Page 59 of Reed

“Do we really have to go to court?” Kimmy nibbles on her lip.

I cover her hand with mine. “No, hun, we don’t.”

Relief floods her face, and I understand more than anyone could ever know.

“It’s just a phrase we use, these documents that I’m creating”—I point to the paperwork—“will protect you and your baby’s identity. I will present them to the courts. In-between time I’m working on moving you to another state.” I bend down and grab the file from out of my briefcase, ignoring the shooting pain that lances across my stomach. “I’ve already started making inquiries.”

Her face lights up, and I smile back at her just as broadly.

“You can have a fresh start, you and this little one.” I tap the buggy next to her.

Tears swim in her eyes, and her bottom lip wobbles, then she throws her arms around me, knocking me back into my chair. “Thank you, Gia. I know you’ve been through a lot too, but thank you for everything you do for us.”

A throat clears from behind us, and we both freeze. “I’m sorry to interrupt.” Reed’s guilty face comes into view. “I knocked.” He holds his hand out toward the door.

I quickly scan him, knowing he wouldn’t interrupt a meeting for no reason. He of all people knows the importance of confidentiality. “Is everything okay?”

He shifts from foot to foot, then drags his hand over his head. “Everything’s fine. I just had a little altercation with the coach.” He holds his bloodied hands up.

My eyes bulge. “Altercation?”

Kimmy leans back in her chair and watches the exchange with amusement.

“I don’t like how he speaks to Bryce.” He shrugs, and my jaw drops open. His eyes flare with desire, and when I roll my lip into my mouth and my tongue darts out to moisten it, the air thickens between us.

“Do you need me for anything else?” Kimmy asks, and I’m snapped out of my daze.

My cheeks redden as I realize she witnessed the change in the atmosphere, and I dart my eyes away from hers. “No, hun. We’re done for today.”

She gets to her feet and brushes her hands down her diner apron. “Well, thank you for working later today, it saved me having to swap my shift.”

“You’re welcome.” I begin to pack up the files.

“It was nice to meet you again, Mr. Johnson.”

“You too.” He smiles at her tightly when she passes him, then heads out of the door.

“You interrupted a meeting, Reed.” I lift an eyebrow toward him, and he steps toward me. “It was very rude,” I chastise with a playful tone.

“It’s because I want to do rude things to you.” He grins at me wolfishly, then places his hands on my hips as he draws his lips to mine.

I pull back quickly, already intoxicated by his presence. “Where’s Bryce?”

“Tyson has him. I dropped him off at home.”

The way he says home makes my stomach flutter with a thousand butterflies, despite knowing it was simply a slip of his tongue.

He kisses me again, but this time hard, and his fingers tug and tangle in my hair, holding my head in place as he devours me. “Fuck, I missed you.”

I tilt my head to stare up at him. “You saw me earlier today.”

He shakes his head with a bemused expression. “I know, it’s ridiculous. But I’m addicted to you.”

I chew on my bottom lip, magnetized by his admission and the way he stares into my eyes as if I’m his entire world. His universe.

Then he grinds his solid cock against me, and I whimper, with my nipples pebbling against my white blouse. “Are your nipples leaking for me to suck on, Gia?”

My throat becomes dry as I contemplate his words. “I…I…”

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