Page 66 of Charm (Billionaire Buck Boys #7)

CHAPTER SIXTY-SIX

Holden

It’s been three days since I tore Greer’s world apart, and I still haven’t heard a word from her. Jameson has reminded me twice since then that I need to ask her to consent to a paternity test for our daughter.

I did speak to Rook about this after handing him a dollar. I told him it was to retain him and to buy his silence. He assured me that he would never repeat anything I told him in confidence even to Declan.

From an attorney’s point of view, Rook suggested I seek out an expert in family law to help navigate what comes next. He threw out a couple of names of law school buddies.

I have yet to call either.

I want to talk to Greer before I take another step.

Grabbing my suit jacket off the back of my chair, I start toward my office door. A walk in Riverside Park will help me think more clearly.

Just as I’m about to swing it open, a soft knock comes from the other side.

It’s well past quitting time, so everyone, including my brother, has left the office. The cleaning crew is milling about. That’s why I shut my door. It’s not that I don’t like making small talk with them. I enjoy it. They’re an incredible group of people who work hard for us.

Tonight, I didn’t have the heart to dive into any conversations. Solace has been my best friend since Greer walked out of my apartment.

I swing the door open and instantly feel a sense of relief wash over me. “Greer.”

“Hey,” she says softly. “I went by your apartment. You weren’t there, so I thought I’d try Riverside Park.”

I love that she knows where I go when I need to think.

“Obviously, you weren’t there either, so I thought I’d try here.” She glances into my office. “Are you working late?”

I haven’t done much work over the past three days, so I shake my head. “No. I was just on my way out.”

“Can we go somewhere?” she asks. “Unless you’d prefer to talk here.”

“We can go wherever you want.” I look into her eyes. “You lead because I’ll follow you anywhere.”

“Your apartment?” she asks tentatively. “I’d like to talk there.”

“I’ll order a rideshare.” I tug my phone out of the pocket of my suit jacket. “Have you eaten dinner, Greer? I can order some food to be delivered for when we get to my place.”

“I’m not hungry.”

I’m not either, even though I’ve barely eaten anything since I last saw her. “Okay.”

“We should go down to the lobby to wait for the car,” she says before starting toward my office door.

I watch her walk away from me, noticing the slight tremor in her hands as she does.

She’s as torn up as I am, but we’re going to talk. We’ll figure out what comes next, and more importantly, we’ll decide together what’s best for our daughter.

I toss my keys and phone on the coffee table as I slide off my suit jacket. I fold it neatly before placing it over the back of a chair. My tie lands on top of it.

Greer stands silently watching it all.

“Do you want something to drink?” I ask. “Water, wine, soda…I could make you a coffee, but I’m not promising it’ll be any good.”

She smiles slightly. “I’m fine right now. Thank you.”

I motion toward the couch. “Do you want to sit?”

Her gaze volleys between the couch and me. “I don’t think so.”

That’s a sign that she wants to be ready to bolt for the door if need be. Unless she’s going to tell me that she’ll fight me on the paternity test, I won’t give her a reason to leave.

She’s been Olive’s sole parent for her entire life. I can’t blame her for trying to protect her little girl.

I glance at the watch on my wrist. The time isn’t relevant. Unless I check, I have no idea if it’s night or day. It’s been that way since I realized Olive is my daughter.

When I look up, I find Greer staring at me. “I think you’re her dad, too. She has your eyes, Holden. I didn’t see it before, but I do now.”

I blow out a quick breath, relieved that this conversation is not beginning as I thought it would. “I felt a connection to her immediately. My heart knew right away when I met her.”

“I need to say something.” Her bottom lip trembles. “I don’t think I need to say it, but I think I should.”

“You can say anything to me, Greer.”

She nods briskly. “Okay. Here goes…”

I step closer to her, watching as she tucks her hands in the front pockets of her jeans before she tugs them back out quickly.

She’s a ball of nervous energy. All I want to do is wrap my arms around her and hold her close. I need her to know everything will be all right.

“Do you want me to say something first?” I ask, almost kidding.

I’m trying to break the tension of the moment by giving her an out, but it may not be what she needs.

“Yes.” Her eyes widen. “Say something, Holden.”

I don’t even consider what the next words out of my mouth should be.

I just go with what has been sitting inside me for weeks now.

The unspoken words that I wanted to express as soon as I saw her walk into the conference room for the first time.

It was the day I found out her real name.

It was also the day I realized I could have a chance with her.

“I’m falling in love with you, Greer.”

Her mouth falls open. “What?”

“I know my timing is shit.” I chuckle. “I wanted to tell you weeks ago, but I was scared. My track record with love hasn’t been great, but I know what I feel.”

She takes a tentative step toward me. “You were going to tell me before you found out about Olive?”

“Way before.”

She closes her eyes briefly. “I feel things for you, too, but it’s a lot right now. I don’t know if I can say exactly…”

“You don’t need to,” I interrupt to save her from having to tell me she can’t repeat the words I just said to her. “Your focus right now is Olive. I know that. I respect that. I love that about you.”

The sound of a phone ringing breaks the moment. I know it’s not mine because I silenced the ringer on the drive here.

“You should get it,” I say. “It could be about Olive.”

She drops her tote bag on the floor before bending over to search through it. As soon as she has the phone in her hand, she answers it. “I’m here. What’s happening?”

The person on the other end of the call says something that makes Greer look right at me.

“We’re coming,” she whispers.

More silence from her as she listens intently.

“I’m bringing Holden with me.” Her voice is strong. It’s determined. “We’ll be there as soon as we can.”

My suit jacket is in my hand before the call is over.

“Olive hit her chin on the counter when she was brushing her teeth,” she says in a rush. “She’s fine, but she’s asking for me.”

“I can come with you?” I ask so there’s no misunderstanding.

“I want you to.” She holds out a hand. “I know she’d love to see you.”

I kiss her hand softly. “I’d love to see her, too.”

She motions to the friendship bracelet on my wrist. “Have you taken that off since Olive gave it to you?”

I hold up my hand, kissing one of the beads. “I never will.”