Page 45 of Rockstar Baby Daddy

She smiled and let out an exhausted sigh. “I don’t hate you. Life would be easier if I could just hate you, but I can’t.”

That was promising and I took a step forward, smiling.

Suzie took a step backwards. “Oh no, you don’t. Don’t think you can romance me, either. Don’t try to make me fall for you when you know it’s impossible for you to build a life in Jackson’s Ridge. It’s cruel, and you’re not a cruel man, are you?”

“You know I’m not.” This felt hopeless. I wanted to just toss my hands up and be done with it, but that was exactly what she expected of me.

“I do. You’re a great guy, Gavin, and I’m happy that I got to know you. I’m happy we met and that you gave me something I wanted more than anything in this world. But I can’t let myself go back down this road with you knowing how easily you’ll hightail it out of town. I need to be able to do this on my own.”

I understood where she was coming from. “I get it.”

“You do?” Her skepticism was palpable, written all over her pretty face.

“Yeah, I do. I left my dad’s house because I couldn’t let myself live for those brief moments when he remembered he had a kid. It was soul-destroying.”

Suzie’s shoulders fell in relief. “Good. Good that you get it, not the other stuff.”

“But I’m still going to change your mind.”

A small smile played on her lips. “You’re welcome to try.” The words might have been encouraging if not for her expression, which said she didn’t think my efforts would change anything. “Just stop with the gifts, I don’t need them adding to the confusion of you being back.”

I smiled silently at her command. Nearly all of the women in my past couldn’t wait to get gifts from me. Trinkets, jewelry, trips, tickets, or even cold, hard cash, but Suzie practically begged me to stop. “You didn’t enjoy theRopa Vieja?”

She growled. “You know I did. The fried plantains were delicious, as well.”

I nodded in satisfaction. “And you were able to relax after work because the housekeeper cleaned?”

“Yes.”

“Did the laundry?”

Suzie nodded. “Yep.”

“Then I’m sorry, sweetheart, what’s the damn problem?”

“The problem is that when you’re halfway across the world and you forget to pay the housekeeper, I’ll have to do it myself. So I’d rather not get used to it, if it’s all the same to you.”

“That’s not good enough. I’ve already paid for her to come twice a week for the next year. Anything else?”

She sighed. “No,” she answered and dropped her head. “I guess not.”

“Good.” I went to Suzie and held her in my arms, letting her soft curves press up against me. “I only want to help, Suzie. I promise I won’t let you down. Not this time.”

“Gavin,” she groaned and pressed her forehead against my chest.

“I’m not sorry. I just can’t let you go. I won’t.”

I didn’t give her time to formulate another objection. I just quieted her in the best way I knew how—with my mouth. Our teeth and tongues collided in a wild frenzy of passion and need. She gave in easily because as much she didn’t want it to be true, our connection was too intense to fight for long.

It told me I still had a chance to make her mine.

Suzie

As soon as the meeting ended, I rushed out of the conference room like toxic fumes were coming out of it. The meeting had zoomed straight through lunch, which meant I was exhausted as I always was, but worse—I was hungry. Okay, maybe it was hangry.

“Dr. Wright, I was wondering if I could have a minute to discuss an updated x-ray machine.”

“Not. Now.” The words came out on a rough growl that was out of character for me, and they were uttered as I rushed past the technician who only had good intentions. Guilt brought me up short, and I turned to face him. “I’m sorry, Quincy, send me a schedule request and we can talk about it.”

---