The Secret Child & The Cowboy CEO by Janice Maynard Page A

“Trent thinks we should get a test…as soon as possible. So there won’t be any questions. But I don’t want to.”
    The packet of letters in her room mocked her. Would a paternity test destroy her hope of securing her son’s future? “Why not, Mac? We all need to know the truth.”
    â€œI trust you, Brynnie, my girl.”
    At that very moment, Trent walked in. If he had heard the end of their conversation, he gave no sign.
    â€œYou’re looking better, Dad. Nothing like a visit from a beautiful woman to perk up a man.”
    Mac chuckled, but the bland glance Trent sent Bryn’s way made her knees weak. It was hard enough to deal with a suspicious, angry Trent. How on earth was she supposed to find the strength to resist the charming,seductive version? One glance from those dark eyes and she was ready to drag him into the nearest broom closet.
    She cleared her throat, forcing herself to look at Trent. “I’m going to stay with Mac tonight. The nurse said they can bring in a cot for me. Why don’t you go back to the ranch to check on things and then come back in the morning to pick us up.”
    â€œI thought we were both going to stay at the hotel.” A frown creased Trent’s forehead.
    â€œIt was great to have a place to nap, but I’ll be fine here. And Mac says he promised several of the men the weekend off. Isn’t that right, Mac?”
    â€œYep. Brynnie will be here if I need anything, and they’re predicting storms tonight. I’d feel better if you were at the ranch. Do you mind, son?”
    â€œSounds like I’ve been outvoted.” Trent’s lips quirked. “But, sure. If that’s what you want, Dad.”
    Bryn and Trent sat with Mac until almost eight o’clock that evening. Trent brought cafeteria food up for Bryn and him to eat. In some ways, it was almost like old times, the teasing, the laughter. They avoided any and all topics that might be upsetting to Mac.
    But finally, it was time for Trent to leave. He touched Bryn’s shoulder. “Walk me out to the car.”
    She did so reluctantly, unwilling to be alone with him but unable to think of a good excuse. They stopped off in the gift shop and Bryn bought a toothbrush and toothpaste. She tucked them in her purse with the sales slip and followed Trent outside. “Call my cell,” she said,“and I’ll let you know when the doctor says he can be dismissed.”
    Trent leaned a hip against the car. “Okay. I doubt you’ll get any sleep tonight. Are you sure you don’t want to keep the hotel room and let us take turns?”
    She shook her head. “Mac will feel better about the ranch this way.” A suddenly gust of wind sent her hair flying. The skies were darkening as storm clouds built. “You should go,” she said. “So you won’t have to drive in what’s coming.”
    Trent smoothed her hair behind her ears, both of his hands cupping her cheeks. His gaze was troubled. “I want to believe in you,” he muttered.
    The husky words went straight to her heart. Was she imagining the caring and tenderness in his voice? She stepped away from him, gathering her courage, though all she wanted to do was rest in his arms. “But you can’t,” she said, the words barely audible.
    He thrust his hands in his pockets. “You expect a lot.”
    She forced herself to say the words. “I can’t be intimate with a man who despises me.”
    For a split second, he stood, poleaxed, before his face closed up and a mask of arrogance cloaked his inner emotions. “I don’t despise you, Brynnie. That’s the problem.”
    She shifted from one foot to the other, wincing as thunder rolled in the distance. “Perhaps in light of Mac’s most recent incident, we need to concentrate all our focus on him.”
    Trent’s black scowl sent a shiver down her spine.
    She held out a hand.