Page 12 of The Baby Twist
“Are you serious right now?”
“Yes. I’m dead serious. We slept together, I’m very wealthy, and you see it as your opportunity to pin it on me for some quick rich scheme.”
Jenna
I stared blankly at him because I was in a state of shock at his words.
“You think I want any of your money?”
“Why else would you come here and tell me this?”
“Because you’re this baby’s father. I want nothing from you, Lucas. I don’t even want you to be a part of the kid’s life. I only came here because I need a place to stay for a few days until I can figure things out.”
“And what happened to your apartment?”
“I had to leave because they’re being turned into condos, and I didn’t have the money they wanted to buy it. According to them, if you don’t buy, then get out.”
“Surely you have money saved. Why wouldn’t you go to a hotel? Better yet, what about that best friend of yours?”
“You know what?” I got up from the floor and threw the scotch-soaked paper towel in the garbage. “I’m sorry that I bothered you with this. And shame on me for giving you enough credit for thinking that you were a semi-decent human being that I could count on for a few days. I won’t bother you again.” I grabbed my purse and my bags and rolled them to the elevator. As soon as the doors opened, I stepped inside and frantically pressed the button to the lobby.
I was so angry that I couldn’t see straight. How dare he!
“Are you okay, Miss Larson?” Russell asked.
“No. I’m not. But I will be, Russell. Thank you for asking.”
“May I help you with your bags?”
“No. I’ve got it.” I gave him a fragile smile.
“JENNA, WAIT!” I heard Lucas yell.
“Leave me alone, Lucas. You said what you had to, and I’m leaving. You’ll never hear from me again. That I can promise you.”
By this time, the people in the lobby and the workers were staring at us as I exited through the doors.
“Just stop, for fuck’s sake.” He grabbed my arm, causing a scene on the street. “Come back up to the penthouse. You can stay tonight, but I can’t discuss anything. I have this project I’m working on, and I must complete it.”
I stared into his deep brown eyes.
“I’d rather sleep on a bench in Central Park than stay in your penthouse.”
“Well, too bad. You’re not sleeping on a bench in Central Park.” He grabbed one of my suitcases and headed back into the building.
“Give me my suitcase back!” I ran after him, tripped over the threshold of the lobby doors, and fell.
“Oh my gosh, Miss Larson.” Russell ran over to me.
“Are you okay?” Lucas dashed over and knelt next to me.
“Besides being completely humiliated? I’m fine.” But I wasn’t so sure about that.
Lucas grabbed a hold of my hand and tried to help me up. When I put pressure on my right foot, I screamed and fell back down.
“Let me take a look,” Lucas said as he lifted my pant leg and removed my shoe. “Shit. You need to go to the hospital. It may be broken.”
“Broken? Oh, hell no. I’ll be fine. Just take me upstairs. Please. I just need ice.”
