Page 9 of His Long-Lost Baby

I pick up my phone and start typing James Garris back in. I’m just going to look at the job openings at his company. Maybe there will be something for a graphic designer.

If there is, I’ll take that as a sign from above and I’ll apply.

As I browse through the job openings, I can’t help but feel a sense of defeat. How many times have I said I would never get a job at a big company like this? That I preferred the freedom of freelancing and running my own business? And now I’m considering it just so I can keep tabs on my daughter’s father.

I toss my phone onto the bed and stare up at the ceiling. Is this what my life has come to? I never imagined this when I became a single mother. But here I am, grasping at straws just to keep my daughter safe.

But it also feels right.

I’m doing this for Quinn, and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her.

I pick up the phone, and there it is. A job opening at GarrisTech for a graphic designer.

I hesitate for a moment, but then I remind myself why I’m doing this. It’s not about getting a job at a big company, it’s about ensuring my daughter’s safety. And if that means working for her father’s company, then that’s what I’ll do.

Even though being anywhere near James Garris is sure to be uncomfortable in a number of ways.

A man that ruthless shouldn’t be so hot. It should honestly be illegal.

I finish filling out the application then take a deep breath… and hit submit.

“No going back now,” I mutter to myself, my fingers crossed.

CHAPTER4

BILLIE

“Right this way.” Audrey, my new manager, bustles down the eighth-floor hallway of GarrisTech, her heels clicking with every step.

“Over there is one of the kitchenettes.” She points.

I nod and don’t say anything. Being here still feels surreal. I got the job after only one interview, and they asked me to start the following week.

So here I am, step one of Operation Retrieve Medical Information in place.

What step two is, I really don’t know. Right now I’m planning on winging it.

Audrey stops and gestures to a large office with floor-to-ceiling windows. “That’s his office.”

I walk over and lift my hand to peek through the glass. James Garris is sitting at his desk, talking on the phone. His expression is one of annoyance as he glances at his computer screen. The way his brow furrows when he narrows his eyes makes him look truly terrifying. He’s wearing a suit, and it’s tailored perfectly, but he somehow manages to make it look like he’s ready to tear something apart.

Audrey steps beside me. “I know I shouldn’t say this about the boss and all, but the man is a jerk. He chews people up and spits them out.”

I blush as I turn to face her. “I’m sure he’s not that bad.”

She laughs. “Oh, honey he is. But you’re in luck. He’s only starting his day now.”

“Well, that’s good,” I murmur.

“So…” She eyes me. “How did you get into graphic design?”

I shrug. “I’ve always been good at drawing, so I guess I just fell into it.”

“And what made you want to work here more than any other company?”

I look over at the office. “I need the money. The starting pay was good.”

She frowns at me. “You don’t have to lie about it, you know. Nobody will fault you if you’re here because you want to be with him.”

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