Page 36 of Spring Break With a Baby Daddy
“My parents weren’t very good.” The admission is as close as I’ll get to revealing my childhood. Even Laney and Hadley don’t know the whole truth.
“I know. And no, I haven’t had you investigated. But I’m observant, and with you I find myself more so than normal. You left home at seventeen for a reason, and while I hope one day you’ll share that with me, I don’t need the details to understand you did it for your safety.”
“They weren’t physically abusive.”
“If they were I’m positive you would have done something about it. But abuse isn’t only physical. It comes in many forms and degrees of severity.”
“Neglect was their worst crime.”
“Do you have siblings?”
The change in topic surprises me. “No.”
“Did you want them?”
“No.” I swallow around the lump in my throat as memories of my childhood fill my head, the aching stomach, the cold so deep my bones hurt.
“One day I’d like you to tell me about your life.”
“Why?”
“Because if you haven’t worked it out yet, and really, with that big brain of yours I’m surprised you haven’t, I’m a little obsessed with you, Vivian. I want all of you, good and bad. And I want to spend the rest of my life making up for what your parents failed to give you.”
I don’t know what to say. In the months since I met him, Easton has made no effort to hide his desire for me, but until this moment I didn’t believe it was more than physical attraction. Or even think it could be.
“I asked you for a marriage of convenience but what I want is a real marriage. One based on trust and love. I’m wearing my heart on my sleeve here, Vivi. I’m offering myself to you completely. No expectations except you let me love you the way you deserve.”
“Easton.”
“Shh.” His hand presses against my lips again. “I’m not asking for reciprocation. I’m just giving you my truth.”
“But—”
“No. No buts. We’ll talk more tomorrow. Sleep now.”
“I can’t sleep after that!”
“Shh!” His fingers press a little harder. “Don’t wake the baby.”
“Humph.”
This time his chuckle is louder and I find my lips twitching with a smile in spite of my frustration with him.
I like that he’s being honest. Although, all I have is his word for it. I don’t know him, not really, and I’m the first to admit I don’t let people close.
My friendships with Laney and Hadley are the longest ones I’ve had, and even those are superficial. They know me as well as I let them. The situation with Van definitely brought us closer but they still don’t know what I do or why I do it or how rich it’s made me.
The truth of my skills is something I keep close to my chest because, like what happened with Van, if the wrong people discover who I am, what I can do, the authorities are the least of my problems and I can kiss goodbye more than my freedom.
If the crime bosses of the world knew it was me fucking with them and their ‘businesses’, I’d be dead.
Can I marry Easton and take care of Cade knowing I’m a possible target?
Am I ready to give up my secret life for a real one?
One with friends, a husband—a son.
Easton
