“But he might be angry.”
He sighed. “Honey, love is a bitch, no doubt about it. But lying to him is wrong. He deserves to know and you have to accept whatever happens.”
“I don’t want to lose him.” Tears filled my eyes. I knew what my father was saying was right, but I wanted to hold on to this fantasy longer.
“Andrew or Devin.”
I looked my father in the eyes. “Either.”
My father moved to sit next to me. “I wish I could promise you that he’ll handle the news well but I can’t. Whatever happens, your mom and I are here for you and Andrew. You know that, right?”
I nodded and rested my head on his shoulder.
“Serena? What’s wrong?” my mother said entering the room.
“Mommy are you sad?”
I quickly sat up and wiped my eyes. “No. Just tired, baby. Come on, let's get you home and into a bath.”
“Why doesn’t the boy stay here with us tonight?” my father said. I knew he was suggesting I go hunt Devin down to tell him about Andrew, but I wasn’t ready.
“Not tonight.”
“What’s going on?” My mother looked from me to my father. Knowing he’d tell her, and she’d be equally as disappointed in me, I didn’t answer.
I took Andrew’s hand and led him to the door. “Say goodnight to Grandma and Grandpa.”
“G’nite.”
I hurried out before my father could hook me into staying.
The next morning, my mother sent Andrew to the kitchen when I dropped him off.
“Is it true? Devin is his father?” she said in a low tone.
“Mom, I can’t talk about this now. I’m going to be late for work.”
“Serena!” Her terse voice stopped me in my tracks. “Don’t brush me off.”
“Yes Mom, he is. No, he doesn’t know. Yes, I’ll tell him when I find the right time.”
She huffed out a breath. “There won’t be a right time. He deserves to know. That little boy in there deserves to have his father.”
I hated that she was disappointed in me. I hated that I was disappointed in myself. But I couldn’t get past how much I could lose, and so procrastination continued to seem like a good idea.
As I rode the train to work though, I knew I wasn’t just riding on borrowed time, but that the longer I waited, the worse it would be. Devin met Andrew and they hit it off, which meant now was the time to tell him. I guess I’d find out what his limit really was and if we’d hit it.
I was busy with meetings most of the morning, and had to visit a location for a corporate event, so it wasn’t until that afternoon that I was able to reach out to Devin. He didn’t pick up when I called, so I left a message.
As I rode the train home after work, I got a text from him.
Sorry. Crazy ass day. I have to go out of town this week. Be back Saturday. How about taking a flight then?
I was given a reprieve from telling him about Andrew, but I didn’t feel relieved. Now that I’d made the decision to tell him, I wanted to get it over with.
Saturday, I have an event. Sunday?
Several minutes later, his text came in. Sunday. Be ready at 8 and give me the entire day.
I wondered what he had planned. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was planning lunch in Ireland or something.
We’ll be ready.
My parents didn’t seem thrilled that I still hadn’t told him. I explained he was out of town but that we’d made plans for the weekend.
“He says he wants to take Andrew flying.”
“You shouldn’t do it in front of Andrew,” my mother said, shaking her head. “In case he doesn’t take it well.”
She had a point.
“What man won’t take hearing he’s a father well?” My father growled. “He likes the boy. He likes Serena.”
“She’s lied to him for years, Graham. Tell me that wouldn’t make you upset,” my mother said.
He shrugged. “I’d be smart enough to hold it together for the boy.”
“He shouldn’t have to hold it together. Why don’t you leave Andrew here, after your flight,” my mother said.
“Okay,” I agreed. She was right. I didn’t want Andrew to know if Devin was upset about learning he was a father. And Devin deserved to express whatever sort of feeling he was going to have without worrying about upsetting Andrew.
That night, Devin called late.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t talk earlier. I’ve had a bitch of a day.”
“It’s fine. I know running the Roarke empire takes a little time.”
Andrew was in bed, and I had my wine and book. I moved to my bedroom to keep from waking Andrew. For a moment, I wondered if maybe I should tell Devin about Andrew on the phone, but then decided now wasn’t the time. He was distracted with business and was having to leave town. I’d stick with the plan and tell him Sunday after the flight.
“Were you sleeping?” he asked.
“No. Wine and book time. My me-time when Andrew is sleeping.”
“What are you wearing?”
My cheeks heated at the sensual tone in his voice. “What are you?”
“Nothing. I’m laying in bed with an iron-hard dick wishing you were here to help me.”
“That must be painful.” I closed my eyes, imagining just what he described. “I’m sorry I’m not there to help you.”
“What would you do to help me?”
“What would you want me to do?” My clothes felt hot and uncomfortable as my blood heated. I wished I was with him now too.
“Suck it.” He let out a low moan, suggesting he was imagining me sucking his dick.
“All of it? Or just the tip?”
“Fuck. Both.” There was a pause. “Are you touching yourself, Serena?”
“I might have to.”
“Will you think of me when you do?”
He was all I ever thought about. “Yes.”
“When I get back, maybe we can take Andrew to the beach for a few days.”
My heart rolled in my chest at how easily he seemed to accept Andrew as part of the deal with me. “That sounds like fun.”
“And when he’s
