Fake Marriage (Contemporary Romance Box Set)

My heart stalled in my chest. That first time we made Alyssa. I never knew he’d been worried about the possibility of pregnancy. I didn’t remember him asking about it. Of course, by the time I knew I was pregnant, he was gone.

He pulled himself together. “Listen, Sinclair, I know this isn’t the time, but I want to get this out now so you can think about it and we can talk later.”

I swallowed, a little relieved he was moving on to a new topic.

“About Alyssa.”

Oh God, he was moving on. But this wasn’t the time or place for me to reveal my secret.

“I meant what I said about always being there for her. I don’t know what happened with her father, but as far as I can tell, he’s not involved.”

I sagged against the desk, feeling like my world was about to crash down.

“I don’t know if you think she needs a father, but I want to sign up for the job.” He looked at me and cocked his head as if he thought my reaction was off. Of course, it was. I was paralyzed by fear and guilt. “I’d like to adopt her.”

I closed my eyes as tears threatened. He was the most wonderful man in the world, wanting to adopt a child he thought was from another man.

“Wyatt, there’s something you need to-”

My desk phone buzzed. I looked at it, but didn’t want to pick it up.

“You should get that.”

I managed to walk around my desk on wobbly legs. I sank into my chair and picked up the phone. “Yes.”

“The mayor is back and wants to see you. You should probably get dressed.”

Oh God, did she hear us?.

She laughed. “At least I hope you two are naked. Would serve the mayor right. He’s in his office when you’re done.”

“Thank you, Trina. Tell him I’ll be there shortly.”

I hung up the phone and looked up at Wyatt.

“You’ve got to get to work.” He smiled. “Maybe when you talk with the mayor you can think about what I just did to you on your desk.”

/> I managed a laugh, but it wasn’t a very good one.

He frowned and looked down. “About Alyssa, I know she’s not mine and we’re new and all, but I love her, Sinclair. I want to do right by her and you. I know it’s a caveman thing to say, but that’s how I feel.” He put his hand over his heart. “Just think about it.”

I nodded. “We can talk when I get home.”

He smiled again. “Good. Would it be alright if I picked her up and gave her a riding lesson? I won’t say anything about wanting to adopt her.”

“Yes. She’d like that.” My smile was forced and I was sure he could tell as he kept looking at me like he was missing something.

“Okay. Now go give the mayor hell.” He winked and started to leave my office.

“Can you shut my door when you leave? I want a moment to pull myself together.”

He waggled his brows. “Of course.”

It was good he thought I meant I needed to compose myself after he ravished me on my desk. In reality, I needed to get myself in order about Alyssa and the guilt that threatened to bring me to my knees.

After a few minutes of getting my brain back on work, and checking that my clothes were in order, I headed to the mayor's office.

I knocked on the door as I opened it. “You wanted to see me?”