Page 113 of Charm

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.”