Page 93 of Sunshine

“I’ve read all your books, Tess, and they’re great, but that one—it’s your best work. I think you should reconsider. And if you’re worried about people judging you for the sex, don’t. I’m a stuffy old judge and it didn’t offend me.”

She smirks. “In fact, I read it twice.” She looks at the door and lowers her voice to a whisper. “And between you and me, I had to recharge my silicone boyfriend after the first time, so I could read it the second time. Consider it a public service for deprived women everywhere.”

I roll my lips to hold back my smile, then shrug. “Well, when you put it that way, we’ll see.” I pull the book back out of my bag,return to her desk, grab and pen and sign the front page that says nothing but the title. “Between us, here. Keep it. I’ve got the real thing waiting right outside.”

When I walk out of Ellen Hortense’s office, Case is leaning on the wall in the hallway. His muscled arms are loosely crossed, and he looks more relaxed than I’ve ever seen him, and considering what a chill guy he is, that’s saying something.

“I’m so sorry,” I say and curl myself around him, not caring if I seem needy, because I am. I’m needy for his touch, his forgiveness, and his love.

“You really wrote a book about me?”

I peek up and him, press my lips and shake my head. “Work of fiction based loosely on my personal experience.”

He chuckles. “I’m reading it, Sunshine.”

“No, you are not.”

“I totally am.” Tucking me under his arm, he leads us out of the courthouse. “Would you like to meet Reece officially now?”

“Please.” As we walk, he removes his arm from my shoulder, folding my hand in his instead. We leave the court and people stare, maybe they’re staring at me, but I think they’re more likely staring at the big, tattooed man whose face looks as lovesick as I feel.

“Where is Reece?”

“With Lulah, Jeff, and Jamie. She’s obsessed with her new cousin.”

“She’s at that age when little girls so often become baby crazy.”

“Have you told her yet?”

His brows rise. “About winning custody? Or about us?”

I swallow. “Both.”

“No, neither. But I think I’d like to take her to lunch and tell her everything. And then, I’d like us to have dinner together—the three of us.”

“Think she’ll handle all of this okay?”

“She’s resilient, and a tough cookie.” He pauses to look thoughtfully at me. “A lot like you.”

I give him a soft smile. “Hopefully not too much like me or her teen years are going to age you drastically.”

His lips hitch up on one side. “You both have me wrapped around your fingers.”

“She’s beautiful, sweet, and so smart. You should be very proud.”

“I am. She’s an amazing kid, but I didn’t have much to do with that. Her maternal grandparents, her uncle, and this last year, Lulah, they’re the ones who’re responsible for how she’s turned out.”

“I’ve seen you with her, you’re a great dad.”

“She makes it easy.”

We stop in the courthouse parking lot and I search his eyes. Giving his hand a squeeze, I say, “You’re a great dad.”

He nods, finally accepting my words. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about her sooner. Things between us moved quickly.”

I grin. “From, you’re nothing but a pain in my ass, to,oh my god, that ass.”

He chuckles. “Something like that.”