by Tiana Cole
Ebony gave a polite smile. “She puts everything in her mouth right now. Keys, toys. Fingers.”
He hated that things were so tense between them, but knowing now that Kim was his daughter meant things had to change. He needed to apologize. Again. “Look, Ebony, I’m sorry for doubting you and my harshly spoken words.” He held his breath as he waited.
“You’ve already apologized and I’ve already accepted.” She didn’t seem uncomfortable with his apology, more like annoyed.
David didn’t understand her reaction at all. “Well, now I mean it.” He smiled but her expression didn’t change, and he sighed in frustration. “I didn’t think the DNA tests would ever happen, and if they did, I was sure I wasn’t the father.”
“Okay.” She readjusted Kim so her hands held the little girl under her arms. “Would you like to hold her?”
He beamed a smile down at his little girl, who returned it along with the most precious laugh he’d ever heard. “Hell yes, I would.” He held out his hands and waited, feeling the warmth of her small body against his chest.
“Support her head with your hand like this,” she said as she showed him. “She can sit up on her own, but she still needs the support.” Ebony took a step back and watched quietly.
David had no idea what to do so he just held his daughter tight and looked at her. She was an adorable, happy baby with an infectious smile. “You are more beautiful than I can say, but I want you to know that you are,” he told her, still smiling. “I’ll bet you’re smart too, aren’t you?” He laughed when she giggled and leaned in for a kiss, leaving a trail of slobber dripping down his chin. “Thanks, Kimmy girl, I love you too.”
The entire time he got to know his daughter, Ebony stood or sat mere feet away. Silent and watching, always on hand unless they needed something like a diaper change or food. She said almost nothing, only flashed brief smiles in his direction, and she was content to sit there and not talk to him. He knew he deserved it, but, dammit, he didn’t like it. “How have you been, Ebony?”
“Fine.”
Okay, then. “Don’t you think we should at least try to be civil to each other?”
“That’s what I’ve been doing.” Her answer was so matter of fact he wanted to scream.
“Is this how it will be? Always?”
She shrugged while she fastened Kim into her stroller. “You don’t respect me and I don’t trust you. I’d say so far we’re doing fine.”
Fine. He wanted more than fine, especially from her. How could two people share such explosive chemistry in the bedroom but have nothing to say to each other in the light of day? He still wanted her right now in her denim capris and pink tank, and she didn’t want anything to do with him. It was his fault, but he couldn’t deal with this awkwardness for the rest of his life. “I respect you.”
“Right,” she scoffed. “There is no need to start lying to each other now. We need to get going. That bottle won’t hold her over for much longer.”
David nodded, disappointed that Ebony didn’t seem to care one way or the other. He’d wanted to punish her, to hurt her, damage her for wanting her so badly, and it seemed he’d succeeded. “Are you free tonight? I could come over with dinner.”
She gave an apologetic smile. “Sorry, I have work I need to deal with tonight.” She let it hang in the air and drive him nuts before she spoke again. “We’re meeting Sarah for dinner on Wednesday.”
David smiled when she turned away from him. She might not like him but she wouldn’t keep him from his child. He could rest easy for a little while. He bent over Kim and cooed. “I’m going to miss you, cutie pie, but I’ll see you soon, okay?”
She clapped her hands and gave a wet smile to the man with her identical eyes.
He snapped one final photo of them together and stood. “I’ll walk you to your car. I have some things for her.” Of course it was more than a few things, which she promptly told him as he struggled to fit it all in her trunk. “I’ve never had a kid to spoil before, cut me some slack.”
She had, and David swore when she drove away, there were tears in her eyes.
Chapter Twelve
It was hard to stay angry at man who doted on his daughter. Who gave her baskets of gifts so she could explore the world, including tiaras and tutus and football pads. A man who looked like the world stopped when he held his daughter in his arms. They were adorable together in a way Ebony hadn’t expected and it was playing with her emotions.
David had taken time out of his schedule, which she imagined was hard for a billionaire to do, to spend with Kim. They met at the park and he sat on the grass with them and indulged in the sandwiches and fruit she’d brought. It was strange to see him so laid back and relaxed, but she was glad that Kim was important enough for him to try. And if her heart twisted at his easy affection with their daughter, well, that was her problem to deal with. And she would.
Soon.
For now, she worked hard to keep her face and body expressionless when she was around David. Her feelings weren’t as dead and buried as she would have liked, so hiding them was essential to a unit such as theirs. Calling them a family would be ridiculous, but they were an entwined unit that relied on cooperation and trust to maintain the status quo. So she was quiet and somewhat accommodating while he and Kim fell in love. It was the same every day so far. He arrived at their meeting spot with some perfect gift, scooped Kim into his arms and kissed her until she squirmed and giggled. They would spend the next hour or so looking at each other, getting used to one another, while Ebony sat nearby to keep an eye on things.
It was pure, unmitigated torture hiding feelings she didn’t even want to acknowledge from a man who didn’t want them anyway. It was ridiculous. It was maddening. And it was driving her out of her mind. “Just stop it. Stop thinking about it.” She slid out of her jeans while Kim cooed at her from her bed, clapping at the colorful flowers dotting the dress she slid over her body. “What do you think? Is Mommy looking good without looking like she tried too hard to look good?” At her baby’s obvious silence, she smoothed the dress down and fastened her favorite sandals. It didn’t matter what she wore because she wasn’t trying to impress anyone. Especially tall Vikings with stunning emerald eyes. Just to be sure, she dusted powder over her flushed skin and mascara on her lashes. It was enough to make her look good, but not enough to turn any heads. “Perfect.”
She dressed Kim in her own little dress with a sweater to cover her arms and they were ready. Pizza with the Henderson siblings was on the schedule and she knew if nothing else, the night would be interesting.
Sarah was already seated at a circular booth when Ebony arrived with Kim, who’s face lit up with excitement at the sound of her aunt’s voice. When they came closer, Sarah dropped a kiss on her cheek and took Kim, holding her close. “Hey, princess, how are you?”
Ebony took off her coat and slid into the booth, watching her daughter with her heart in her eyes. Life was good for her daughter and Ebony was glad that she would have an extended family to love and support as she grew into a woman. And they can afford to fly wherever we are to see her. Because she was determined to leave. “So, Sarah, how’s it going?”
She blushed and turned Kim around to face her mom. “Sorry. It’s busy as always, not much else to report. You?”
“Same.” It was clear that while Sarah liked her, she was here for Kim. Maybe it was time to let the Henderson siblings spend time with Kim without a chaperone. That idea stung, but Ebony promised to talk to her mama about it soon. After that brief attempt at conversation, Ebony’s gaze went from her menu to the restaurant at large and back again. For twenty minutes they sat at the table while Kim babbled in response to Sarah, and finally David showed up. The sooner they ate, the quicker she could get home and get back to her house hunt in Berkeley.
“Sorry I’m late. Conference call.” His voice was smooth and relaxed, not at all like a man who’d rushed to get anywhere. Not that it mattered, because it didn’t. She k
new what kind of man he was and what he wasn’t. But when he slid in next to her, Ebony’s breath hitched. He smelled like man and some earthy cologne that instantly made her think of sex. “Ebony,” he greeted her politely.
“David.” Burying her head behind the menu was the most sensible course of action. And since Kim wasn’t eating anything other than breast milk, Ebony eyed a roasted vegetable deep dish mini pizza. Her mouth practically watered, and if anyone ever asked, she would claim it was the scent of roasted garlic wafting over from the other table. That was all.
“Geez, you guys are so tense. Relax. It’s a pizza joint.” Sarah laughed at her brother’s stubborn expression. “Say, Hi, Daddy.” She held Kim’s hand and waved it at David, who melted at the sight of his daughter.
“Hey, sweetheart. Don’t you look beautiful?” He held out his hands for his daughter, who eagerly clapped and giggled at the sound of his voice. David dotted her face with kisses, and accepted a few wet ones from Kim.
Ebony sat back and watched her daughter interact with the newest members of her family, a small smile on her face as she listened to them chatter. Sarah badgered her brother about attending another community outreach event and he groaned, complaining about younger siblings. It was what Ebony had always wanted. But it wasn’t to be. She let out a long, wistful sigh and drew the attention of the table to her.
“Are you okay, Ebony?” Sarah’s face held concern while David was wary, and Kim reached out to play with her curls.
“I’m fine. My thoughts just strayed. Sorry.” She gave a polite smile and looked down at the menu again, willing their server to show up and stop this line of questioning.
“If you want to talk about something, you know you can talk to us,” Sarah assured her.
Yeah right. “Sure.” She didn’t believe that, and she didn’t think they did either. She was sure David would seize any little phrase to try to snatch Kim from her. “Everything is fine.”
Sarah shrugged. “If you say so. Now give me that sweet baby back, big brother. You can have her anytime you want.”
David froze. “Right.” Ebony could tell he wanted to say something but, to his credit, he held it in but kept a tight hold on Kim. “She likes me better, don’t you?”
Ebony had to agree with David. Kim simply adored him, and that made it hard for her to keep her mad going. He was so sweet and soft with Kim, and he made such a vision in his rumpled suit letting his daughter pull at his lips and nose.
“No woman can resist you, young or old.” Sarah sent him an affectionate smile.
That was part of the problem, if anyone asked Ebony. He was too damn irresistible. Too handsome and rich, and too damn used to getting his own way. He was also arrogant, presumptuous, prejudiced and annoying as hell. Yet still she liked him, lusted after him. Dreamed about him. It was ridiculous. Insane. If she could, Ebony would kick her own ass for still having any kind feelings towards the man.
But she couldn’t deny that he was good with Kim. So good that she often found herself thinking what if. What if they’d been more than some sordid one-night stand? What if they’d been a couple and were now starting a life together, with their child? But they weren’t. They were two people who had sex and the odds beat them. Another sigh escaped.
“Are you sure you’re alright?” Sarah’s blonde brows dipped with concern.
“I’m fine. Just lost in thought.” That, at least, was true.
“Anything you care to share?”
“No, that’s alright.”
~
“Sorry to say, big brother, but I do not think that went well at all.” Sarah gave him a sympathetic pat on his back as they walked to their cars.
David’s shoulders sagged. It was true, the ninety minutes they spent at that table were filled with tension. “I don’t know what the hell I could possibly do at this point to get her open up to me. I’m just grateful she’s letting me see Kim.” Even though he would like more time with his daughter, and maybe less time with her mother.
“Well, you were kind of a jerk to her. Twice. Letting her guard down around you isn’t something she’s willing to do. Unless you give her a reason.”
His blond brows were an angry line across his forehead. “You want me to seduce her into…forgiving me?”
Sarah rolled her eyes and laughed at him. “No, you idiot. Show her that you’re not the pompous ass she thinks you are. Show her the kinder, gentler side of David Henderson.”
“I don’t have a kinder, gentler side.”
“Bullshit.”
He gave her that look that made men twice her size shiver in fear, but she only gave him a defiant smile. David didn’t miss the mischief swimming in her eyes either. “Excuse me?”
“Have you seen yourself with Kim? You’re just a big ball of melted marshmallows. It’s really quite adorable. Just wait until the women get a look at the whole billionaire single dad thing, you won’t have a moment’s peace."
He groaned. Before Ebony, he might have enjoyed that fact. Most women were more than satisfied with a night of hard fucking and a few diamonds. No promises. No strings. But the thought of his usual woman didn’t even get a twitch in his pants. “Just what I need. More crazy women in my life.”
“Well, you need something.” She gave him a look that was too close to pity for his liking. “Find a decent woman and settle down. Better yet, see if you can settle down with the mother of your child.”
Like that was ever going to happen. David was pretty sure Ebony hated him. She rarely spoke to him when they met up in the park or at the beach other than a polite greeting and updates on Kim. He did appreciate that she sent photos often, and even a few videos of his princess playing in the tub, eating and dressed in her tutu. She was a thoughtful mother and so far, a good partner to have. Except for the part where she shut him out of her life and her feelings. “I can barely get her to talk to me, so seducing or settling down seems to be asking a lot.”
“You need a more relaxed setting. Something that feels like what a family would do. Maybe have a barbecue at your place in Malibu. You can get in the water, spend some time on the private beach. Let her see that you’re human.”
He scoffed at that. “She knows I’m human, believe me.”
“I’m not talking about sex. Don’t bark orders at her, don’t tell her what’s happening. Ask. Say please. You know, things normal human beings do.” She crossed her arms and leaned against her red Mercedes, studying him. “Does any of this sound familiar to you?”
He glared. “Smart ass.”
Sarah burst out laughing, doubling over and clutching her side. “Seriously, do you break out in hives if you start feel something for a woman over the age of twenty?”
“Oh, I feel plenty for women. I feel hard, horny. Satisfied. Hungry. Shall I go on?”
She feigned sickness and held up a hand. “Please stop, I’d like to keep that pizza down a little longer.” Straightening herself up, she wiped her smile away. “Now that we’ve got that disgusting part of the evening over, I believe you know what the hell I mean.”
He chuckled and tugged a stray strand of hair. “I do know what you mean and the answer is no. I don’t do feelings. I love you and Kim. The end.”
Sarah opened her door and sat. “Whatever you need to tell yourself, Davey. Just do me a favor and try. This is your kid we’re talking about, not an airheaded socialite easily distracted by shiny things.”
“Well,” he began with a laugh, “Kim did seem pretty enthralled by your bracelet.”
She laughed. “She is a Henderson, so of course her taste is on point.”
His smile faded. “I don’t know if she is a Henderson.” He hadn’t asked and he’d done nothing to get his hands on a birth certificate.
Her gaze narrowed. “It doesn’t matter what any piece of paper says, she is a Henderson.”
David was surprised by her vehemence, but he shouldn’t be. Hendersons were known for the fierce way they protected family. “It would be nice i
f both were in sync.” Leaning forward, he dropped kiss on her cheek and took a step back. “Thanks for tonight, kiddo. See you later.”
“Think of what I said,” she shouted through the door.
He laughed but David knew he would think of little else.
~
“Swimming lessons? You signed us up for family swimming lessons?” Hands on her hips, she gave him a stare of disbelief. He surprised her yet again with his thoughtful gestures. For a man with no kids and probably o plans for them for another decade or so, he had done a good job finding places they could go with Kim. “Why swimming lessons?”
“Every California girl needs to know how to swim, and this is an activity we can do together. As a family.”
That phrase lingered in the air for far too long. Echoing inside her head until she’d finally closed her eyes against the onslaught. Family. It was a pipe dream, one she couldn’t afford to have, so she smiled. “Well, she will look adorable in her bathing suit.”
“A one piece, I hope,” he growled, drawing a small smile from Ebony.
“You’ll just have to wait and see,” she said playfully, surprising even herself. She’d done such a good job of keeping her distance from David, making sure he knew their relationship started and ended with Kim. But today she got up and felt lighter, freer. Happy. And she decided that was how her day would go.
David was stunned at that willing smile that was almost flirtatious. “I’ll make sure to buy one that covers her. Properly.”
Shaking her head with a laugh, Ebony held her hand out for a keycard. “We need to get changed. Meet you in the shallow end in fifteen.” That was how long Ebony gave herself to get both of them into their suits—pink and white bikinis—and get her stupid hormones under control. It didn’t matter that David looked good enough to lick in his board shorts and dark tank, showing off tanned muscular arms and broad shoulders she distinctly remembered clinging to while he was deep inside her. “Mommy is going crazy, Kim, and it’s up to you to keep me sane.”