Page 71 of Unexpected Kisses

Hayley:Okay. Have you heard from Grandfather?

I roll my eyes.

Me:Only every single Friday for the past year

Hayley:I’m sorry you have to deal with him

Me:Me too, but I’d rather take his anger than you or Mom having to deal with it

Hayley:Love you xx

Me:Love you too xx Give Colton and Lisa a hug from me

Me:See you soon

Hayley:I will

I tuck my phone in my pocket and when I look up, my eyes instantly lock on Sarah. I feel vindicated that my gut was right, but I’m also devastated she felt the need to go to these lengths to avoid me. She hasn’t noticed me yet because she’s busy waving goodbye with a wide smile to the staff. Her gorgeous eyes are probably sparkling with happiness like they always do whenever she talks about her time cuddling the babies.

She pulls her purse strap higher over her shoulder and as she steps through the doors, she looks up. Her ever-changing eyes land on me and she freezes. The glass doors are stuck open because she’s rooted to the spot in front of the sensor.

I step forward. “Sarah.” She swallows but still doesn’t move. “How’s the conference going, Cupcake?” I take her hand in mine, linking our fingers together. “I think we need to talk.”

She blinks at me and nods slowly. I tug on her hand gently, encouraging her to move out of the doorway and she comes with me. Without words, I guide her to my Jeep, open the passenger door and help her inside, ensuring she’s safe by engaging the seatbelt. I climb in and start the engine.

“My car,” she says vacantly as we pass it on the way out of the parking lot.

“It’ll be okay here. We’ll come back later and collect it.”

She nods and we make the drive towardThe Riverside Caféthrough Saturday morning traffic in silence. Mom and Dad used to bring Hayley and me here every now and then. It’s one of the best places in the city to enjoy brunch while relaxing by the river. I thought it would be the perfect place to chat, so I booked a table.

“I’m sorry,” Sarah whispers and I nod to let her know I heard her apology, but keep my eyes forward.

I pull the Jeep into the parking lot and climb out of the car. Sarah opens her door before I can make it around to her side. Linking my fingers through hers, we make our way inside the busy café and are promptly escorted to a table with the perfect view. We place our order and the waitress leaves us alone. Sarah fidgets in her seat, glancing around the café and out of the windows which overlook the river where several kayakers are paddling, avoiding my gaze at all costs.

She’s not going to talk, so I draw in a breath, gather my thoughts, and start. I need to be soft with her. There’s no point showing her how upset and hurt I am because she’ll clam up. “Want to talk about it?”

Her eyes drop to the table where she’s tracing the wood-grain pattern. “I needed some space.”

I nod. “I figured as much.”

“How did you know?” She finally looks at me, her eyes wary.

I reach across the table and take her hand, linking my fingers through hers. Her touch settles me somewhat. “I know you. Well, the parts you let me see and the parts I’ve observed.” She nods. “Talk to me, Cupcake.”

She slumps and blows out a breath as she glances out across the river. Keeping her head turned away from me. I decide it’s best if I wait her out. “I … I don’t know where to start.”

The waitress delivers our food and I release Sarah’s hand so she can eat. She looks down at her plate but makes no move to pick up her cutlery. “Eat,” I point to her food with my fork. We’re quiet for a few minutes. She needs the time to gather her thoughts and I need to give her that even though every cell in my body is demanding answers. My need to understand wins out.

“Can you explain why you felt the need to lie to me?”

“I needed the space. It’s a little embarrassing,” she mumbles the last part as she scrunches up her face adorably.

“You don’t need to be embarrassed with me. I won’t judge you.”

She’s quiet for long moments and then she huffs, sadness oozing from her. “The thing is, I’ve broken our agreement. I know our arrangement is only meant to involve you being my donor to get me pregnant, but I’ve grown to like you.” Well, this is a step forward. I work to keep my expression blank because I want her to keep talking. My eyes drop to her throat as she swallows. “I like you more than I should and there’s something else,” she rushes to add, so I nod for her to continue. She swallows again and licks her lips. The lips I want to taste properly; take my time with and devour repeatedly. I watch her closely as she drops her eyes to the table. “I … uh … have a habit of confusing sex with love,” she whispers in a rush. I’m pretty sure my eyebrows jump to my hairline. “So you can see my dilemma. Especially now you have someone you’re interested in pursuing.”

“You’re going to need to explain this dilemma to me, Sarah. Because I don’t see the problem here.”

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