My One and Only: A Bad Boy Secret Baby Second Chance Romance

by Weston Parker

  Chapter 3

  Darek

  I couldn’t believe my luck with finding not only someone with proper experience, but she seemed like a real go-getter. She came in and got right on scolding me, which was a bit annoying; I respected the hell out of her for taking such initiative. Not only did she seem professional, but she was indeed a real beauty.

  Having her around would be a nice change of pace, and at least, if I’m honest, she’d be pleasant to look at.

  An hour and a half later there came a knock on the door that I was certain was her returning, but when I peeked into the security cam, I saw Maya holding a plate and staring at the floor.

  I quickly opened the door. “To what do I owe the honors?”

  “I thought I better make good on my promise,” she said, walking past me.

  “Your promise to bake me brownies? Thank you!”

  “No, my promise to your doctor. I’m supposed to make sure you’re behaving yourself, remember?” She waggled her brows and held out the plate of chocolatey goodness.

  “James didn’t make these, did he?”

  “No, but his were better than mine, so you better be nice. I did manage to bring you the crunchy edges; turns out James prefers the soft gooey center ones.”

  “It figures. There’s something wrong with that guy. Are you sure you’re in love with him? If it’s a marriage you want, I’ll get down on my sore knee right now.” I loved to tease her about James, but I knew she’d never give me the time of day; at least not romantically.

  As we stepped toward the kitchen, a knock interrupted us. “You’re a very popular man. I’ll get it and save you the steps.”

  “You’re an angel. It’s probably just my new assistant.”

  She glanced back over her shoulder as she approached the door. “You work fast.” She opened the door, and the look on Sadie’s face was pure confusion until she saw me over Maya’s shoulder.

  “Hello, I’m Sadie Simpson, Mr. Dillon’s new assistant.” She stuck her hand out and offered a warm smile.

  “I’m Maya Benton.”

  “Are you Mr. Dillon’s girlfriend?” Her question was innocent enough, but Maya turned pink with blush.

  “No, I have my own sexy billionaire upstairs. This one’s single though.” Maya gave her a wink, and Sadie’s expression grew serious.

  “You’ll have to excuse Maya. She’s always trying to fix me up. Maya, Ms. Simpson isn’t interested in the likes of me. I’m an old crippled man.” I hadn’t thought to ask Sadie’s age, but she did seem a couple of years younger than Maya.

  The elevator sounded on my floor. “My things are being brought up to the lobby. I should get them.”

  Maya stepped out with her. “I’ll help.” I felt helpless as Maya and Sadie gathered the suitcases and bags and hauled them in.

  All I could do was point them in the direction of the hallway. “Choose any room you like, except for mine, of course.” Or mine if you like, I’ll share. I thought a moment about how nice it would be to have someone to share my bedroom with, not just for a few hours of passion, but for the rest of my life.

  Maya came out on her phone. “I’ve got to run, Darek. I’m so sorry. James wants me to come down to the café.” She glanced over my shoulder. “Sadie, it was so nice to meet you. Come on up and see me. I’d love to chat.”

  “Sure thing. Good to meet you too.” Sadie walked Maya to the door and then locked it behind her. “You’re supposed to be using your walker, Darek.” She walked over and got the clunky thing and put it in front of me. “Please.” She gave me a soft smile and then headed back to her room. I tromped down the hall with the walker and turned to see she’d chosen the room right next to mine.

  “Good choice. We’re neighbors.”

  “I hope it’s okay. I didn’t mean to bring so much. Honestly, I probably forgot a few things.”

  “It’s fine. If you find you’ve forgotten anything, we’ll send up for it. It’s no bother.”

  “Thank you.” She stood in the center of the room, and after an awkward moment, I was about to speak, but the doorbell rang.

  “I guess I am popular today,” I mumbled. Before I could get turned around in the fucking piece of scrap metal, Sadie was already on her way to the door.

  I could hear her around the corner. “Hello. May I help you?”

  “I’m Jack Jones, Darek’s manager, and you are?” His tone was acidic, and I hobbled out as fast as I could.

  “I’m Sadie Simpson, his new assistant.”

  I rounded the corner to see him give her a disgusted look. His head lifted and pushed past her when he saw me. “What’s this? You hired a new assistant?”

  “Doctor’s orders, and besides, it’s long overdue. Sadie, meet Jack; Jack, Sadie.” I looked him dead in the eye. “Be nice.” He didn’t always play well with others but this wasn’t one of his business deals he was negotiating for me, this was my fucking home, and Sadie deserved to be treated with respect.

  “Yeah, sure.” He walked over to the bar to help himself to my scotch. “So, I got a call, and you’ve been invited to play in a charity softball game. It’s going to be awesome, man. Those things are always a good time and great for PR.”

  Those games were always fun, but I hadn’t played ball in years. “When is it?” I figured he’d say I had a few months to get in shape.

  “It’s a few weeks away.” Sadie’s eyes got wide, and she shook her head.

  “I can’t play softball. I can barely walk. What makes you think I’ll be in top physical shape in three weeks?” The guy downed his drink, and his nose was a little twitchy. In fact, he was a little twitchy too. I had known that he had a habit of dabbling in cocaine on occasion, which I tried my best to ignore, but I feared with our schedule winding down for my surgery, he’d found more creative ways to spend his time. I only hoped that Sadie hadn’t noticed.

  “Well, fuck. When are you going to be able to work? I’ve got shows canceling right and left with his surgery, and frankly, I need the money.” He gave another snort, and Sadie shook her head and went to her room.

  I made my way over and got in his face. “Are you high right now? You fucking came to my house like this? You’re being rude to my fucking staff and drinking up my scotch? I should put you out on your ass is what I should do.”

  “Hey, I’m working my ass off for you. Do you think it’s easy to cancel two months of fucking speeches when most people have already bought their fucking tickets? I’m the one having to coddle these fucks, so don’t give me that shit.” This wasn’t the first time he and I had butted heads, and it wouldn’t be the last. The guy had only skimmed by because when it came to managing me, he was a genius, but as a person, I wanted to beat his ass.

  “Lose your fucking attitude in my house, and I’ll cut you some slack.”

  “Mr. Dillon, it’s time for your afternoon rehab.” I glanced over to see Sadie standing across the room with my machine, which was still wrapped in plastic because I hadn’t used it yet. “If you two gentlemen are done discussing business, I’ll encourage you to let’s get this done.”

  “This is ridiculous. I’ll call you.” He turned and glared at Sadie. “Make him better, Sweetheart. We’ve got fucking shows to book.”

  With that, the guy turned and left, and Sadie cut me a glare. “You have to work with that asshole?”

  “Daily,” I said as the elevator sounded outside in the lobby.

  “Excuse me for speaking out of turn, but I wouldn’t put up with that doped up asshole another minute.” She went about tending to the machine as I smiled. A woman that speaks her mind, and isn’t afraid of a little hard work, or two bickering assholes. I might fall in love.

  Chapter 4

  Sadie

  I’d heard many things about Darek Dillon from a few friends who lived by his mantra ‘Dream it. Believe it. Live it.’ But after spending a few hours with the big baby, who did nothing but pout and complain about his walker, how bad his knee hurt, and how his medicine wa
s making everything taste funny, I wondered what they’d think of the man if they knew who he really was.

  Despite his complaining, he was insanely handsome, and it was very hard to keep from looking at him. I found myself gawking more times than I’d like to admit, and sadly he’d caught me more than once.

  I got up the next morning and set out his medicine for him, and decided to make him something to eat. The antibiotics he was on had probably not been taken properly, and now his appetite was ruined. I heard him coming down the hall and then a loud thud.

  Quick enough to surprise myself, I hurried around the corner to the hall where I found him propped against the wall, without his walker. His pinched expression told me how much pain he was in and to make matters worse; he punched the wall.

  “Darek!” I ran to find his walker and slammed it down in front of him. “You have to use this!”

  “Watch your tone,” he snapped.

  “I will not watch my tone, and I will not stand by and let you hurt yourself even more because of your stupid pride! You hired me for a reason, Mr. Dillon, and I’m doing my job, like it or not, including being on your ass about this damned walker.”

  He locked gazes with me, and I felt ballsy enough to give him a challenging look.

  He put his hands on his walker and hobbled into the kitchen. “I need my meds.”

  “They’re ready for you, but I refuse to let you take the antibiotic until you’ve got something in your stomach. I think that’s why you haven’t done well on it. You haven’t been eating right, have you?” I went to the fridge and opened the door. “How about some eggs and toast. That’s light enough and should be easy on your stomach and prove enough of a buffer for your meds.”

  “That’s fine, I suppose. I want them scrambled, butter-fluffed, with no milk.” He walked to the table and lowered himself slowly.

  “Okay, I’ll give it a try. Milk makes them fluffier, though.”

  “No milk. It makes them scorch easier. Butter only will make them nice and fluffy.” His tone was a bit hard, and I felt like telling him he could stuff those eggs right up his ass and incubate them for a while, but I decided to do it his way.

  He stared at his phone and pouted while I went to work. When they were done, they were a bit fluffier, but I wasn’t about to tell him he was right. “Here’s your eggs. Eat some before taking your medicine.”

  He poked the fork into the fluffy, golden eggs and took a few bites. “They’re not too bad. I think you could have used a bit more butter.” After three bites, he dropped his fork. “I think I just want to order up an éclair from the café. I’m in the mood for something sweet.”

  “You already killed that plate of brownies?” I looked over and saw there was one last brownie.

  “I’m saving that for later.” He got on his phone and ordered the éclair and then handed me the not-so half-eaten breakfast.

  I let out a sigh. I’d spent time cooking that I could have been studying. “You should have just said that, to begin with. It would have spared me the trouble.”

  “Sorry, I thought I wanted them. Now I want an éclair.” He sounded like a spoiled rich kid, and I looked to see he still hadn’t taken his medicine.

  “Take those pills. You’ve eaten enough. I’m sure your éclair will be plenty on your stomach when it finally arrives.” I rolled my eyes. “Make sure you eat it all.”

  “Are you always this bossy? You’ve been busting my ass since I got up.”

  “You mean when you used the wall as a punching bag? Yeah, I’m trying to keep you out of the hospital. Are you always such a baby?”

  “I assure you, I’m no baby.” He tilted his head to look me up and down. My cheeks flared, and I turned around without a word and gathered the dishes into the sink. Things had to stay strictly professional, no matter how much he’d make me want him. It’s just a silly crush, and it’s only because he’s so freaking handsome. One freaking day, and your smitten, Sadie; get a grip. I’d never been attracted to him before, but this was a whole other side of Darek Dillon.

  “I’m sorry I called you a baby.” I figured I’d be the bigger person and apologize, but then he let out a long groan.

  “I’m sorry I'm a pain in the ass. It’s just I’m losing money. I hate the walker because it makes me feel helpless, and honestly, I’m not used to having downtime. It’s making me crazy.”

  “You should enjoy it while you can. Once you heal, you’ll be back at it, and you’ll wish you had a day off.” I looked up to see him looking at me like I was nuts.

  “No, I won’t. I’ve never wanted a day off in the past seven years, and I won’t want one when I’m healed. It’s not in my nature to take a break, and this forced one is torture.

  “What do you do for fun?”

  “Work. You’re a hard worker; surely you get it.”

  “I am a hard worker, yes, but life is to be lived. You can’t live it working all the time.”

  “Speak for yourself. I’m not wired that way.” He waved his hand dismissively and looked toward the door when the buzzer sounded. “That would be my éclair.”

  I hurried into the front room to grab his stupid éclair, and after tipping the delivery guy, I brought it to him. “Here. Enjoy.” I handed him the container, and he grabbed my hand.

  “Share it with me. I can’t eat it all.” I shook my head, but before I could speak, he gave me a sideward look with his gorgeous baby blues. “Please?”

  “Fine.” I pulled up a chair, and my eyes widened as he opened the lid, and I laid my eyes on the pastry. My mouth watered just looking at it.

  “Grab a fork, or we can share that too if you want. I don’t have cooties.” He dipped his fork into the soft pastry and then slowly brought it to my mouth. “I’ll even give you the first bite.”

  “I can feed myself.” I smiled and shook my head, knowing he was just about to shove the cool, creamy bite into my mouth.

  I took the bite and made a sound of pleasure.

  “I know, right. It’s heaven. I don’t think I’ve ever had a better dessert.”

  “The apple pie, a la mode at Oscar’s is the best I’ve ever had.”

  “Their carrot cake is where it’s at. The cream cheese frosting. Mm. We should order some of that. As a matter of fact, we will tomorrow.” I wondered what it would be like to just want something and make it happen, and even though I knew he was used to that, he had hired me to do a job.

  “I thought you hired me to cook for you. How can I do that if you keep ordering out?”

  “I hired you to assist me. Which you’re doing. You’re making sure I don’t eat too much, and you’re providing entertainment.” He shoved an even bigger bite into my mouth and laughed. The cool cream coated my lips, and as I licked it off, I wished it were his tongue instead.

  He was so much the temptation, and I knew that I had to keep things professional. He was not only my boss but my patient as well. Besides, I couldn’t help but wonder what he’d have me doing next.

  A soft heat spread in my core as looked me in the eyes and brought the fork to his mouth. His eyes were saying kiss me, his lips were saying taste me, and before I knew what I was doing, I reached out and wiped the bit of cream from his lips and brought it to mine.

  Chapter 5

  Darek

  From the moment she licked her fingers, I knew she was interested. The move made me hard as a fucking rock, and I realized all too pathetically how long it had been since I’d been with a woman. My longest track record was a few weeks, and now, I’d beaten that by double. Over a month might not seem like much to some, but when you’re used to having it anytime you want, going without was tough.

  I’d been stuck in that rehab center for two weeks and couldn’t even take care of business, and now, being around Sadie was making things even tougher.

  I’d watched her for two days, and she’d impressed me more than I’d thought she would. She was always up doing something, and even when she was idle, she was reading a book or stu
dying. She hadn’t missed a beat taking care of me, and I was even getting used to the walker.

  I’d also been able to handle my medicine better, and even though she hadn’t cooked anything too complicated, she’d been able to keep me happy.

  I did still like ordering out, and especially for the two of us. I was growing more used to her being there, and really liked her company, but seeing her stay busy made me miss my busy schedule even more.

  I’d woke up early and watched the city come alive with people going to work and then I’d seen the rush of the noon hour come and go through my window. It was strange to sit back and observe, and I sort of felt like I was watching an ant farm.

  Now, the sun slipped down in the distance, and I hadn’t gotten a damned thing accomplished.

  “You’ve been sitting in front of that window for hours. It’s almost time for dinner.” She walked over, but I didn’t turn away from the view. “Are you okay?”

  “Just feeling a bit useless, I suppose.”

  “You’re not useless. You’re just healing. Once you’re all better, you’ll be back to work doing shows and changing lives.”

  “I guess.” The weekend had been a bit busier with people checking on me, but now that the week was starting, they’d be busy with their own lives.

  “What would you like for dinner tonight?” She folded her arms in front of her and leaned back against the bar beside me.

  “I don’t know. I’m bored to tears, and I want something that’s decadent and bad for me.”

  “You’ve been eating brownies and éclairs mostly; is that not decadent enough for you?”

  “What’s something you like to eat?”

  “I’m not picky, really. I try to eat healthily, but I don’t always do the best job of it.” She patted her middle, and I didn’t quite understand what she meant. She was a knockout, with a curvy shape, but not an ounce of fat on her. Her tiny waist was accentuated by round hips and full breasts, and she had the tiniest wrists and ankles.