Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

"Whose kid is that?" James stood up, peering curiously toward the door. "This isn't

even an apartment building. Why would a kid be running around here?"

"He's here for me."

"For you?" James turned, eyes wide. "But he called you 'Mom'... Wait, you? You're married? And your kid's that old already?!"

"I'm getting divorced. And the kid isn't mine to keep."

Briony didn't feel like explaining, nor did she want to face Irwin. "Just tell him I'm not here. I'm not going out."

Before James could press any further, Briony had already turned and disappeared into the restoration room.

He blinked, a touch of mischief flickering in his eyes, then sauntered over to the front door, eager to witness the drama.

On the other side of the glass, Irwin had assumed it would be Briony coming to greet him. When he saw James instead, the smile he'd started to wear instantly vanished.

The studio's glass door was automatic, but lately, Briony and James had kept themselves locked in the restoration room for safety, so the outer door was sealed from the inside.

James punched the release, and the door slid open with a soft hiss.

sizing up the stranger before him. Inwardly, he

Dad, but that's about

black, usually has glasses on, looks cool but kind

are really striking—almost star-like—and he looks younger than Dad

the more uneasy he

a divorce

for Irwin to speak. When the silence dragged on, he

and clear. "Her

doesn't mean you can fool me! Whenever

she doesn't go home much, huh?" James crouched down and gave Irwin's cheek a gentle pinch. "Is your dad

shoved James' hand away. "Dad's great to her! He's

James was amused.

a kid his age, he sure had a

attitude told James all he

took a good look at Irwin, searching for any hint of Briony in the boy's round,

to look like