The Missing Heir(86)

                “And?”

                “And what?”

                “And anything more than kissing?”

                “Not yet.”

                “But soon?”

                “I don’t know. Something’s holding me back. I guess I’m not the flinging kind. Who knew?”

                “Turned out I was,” said Amber. “Who knew?”

                Destiny’s attention perked up. “Again?”

                “No, not again. The once. I haven’t slept with him since I found out the truth.”

                “But you want to.”

                “Who wouldn’t? But he deceived me, and he’s trying to take Zachary away.”

                “He’s trying to keep Zachary away from Roth. That’s not quite the same thing.”

                “It’s not,” Amber agreed. “I suppose I should be grateful.”

                “Are you grateful?”

                “He’s a fascinating guy, Dest. He’s incredibly strategic, and unbelievably bold. In less than a week, he’s got the entire company in awe of him.”

                “Controlling the company will do that to people.”

                “Yeah, but it’s more than just that. He’s got a certain presence. You should have seen him shut Roth down.” Amber remembered the expression on Roth’s face. “If Roth ever gets a chance, he’s going to annihilate Cole.”

                “I don’t think he’ll get the chance,” said Destiny.

                Amber looked closely at her expression. “Are you really that optimistic? Or are you trying to make me feel good on Christmas Eve.”

                “Both. But I am optimistic. There are a lot of precedents out there for blood relatives winning custody.”

                Amber’s gaze caught on Zachary. “Look!”

                Zachary took a step, then another and another. He sort of toppled into the ottoman, but stayed upright. Then he turned to Amber with a massive, self-satisfied grin on his face.

                “Good boy,” said Amber, beaming with pride.

                “There’ll be no stopping him now,” said Destiny.

                A knock sounded on the door.

                Destiny rose. “I’ll get it. You keep watch in case he does something else amazing.”

                Zachary slapped his hands against the leather ottoman. Amber guessed he was gearing up for the next excursion.

                Then, suddenly, his face broke into another grin. “Gak baw!” He let go of the ottoman and toddled forward.

                “Hey there, partner.”

                Amber twisted to see Cole entering the room, a couple of brightly wrapped packages tucked under his arm.

                Zachary made it three steps, then four, then his pace sped up. A split second later, things got entirely out of control.