Page 107 of Forbidden Desire

I see her shoulder drop in quiet relief. “What is it then?”

“I figured out who was leaking information to the press.”

“What? Who?” she asks, her eyebrows raised.

“It was as I suspected. It was a staff member in the daycare.”

“Fucking bitch!” says Erica loudly as she shakes her head.

I try to hide my amusement at her vulgar outburst.

“Yes, well, she’s gone now.”

“Wait. R-really?” asks Erica in disbelief.

“Mhmm. That’s the meeting I was in this morning. My attorney looked into the situation and we were able to get a name. She joined us this morning and we let her know that she could be facing time for leaking confidential personal information about a minor. She’s been fired and is probably on her way out now, but not before she signed an NDA.”

I see Erica’s eyes welling up with tears as I deliver the news. I want to reach over and gently grab her hand, but I keep my hands on my lap and let her soak in this new information.

“We won’t have to worry about her anymore,” I say. “Josie is safe.”

“I-I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything. I want Josie to be safe. It kills me to know that someone who works here would ever do anything so damaging. I’m just glad that your name and hers were left out of it.”

“But what about you?” she asks.

“I’m fine. I’m old news by now.” I wave her off.

She stands slowly from the chair she’s in and I follow her lead. I come around to walk her out the door, but am surprised when she pulls me in for a hug. For a moment, I don’t know what to do with my hands because they’ve craved this. My entire body has. I give myself permission to hug her back, but gently as if she might break underneath them.

“Thank you,” she says softly. “Really.”

“Of course. Thankyoufor giving me a chance.”

She pulls away, sooner than I’d like and gives me a weak smile before turning and walking out the door. I watch her go before sitting back at my desk. I can’t believe what just happened. She’s giving me a chance to be a father to Josie. I never would have expected today to go like this.

After the stressful meeting with my attorney and former employee, my mood was anything but lifted, but now it feels likeall the pieces are falling together to form a beautiful, but still complicated picture. I should be happy, but a part of me feels like one big piece of the puzzle is still missing. Erica said I could be a part of Josie’s life, but she didn’t mention anything about being a part of hers.

Chapter 51

Erica

Iquickly pick up my clothes from my bedroom floor, tossing them into the closet and closing the door. Out of sight, out of mind. I don’t even know why I’m cleaning my bedroom right now. It’s not like Marco will be coming in here. I walk out to the living room, Josie trailing behind me, and begin straightening up. I fluff the couch cushions and fold my knit throw blanket before organizing Josie’s toys, which is useless because anything I put in the basket, she immediately takes out to play with.

Giving up, I get to my feet and put my hands on my hips. I do a slow circle as I look around the apartment. This is as good as it’s going to get. It’s no high-rise penthouse, but it’s home, and it’s about to open its doors to Marco. I don’t know why I’m so nervous. Maybe it’s because he’s never been here before, or maybe it’s because he’s coming over to try his hand at co-parenting.

My heart skips just thinking about it, and I wonder if I’m making the right choice in letting him in like I promised I would. Josie and I have been on our own for so long now, besides having my best friends. Introducing someone else into the mix feels scary. I don’t want our world to get more complicated, but I know keeping her away from Marco would only make things more complicated in the long run. I remind myself of that as I hear a soft knock at the door.

I take a deep breath and look at Josie, who is looking at the door curiously.

“I have a little surprise, lovebug…” I say warily as I walk to the door and open it to find Marco standing there holding a bottle of wine and a children’s book with penguins on the cover. He’s wearing a pair of dark wash jeans and a white t-shirt that hugs his tan arms tightly. I’m starting to like seeing him like this, out of a suit and dressed down.

“Hi,” I say, finally, remembering to speak.

“Hey.” He smiles and I wonder if he can see the way it settles over me like a warm bath.

I open the door wider and nod for him to come inside. I watch as he steps into the small entry hallway, following his gaze as he takes in my modest apartment. I don’t know why I’m suddenly insecure. Maybe it’s because he’s a billionaire and I’ve seen the inside of his place. Up until now, I’ve always thought my place was cozy, but now it feels cramped.

---