Page 41 of Silver Fox's Secret Baby

“Henry will be a good one.” I swallowed the ever present guilt about Pax. “I guess he’s okay now with you and Alex... I mean, Alex was his friend.”

Victoria rolled her eyes. “It still bugs him. He can’t stop thinking of Alex as he a horny twenty-year-old.” She sighed. “I do see that it’s weird, though. I’d probably have a hard time if my child slept with my friend.”

What if your friend slept with your father?

“Anyway, speaking of kids, my dad has been enjoying having Pax around."

“He’s very patient.”

“He’s good with kids. I really wish he’d let himself fall in love again and have more kids. I’d have been a great big sister.”

I laughed. “True.”

“I asked him again last night about the woman he'd loved all those years ago, but he was evasive as always. I wonder what the problem was?”

I felt a pang of guilt, knowing that I was keeping such a significant secret from my best friend. "Maybe he just doesn't want to talk about it.”

"Maybe," she conceded, her brow furrowing in concern. "But why? What happened? Did she break his heart?”

I tensed, feeling defensive.

“He doesn’t seem bitter, though. Just sad.”

“Whatever the reason, it's clear that your dad's life is changing for the better. Having you, Alex, and Pax around must be good for him.” I tried to steer the conversation away from dangerous territory.

“I suppose. But he’s been working so much lately—too much, if you ask me. I think having us around helps him remember what's really important in life. Plus, I'm glad you and Pax are staying with him. He needs family right now more than ever."

Family. My heart ached that I’d never really be a part of the family.

“What about you? Are you seeing anyone?”

Henry’s kiss flashed in my mind. “Ah... no. I think my lawyer is interested, though.”

“Oh... is he nice?” Victoria’s eyes glittered with intrigue.

“I suppose. I don’t feel attracted to him, though.”

"Have you ever been in love, Samantha?" Victoria asked, catching me off guard. Her eyes were searching mine for an answer, not realizing the weight of her question.

"Um... yes," I admitted hesitantly, my mind flashing back to those stolen moments with Henry all those years ago. "But it was complicated."

"Love always is. I just hope that one day, you and my dad will find someone who makes you as happy as Alex makes me."

I wondered what she’d say if I told her the truth. That I had loved her father. Had borne his child. And even now, after what he’d done five years ago, I found myself drawn to him. Of course, she would never know.

"Anyway, how's your job going? Do you have any big projects in the works?"

I welcomed the distraction and dived into talking about my current work responsibilities.

After lunch, I returned to work, checking my email, hoping for a response from Henry about the social media policy. There was a second email from Alan, who still felt the new social media strategy for the news network was low class, but he did give a few good ideas. However, there was no email from Henry. I couldn’t move forward without his input.

By the end of the day, I still hadn't heard from him. I wondered if maybe he was planning to see me at the end of the day. A part of me desperately hoped he would even as I knew it was a fool’s journey to tempt myself around him.

But as the minutes ticked by, it became clear that he wasn't coming. Was he avoiding me? Or was he simply too busy? Pushing back my disappointment, I gathered my things and slipped on my coat, eager to start my quiet night alone.

Once back atHenry’s home, I stepped into the lavish foyer.

As I took off my coat, Knightly appeared in the doorway, his ever-present smile greeting me. "Miss Layton. Shall I have dinner set up for you in the dining room since young Paxton is out?"

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