Page 98 of Seductive Scoundrel

“The same reason you came to Kansas. You knew that I needed you.” I pull back just enough to make eye contact. “I love you with all of my heart, please, let me be here for you now.” Lightly, I run my fingertips along the side of his face.

“She lied to me. She lied to my dad. You know how I feel about liars.” His eyes harden and he tries to shift away, but I don’t let him. I hold tighter.

“Everything in the world can’t fit into one of your convenient boxes. People make mistakes, and sometimes they deserve a second chance. Or even a third chance, in my case,” I add, giving him a half-grin.

“Bianca told me what Dexter Senior said about your mom and why she was with him. She was desperate to have a baby. Did she go about it in the right way? Probably not, but I’m sure neither her nor your dad – that’s right, your real dad, not Dexter Senior,” I emphasize, “regret having you. From what I understand, having you saved their marriage.”

Dean’s face twists in anger. “My dad never knew. He’s been living a lie.”

“Do you know that for certain?”

“What are you talking about?” he snaps, but I don’t take it personally. The man’s just had his life turned upside down.

“You and Dex look like brothers. The resemblance is uncanny. I always thought Dex seemed familiar, but I couldn’t figure out why. I assumed it was just from seeing him in the papers, but it was from spending so much time with you.

“I haven’t met Dexter Senior, but you must look an awful lot like him. You also sent me family pictures. You look nothing like your dad and only a bit like your mom.” I scrunch my nose. “Do you honestly think your dad never noticed?”

Dean’s mouth opens, then closes, then opens again, but no sound comes out.

“Maybe you should talk to your parents. Your mom, at least. Ask her what happened. If your dad knows,” I suggest, desperate to help ease the pain from Dean’s face.

“I already spoke to her. Dad knows nothing. She cheated on him,” Dean replies, the pain transforming into anger. He gently pushes me away, and then strides towards the window, staring out at the ocean.

“She said that?” I confirm, following him.

“More or less. We’re taking a DNA test today. Then I’ll have proof. She won’t be able to lie anymore.”

We stand, staring at the waves crashing against the sandy beach. I want to say something comforting, but I have no idea how to make him feel better. Although I’ve been through some shitty things, especially with Kyle, I’ve always had my family’s support. I can’t imagine losing them as my anchor through life’s storms.

“I’m losing everyone I love,” Dean says quietly, his eyes never leaving the window. I’m not sure if he’s talking to himself or me.

“It doesn’t have to be that way. You’re incredibly smart when it comes to business, but people aren’t companies that can be bought and sold, then forgotten about. They aren’t replaceable. They aren’t flawless. You need to learn to forgive or youwilllose everyone.”

Slowly, he turns towards me, his eyes sweeping over my face. “Mia, I –”

We both jump as his cell rings.

He pulls it out of his pocket, staring at the screen. “It’s my dad.”

“I’ll go down to the lobby and give you some privacy. Just call if – hopefully, when – you want me to come back.”

Dean takes my hand and then taps his phone. “Hi, Dad.” He pauses and listens for what feels like an eternity. “Okay, I won’t do anything yet. We’ll get together as soon as I get back. I love you too.”

After he hangs up, we stand in silence for a moment with our hands entwined.

“Mom talked to him after I called. He wants me to wait on getting the DNA test results until we talk in person.”

“That sounds reasonable. It’s a lot to digest, and you don’t want to do anything rash.”

“He’s the best. I just hope that when the results come back, nothing changes. You should have heard his voice. He’s crushed.”

“Nothing will change your relationship with him. Dexter Senior can’t take that away.”

He gives me a half-smile. “When I was sixteen, I crashed the sports car he’d spent years saving for.”

“Really?”

“Yup,” he says with a shrug. “He wasn’t even mad. He was only worried about my safety. That’s the kind of man my father is. I made it up to him by buying him a Bugatti when I graduated college. I’d like you to meet him.”

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