Page 45 of Her Big Fat Hunky Billionaire Boss

“How did you meet Damian’s father?”

Lydia’s gaze snapped up to meet hers. “We met in Green Bay. He was there on business, and I was living there at the time. You have to understand, Lawrence had separated from his wife. He thought their marriage was over. It wasn’t until after we were involved that his wife wanted to reconcile. But by then I was pregnant.”

“How old was Damian?”

“He was just a little boy. Two, maybe three years old. Too young to know what was going on with his parents.”

“So, Lawrence bought the newspaper to give you a source of income.”

Lydia nodded. “It was my idea. Lawrence wanted to make things work between us, but I knew he needed to go back to New York. I was feeling guilty for what we’d done. I didn’t want to break up his marriage. I found the newspaper for sale, and moved here so I could run it.”

“And hide your son.” The words tasted sour on Kat’s tongue.

“It wasn’t like that.” Lydia’s lips pinched together, showing her displeasure. “Wes required more resources than I had, so I hired people to work with him. He needed special care, and he could get it here at home, in an environment he was familiar with.”

Kat wasn’t about to argue with her, even though she’d never seen a single photo of Lydia’s son. Nothing on her desk at work. No mention of him, ever. She swallowed. “What are you going to tell Damian?”

Lydia’s eyes narrowed. “Nothing. He doesn’t need to know.”

“He has a brother. That’s going to mean something to him.”

“He will not react well to finding out. Our only chance of keeping this newspaper alive is if you make him like Pleasant Hollow and the people here. How did things go yesterday?” Lydia was back to being the boss, her critical gaze on Kat.

Kat thought about the day with Damian. The kiss. Her cheeks heated. “Things went well.”

Lydia studied her. Kat grew warm under the scrutiny. Then a slow smile formed on Lydia’s face. “You like him.”

Perfect. Just what she needed. Lydia concocting something up between them. “He’s arrogant.”

“Don’t try to deny it. I see it on your face. What happened between you two?”

“Nothing.” The word was out before she could think.

“Then why are you blushing?”

Dang. She was a much better liar through email. No one could see her face then. “Okay, maybe something small is going on but I really don’t think he cares that much about me.”

“We need him to. Where is he now?”

“At the hotel.”

Lydia frowned. “Then take him out tonight.”

Her gut twisted. “What exactly are you asking me to do?”

“Nothing. Just spend some time with him. Make sure he likes you.” Lydia stood and Kat knew the talk was over. She walked to the front door.

“Are you sure keeping his brother from Damian is a good idea?” Kat blurted out.

“Yes. It’s for the best.” Lydia practically shoved Kat out onto the porch. “I know you’ll do what’s best for everyone. You know we need this. I’ll see you at work tomorrow.”

“Okay,” Kat said as the door shut in her face. She shrunk into her coat and walked to her car, a bad feeling spreading in her chest. This wasn’t a good idea. She couldn’t go running back to Damian now, not after the awkwardness of this afternoon.

And how was she supposed to keep such a big secret from Damian? She didn’t feel right about it. He should know about his blood relative.

She cranked the ignition and backed out of the driveway. But Lydia was right, if Damian found out, it would solve the mystery and he would close the newspaper for sure. No matter what she did, she’d be in trouble. She was so dead.

Chapter 16

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