Page 86 of Undeniable Temptation

“I don’t want to be a ball and chain during any of that process. I already ruined his marriage. I won’t risk getting involved and destroying his chance at a family, too.”

“You didn’t—”

“Don’t try to argue.” Leah held up a hand, already anticipating the response. “He already admitted I was the reason his marriage ended. So there is no way I’m going to take this baby away from him, too. With me out of the picture, maybe they can make it work.”

She could sense another protest and was losing the strength to fight.

“Look, I’m not sure what the future holds. Who knows, something crazy might happen and Ryan and I might find our way back to each other. But for now, I need to sever all ties and concentrate on my job. It’s the best thing for both of us.” She straightened her shoulders, preparing to face her musicians.

“Please tell me if there’s anything I can do to help.”

“No, I’m good. I promise.” Leah yanked open the door, her step forward blocked by Ryan’s strong frame. Remorse gleamed in his eyes, freezing her in place. How long had he been standing there? What had he heard?

“I’ll give you two some privacy.” Alana squeezed past and made for the Reckless men trying to discreetly eavesdrop with their mouths shut and heads quirked toward the impending conversation.

“Ryan?”

He blinked away the deer-in-headlights expression and stepped into the space the opened door provided, giving them a modicum of privacy. “How are you holding up?” He clutched either side of the frame, his gentle voice in contrast to his now predatory stance.

“I’m taking it as it comes.”

“You’ve settled back into Wonder Woman mode?”

“I’m far from Wonder Woman.” Unless the superhero had started dropping balls left, right, and center.

“Not to me.”

She snorted. “Well…thank you. You should know that Felicity is behind you all the way, too. I called her last night to give her a heads up on the possibility of drama unfolding from the Julie camp. I didn’t give her specifics. I only made her aware she may need to pull out the no-comment card and flash it around if a storm arrives.”

“Shit.” He frowned. “I didn’t even think to call her.”

“Nobody expects you to think straight right now. This is why you need space to clear your head.” She gave a sad smile. “I also called my boss, and although he didn’t say it aloud, I know he’s disappointed in me. I should’ve had the situation with Grander settled already. Instead, I got caught up in my feelings for you and justified every reason why Bruce has the no-relationship clause in my contract.”

“But you were happy.Imade you happy.”

“And you still will. But from now on it has to be as friends.”

He flinched. “No.”

He reached for her, strong fingers scorching the burning heat of her cheek. He couldn’t do that. He couldn’t touch. Couldn’t soothe. Not anymore.

“You wanted space yesterday and I reluctantly gave it to you. But I’m not going to go back to being friends. I don’t want to be with her.”

She nodded. “I know. But would you feel the same if I hadn’t torn the two of you apart?” He opened his mouth and she continued before he could protest. “I always thought I hid my feelings. Now I realize that was a lie. I sabotaged your marriage. I made it obvious I loved you. I didn’t have to say the words. You could see it. Everyone could. And my lack of professionalism cost you dearly.”

“In all honesty, sweetheart, that’s bullshit.”

“Is it? You were madly in love with her when you first married. I remember, because I tried to deny I was jealous. And at the first sign of trouble, I jumped at the opportunity to be your confidante. I never should’ve crossed that line, because deep down, I knew what I was starting.” She grabbed his hand from her cheek and squeezed his fingers. “The truth is, if I hadn’t ruined what the two of you had, right now you’d be celebrating the news of your child. You’d be so happy, Ryan. And through the envy, I would’ve been happy for you, too.”

“I disagree. The two of us were inevitable—”

“Because of my feminine wiles and subliminal messages. How could you resist?” She chuckled through her desire to crumple. “And now you need to put all that in perspective. We have to go our separate ways so you can concentrate on the pregnancy and I can focus on Slicker to ensure the tour doesn’t get extended.”

She dropped his hand and the jovial expression to drive home her message. There was no negotiating, even though his searching gaze made her want to falter.

He nodded, slow at first, then more convincing. “I’ll do what you want, Leah. I’ll think about it. I’ll make the decision that’s best for me, and when it brings me straight back to you, will you accept that? Will you support me having a child with someone else?”

She sucked in a breath, held tight until it turned toxic. He still didn’t understand. Those gentle eyes and loving heart weren’t allowing her message to sink in. “Ryan, my support is inconsequential. We both know this will never work. Julie is only one force trying to tear us apart. My contract is the other. It’s best if you let me go and concentrate on being the father you’ve always wanted to be.”

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