Page 11 of Bad Boy Billionaire and the Single Mom

My heart quickens its pace. A mix of fear and anticipation churns in the pit of my stomach as I imagine what could happen if I let it. But I know I can’t do it. Annoyance prickles beneath my skin, my defenses rising instinctively to protect the fragile emotions I hide. It bothers me that Olivia assumes to know what’s best for me. I clench my fists, struggling to contain the frustration simmering within me.

“You don’t know that.”

“I know you’re miserable,” she bites back at me.

With a sudden surge of energy, I rise from my seat, the tension in the room palpable. Our gazes lock, a silent battle of wills and differing perspectives. Olivia’s unwavering determination clashes with my stubborn resistance, threatening to ignite a storm of emotions that I’m not ready to confront.

“I’m sorry, but this is not your business, Olivia,” I snap, my voice sharp and biting. “I don’t need you interfering in my private life.”

“But you live with me, Blake,” she argues, the pain seeping into her voice. “How can I not be involved in your personal life? You need help. You admitted it yourself, you’re—”

“Stop it. I can’t.”

“You deserve to be happy,” she insists.

“It’s too soon to even consider moving on!” I shout, the words are loud and sharp.

“Just drop it!”

Ashamed, I turn on my heel, frustration propelling my strides as I storm upstairs, seeking solace in the confines of my own space. When I get to the hall, Ethan peers around his bedroom door. Sensing that I’m angry, he runs to me and puts his small hand around mine, gripping tightly. He is my anchor, my reason to keep pushing forward even in the face of inner turmoil. I pick him up and then take him to my room, closing the door behind us. I want to shut the entire world out. I take a deep breath, attempting to calm the storm of emotions swirling within me. I can’t let Olivia’s words shake me. This is my journey, my heart, and I know what’s best for myself.

With Ethan by my side, I sit on the edge of my bed, his innocent presence a soothing balm to my troubled soul. I stroke his hair gently, finding solace in the unconditional love between a father and his son. Ethan’s presence serves as a reminder of the responsibilities and joys that come with parenthood.

“I’m okay,” I tell him. “I’m not fighting with Livy. Daddy just misses Mommy, okay? I know you understand. I bet you miss her all the time.” I sniffle and I realize that I’m crying. I swipe at my face.

I know I’m a mess. My heart begins to crumble. I try to squash down everything that I’ve felt this week with Lily—the companionship, the affection, attraction, and the pride. Everything feels so out of control, and I can’t get a handle on any of it.

Chapter 7

Lily

Istepthroughmyfront door, my heart still racing from the encounter with Blake. The air feels charged with excitement and confusion, leaving me in a state of emotional turmoil. My mind replays the moments we’ve spent together, his gaze lingering on me, as we chatted in the car on the way home. Teenage me would be squealing right now, but I know I must hold it together. This man is my boss for goodness sake. I find myself unsure of how to navigate these newfound emotions. I should get a grip on myself.

“Right, bedtime, honey,” I say.

At the words, Emma screams and runs in the opposite direction. I sigh, amused. Some things never change. Thankfully, Olivia has already dressed her in her pajamas for me. I run after her and then grab her around the middle, marching upstairs with her as she giggles and wiggles in my grip.

“No teeths!” she says.

“Yes, teeth,” I tell her softly. “You’ve got to keep them nice and shiny!”

Thankfully, she doesn’t put up too much of a fight with her bedtime ritual, and eventually, I manage to wrangle Emma into her bedroom. However, my attempts to coax her into the bed are met with playful resistance. She’s still bouncing around. She runs to grab her teddies from her toy box, picking whom she wants to sleep with tonight.

“Just pick one,” I tell her.

“No, three,” she insists.

“Come on, sweetheart,” I say gently, trying to hide the exhaustion in my voice.

“It’s time for bed now.”

Emma looks up at me, her big, innocent eyes sparkling with mischief. But Mommy, I don’t want to go to bed yet. I’m not tired!”

A small smile tugs at the corners of my lips as I crouch down to her level.

“I know, sweetheart. You had a great time today with Livy and Ethan, didn’t you?”

“And Ethan’s Daddy,” she says.

---