The Paternity Pact (Texas Cattleman's Club: Rags to Riches 3)

“And because I love and support you,” Jaymes said. “Oh, and guess what? I have good news for you.”

“Yay!” Harley faced Jaymes and fastened on a hopeful expression. “I could really use some.”

Her friend nodded in understanding. “A college friend of mine who lives in Fort Worth just took a position on the board of a charitable foundation that specializes in women’s issues. I mentioned Zest to her, and she would be interested in talking to you about funding. She’s available for lunch tomorrow if you can swing it.”

“That would be incredible,” Harley enthused. “Between that and Beth’s charity circuit connections, I might be able to secure lasting funding for Zest.”

And then what? Return to her life in Thailand and pretend that she hadn’t dropped a bombshell into Grant’s life? Part of her reason for coming home had been to tell him he had a son because Daniel needed to know his father. But Harley had been so focused on this drama-inducing event that she hadn’t thought about what happened beyond the difficult confession. She hadn’t a clue to how he’d react to her being back in his life in a big way. Never expected that he’d kiss her nor that she’d be indulging in daydreams of her and Grant together as...what? Lovers? Harley shuddered as longing swept through her. Parents? Of course, because of Daniel, they were bound together for the rest of their lives. But what was she to do with her feelings for him that had resurfaced with a vengeance?

Once upon a time, there had been an amazing, transformative moment for her that had ended before she got a chance to see where it might lead.

Harley thought she’d accepted that she and Grant weren’t meant to be together. What if deep down she hadn’t given up when he’d declared he wanted nothing more to do with her? Or when she’d left town? Or when she’d heard he’d married Paisley?

Instead, she’d pushed down the fantasy of what could’ve been, something that had been a lot easier when she’d been living halfway around the world. Now, once again involved with her former lover, she was confronting a dozen conflicting emotions that left her confused and uncertain.

By coming home to tell Grant about Daniel, she’d manufactured another chance to get to know him, to let him get to know her. Did she want to be with him? Harley trembled as the dueling memories of their lovemaking and his rejection played through her mind. The stakes were higher than ever now, with more hearts at risk than just hers.

Her father had been fond of the saying: the greater the risk, the greater the reward. It was at times like these that she missed him the most. He’d been the only member of her family who’d appreciated her bluntness and didn’t try to control her spirited ways. His belief in her skills enabled Harley to find the confidence to make Zest happen.

“What are you thinking about?” Jaymes asked, regarding her friend over the rim of her teacup.

“My dad.”

“He would’ve been so proud of you.”

Harley cleared her throat and fought down a wave of melancholy. “I wish he’d been well enough to get to know Daniel.”

“How would he have felt about Grant being his father?”

“After he got over the shock,” Harley said with a halfhearted chuckle, “I think he would’ve approved.”

“So what’s next for you and Grant?”

“He’s invited us to his house tomorrow to swim and have lunch.” She shivered in anticipation of seeing Grant stripped down to his swim trunks. All that bronze skin and hard muscle would be an excellent test of her willpower.

“Oh, dear,” Jaymes murmured, her blue eyes reflecting concern. “Are you falling for him again?”

Harley shook her head. “That would be crazy, wouldn’t it?”

“Maybe. I don’t know. I watched you two at the fundraiser and he wasn’t immune.” Jaymes had always moved more cautiously than Harley when it came to romance. “Still, he’s barely dated since his marriage ended and word is, he’s not looking to get serious with anyone.”

“I don’t know what I’m thinking,” Harley said, waving her hand dismissively. “The only reason I connected with Grant was to tell him about Daniel. As long as he and I can be friendly for the sake of our son, that’s good enough for me.”

Six

Following his first dinner with Harley, Grant had made dramatic changes to his work schedule to carve out as much time as possible for his son. He had four years to make up for and intended to prove to her how committed he was to being a good father to Daniel.

She’d been clear and forthright with her concerns and although he’d never admit it, not knowing the first thing about being a parent made him anxious. He could learn techniques to raise well-rounded children and read articles listing scientific tips that would enable Daniel to grow up happy and healthy, but eventually he’d have to set aside the reading material and put the advice into practice.

To that end, Grant invited Harley and Daniel over to get better acquainted. The pair arrived promptly at ten o’clock already dressed in swimsuits, eager to escape the August heat with a refreshing plunge in the pool. To Grant’s shock, Daniel launched himself across the pool deck and into the water. The spray hit Grant’s chest and thighs as the boy’s head disappeared beneath the surface. He jumped into the water to rescue his son only to see the four-year-old pop up like a cork.

“Sorry,” Harley called, amusement making her eyes twinkle even as she struggled to keep her expression contrite. “I should’ve warned you that he’s part fish.”

“So he can swim.” Grant kept Daniel in his sights as he ran shaky fingers through his hair. He backed toward the edge of the pool.

“I started teaching him when he was a baby.” Harley had stripped off her light cotton dress to reveal a modest two-piece before coming to sit near Grant. She dangled her feet in the water and smiled as she watched her son. “Jaymes and Sean don’t have a pool so he was really excited that he could come here and swim.”

Irresistibly drawn toward Harley, Grant shifted closer and rested his elbows on the sun-warmed tile that ran around the rim until his right arm was an inch from her slender thigh. The hot sun had warmed her skin, releasing the faint tang of sunscreen. Contentment suffused him as he gathered the scent into his lungs.