Quarterback Daddy Read Online Free PDF Page B

ready to blow like an overheated pressure cooker. She had chutzpah, all right, to be angry because he didn’t agree with her script.
    “She named only one man in that ambulance, Mr. Delito, and that was you.”
    “Quarterbacks—”
    She held up a hand to prevent his reply. “She should have approached you while she was pregnant….”
    “But she didn’t, because it’s not mine.”
    “I know it’s a shock, and I’m sorry about that.”
    “No, you’re not. You’re not sorry at all, and I’m not having this conversation without my own lawyer.”
    She shrugged. “Call anyone you want. I’ve got nothing to hide. A DNA test will reveal the truth anyway.”
    She had a point, but he wanted backup. He punched the autodial on his cell. “Andy—I need you here at the house—ASAP. Yep. You got it. Smart man.” He disconnected and gestured widely. “Ten minutes. Take off your coat. Make yourself comfortable.”
    “That was quick service,” she said, nodding toward his cell. “The retainer alone must be a fortune.”
    There was an edgy quality to her tone, and he didn’t reply. He’d remember the connotation, however. Money. He wasn’t surprised. Most people thought life was all about money. He’d learned differently.
    She placed her jacket on a chair and began fussing over the infant, peering at Dan as she worked. “Sherri circled your name in every news clipping she saved. Every time it appeared. Why do you suppose she’d do that?”
    A dozen reasons, but he wasn’t going there. Professional athletes were easy targets. He quickly thought of three players in the league who’d made headlines last year—not the kind of headlines they’d wanted. All involving women.
    “Want a soft drink?” He opened the fridge and pulled out a can of soda for her, poured a vitamin-laced sports drink for himself.
    “Oh, sweetheart, you’re kicking and talking! You like your freedom, don’t you?”
    Amazing how her voice changed when she spoke to the infant. The edginess had disappeared. The tenderness and love she showered on that baby…the expression on the woman’s face…God, she was beautiful. Her laugh warmed the room. Warmed him. She was still laughing when she requested a plastic bag for the diaper.
    “Sure.” He started rummaging through the walk-in pantry. He had no idea where his housekeeper kept bags. Relieved to hear the doorbell, he waved Alexis to the shelves. “Your guess is as good as mine. If you can find them, help yourself.”
    She pointed at two drawers near the sink. “Mind if I try those?”
    “Mi casa es su casa,” he murmured, heading toward the front of the house.
    “Bingo!”
    She must have found her quarry. He heard her chatting to the baby while he let Andy inside and quickly briefed him. They entered the kitchen together.
    “What the he—?” Andrew Romano, respected new partner in a prestigious Boston law firm, stopped in his tracks, his eyes on Alexis, his complexion now paler than snow. “A doppelgänger,” he whispered. “She looks…looks…No wonder she’s giving you the shakes.”
    “I got over that quickly, Andrew. She’s not Kim. My wife would never have concocted a scheme like this woman has.”
     
    A LEXIS WHIPPED OUT HER business cards and offered one to Dan’s friend. He took it. “A scheme, gentlemen? I think not. My professional reputation is on the line.” The best defense was always an offense.
    She extended her hand to Romano. “Alexis Brown, D.A.’s office, although I’m here on personal business. I’m sure Mr. Delito has filled you in.” She allowed a question to remain in her voice.
    “I’d like to hear it from you,” replied the lawyer.
    She summarized the situation. “And of course, the point is moot without a DNA test. Which is why I’m here.”
    “Your reasons wouldn’t include cold cash, would they?” asked Dan. “As in extortion? Or on behalf of thetabloids? The gossip rags? I understand they pay a fortune for stories.”
    His