Seduce Me (Austin Singles 1)

Charlie’s computer pinged with a notification.

“Right about now,” Donovan finished with a smile at his efficiency.

When the lawyer had walked into Charlie’s office, she made her way back around to her desk and sat down. She typed something in. She hit her mouse and turned her laptop so Lindsey could see it. Her mouth fell open when she saw the video proof of herself walking into Charlie’s office. When Charlie turned up the volume, Lindsey stood.

“Fine. You made your point. I’m leaving now.”

“Sit. Down. Ms. Cooke,” Charlie demanded. “We are getting that DNA test done.”

“It’s not his kid. I saw the announcement in the paper, and I needed money.”

“So you decided to try and get it from me by lying that the kid was mine?” I cried out.

“I was desperate.” Lindsey’s voice sounded desperate, and the look on her face was too.

“Please don’t do this. My daughter is all I have.”

“Why did you do it?” Charlie asked. “Why do you need the money?” Lindsey dropped her head and stared at the floor. “My husband has a gambling problem. We’re five-hundred-thousand dollars in debt, at least that’s the amount that I know of. I’m about to lose my house, and I don’t know what to do. I panicked and thought if I asked you for money, you’d want to keep your image clean.”

“Don’t you think six hundred thousand is a lot to ask for?” I asked, not feeling the least bit sorry for this piece of shit.

Charlie’s phone buzzed.

“Yes?” she asked.

Marge’s voice came over the phone. “The lab is here.”

“Send them in, along with Ms. Cooke’s daughter.”

Lindsey looked frantic. “She’s not your daughter, Tucker. I’m sorry I lied.”

“I never thought she was. I can’t believe you did this.”

Tears filled her eyes. “Please don’t press charges against me. Please.”

Three people walked in with Lindsey’s little girl in tow. She looked scared to death. Lindsey went over to her and picked her up. Burying her face into the girl’s hair, she said, “I’m so sorry I did this, pumpkin. I’m so sorry.”

Charlie walked over and looked at two of the people. “Take hair samples and that’s it.”

Lindsey looked at Charlie. “She’s not his!”

With a stone face, Charlie said, “We’re going to find out for sure.”

“Charlie, why don’t we …”

Her gaze moved to me, and I stopped talking.

“You weren’t the one who had someone come into your office and ask for over a half-a-million dollars. I was. Forgive me for wanting to make sure this isn’t your child, and let’s hope no other exes walk into our lives and demand money.”

And before I knew it, Charlie walked out of her office, Marge trailing behind her. Mr. Donovan stayed in the room and made sure all the proper paperwork was filled out.

“I’m sorry, Tucker,” Lindsey whispered to me.

The only thing I could do was shake my head. I had nothing to say to her.

One of the gentlemen walked up to me and said, “We will have the results by tomorrow morning.”

Nodding, I replied, “Sounds good.”