Page 77 of Sins of the Father

He glances at his hand then relaxes it. “Sorry.”

“Did I just piss you off?”

“No. I’m mad at myself.”

I point to the lasagna. “Sit down. Eat. Tell me why.”

He hesitates.

I raise my eyebrows.

He sits.

“Eat,” I gently tell him.

He takes a bite and smiles. “This is good.”

“I know,” I brag.

“Now, I feel even guiltier.”

“Stop. Tell me why you’re upset with yourself.”

He puts his fork down. “You shouldn’t have to feel like you have to schedule yourself into my life.”

“Would you rather you keep screwing up and we keep having the same issue?”

“I’m not going to make the same mistake again.”

“Yep. I’m making sure of that,” I tease.

“This isn’t funny, Harper.”

“Steven, you’re scheduled. It’s who you are. And you’re focused on whatever you’re doing at the time. Nothing else exists. I don’t need to know you forever to see this. It’s why you’re so successful, and it isn’t a bad thing.”

He clenches his jaw and looks at the ceiling.

I place my hand on his arm. “Why does this upset you so much?”

He locks eyes with me. “I don’t want you to feel like you aren’t a priority to me.”

My heart flutters. “I don’t feel that way. And now I’ve worked my way into your workday, which, let’s be honest, really should be your priority when you’re there, based on company rules.”

He stays silent, as if not sure he’s in the right or wrong.

I lean into him and whisper, “I think you’re a rebel now. I wonder what would happen if I showed up for office sex?”

A grin breaks out. “Have you had office sex before?”

“Nope. But I’m willing to see what all the fuss is about.” I wiggle my eyebrows.

He opens his mouth, but Hope cries out. We both jump up.

“Sit,” I sternly say. “I’ll get her. You eat.”

He takes another deep breath and obeys while I go into Hope’s room.

Big tears are in her blue eyes, and she’s screaming.

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