinked away, he has to bend to get it. “This is my girlfriend. She’s having my baby. God, I can’t wait.”

I need alcohol for this. Hitting him with a glare for dragging me into this, I do what a good girlfriend would and face her with a smile. “Yep, we’re having a baby together. I mean, the sex is fantastic, so go me. I don’t need him for the money though, but I’m glad he’s loaded.” Poking her with my elbow, I continue, “Loaded.Wink. Wink. Nudge. Nudge.If you know what I mean. This baby didn’t happen magically.”

“I’m gonna go,” she says, scrunching her nose and looking at me like I’m a lunatic.

Whatever gets the job done is what I always say. Not sure what worked, but something in there got her to leave him alone. I take a long sip of my bubbly water, looking at him innocently. When I swallow, I then say, “She sure left in a hurry.”

“Wonder why?” His sarcasm drips as his arm comes around me, and he kisses my head.

“I didn’t get a name in that introduction, just that I’m your girlfriend and your baby mama.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t think it mattered since I have no intention of ever seeing her again. Her name is Talon. She’s a flight attendant.”

“And you’ve had sex with her?”

A cocked eyebrow highlights his wide eyes. “Is that something you really want to know?”

“I already know, or you would have denied it. Since you didn’t, I guess I got my answer.”

We’re close to fighting over this, and that’s not something I want to do tonight or ever when other women are involved. We’re together, or we’re not. There’s not going to be an in-between. But I was privy to him handling that situation, and I can’t reason myself into being mad.

I take his hand and hold it proudly. I’m just about to tell him how I really feel, not about that woman, but about him, those three words that I haven’t said to any man I’ve dated.

He drags his phone from his pocket, and when he checks it, he says, “Table’s ready.”

Probably best . . .

After going to the hostess stand, we’re led through the restaurant to a quieter corner. To my surprise, my parents are already seated. There have been birthdays where they have been late . . . or just not shown up. I release Harrison’s hand to greet both of them with a hug. Then turn. “This is Harrison Decker, my boyfriend. Harrison, Camille and Laurence Devreux.”

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