The Conspiracy of Baby-Switching novel Chapter 63

Jack looks up and sees us, his face lights up and he waves.

“I’m going to go down and see him.” I stand.

“And do what?”

Ugh, I hate it when Deb gets all sensible and hard-hitting on me.

“Talk to him, what do you think?” I shimmy across the row of seats and make my way down the stairs to meet him on the concourse at the side of the stadium.

“Hey you.” He smiles. “Beautiful day, isn’t it?”

“Hi, Jack.” This is why I like Jack, he’s so uncomplicated…talking about

the weather and stuff, this is what I need in my life.

Good, supportive, weather-loving people.

“You didn’t call me back last night?” He frowns.

Oh crap, I didn’t even know he called.

“I didn’t have my phone on me,” I tell him. “I’m sorry.” Fuck.

“Hello,” a deep voice purrs from beside me. I look up to see Gabriel towering over us. His dark hair has a wave to it, he’s wearing sunglasses and the heavenly scent of his aftershave wafts around me. Wearing black jeans and a gray sweater, he looks like a walking orgasm.

Damn it.

“Gabriel.” I swallow a nervous lump in my throat as I look between the two men. “Hi,” I stammer in my high voice.

What the hell is going on with my voice box when I’m around him?

He holds his hand out to Jack. “Gabriel Ferrara.”

“Hello, I’m Jack Spalding.” Jack smiles and shakes his hand, I nervously glance between them. “Isn’t it a great day today?” Jack continues. “The sun is shining and life is good.”

Amusement flashes across Gabriel’s face as he looks him up and down.

“Okily dokily.”

Oh hell… What does that mean? It’s a Ned Flanders reference, Gabriel is calling him Ned Flanders. Ahhh… Abort mission… I widen my eyes at Gabriel. Behave fucker.

Gabriel stands tall, his feet wide, back straight and dominance oozing from every cell.

“Gabriel is an old friend from New York,” I splutter. “Not quite a friend, though,” Gabriel replies. “Am I?” “Who are you?” Jack smiles all excited like.

“I’m the twins’ father.”

Jack stares at him as he does the math. “What…what brings you to Greenville?”

“My family.”

“Your children,” Jack corrects him.

“My children and Violet.”

“But Violet is with me.”

“Not for long.” Gabriel’s eyes hold his in a silent dare.

Jacks face falls.

“I’ve moved to Greenville to get my girl back,” Gabriel announces.

“You’ve moved here?” Jack whispers, unable to hide his dismay.

“Stop it, Gabriel,” I snap. “Be nice.”

“Oh…but I am being nice. I’m letting Jack know of my intentions. Being underhanded is not my style, you know that, Vee.”

“Okay.” He gives me a lopsided smile. “I really like you, Violet. I think we have a future.”

My heart sinks, how I only wish that were true.

“I’ll call you during the week?” I ask.

He nods, seemingly mollified for the moment, and with a wave I make my way back up to the grandstand.

“Oh my god,” I whisper as I sit down beside Deb.

“What was that about?”

“Gabriel is a literal nightmare.”

“Why?”

“He just told Jack that he’s in town to get his girl back.” Deb’s eyes light up with excitement. “How very caveman.” “This is not funny,” I whisper angrily.

“No, but it’s hot.”

“Shut up.” All of these years all I wanted was for him to fight for me and the kids, but now that he’s finally decided to, it’s the last thing I need or want.

I take out my phone and text Gabriel.

How dare you!

A reply bounces straight back.

Nobody gets in the way of what I want.

My eyes bulge as I fume.

You can’t have me!