Page 18 of Resisting Desire

“You think she is lying to you?” Jakeasks.

“I don’t think she is lying exactly. I think she is mistaken. We weren’t exclusive, and there’s another man in the picture.”

Dax lets out a low whistle and shakes his head. “This is quite the predicament you’ve gotten yourself into, Ethan. Wait until the tabloids hear about this. They are gonna go nuts.”

Jake turns on Dax. “That’s enough. This is serious.” His voice is firm enough that Dax seems to take the hint. Then, Jake turns back to me. “I want you to listen closely and think about what I’m going to tell you. I’ve known Liz for ten years, since she was just a freshman in college, and I was a senior. We’ve practically grown into adulthood together. Liz is not the type of person to make a mistake like this. I don’t know about this other guy you mentioned. But I can almost guarantee she wouldn’t have said you were the father if she weren’t fairly certain.”

“Maybe you don’t know Liz as well as you think you do. Women lie. That’s what they’re best at doing.”

Jake’s face tightens in frustration. “I understand this is overwhelming. But think about it. Why would she lie to you? A simple paternity test could prove her wrong. I’m telling you. Liz is not the type of person to lie about something like this.”

His words hit like a punch to the gut. He’s not wrong. Lying to me would serve no purpose. “We were so careful, though.”

Jake sighs. “Sometimes it doesn’t matter how careful you are. I think it would be irresponsible of you to dismiss her outright without at least hearing her out.”

For the first time since I was hit with the news, doubt begins to creep in. Jake might be right. As far as I know, Liz has always been honest with me. She’s sweet and kind and not the type of woman I’d expect to lie about something like this.

I’m beginning to think that she might have told me the truth. Unbelievable though it might be, I have to face the possibility that the baby could be mine. If that’s the case, no way will I leave Liz to deal with this alone.

The silence between the three of us is heavy. Even Dax understands the seriousness of the situation.

Jake clears his throat. “I don’t think asking for a paternity test is unreasonable if you have doubts. I’m not sure how well that will go over with Liz. Women tend to get offended over things like this. Are you sure she was seeing another man?”

“Yeah, I’m sure.”

Jake nods. “The most important thing is that Liz and the baby are healthy and taken care of. Dax and I will support you in whatever you need.”

I nod in thanks as I stand up to leave. “I appreciate that. I have some things to think about before I make any moves.”

“Let us know what we can do,” Dax says as they walk me to the door.

After leaving Jake’s office, I do a few hours of work at the office. Although Jake and Dax tried to find people to take over some of my extra responsibilities, so much was left undone. It will take weeks to catch up, even if I delegate the most important things.

But it feels good to at least begin to untangle the mess in my business life. The mess with my personal life will be next.

After a late lunch, I take a walk to clear my head. It’s time to face the reality that’s been staring at me since my return.

I owe Liz an apology. I accused her of lying, and she didn’t deserve that. I don’t think she was intentionally being untruthful, but I still believethere is a possibility she made a mistake. I owe it to both of us to help her figure it out.

I tap her number on my phone and listen as it rings. Three rings, four rings. No answer. Her voicemail answers, and I hang up. I don’t even know what to say. Maybe a text would be better.

Hey. Tried to call you. Can I come see you this evening? We need to talk.

Liz

No. I’m busy. Maybe some other time.

Tomorrow evening, then?

Busy then, too.

Doing what? Are you going to use the washing your hair excuse?

Nope. I’m busy not seeing you.

I deserve that. Please. We need to talk.

I wait a few minutes, but there is no answer. How am I supposed to apologize if she won’t even talk to me? Liz has always been a little stubborn. It’s one of the things I admire about her. She’s going to find out that I can be stubborn, too.

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