Always Been Mine: A Single Mom Office Romance Read online

  She stormed to her room and slammed the door, leaving my heart bleeding on the floor between us.

  I picked up the phone, dialed Doug, and headed into the kitchen where my voice wouldn’t carry so much. He must have thought I was Sierra calling back. “Hey, honey, I can’t talk right now.”

  “I’m not your fucking honey, you dick. Why can’t you ever do one simple thing for your daughter?”

  “Jesus, it’s you. Look bitch, you’re the one who wanted to run off and be a fucking mother all on your own. So now you get to reap the whirlwind.”

  “All of the other kid’s fathers are going to be there, and for some reason, she wants to show you off.” I took a deep breath as tears of anger filled my eyes. “Fuck, Doug. She thinks you don’t like her.”

  “That’s because you fill her head with a bunch of bullshit about me.”

  “No, it’s because of the shit that comes out of your mouth.”

  “I don’t have time for this. Don’t call me bitching.”

  I could hear Cindy in the background threatening me as the phone went dead.

  “Fuck!” I started for Sierra’s room, but there was a knock at the door. Great fucking timing.

  I threw the door open to find Katrina on the other side. She took a step back, and her eyes widened.

  “Yikes, you look pissed off.” She came in and as usual, dropped her purse by the door and beelined for my coffee pot.

  I followed her to the kitchen. “Yeah. My ex-husband has a fucking way of putting me in a shitty mood. And now he’s making our daughter feel like shit, too.”

  She was dressed in her waitress uniform, minus the apron, and had not yet put her hair in its standard bun and hairnet. “What the hell has that asshole done now?”

  “Same as always, but now, she’s finally starting to understand the meaning of his words and how much he hates me. It seems that Doug and Cindy like to talk about me, and since they always say she’s so much like her mother—”

  “Man, that Cindy’s a bitch. Sierra can’t think they mean that stuff about her?” Katrina’s expression was filled with horror.

  “Yeah, she does. And to top it off, the dick won’t even go to her fucking Career Day. Apparently, it’s the day all the kids show off their dads.” I let out a long sigh. “Why did I have to get us stuck with him? Why couldn’t she have had a good father; one who loved us both?” I kept my voice low, not wanting it to carry to her tender ears.

  “You mean like David?”

  I looked away from where she poured her cup of coffee. It had crossed my mind a time or two that I’d have been better off, but Katrina had told me her theories before. “Don’t start.”

  She gave me an innocent look, placing her hand on her chest. “What? I’m just saying, she could be his.”

  “There’s no way. I’ve done the math, and it worked out perfectly that she’s Doug’s.”

  “No, you’re not taking into consideration that due dates aren’t always accurate. You had sex with him just two weeks before you think you conceived Sierra. So, what if you were already pregnant when you hooked up with Doug the Dick?”

  “It’s a longshot. I would have known, though. Do you think I haven’t fantasized about how much better it would be? Trust me, I have. But she’s Doug’s, like it or not.”

  I’d laid in bed with that fantasy since the moment I found out I was pregnant, which is why I took my due date and did the math a hundred times. I’d bled for days after I’d had sex with David, so I knew I’d had my period.

  “I’d hoped that Doug would be the kind of father that would be a knight in shining armor for his daughter, but instead, he’d turned out to be the evil villain for both of us. He’d always been short-tempered, but once we were married, after he’d insisted on doing the right thing by me and the baby, it got worse. He was scared to death of being a father, and he never truly bonded with Sierra. He never changed a diaper, never watched her alone, and he didn’t do any of the usual bath or story time bonding that most fathers did. When the abuse and his tirades got too much to take, and I saw that he was starting to have his fits in front of our daughter, I knew it was time to leave. I had to get out of there and take Sierra to a place where she could feel safe and loved, a quiet, peaceful place.

  “The day I left and went to my parents’ house, he showed up, and my father sent Doug away. If it hadn’t been for them, I don’t know how violent he would have been. It was the first time he’d made actual verbal threats. And so, I kept her from him until the courts made me give him visits. He told me it was all about hurting me, and all but admitted he didn’t know what to do with her.”

  Katrina shook her head. “You should do a paternity test. I’m surprised he’s never done one, as much as he despises being a father.”

  “No way! He likes having something to brag about. Like the thought that his mighty seed was so manly, he produced a kid.”

  “How was dinner with baby daddy?” She shimmied her shoulders and made a lewd gesture with her tongue. The girl was totally nuts, which was why she was my best friend.

  “Stop calling him that. She’s Doug’s, and you know it.”

  The idea that Sierra could be David’s only made my heart hurt more about David leaving me. If he hadn’t gone into the Air Force, I never would have leaned on Doug for comfort. I’d been determined I’d never let Doug lure me back, and then as soon as I’d gone to him after David left, he’d knocked me up to ensure I couldn’t get away. He’d made me his prisoner, but he’d also given me the greatest gift in return. It was the only decent thing he’d done for me.

  “Fine,” Katrina said. “I’ll lay off, but I’ve spoken my piece, and you know my theory.” She gave me a wink. “So, did you get a kiss?”

  “A kiss? No. He’s my boss now, silly. He’s not interested in me that way. I mean, yeah, things got a little close there at the end of the night, but only because he was concerned for me. He thought Doug might have beaten me. I guess I can see why he might think that. My parents didn’t even have anything pleasant to say about Doug.”

  “I bet he’d avenge you if Doug had and whipped that fucker’s ass. That would be so romantic.” She had a dreamy look in her eyes.

  “Except the fact that I’d be a battered wife. I think I’d rather him not have to come to my rescue.” I chuckled half-heartedly. “Look, I know you just want the best for me, but if this is as good as it gets, I’m happy. I have a great new job, and Sierra will be fine once this whole Career Day shit is behind us. I’ll go talk about business, bore the entire class, embarrass my daughter, and she’ll be fine.”

  “I’ve always liked your positive outlook on things. It’s refreshing. I still hope you get laid and that he’s secretly lusting after you; still hungry after all these years of longing. Think of the passion.” She fanned herself and sucked down the rest of her coffee.

  After a little more small talk, she left for her shift at the diner.

  I went to my room to get things ready for the week and to make sure I had what I needed to dress professionally. It had been a long time since I had a job where I could wear something that my apron wouldn’t hide. I found two skirts and three dresses that might work, but I’d have to go shopping after my first payday. The only two blouses I had to match the skirts were a bit worn.

  Sierra came out of her room with her bear and crawled up on my bed. “What’s for lunch?”

  I could tell she was still hurting from earlier, and her red-rimmed eyes were a clear indication that she’d been crying.

  “How about I make your favorite macaroni and cheese casserole?”

  She gave a little shrug and got down to head to the door. I stepped in front of her and pulled her into a hug. “I’m sorry you’re hurting, honey. You know, you may not have a dad who can make a lot of time for you, but you’ve got a mama who would do anything for you. I love you to the moon and back.” I squeezed her tight and let her go, but without a word, she went to the kitchen.

  I had no idea h
ow I was going to make it better.

  Chapter 13

  David

  Greyson kicked back in his chair, his patterned sock showing as he lifted his foot onto his knee. “I think I’m going to like Allison being around.”

  “Yeah?”

  “Yeah, maybe you’ll be on time for a change. This makes two days you’ve been to work on time, and I know she’s the cause. With any luck, you’ll develop a habit.”

  “Don’t hold your breath. Once she’s settled in, I’m liable to slack off a whole lot more.”

  “Great. Just don’t ride in together when you two finally hook up, or you’ll have to fire her for being late.”

  “Come on. Again, with that?” I wished the guy would lay off about me and her, and I hoped he didn’t make his jokes in her presence. I didn’t need anything complicating things. They were crazy enough on their own.

  “Yeah, I see how you don’t deny it. I guess I’ll have to learn to knock. You’ll have her bent over the desk all ‘Oh! Oh! Oh!’”

  He was making the obscene sounds when Allison knocked on my open door.

  “I can come back if I’m interrupting something?” She grinned, and Greyson got to his feet, his face beet red, and stepped across the room to welcome her.

  “Sorry, I was just telling him about my weekend.” He straightened his cuffs.

  I held back my laughter, biting the insides of my cheeks.

  “It’s been a long time, and you look exactly the same,” Allison said.

  I was jealous of the smile she offered him, and even more so when she stepped over and gave him a quick hug.

  “Yeah, you look as scrumptious as ever,” he said. “Now, I can see why this fool was in love with you for so long.”

  She looked over at me, and he took the opportunity for her back being to him to give me a sly grin.

  “Greyson Young, always the kidder.” I gave him a pointed look, and he made his way to the door.

  “Come to my office later,” he said. “I’ll finish telling you that story over the budget report, and you can sign a few papers for me.”

  “Sure thing. I’ll be spending most of the day getting Allison here settled in.”

  “If I need anything, I’ll just knock.” He flashed a wink as he slipped out the door and closed it behind him.

  “He hasn’t changed a bit, has he?” I asked as she slipped off her coat.

  “No, he still thinks I’m oblivious to his insinuations.”

  My cheeks reddened. “He’s got his head full of ideas about us.”

  “Don’t worry about it. I have a friend just like him. But let me just make one thing clear.” She stepped over to the chair but stopped to lean over the desk. “I never say ‘Oh! Oh! Oh!’ I’m more of a ‘Yes! Yes! Harder, deeper’ kind of girl.”

  My eyes widened, and my mouth fell open. There was an awkward silence as her eyes bore into mine, the seduction hung thick in the air, and my blood pumped through my veins, swelling my dick. At least, until she cracked a smile.

  “I’m just kidding with you. You should have seen your face.” She slapped at my hand and sat down in her chair. “I heard him when I stepped up to the door. Like I said, I have one just like him. You remember Katrina, right?”

  “How could I forget? Did she give you a hard time for leaving the diner?” I imagined the two girls loved working together.

  “They already replaced me; like two days later. And Kat’s pretty supportive. She knows how much I needed to make more money.” She folded her hands in her lap. “So, where will I spend my days?”

  She looked around my office and into the small sitting area to her right where I’d placed a bookshelf and two sofas in case I needed a less formal place to talk to clients.

  “I thought, that you’d kind of just hang in here, close by for a few days until I can clear out a space for you. Again, this is a new position. My father had a secretary, but she retired when he died, and Greyson said she never did anything, so I turned her office into that space. I could add a desk in there if you like.”

  “That would be fine.”

  “I’m sure you know your way around a computer, right? I’ll have to get you one of those. Perhaps a partition so you can have some privacy.” I hadn’t even thought about it, but it made sense she’d want her own space.

  “I’m fine. Just a desk and a chair, of course. I’ll need a computer, but if it’s all the same, I’d prefer a laptop of some kind. Something I could carry home when needed.”

  “Anything you like.” I was still imagining her panting and screaming out in ecstasy.

  “Thanks. I know there will be times I’ll have to tend to Sierra, but if I have a laptop, I could work better from home, like if she got sick or something. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen. She’s a horrible patient.”

  “Not that sweet little girl.”

  “She gets so mean when she’s sick. She just wants to be left alone, and all I want to do is baby her.”

  I had always been the same way. I hated for anyone to dote over me. “I can relate. I’d rather not have someone poking thermometers at me or trying to tuck my covers in when I’m sick. My mother used to want to rub my back.”

  “You’re one of those?” She laughed, but then her phone sounded, causing her brows to pinch tightly together. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” She took the phone out from her bag and closed her eyes, gripping it tightly to her chest.

  “Is everything okay?” I didn’t know if there was an emergency or what, and just when I was about to go to her, she held up a finger and answered the phone.

  “This is Allison Simon.” She got up and paced the office as she listened. “Are you sure this is necessary? I’m just starting a job today and— I see. Yes, thank you.” She hung up the phone, and a look of anger washed over her usual sunny expression.

  “What is it?”

  “That was Sierra’s school. They need me to come down there. She’s in trouble again. I’m so sorry. Just for one day, I’d like for them to deal with this shit until school’s out and send a note home like a normal fucking school. But no, they are constantly up my ass to come pick her up, because God forbid, she upset another student.”

  “I’ll drive you.” I stood up and grabbed my keys.

  “No, I don’t want to ruin your day.”

  “You’re not, and you’re too upset to drive yourself.”

  “Thank you. I promise I’ll explain to her I can’t keep leaving work.”

  “You’re fine. Besides, your new boss is a total pushover.” I was really, especially when it came to her. I’d done my time being a hard ass and usually let Greyson handle any problems with staff. I saved my hard balling for business deals. Where it really mattered.

  “He’s the greatest.” She gave me a heartfelt smile and grabbed her bag. Then we headed to the elevators where I called Greyson to tell him we were stepping out for a few hours.

  The school was not designed for adults, and if the staff treated the children the same way they treated the parents and visitors, it was no wonder Allison kept having problems. The woman at the front desk barely made eye contact as she slid the clipboard toward Allison and returned to whatever was more exciting on her phone.

  “How are you today?” I asked, forcing her to speak.

  She looked up, and her eyes trailed down my body as a smile spread her lips. “Just fine, and you are?”

  “I’m here with Ms. Simon.”

  “Yes, Sir, you’ll just have to sign in as a guest, and I’ll get you a visitor’s pass. It’s for security purposes, just precautionary.” She was suddenly so sweet, you’d think the sun had risen on her ass. I scribbled my name on the sheet under Allison’s, and the lady turned to read it. Her eyes widened a little.

  “Mr. DeVant? You’re not one of the DeVants are you?”

  “Yeah. That’s me. The DeVant.”

  “Oh, it’s so nice to meet you, Sir.” She held out her hand, and I took it, giving it a shake.

  “Would yo
u mind telling us where we should go?” I asked.

  “Oh, of course, Mr. DeVant,” the woman gushed.

  Allison held back a smile. “I know where the room is, thank you.” Allison took my hand and led me down the hall. “No one’s ever gone out of their way to be so friendly to me.”

  “That’s why I forced her to speak. Do you think that flattery over my name means anything to me? Come on, you know me better.”

  “I know that.” She’d sure snatched my hand in a possessive way, and it turned me on. I could tell by her expression she hadn’t liked the woman making eyes at me.

  She dropped my hand and stopped in front of a classroom door. “Here it is.”

  She knocked and opened the door after peeking through the small window. Sierra and a young woman sat in the room, and Sierra was puffed up like a bullfrog and looked mad at the world.

  Sierra stayed in her seat as the woman got up and walked over.

  “Hello, Ms. Simon. Thank you for coming down again.” The woman’s tone stressed her irritation.

  “What is it this time?” Allison folded her arms.

  “Are you the father?” She turned to me, speaking over Allison.

  “No.” I looked at Sierra and waved. She waved back but stayed in her chair like a little prisoner.

  Allison cleared her throat. “Excuse me, I’m right here. I asked what the issue is?”

  “Your daughter has upset several other students today. I told you she’d need that counseling, and I am afraid I’m right.” The woman was clearly distressed and put her hand on her heart.

  “What did she do?”

  “She’s been telling all of the other students that her father is dead. At first, I thought there’d been some accident over the weekend, and then upon further questioning, I realized she was lying. Some of the kids were crying when she told them he wouldn’t be able to come to Career Day.” The woman folded her arms and glanced back over her shoulder. “It was very disturbing.”

  “I’m sure it was and I’ll—”

  “You’ll what?” the teacher interrupted. “You’ll talk to her? I’m sorry, Ms. Simon, but I don’t think you’re being very effective. As I stated in our previous discussions, whatever is going on with your child is a matter for a proper counselor. I’d suggest someone in family counseling.”