Page 37 of Knight

“Harmless? I almost got pregnant just watching you guys.”

“Cassandra! Enough! Why don’t you leave for San Francisco tonight?” She blows me a kiss. The girls are all giggling.

I turn back to them. “You guys don’t have to come. I can tell him you’re not ready for it yet.”

Harley smiles. “Mom, we saw him naked in bed with you, holding onto your boobs like a toddler holds their blankie. It’s fine. We’re happy to go over there. I met him. He couldn’t have been nicer. I’m sure his sons are too.”

“Thanks, Harley. I actually met one of them on Saturday morning. He seemed very nice.”

Cassandra giggles. “Tell them how you met him.”

“Cassandra, you’re really cruising for it. I’m not telling you anything ever again.”

“Oh please. You love it. They’re not babies anymore, Dare. Just be happy that I didn’t tell them what you did in the limo the night before.” I kick her under the table.

Reagan is laughing. “Ooh. Tell us everything.”

“No. Only that I met one of his sons in a similar fashion to how Harley met Jackson.”

“Sleeping with his hands on your boobs?”

“Notexactlylike how Harley met Jackson, but close enough.”

“Jesus, Dare. Just tell them. Your mom woke up naked on top of Jackson. She didn’t realize his son was in the room and she started to go down on him. Jackson put a stop to it before it got too far, but the damage was done.” The girls explode with laughter. My face must be beet red.

“Cass, you are officially forever disinvited to our family dinners.”

“Pft. Never. It would be boring without me. I’m the entertainment.” This is true. She’s the entertainment.

“We’re good, Mom. It will be fun. I always wanted brothers,” Reagan adds.

“There will be no brothers. Just a nice dinner.” They all simply smirk at me.

* * *

JACKSON

It’s Monday morning. I had the best weekend with Darian. I can’t stop thinking about her. She’s just so amazing.

Payton is at Abelson’s office finalizing the paperwork. I guess I’m on my own for lunch today. I’ve come to enjoy my daily lunches with Payton.

It’s nearly noon when Donna buzzes into my office. “Mr. Knight, there’s averyattractiveDarian Lawrence here see you.” Darian’s here? In my office?

“Thanks, Donna. I’ll be right out.” I walk out into the reception area, and sure enough, my beautiful girl is there.

She’s in a long, nice, buttoned-up jacket that goes past her knees with sky-high stiletto heels. She must be in court today, or perhaps meeting with a client. She looks gorgeous.

Donna has the biggest grin on her face that I’ve ever seen from her. I immediately go to kiss Darian on the cheek. “What a pleasant surprise. What are you doing here?”

She smiles. “I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d bring you some lunch.” She holds up a bag that looks like it has a few boxes in it.

“Wonderful. Thank you. Perfect timing. I’m happy you came by.” I rub her cheek with my thumb and stare at her for a moment too long. I can’t help myself.

“Ahem, ahem,” Donna interrupts.

“Excuse me. I’m so sorry. Darian Lawrence, please meet Donna Reddick. Donna, this is Darian.”

“So nice to meet you, Darian.” They shake hands. “You’re very pretty, dear.”

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