The Switched Baby Scandal (A Scandals of San Sebastian Novel) (Entangled Bliss) by Theresa Meyers Page B

custody. You still have the right to tell him when, where, and for how long. That’s huge, Taylor, especially since you aren’t even Emily’s biological parent.”
    Taylor pinched the bridge of her nose to stem the ache building there. It didn’t feel like a huge win. It felt miserable. Reece now had a claim to Emily she couldn’t refuse. He was going to be part of their lives, whether she wanted it or not. And right now, it was definitely a not.
    Alex stopped her before they exited the courtroom. Just beyond the doors she could hear the faint buzz of voices. “Wait for one moment while I speak with Judge Harris.” Taylor nodded and opened the courtroom door to step out.
    Several bright lights and the snap of a half-dozen camera flashes blinded her. She’d been so focused on the judge’s ruling she hadn’t thought about the media waiting outside. An eruption of voices hit, the questions running over one another as they were shouted at her from all sides. For an instant she froze, unable to move or speak.
    “Ms. Lawrence, how do you feel about Judge Harris’s ruling?”
    “How is Emily holding up?”
    “Is it true your daughter is dead?”
    “Has the hospital made any amends yet?”
    “Are there plans for a lawsuit against the hospital?”
    “Are you and Mr. Wallace on speaking terms?”
    Taylor felt the reporters pressing in closer, but she couldn’t move, her muscles rigid and refusing to cooperate. It was getting hard to breathe as the crush moved in, and her vision faded to black at the edges.
    Behind her the door opened. A light touch at her back sent electric sparks shooting down her spine. Without even looking, she knew it was Reece. She could smell his cologne and feel the warmth of him close to her.
    He bent his head so his breath was warm at her ear and said in a low voice, “Just start moving through them. You don’t have to say anything. We’ll head for the elevator. I’m right here with you.”
    His presence launched a war of sensation within her. She wanted to withdraw, but her knees were softening like warm wax. She wanted to shut him out, but at the moment he was the salvation she needed to cling to in this awkward situation. He was both enemy and white knight, and she couldn’t process it.
    The black camera lenses shifted to Reece.
    “Mr. Wallace, what kind of arrangements have you and Ms. Lawrence made?” The man in the black sweater from the back of the courtroom shoved a microphone in Reece’s face, a cameraman waiting behind his right shoulder with a lens focused on them both.
    Reece turned, placing himself squarely between Taylor and the onslaught that was following them toward the elevator. “At best this is a difficult time for everyone. Both parents plan on doing what’s in Emily’s best interest, no matter what it takes. We have no further comments at this time.” His strong hand propelled her forward past the opening metal doors. Thankfully the elevator was empty.
    “What about your wife? Was her death really an accident?”
    Reece’s abrupt change in demeanor surprised her. He whipped around, shoving at the lens pressed inches from his face. “Back off, or you’ll eat that camera.”
    Taylor pushed at the button to close the doors. She shivered with a mixture of expectation and dread that he might touch her again. She turned away, feeling unsure of herself. As much as she wanted to turn in to his arms for comfort again, it was a bad decision. If she relied on him, chances were he’d just yank the rug out from under her. It had happened every time she depended on a man, and she doubted this would be any different.
    “Taylor…”
    She looked at his reflection in the highly polished wall of the elevator. His smooth, shaved jaw ticked along the edge. It didn’t detract from his great looks. In fact, it seemed to enhance his appearance even more. It was aggravating. It was enticing. And it was frustrating .
    “Are you all right?”
    She nodded curtly, not trusting