Page 124 of From the Start

I’m starting to get annoyed. I didn’t make this woman any promises. I never do. I’m always clear. A night of fun with no strings attached. Nothing else is on offer. And it never will be.

“I’m sorry, I don’t remember you.” It’s not a lie. “Why don’t you come in and we can discuss this?”

“There’s nothing to discuss. Adele is your baby. I’m done raising her on my own. You’re up.”

“How do I know this…,” I manage to stop myself before I say a thing. “Adele is mine?”

She plants a fist on her hip. “Are you saying I’m a slut?”

“How the hell would I know if you’re a slut? I don’t know who you are!”

“Don’t you dare yell at me in front of the baby,” she hisses.

I inhale a deep breath. I’m not one to yell at people. Especially not a woman I don’t know. Or, at least, don’t remember. I’m usually laid back, but this situation is not usual.

“Let’s start over. I’m Zane and you are?”

I hold out my hand and she stares at it for a few long moments before finally placing her hand in mine.

“Daisy.”

I flash her a smile. “Hi, Daisy. It’s lovely to see you again.”

“I wish I could say the same,” she mutters.

I nod to the baby. “And this little girl is yours?”

“Ours. She’s ours.”

I grit my teeth before I lash out. I might enjoy playing in the sheets with women but I’m always careful. Always. Babies are not on my agenda. I have no interest in becoming a parent.

“I always use protection. You’re certain Adele is mine?”

“I’m certain and now I’m done with this conversation.”

She whirls around to leave again and panic strikes. She can’t leave this tiny creature behind. I have no idea how to handle a baby.

“You can’t abandon your baby with me.”

“She’s your baby, too.”

Okay. Fine. “You can’t abandon our baby with me.”

“You’re up. I’m done being a single mom. I’m done missing out on all the fun. I’m done with missing classes.”

Classes? She must be a college student. I file the information away for future use.

“I’m sorry you’re having a difficult time. Let’s discuss this. Let’s figure out a solution.”

“I have the solution. Daddy’s going to raise Adele. Discussion over.”

She sprints to her car. I start to chase after her but the baby screams. I stare at her for a second before I swear and reach down to pick her up.

“Shush, baby. Don’t cry.”

I rock her in my arms and she immediately settles. Phew.

“What am I going to do with you?” She stares up at me with big blue eyes. The same blue eyes I gaze into every morning in the mirror.