Page 51 of Baby for the Single Dad

I merely shrug noncommittally.

He rakes his fingers through his hair. I’m not a weak-willed person, but he was able to charm me into changing my mind before.

I glance at the clock on the wall. “I need to start cooking dinner in a few minutes.”

“I’ll help you.”

His words bring back the memory of us preparing lunch at his apartment.

“No,” I manage to grind out.

“Giselle, what do you want me to do? I’m trying to tell you that things have changed.”

“Please leave, Miles. You’re not good for me. I’ve accepted that. I don’t want a man who only wants to fuck me.”

“Giselle, that’s not . . .”

He takes a step toward me, and I immediately move back and wince as the urge to throw up almost overcomes me. He has to leave now!

“Please don’t touch me.”

Looking frustrated he remarks, “Please listen to me. I don’t want such a relationship anymore. I—”

“Good. Me neither,” I grind out through my teeth and step out of the kitchen, opening the door to the apartment. I remember how he brought down my defenses in the cab by telling me he didn’t want to lose me, and that it wasn’t just sex for him. Then he took me to his house, fucked me silly, and demanded I declare I’m his. Afterward, he conveniently forgot to discuss anything about commitment or moving to the next level, not to mention failing to call me the followingweek. In fact, he dropped any thought of me immediately. It sounds petty, but I have to protect my heart and my baby.

“Would you please stop interrupting me?” he says in a tight voice, as if he’s near his tether’s end. “I’m trying to tell you something important.”

“And I’m telling you I don’t want to hear it. I admit that I’ve been very foolish, falling into bed with you at every turn, but not anymore.”

“You’re one damn stubborn woman, you know that?” He yanks me into his arms, and I feel myself softening immediately. The tiny muscles in my core pull taut like a violin string. I’m liquid fire, throbbing. He must feel my strength waning as he traces my lower lip with his thumb, his eyes swallowing me.

“You’re wrecking me, woman,” he growls.

Tell me about it, asshole.

“Aunt Gigi?”

“Yes, darling, I’m here.” I’m pulled back to reality as Maddie stirs awake, and I jerk myself out of his embrace.

With a strained smile on his face, Miles turns to her. “Hi, Maddie.”

Scratching her right eye as she sits up on the sofa, she answers sleepily, “Hello, Mr. Carrey.”

“We are not done,” Miles whispers in my ear before he takes his leave, his hot breath sending a trail of goosebumps down my spine.

I shut the door behind him and tell Maddie I’ll be right back. On shaky legs, I walk to the bathroom, needing a moment to myself. I did the right thing not allowing Miles to talk me out of my decision, didn’t I?

Then why do I feel so empty?

CHAPTER21

MILES

Damn it!

A heavy frown creases my face as I step out of the apartment building. It’s snowing lightly, but I barely notice as I walk down the street. The holiday spirit is in the air. Houses and shops are laden with decorations while Christmas trees stand tall at every corner. Children are playing in the snow and throwing snowballs at each other.Jingle Bellsis blaring from the radio in a shop I pass by. People all around are wishing each other a happy holiday. All of this is lost on me because my thoughts are on Giselle.

I never knew she could be so stubborn. One minute we were at my apartment making love, playing the piano, and cooking together, and the next minute, I can no longer reach her on the phone or even have a conversation with her.

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