He doesn’t say another word.
I’m not surprised.
I’ve got quite a reputation around here. One that I’m more than happy about.
The second he’s dressed, he shoves his stuff into his bag and disappears, muttering a quiet goodbye and see you tomorrow as he flees.
“Fuck’s sake,” I groan once I’m alone again.
Pulling my cell from my bag, I open up a browser and search my name for recent news.
Just like she promised, there is nothing about a wild night of debauchery after the masquerade ball.
I didn’t think it was possible. Why else would a woman want to spend the night with me?
I’m a miserable motherfucker with a job that has me away from home half the time and a daughter that takes up the rest.
I’m more than aware that I’m nothing more than a paycheck and a boost up the social ladder for women.
It’s why I don’t do what I did that night.
But now I understand why our tryst hasn’t hit the headlines.
Selling her story would put her at risk.
Sure, she could do it anonymously, but these things have a way of being uncovered.
Clearly, that’s too much of a risk for her.
So why do it in the first place?
Why risk turning up to an event where numerous people could recognize her?
She could have any man she wants. A man not on our roster.
Itake the long way home in the hope that the drive will give me some clarity.
It doesn’t.
As I pull up my driveway, my head is still a mess, but the sight of the front door opening and Sutton running out with a smile on her face just about drags me from my thoughts.
Killing the engine, I push the door open and climb out just as she launches herself at me.
“Hey, Peanut,” I say, lifting her into my body.
Her little arms wrap around my neck, and I blow out a long breath as I hold her.
When my world is in chaos, she is the only one who can bring me back to Earth.
“Have you had a good day?”
“We baked cookies,” she says excitedly. “Come and try one. They’re still warm.”
“Try and stop me,” I say as I lower her to her feet. “How was school?”
“Meh,” she says, waving off the question as if it isn’timportant.
I smirk. She reminds me so much of me when I was a kid.
