Page 63 of Reconcile

I place my feet on the ground. “No. I didn’t think she’d run away from me though.”

“Why wouldn’t she?”

I stand up. “I have to go to work.”

He follows me to the door. “Relax, man. I’m on your side. I’m just saying what you did to her... It was fucking vile. Of course she’s questioning herself after letting you in her panties. I mean, she’d be crazy not to.”

“I’ve changed.” I hate how pathetic I sound.

He places a hand on my shoulder. “I know you have. And she does too. But you owe her at least one freak-out.”

I know he’s right. “Thanks for watching Audrey.”

“No problem, man.”

We don’t say anything else because, let’s face it, that was enough of that shit. I head to work, knowing damn well where my mind will be all damn day.

I hope she can see that I really have changed.

38

PIPER

“Hey, are you heading out?” I stop, my emotions so damn high that just the sound of a Ross’s deep voice has me on high alert. But at least it’s Cole and not either of the other two.

I turn around and nod, my bottom lip becoming the victim of my teeth gnawing on it. “Yes.” I’ve been a mess all day, and I know I need to talk this out with someone. That someone is definitely not Cole. But still, I have to wonder. “Do you know too?”

His perfect eyebrow arches in question. “Know what?”

“About my daughter.”

His confusion seems earnest, but I don’t trust him completely. “You have a daughter?”

I nod once, not moving any other part of my body. “I do. And Spencer knew. How did you not know?”

He scoffs. “I don’t really make a practice of digging into my employees’ business. Not like Spence. He knew?”

“Yes.” I fold my arms under my breasts, untrusting and unsure. Shaken up by last night’s events. I had sex with Sawyer. Sex I wanted. Sex I initiated. Sex I loved. “He didn’t tell you either.”

It’s not really a question, and why I’m ever surprised by Spencer’s actions I’m really not sure. “No.” Recognition must hit. “This daughter of yours... She’s Sawyer’s?”

My head moves in a clipped nod. “Yes. Audrey.”

A small grin forms on Cole’s lips before he wipes it away and adopts a more serious expression. “Sawyer is a father.”

“A good one. Truly.”

Another small smile. “So, when do I get to meet my niece? She might like her cousins.”

I never thought about that. I never let myself think about the fact that Cole has children who could be part of Audrey’s life. “I’m not sure I’m ready for all that. I’ve barely let Sawyer in.”

He studies me carefully. “I understand that. Our kids...” He smiles. “They’re our everything. Just know that you’re family. Your kid has Ross blood.”

“Something that mostly only serves to scare me.”

“We aren’t all bad, Piper.”

Deep down, I know that Cole is mostly good, and so is Sawyer. But still, every instinct has told me to keep Audrey far away from anyone she shares blood with. As if that will somehow keep her heart pure. “I know. Thank you, Cole.”

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