Exposed - Part Three (Exposed 3)

"It's Hunter." I stop myself. "Zander Reynolds," I say his name with as much calm certainty as I can muster.

"Do you want me to announce your arrival?" He pulls a phone from the pocket of his jacket just as the elevator arrives.

"No." I call back as I step into the lift. "I want to surprise him."

I pull in a heavy breath as I stare at myself in the mirror that adorns the elevator wall. I had taken the time to apply just a bit of makeup before catching a taxi to come here. Even though I know in my heart that Hunter and I are over, my body still craves him. I still want to know that he finds me as attractive as he did during those magical weeks we spent together.

I smooth my hands over the skirt of my dress as the elevator doors slide open. I march with determined steps towards Hunter's door.

I run my tongue over my lips, push back the hair that has fallen over my forehead and I knock softly on the door.

I turn around wanting to have a brief moment of solace to gather myself once he opens the door and greets me.

I listen as the door slowly opens. The silence is endless before a very small, and soft voice says, "Hi."

Chapter 17

I turn slowly and my eyes move downward in what feels like slow motion. Standing at my feet is a small boy. His hair a wild mess of red, his eyes the same brilliant blue as Christina's.

"Hello," I whisper back.

"I'm Cory," he announces proudly.

I smile at the softness of his voice. "I'm Sadie."

He pulls his hand to his mouth and lets out a gleeful squeal. "Are you Princess Sadie? Princess Sadie?" He jumps up and down, his hair bouncing with each movement.

"I'm..."my voice trails. I stare at him in wonder. He's beautiful. So perfect.

"Daddy," he screams loudly. "Daddy. Princess Sadie is here."

I pull my hand to my chest. My eyes gloss over with tears. This is the Cory who was ill. This is the reason. He's the reason for it all.

"Sadie." Hunter is at the door now, the small boy scooped up into his arms. "Come in."

I take a step over the threshold and the apartment looks completely different than I remember it. Toys are strewn everywhere. A child's movie blares over the speakers on the television.

"Cory, Daddy needs to talk to Sadie." He places the boy down on his feet. "I need you to go into your room to play with your train."

"She's Princess Sadie," he corrects. "Call her that."

Hunter taps him on the top of his head. "Princess Sadie and Daddy are going to talk in here. I'll come get you right away."

"In ten?" He holds up both his hands proudly displaying his fingers.

"In ten." Hunter kisses the top of his head. "Go now."

The little boy races down the hallway and disappears into the guest room. His room. He's the reason Hunter wanted me to get my own place.

"I should have called," I whisper. I have no idea what to say.

"No." Hunter reaches for my hand. "Princess Sadie is always welcome here." He manages a small smile. He motions towards the couch and I sit down waiting for him to take a seat beside me.

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"You must have more than a million questions." He sits on the coffee table so he's facing me directly. "I can't imagine what you're thinking."

I pull my eyes over his face. He looks different to me now. He's no longer the man who lied endlessly so he could carry on a sordid affair with me all while being engaged to someone else. He's someone's father. He's a dad. "He's so beautiful."