Page 63 of Off-Limits Silver Fox Billionaire

“How about Bree?”

“Josh,” a stern voice called behind me, and I turned to see Phil towering behind me, his lips drawn into a thin line. “What are you doing here?”

“I need to find Bree,” I said to him before leaving the counter and moving to stand in front of him. “I know you think this is wrong. I know you think I’m not good enough for her, but I love your daughter, Phil, and I’m not going to lie or pretend and say I can live without her because I can’t. I love Bree and I want her to know that. If she doesn’t want to be with me after she knows the truth….” I paused, met his gaze squarely, then clenched my jaw.

“If she doesn’t want to be with you?” Phil threw at me, his determined gaze relentless.

“I won’t stop until I make her believe that I love her and that our love is beautiful, regardless of what anyone else thinks.”

Phil’s disapproving gaze couldn’t deter me from my game plan, and I wanted him to know that, so I took a step toward him and added. “I’m never going to hurt your daughter, Phil. I give you my word.”

Phil relaxed his jawline, then he nodded. “She’s at home. We drove out together for some shopping, but she’s making dinner with Allison at the house right now.”

“Thank you,” I answered, then walked past him.

“Bree’s leaving this weekend. I booked her flights earlier today before coming here, so if you want to convince her of anything make sure to do it before Saturday.”

I couldn’t lose Bree ever, so as I left the bakery, I had one goal in mind.

To get back the woman of my dreams.When I knocked on Allison’s front door some minutes later, Samuel opened up and stared at me for a long time.

“Mommy,” he then yelled and raced away from the door, leaving it open for me to either come in or stay at the doorstep.

I entered the house, closed the door behind me, then waited till I saw Allison emerge from inside with Samuel’s hand in hers.

“Josh,” she said once she saw me, and her lips quirked up into a knowing smile.

“I need to see Bree,” I said to her, my voice almost sounding breathless because my heart was pounding so hard.

“I’ll let her know,” she said, then walked away. I waited in the same spot, my head lowered as I waited.

Bree returned soon, and she folded her arms across her chest before asking. “What do you want?”

I didn’t hesitate to give her my answer. “I’m here because I love you, Bree. I love you, and I was wrong not to admit it.”

28

BREE

Josh's visit was a complete surprise, and his words shocked me. “What are you talking about?” I questioned and backed away from him. “Why are you here, Josh?”

I rubbed the back of my neck and tried to hold my racing pulse. I was doing my best to forget about Josh and move on. My life was already complicated enough with the baby coming, and I was just finding ground in my blogging.

I didn’t need him ruining everything for me now, so I had to be certain of what he wanted.

“I’m in love with you, Bree,” he said as he took a step towards me, then reached for my hand. I backed away from him instinctively because I didn’t want his touch.

Each time Josh touched me, it reminded me of the passion we shared and the promise of love I had in my heart. He had to be there for his family now for Iris who was probably going to lose her mother soon, and for Jenny who had her life in shambles because of her illness.

I was trying to be selfless and holding back was killing me. I hated being apart from him and I had hoped for this moment more than anything over the past weeks. Now that it was happening, it felt surreal and my heart wouldn’t stop thumping wildly.

His gaze held mine, and I pressed my lips harder together to keep it from quivering. “I love you, Bree,” he repeated, and this time tears stung the back of my eyes. “I love everything about you.”

“You said you couldn’t,” I cut in before he could say more. “You were scared, and you ran. How do I know you won’t do that same thing whenever it gets tough? And what about Iris? You promised to look out for her mother, and I think Jenny needs you now more than ever, so you should…”

“I don’t love Jenny,” Josh said, and his words caused an ache inside my chest to grow. “I love you.” His gaze swept over me and caused me to tremble inside.

I felt tears rise to the surface of my eyes and I held it in while pressing the tip of my tongue into the side of my cheek. I couldn’t risk crying in front of Josh because then he would try to console me and that would soften all of my resolve.

---