Page 25 of Tinsel in Telluride

I expected them to freak out, but that’s got nothing on the hurt etched across their faces. I’m two for two on fucking up today.

“I’m—I’m sorry to crash your vacation,” Leigh stammers, trying to defuse the situation. “Luca’s doing me a favor, since we have to get some work done before the end of the year.”

“Seriously?” Bash snaps at the same time Holt yells, “What the fuck, Luca? Work and pussy? You know the rules.”

Leigh glances at me, a brow raised. “I take it you didn’t tell them.”

“They weren’t supposed to see you,” I grumbled before turning to my friends. “I’ll explain everything inside.”

Leigh lifts a hand and presses her lips together. “No need. I should be getting inside to make sure Zach’s still asleep. I’ll see about getting out of your hair tomorrow, guys.”

“Oh no, little thief,” I say, closing the distance between us and wrapping a hand around her bicep. “We aren’t finished yet.”

“I think we are.” She looks down at my hand and back up at me.“You only call me that when you’re angry.”

“And think I have every right to be.”

“Honestly, you can stay, Leigh,” Bash purrs. “Luca is the one who can find his way home.”

“I should go.” Leigh pulls her hand from the pocket of her hoodie, wraps her dainty fingers around mine, and loosens them from her arm. “We can talk in the morning.”

I should say yes and let her walk away.

But of course, when it comes to this woman, I can’t help but pour gasoline on the raging fire between us.

“I want a paternity test.” The words roll off my tongue more harshly than I intend, but the desired effect is there.

Bottom line, I’m an asshole, but I’m an asshole who doesn’t like to lose.

Leigh’s shoulders deflate, but it doesn’t feel as good as I thought it might. She nods as she reaches into her pocket and pulls out a clear plastic bag that I didn’t know she had, a glimmer of sadness in her eyes. “I figured you would.”

Stretching out her hand, she offers it to me. Inside are two swabs, each in individual test tubes and a second one that is sealed. “This already has Zach’s DNA. You just need to swab your cheek and stick it in the mail.”

My lips part in shock but quickly twist in a sneer. “You think I’m going to trust that you actually swabbed his cheek and didn't just give me yours, so you could keep him from me?”

Leigh winces.

God, I just keep digging this hole, but I can’t stop myself. It’s like an accident—and I’m watching myself crash and burn because I can’t see past my own anger.

At myself for believing I could have the family I’ve always wanted.

At Enzo for not doing his damn job and keeping the guys away.

Again, at myself, for thinking this was a good idea in the first place.

At Leigh for keeping all these fucking secrets from me.

“I deserve that,” she agrees, “which is why the second one in there is mine. They can test it and prove he’s my son, and then yours will be the wildcard.”

My eyes lock on the test in my hand, and I stand there, dumbfounded—unsure of how to deal with the ache in my chest or the guilt in my soul.

God, this is a clusterfuck.

When I finally look up, Leigh is already halfway across the deck, muttering another round of “sorry” to Bash, Holt, and Enzo as she makes her way to the guesthouse.

My eyes stay glued to her until the door is securely closed.

“You have some serious fucking explaining to do,” Bash grunts, grabbing the bottle of tequila Leigh left behind.

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