Dare To Resist (Dare Nation 1)

He could answer that easily. “Because all her life no one has given her a choice in what she wants. Her parents forced her to take care of her siblings and cousins. If they had their way, she’d be a nanny and not a fantastic executive assistant at a top sports agency. They don’t know her and they don’t respect what she wants. I do.”

Paul shook his head as if he didn’t understand or agree with Austin’s decision. “Why would telling her you love her hurt anything?”

“Because if she feels the same way, she’d feel more obligated to give up her plans for her life. Which do not involve having kids. She needs to come to the choice to be with me and Jenny, to change her mind, free of undue influence.” Even though it killed him not to tell her his feelings.

That he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her as his wife and Jenny’s mother. He wanted to have more kids, kids who looked like Quinn.

He blew out a breath. “She has to want the same things I do. I can’t force her to love me enough to change her mind about having children.”

“You’ll figure it out. You’re two smart people. I have faith,” Paul said, pushing himself up and rising from his seat.

“I’m so sorry I’m late!” Quinn rushed into the room, out of breath and not looking like his put-together Quinn. Her hair was pulled into a messy bun she usually reserved for home, her blouse was half tucked in, and she barely had makeup on her pretty face.

“It’s fine. No meetings this morning,” Austin said.

Paul greeted her and wished her a good morning before leaving them alone.

“Are you okay?” He didn’t want to point out her shortcomings and sound like an ass. She always looked good to him, but this frazzled woman wasn’t the female he’d grown used to seeing. Not even after dealing with a fussy baby first.

She blushed and met his gaze. “Evie came over last night. She opened a bottle of wine and one thing led to another… Well, I drank too much and overslept.” She grinned sheepishly and adorably.

He wanted nothing more than to take her into his arms, hold her tight, and never let go. Instead, he managed a smile. “I’m sure you needed the girl time.” He knew from Bri how important a woman’s friends were during times of uncertainty and heartbreak.

Was her heart breaking like his was?

She walked over and took his hand. “Austin, listen…”

Her words were interrupted by the sound of his cell phone and he frowned. “Get it,” she said.

He shook his head. “I want to hear what you have to say.”

But before she could speak, her own cell began to buzz. She grabbed it from her bag. “It’s Amy.” She accepted the call. “Hi, Ames. What’s up?”

As she listened, Quinn’s eyes opened wide. “Okay, calm down and call your dad. Tell him to come over immediately. And set the alarm.”

At her instructions, panic rushed through Austin since Amy was with Jenny. “What’s wrong?”

Quinn met his gaze. “Someone is lurking outside the house. Amy was in the family room and saw a person in a hoodie walk by, then she ran to the front and saw them there, too.”

“Jesus Christ. I’m going home.” He started for the door but Quinn stopped him with a hand on his arm.

“Austin, Amy’s dad is cop. He lives five minutes away. We’ll go, but stay calm because my uncle Cal will be there first.”

They ran to the car, not stopping to explain to anyone at the office where they were headed or why. Austin just needed to get home to his daughter. He floored it, not wanting to get pulled over but the desire to get home riding him hard.

They were about ten minutes from home when Quinn’s cell rang. “It’s Amy’s cell.”

“Put it on speaker,” Austin said.

She tapped the screen twice. “Hello?”

“Quinn, it’s Uncle Cal.” In the background, it sounded like Amy was crying hysterically, and Austin’s gut cramped in utter fear.

“What happened?” he asked.

“The doorbell rang. Amy was in a panic. She thought it was me, didn’t check, and flung the door open. She had the baby in her arms.”

“Son of a bitch,” Austin muttered. “And?”

“A woman claiming to be Jenny’s mother grabbed for the baby. Amy didn’t want to fight her and hurt Jenny in the process, so when she yanked her, Amy let her go.” Cal paused. “Shh. It’ll be okay,” he said to his crying daughter. “I’m back. The woman left you a note.”

“What’s it say?” Austin put his foot against the pedal harder, gripping the steering wheel tightly in his hands.

“There’s a phone number. The note says call to exchange the baby for one hundred grand.”

Austin slammed his hand against the wheel.