Chapter 24
Chapter Twenty-Four
Lorelei
I kissed Jack goodbye and hailed a cab to my mom’s house to pick up Hope. On the way home, we stopped and picked up a carryout of Chinese food to take back with us.
“You seem different, Mommy.” Hope smiled as she bit into her egg roll.
“I do?”
“Yeah. You seem happier.”
Crap. I guess that’s what mind-blowing sex will do to you.
“I’ve always been happy, baby.”
“I know. But today, you seem extra happy.”
“That’s because I’m here with you.” I tapped her on the nose.
She giggled. Once we finished dinner, I told Hope to sit on the couch and watch TV while I took a shower. After undressing, I stood and looked at myself in the mirror. Hope was right. I did look extra happy today. I needed to tell Jack about my daughter, and tomorrow would be the day I would. He would understand, especially after today. The first time we had sex, something happened between us, but today, it grew stronger, and he became more to me than just my boss. I completely fell head over heels for him, and now there was no turning back. He made himself a place in my heart, and he made me happy.
Jack
As I was getting ready to leave the hotel, I saw Lorelei’s book lying on the floor next to the chair. It must have fallen out of her bag. I picked it up and sat down on the couch. Opening it, my eyes scanned the designs of various dresses, some casual and some very elegant. I smiled as I flipped through the pages. She was extremely talented, and her designs were stunning. It made me wonder why she kept this a secret from me. I closed the book and dialed Tony.
“Are you close? I’m ready to leave.”
“I will be there in about five minutes, Jack.”
“Okay. Thanks, Tony.”
I grabbed my suitcoat, went to the lobby, and checked out. As I stepped out of the hotel, Tony pulled up.
“I need you to drive me to Lorelei’s apartment. She left something behind, and she’ll probably want it tonight.”
“Are you sure she’s home?” he asked.
“She said her friend was coming over for dinner tonight, so that would mean she’d be home.”
“Very well, Jack.”
When Tony pulled up to the curb of Lorelei’s apartment building, I looked around the sketchy area. It bothered me that she lived in this part of Harlem. As I walked up the steps to the building, an elderly lady was walking out the door with her walker. I ran and grabbed the door for her and held it open.
“Thank you, young man.” She smiled.
“You’re welcome. Do you know which apartment is Lorelei Flynn’s?”
“Who wants to know?” She glared at me.
“I’m Jack Sutton, her boss over at Sutton Magazine.” I reached into my pocket, pulled out my business card, and handed it to her. “She left her sketchbook behind at the office, and I’m bringing it to her.”
She studied my business card and then looked at me. “She’s in apartment 2C. That’s very nice of you to bring that to her. That book is one of her most prized possessions.”
“I know.” I gave her a smile. “Thank you.”
She simply nodded and walked away. I took the elevator up to the second floor and her apartment. Knocking on the door, I heard a voice on the other side.
“Who is it?”
I frowned. It didn’t sound like Lorelei.
“It’s Jack Sutton.”
I could hear the locks unlocking and then the door opened. I stood there in shock as I stared down at a little girl.
“I’m sorry. I must have the wrong apartment. I’m looking for Lorelei Flynn.”
“That’s my mom.” She smiled.
I swallowed hard and suddenly became very heated as I stared at the little girl with long blonde hair and big blue eyes.
“My name is Hope. It’s nice to meet you.” She held out her small hand.
I was confused and in shock. I lightly shook her hand, and she invited me inside.
“You can come in and wait. My mom is in the shower, but she’ll be out soon. Come sit down on the couch. I’m watching one of my favorite movies: Cinderella.”
I was at a loss for words, but I stepped inside the small apartment anyway. Hope ran and plopped herself down on the couch, patting the cushion next to her. I took a seat and looked at her as she stared at me.
“How old are you, Hope?”
“Seven. How old are you?”
“Thirty-two. You shouldn’t be answering the door when you don’t know who is on the other side. That’s very dangerous.”
“I know you. You’re my mom’s boss at work. She says you’re mean.”
I arched my brow at her. “She told you that?”
“Yes.” She giggled.
Suddenly, I heard Lorelei’s voice behind me.
“Who are you talking — Jack?” Her eyes widened as she looked at me in her silk robe and dripping wet hair.
I stood up from the couch. “This must have fallen out of your bag. I didn’t want you to worry that you’d lost it, so I decided to bring it over.”
“Jack, I can?—”
I put my hand up. “Don’t, Lorelei. Please. Just don’t.” I set her sketchbook down on the coffee table and headed toward the door.
“You’re leaving already, Mr. Sutton?” Hope’s small voice spoke to me.
“Yes. I have somewhere I need to be. It was nice to meet you, Hope.” I opened the door and walked out of the apartment, shutting it behind me.
It felt like the wind had been knocked out of me. I climbed into the limo, and instantly, Tony knew something was wrong.
“What’s wrong, Jack? Was she home?”
“Yeah. She was home. She has a kid.”
“What? Lorelei has a child?”
“Yep. Her name is Hope and she’s seven years old.”
“She never mentioned that to you?”
“No. Not one word. This changes everything, Tony. Take me home. I need a drink.”