Free SECRET BABY (A Billionaire Romance) by Mia Carson

I loved her very much. Me dating doesn’t change that.”
     
    “Dad, I know that,” she replied, looking at me as if I weren’t the smartest of fellows. “If Mom loved you as much as you say, she would want you to find happiness. Right?”
    I shook my head in amazement. My daughter was so bright. “That’s the way I see it.”
     
    Cara shrugged. “Then have fun. But not too much fun.” Again, she returned to her computer and sighed. “Too bad you aren’t dating my algebra teacher.”
     
    “Why’s that?” I asked as I glanced at the screen where incomprehensible combinations of numbers and letters frightened me into returning my eyes to my plate.
     
    “Because I might actually fail that class,” she grumbled as she continued her homework.
     
    I chuckled. “I’ve seen your algebra teacher. She’s not really my type.”
     
    “She’s married, anyway,” Cara said, “which is a shocker, considering she looks like a troll.”
     
    “Don’t be rude. And if it doesn’t work out with Mel, I’ll flirt with her a little. Maybe that will at least score you a B.”
     
    “Whatever, Dad,” she replied with yet another teenage eye-roll.
     
    “I’m going upstairs for a shower.” I deposited my plate in the sink. “Leave the dishes, baby. I’ll clean up when I cook dinner tonight. Fajitas sound good?”
     
    “Perfect. Maybe by then I’ll have finished this damn algebra,” she growled.
     
    “Language,” I reminded her.
     
    “Sorry,” she said offhandedly, her concentration completely on her math again.
     
    I kissed the top of her head as I walked by. “Love you, sweetie.”
     
    “Love you,” she murmured distractedly.
     
    I rolled my eyes this time. Unfortunately, my daughter had my math prowess, which was about as fierce as a brand new puppy with unopened eyes. Poor thing, she’d struggle with that through college as well, though I would get her tutors if necessary. I’d mulled my way through with extensive help from her mother.
     
    Upstairs, while I took off my clothes, my back twinged just a bit, and I thought of Mel. Damn, that woman was hot in bed. And so goddamn gorgeous, she looked like a model. The best thing about her, though, was the fact that she had no idea how beautiful she was.
     
    When I had ordered the bed and had it delivered, I was scared she wouldn’t accept. I had broken it, with her help, so I felt like I owed her a bed. The funny note I sent pushed her to accept, I think, and her cute text messages had been so charming.
     
    I finished up in the shower so I could call her. I wanted to plan my date with her this week before her schedule filled up. This time of year, the dance team was busy with band competitions as well as dance competitions.
     
    With nothing but a towel wrapped around my waist, I grabbed my phone and flopped down on my bed. My bedroom was decorated in the rustic style that was, in my mind, manly. The hardwood floors were dark, but all the furniture was light oak. The headboard and footboard had huge Texas stars in the center, and each of the four posts had smaller versions etched into them. Two matching nightstands and a matching chest of drawers with a mirror completed the set.
     
    I propped myself up on the pillows and dialed her number. After three rings, she answered. “Hey, gorgeous.”
     
    “You’re crazy, you know that?” she began without a greeting. “You bought me a bed?”
     
    “We broke it because of my sexual prowess,” I replied using my best creeper voice. “You like it, right?”
     
    “I do like it. A lot,” she answered with a giggle. “It just wasn’t necessary.”
     
    “We can’t have sex on the carpet, now, can we?” I asked, hoping I wasn’t being too forward.
     
    “You’re right,” she agreed. “I can’t imagine carpet burns on my ass would feel too good.”
     
    “Oh no, and I prefer to be on top, just so you know.”
     
    “I noticed,” she laughed. “So that’s the only reason you bought