Colton's Dangerous Liaison by Regan Black

Author:Regan Black
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2020-10-02T13:10:42+00:00

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Antonio set aside his cell phone, having completed another call with his insurance adjuster. He appreciated how quickly they were processing his claim. Now all he needed was confirmation from the police that he could start cleanup and repairs.

That made him think of Melissa and the resulting smile was a pleasant surprise. He could always drop in and check on the progress personally. Her interest in the fire was likely just a courtesy after he’d helped them find Danny. Still, he enjoyed talking with her, watching those blue eyes blaze with humor or intense interest.

He picked up his cell phone, already anticipating her smile for his unexpected arrival, when his desk phone rang. “Antonio Ruiz,” he answered.

“Mr. Ruiz, this is the front desk. Desiree Colton is here, requesting to speak with you for a few minutes.”

Antonio smiled again. “Is her son with her?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Let her know I’ll be right down.”

Since moving to the secure suite, he’d been borderline paranoid about security, but he was confident his staff could keep Orr away from the hotel. Antonio regretted every tour he’d given Orr, every drink they’d had in his office or meal they’d shared in the main restaurant. He felt like a fool to have called the man a friend at any point in their history.

He reached the wide, sweeping stairs that curved into the lobby and spotted Desiree and her son right away. The little boy was gripping her finger and dragging her around the central fountain, giggling with every step.

Antonio’s stomach cramped, his heart in a cold vise as the sadness of what he’d lost washed over him. Karen would’ve glowed like that, a combination of pride and exasperation, all tangled up with endless love for their child. He’d never even allowed the doctors to tell him if she’d been carrying a boy or a girl.

“Ms. Colton,” he said, approaching the pair. “It’s a pleasure to see you again.”

In a smooth, practiced motion, she scooped Danny up into her arms and settled him on her hip. “Mr. Ruiz.” She extended her hand to shake his. “We came over to say thank you.”

The little boy stuck out his hands and threw all of his body weight at Antonio.

Desiree rolled her eyes. “And now you see why Mrs. McPherson had no trouble sweeping him out of the wedding reception. He doesn’t know the concept of strangers.”

“May I?” Antonio asked. He’d been so excited about becoming a father before he’d lost everything. It had taken years for him to be comfortable around children again, knowing he wasn’t strong enough to bear the risk of attempting to have a family with another woman.

The sweet hands were already grasping his fingers and the little guy was making it clear he wanted out of his mother’s embrace.

She picked up on his intention. “Yes, of course, you can hold Danny,” she said clearly.

Her son didn’t seem to care that she was trying to send him a message about safety and strangers. Danny beamed and patted

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