Dirty, Reckless Love (Boys of Jackson Harbor 3)

“Even if you lived there, you might not have known. Ava was there, and she never suspected anything. Ava still thinks Noah is yours.”

“I know. Molly will probably tell her the truth eventually, but it’s going to be hard for her. Even though Ava has a tough relationship with our father, she still idolizes him. It won’t be easy information for her to handle.”

“Nelson caught me alone at one of my listings earlier tonight,” I say softly, and when the blood drains from Colton’s face, I quickly add, “Nothing like that happened, but . . .”

“What did he say to you?”

“He said I have to give him a million dollars or he’ll stage his own death and frame you for it.”

“Bullshit!”

I shake my head and realize all of me is shaking. I’ve held it together so well since seeing Nelson, but now I’m starting to fall apart. “I’m not willing to call his bluff on this.”

He laughs. “So, what, you’re going to give him a million dollars instead?” When I don’t answer, his laughing face goes hard. “Don’t do it, Ellie.”

“It’s too late. I’m meeting with Tate tomorrow to see if he wants to buy the Discovery collection.”

“You mean the fake Discovery collection. The one that could ruin your life.”

I shrug. “I’d rather take my chances with Tate than Nelson.”

“Fuck that,” he growls. He grabs his keys off the table and storms away, slamming the front door behind him as he goes.

Friday, September 7th

When Tate Andrews walks into Ooh La La!, he’s as beautiful as ever. He’s one of those guys who only gets more handsome as he ages. The wrinkles around his eyes draw attention to the depths of his irises, and the gray at his temples makes him look sophisticated. But instead of sending butterflies dancing in my belly, the sight of him makes my whole body go tense. Because when Colton stole those paintings for me so Nelson couldn’t sell them, I promised myself I’d never return to the ethical muck of Tate’s world.

But here I am.

“God damn, you’re a sight for sore eyes,” he says, taking a seat across from me. “I’ve missed you, Ellie.”

“I’ve missed you too,” I admit, dunking my tea bag. “Thanks for agreeing to meet me today.”

“You think I’d have passed up this chance?” He frowns at my cup. “Since when does Ellie Courdrey drink tea in a coffee shop?”

I open my mouth to provide an excuse, then shake my head. I need to get used to telling the truth. “Since I got knocked up. It’s decaf.”

His eyebrows shoot up into his hairline. “You’re pregnant?”

I nod and put my hand over my stomach, remembering the sound of my baby’s heartbeat. I’m doing this for you, peanut. “Crazy, huh?”

“That’s wonderful. Congratulations. I didn’t even know you were married.”

I drop my gaze to my tea. “I’m not yet.” Mustering all my courage, I meet his eyes. If he wants to judge me for this, he can. “I did things out of order, I guess.”

“Pssh. Who says there’s a right order?” He studies me and shakes his head. “You’re going to make an amazing mother, Ellie. I have no doubt in my mind.”

My chest warms. I’m trying so hard to do all the right things. I’m trying to be an amazing mother by saving my child’s father. By any means necessary. “Thank you, Tate. That means a lot to me.”

“I mean every word, and if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to give me a call. And I mean anything, Ellie.”

“You’re too good to me.”

His brown eyes soften. “Do you ever miss the art world?”

I shrug. “Sure. Art was my fir

st love. Who doesn’t miss her first love from time to time?”