Page 10 of Secret Baby for a Damaged Billionaire

“Don’t remind me.” Emily shakes her head. “What about it?”

“I got a random DM from their company, wanting us to schedule another jump.” Her brows lift, anticipating an answer.

Emily took a step back. “I don’t think so, Chloe. One jump is enough for me.”

“Aww, don’t be a downer,” she presses. “It’s better than spending all your free time at the dog shelter.”

“Hey, don’t hate on the shelter,” Emily retorts, feigning offense as a blush creeps over her cheeks. “And that jump was nothing compared to the time we got backstage at Chris Stapleton and you threw up on my knee-high cowgirl boots!” She lets out a chuckle as Chloe punches her arm.

“Alright, fine. We’re even,” Chloe concedes, laughing along with Emily.

I watch their easy banter, their closeness, and a pang of longing hits me. What would it be like to share that level of intimacy with someone like Emily? But almost as quickly as the thought enters my mind, I dismiss it, reminding myself I’m better off alone.

“Sounds like you two could use some discipline,” I chide mockingly, entering their space.

Emily turns towards me, raising an eyebrow. “Oh really? And who made you the fun police?”

“Hey, a little discipline never hurt anyone.” I hope to redirect their evening to something more mellow.

“Sure.” Chloe rolls her eyes, looping her arm through Emily’s. “But neither did a little fun.”

The tension in the room thickens as my jaw clenches, the unspoken challenge hanging heavy in the air. The thought of letting go, even if just for a moment, gnaws at me.

“Lucas, seriously,” Emily says, her tone softening as she shifts her weight from one foot to the other. “When was the last time you did something fun outside of this gym?”

I narrow my eyes. “What are you suggesting?”

“Nothing,” she replies innocently, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “I’m just saying, maybe you should take a break once in a while. Come out with Chloe and me sometime.”

“Yeah, I don’t think so,” I scoff, trying to hide my immediate interest in the idea.

“Ugh, so regimented,” Chloe exclaims, rolling her eyes. “Let loose for a bit. It might do you some good.”

“Fine,” I grumble, mostly to stop them, but partly because the prospect of spending more time with Emily may not be so bad. “We’ll see.”

“Great!” Chloe beams, her face lighting up with genuine excitement. “I haven’t seen you relax those shoulders in years.” She gave me a hug, reminding me of our years growing up together, always looking out for each other.

As I watch the two of them leave the gym, their laughter echoing through the empty space, I consider the possibility that they’re right. Maybe taking a break from work—even if it’s just for one night—could be worth it. And if it means getting to know Emily better, then perhaps it’s a risk I’m willing to take.

Chapter Five (Emily)

I step through the doors of Lucas’s gym, my heart pounding with trepidation. This place has become a second home to me, a sanctuary where I can get away from the other parts of my freelance work. I’m struggling to find new clients and the dog shelter is pressuring me for more support on their non-profit negotiations. The gym is the one place I feel under control, except for maybe one thing.

My eyes catch Lucas’s as he walks toward me. “Morning, Emily,” he greets me with a warm smile, his piercing blue eyes meeting mine. “Ready to review the contracts?” He hands me a hot coffee, steaming in my favorite mug.

I nod, swallowing the nerves that threaten to unhinge me. This meeting holds huge significance for my future here, and I can’t afford any missteps, but my focus has been so scattered from my other clients, I feel unprepared. As Lucas studies my work, he raises a few questions, probing deeper into the details. With each question, I can feel the weight of my mistakes, the shortcomings I had hoped to keep hidden.

“Well,” Lucas says, a hint of concern etched on his face, “it seems like some of our opportunities are waffling. What’s going on?”

I shift uncomfortably, my gaze momentarily dropping to the floor. “I think I’ve been trying to juggle too many responsibilities outside of the gym.” I shake my head. “I’m hemorrhaging clients and spending time trying to dig up new ones.”

Lucas’s eyes hold disappointment, clearly wanting his gym to be my priority. But he knows how hard I’ve worked on building my career, not just with his enterprise. My stomach sours from the look on his face, knowing the gym is the only contact I truly care about.

He leans against the desk, folding his arms across his chest. “Emily, I’ve seen your dedication and potential. But you need to prioritize. If you want to succeed, you have to be fully committed.”

His words stab me, a reminder of the choices I need to make, and of the things I need to cut and leave far behind me. Dom’s attempts at contacting me continue to derail my progress. I keep blocking him, but he finds every way possible to reach me. And with Chloe’s wedding plans moving forward, it’s enough to make me want to crawl into a hole and hide. I know it’s time to reassess my priorities and pour my energy into what truly matters, and I have to do it now.

“You’re right,” I say. “I need to focus more on strategy and removing distractions. Ugh, I just can’t believe this.” I look at my messages on my phone. “Another client just released me for some AI-driven marketing service,” I vent, frustration building up inside, and I feel my face heat with embarrassment.

---