Page 25 of The Grumpy Billionaire Baby Daddy

"Eva. Drop it."

She sucks her teeth and looks away as the waiter returns with two trays. The smell of Eva's chicken dumplings and Thai coconut soup leaves a sour taste in my mouth. I pick up my smoothie and gulp it, desperate to escape the Thai food smell.

The silence between us forms a gulf that’s comforting for me in the moment.

"It’s time for us to talk about this. Do you even have plans for us to get married?”

I almost don't hear it, I'm lost deep in thought, but her sharp tone snaps me back to reality, and my blood boils.

I push my seat back and stand.

"Where are you going?"

"Home. You're obviously not interested in a peaceful date, and the Thai food’s making me nauseous."

I avoid her gaze and turn around, making for the door.

"Jason, you're going to walk out on me?"

Her voice fills the entire restaurant, and all eyes are now on us but I refuse to pay her any mind.

"Jason!"

I storm out of Emporium Thai and climb into my car, eager to distance myself from the heated confrontation with Eva. Pummeling the steering wheel isn't my usual pastime, but the seething anger inside me demands release. A few minutes later, I pull over in front of a mall, taking deep breaths to calm myself down. The streets of LA are still buzzing with activity, even at this hour-09:00 pm. Images of Fiona flit through my mind, and I wonder what she's up to right now. But then, the image of Eva's angry face creeps in, reminding me of the complicated mess that I'm in. I hit the steering wheel once again, and the blaring sound of the horn startles me. I shake my head, realizing how close I am to losing my composure. My stomach growls, and I realize that I haven't eaten a proper meal all evening. With a sigh, I start the engine and head home, passing by several raucous clubs blaring music and hosting inebriated patrons. In one of the clubs, I spot a couple making out in a dimly lit corner, and I roll my eyes in exasperation.

Get a room, y'all. Jeez.

A man on the other end of the street walks his dog on a leash. It's a beautiful Dalmatian. I want a Dalmatian so bad. I get carried away with the dog and almost run into a cycler.

"Shit! Sorry!"

Finally, I swerve into my street, and in no time, I'm home. No barks come from Tex. I walk to his kernel in search of him.

"Buddy? Are you in here?"

It's empty. I frown. That's odd. I enter the house, and two voices are in the living room. Wait, three - Tex is barking. I walk past the lobby, throw my keys on the console table, and enter the living room. The sight that greets me causes my pulse to quicken with irritation. Fiona's attention is on Tex, who is perched on her lap while Richard has his arms wrapped around her. She looks up and smiles at Richard, who brings his face closer to her. For a second, I think he's going to kiss her, but he kisses Tex instead. I exhale and clear my throat. Tex is the first to see me. He barks and dashes toward me. Richard stands to his feet, along with Fiona.

"Who's a good boy!"

I rub Tex's stomach as he rolls on the floor, wagging his tail.

"Welcome," Fiona says.

My jaws tighten, and I avoid her gaze.

"Fiona wanted to play with Tex. I took him out of the kernel for her. He loved her instantly. You should've seen him."

I smile at Richard.

"Can you please help me take him back? I'm exhausted."

I give Fiona a slight nod and walk up the staircase, unclenching my fists. Richard just met her; why's he all over her like that? Why'd she let him touch her? Are sparks flying between them? The thought speeds up my heartbeat, and I climb onto my bed.

What's wrong with me?

Chapter 9

Fiona

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