Page 106 of One Bossy Date

Lost for words, my mom fell back in her seat, flabbergasted, and speechless—for once. She looked at Dax, who gave her a “Yeah, can you believe that?” shrug, then she stared back at me.

“It was a misunderstanding that got out of hand,” I continued. “Every time we wanted to tell the truth, someone else would get roped in, and we couldn’t.”

“Son. Please. In the name of God. Why thehellwould you go through all this?”

“I can’t pretend to justify it, Mom. Just know we did it to please everyone but ourselves.”

Dax had retreated, seated quietly on the couch with his mouth zipped shut. Our mother was quiet for a few seconds, processing the new information. She’d always been good at remaining peaceful in surprising situations, keeping a poker face rather than showing her cards. I guessed that was where I got it from.

“Anderson,” she started carefully.

“Yes?”

“I don’t believe for one single second that you and Zoe weren’tpleasedto continue this charade.”

I frowned, wondering where she was going with this.

“No matter how well anyone can act, no one canpretendto love each other like that. I’m not blind, child.”

I was quiet, not ready to admit to anything.

“Now, I’m extremely disappointed in you, Anderson.” She shifted to face my brother. “And you,Daxton.”

“Huh? Why me?” Dax straightened his posture.

“For keeping his secret. You knew? All along? And played along?”

“Yeah.”

“Of course you did.” My mom shook her head. “But what could I expect? You two have always protected each other.” Her eyes connected with mine. “However, I believe a lot more has come from this mess-up thanyouare willing to admit.”

She reached into her purse and pulled out a small red velvet box and set it on my desk. “I’ve brought you my ring. I suggest you use it before you lose her. Because baby or no baby, New York or Chile, either way, you’ll regret losing her the most—I can promise youthat.”

She got to her feet and Dax and I followed suit.

“Mom, wait.” I walked around the desk to her. “I’m sorry.”

“I’m sure you are, Anderson. Just do the right thing before you’re even more sorry.” She turned to leave but stopped at the door. “You’re a stubborn,pig-headedfool, you know that?”

Jesus.

She slammed the door behind her.

Dax and I stood in silence, Dax grinning at me.

The offices were empty, and I was glad that no one was here to witness this shit. However, I knew my mother was right. Iwasstubborn, and there was one more thing I had to do before I stood my ground and left for Chile.

Before Mom had even said all those things about Zoe, I’d made up my mind about her. I wanted her, more than I’d ever wanted a woman in my life. Zoe was my girl, she fit into my lifestyle perfectly, and I just couldn’t leave her behind. I had to stick to my plan and leave New York if I was going to feel free and content, but I wasn’t an idiot.

I knew I’d miss her. So fucking much.

So, the solution was obvious to me.

I told Dax I’d see him later—he’d asked to come over to spend time with the boys, anyway. He loved them just as much as I did, and they loved him. In his will, Dad had left them to both my brother and me. It wouldn’t be fair to take them to Chile. Dax had offered to take them from me, and we wanted to do it gradually.

* * *

Imade my way home to Zoe.

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