Page 64 of The Bad Boy's Homecoming
She lifted her chin.“That is the deal if you want the results now.Otherwise you’ll have to see me in court.I wonder how tough a judge would be on an emotional pregnant woman?”
Levi couldn’t believe he’d never realized how conniving Sara was.He’d had a crush on her for years and when she started dating his teammate he’d been jealous.Now he realized he’d dodged a bullet.Almost.
“I’ll see you in Atlanta, our appointment is at tenA.M.tomorrow.My lawyer said they’ll compare my blood test to your DNA to determine if the baby is yours.But to expedite the lab results, it’ll cost you.”She pulled a business card out of her purse.“This is the place.”
“I’ll be there, and I’ll speak with Maddox after.”
“Perfect, just remember to tell him it was a mistake and you’ll be leaving Atlanta for good.”
Levi saw her out and then phoned Declan to let him know his plan to head to Atlanta to take the test.Then he packed a bag and waited for Missy and Gran to return before he drove back to Atlanta to clear his name.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Missy
Playing the Fool
“Can you believehow talented Clark is?That studio was impressive.”Mrs.Hart was going on and on about the career Clark had before he’d settled in Sandy Point and opened a pottery and art supply shop.But all Missy could think about was what Levi was doing at home with the beautiful woman he’d already slept with.The fact that she even thought of his childhood home as her home was a whole other problem.
“It was very impressive,” Missy agreed as she navigated the winding road back to Hart House.Part of her wanted Levi to be gone and the other part hoped he was there when she walked through the door.She was definitely relieved when she saw his black sports car was the only car parked in the driveway.
“Oh good, that little harpy is gone,” Mrs.Hart said.
Missy just smiled and parked.“You go ahead and I’ll bring in my supplies.”
“Why don’t you leave that and let Levi get it for you,” Mrs.Hart said.
Even with her bum hand she didn’t want to ask for any help from Levi, so instead she picked up the bag of new paints and put it over her injured hand and around her wrist.Then she picked up two of the new canvases with her other hand.But when she got to the screen door, she realized her stubborn dilemma.Levi appeared and opened the door, then took the canvas from her hand while holding the door open for her.She was forced to walk close to him to pass inside, and she could smell his manly spiced and sweet scent.As she walked into the always comforting kitchen she spotted his luggage and her heart sank.
“I don’t mind you leaving for a few days if it’s to end all this gossip about a baby.But I guarantee it’s not yours,” Mrs.Hart was saying.
“I think you’re right, but this is the best option.Declan had her served with the paternity test court order, so we should know in a week or less.”
“My cousin is representing you?”Missy said, surprised she didn’t realize it before.
Levi glanced at her with an apologetic look.“I was already working with him on the contracts and since he handles family law I needed someone I could trust.”
Missy shook her head.She didn’t know why it bothered her, but it felt like a betrayal by both of them.Even though she had no claim on Levi, and Declan wouldn’t know she wanted to.
“I just didn’t realize he handled cases out of town,” Missy said recovering.
Mrs.Hart stepped in front of Levi and placed her hands on his cheeks.“You keep your calm and I’m sure this will all get fixed.But stay away from that woman.She’s trouble and I’d bet she doesn’t know who the father is.”
Levi hugged his grandmother and then Mrs.Hart left them alone in the kitchen.But Missy was already headed to her art studio with the bag of paint.Levi followed her with the canvases and let them rest against the gallery wall where she kept her blank ones.
“I’m sorry,” Levi said, to her back.
“No need.”
She could feel him move closer, but he didn’t touch her.She wondered if he didn’t want to or felt like he shouldn’t.
“I’m sorry my past is getting in the way, but once this is settled, I hope you’ll give me a real chance.”
“A real chance at what?Your life is up in the air, and I don’t think you’ll give me much thought once you’re gone.This was just one of those…” She trailed off.
“No, it’s more.”Then his hand was on her back, and he was turning her to face him, while his other hand swooped up to her neck to cradle her head.
She was immune to stop him.She wanted his touch so badly it didn’t matter if he was leaving and would probably not be back for another year.It didn’t matter he was leaving to find out if he was the father of another woman’s child.
