Blindsided (Indigo Love Spectrum) Read Online Free Page A

when she asked. She knows you and I had a brief relationship and then parted ways.”
    “How much does your trip to Uganda have to do with your sudden need for me to know Reese?”
    “A little and a lot. Norris, I’m not leaving Reese to go to Uganda; I’m going to Uganda to accept leaving her with you. Not telling you about her wasn’t my best move, but like I said . . .”
    “You wanted a baby for yourself and I was just a means to an end.” Norris groaned and walked to the office window. Two young children traded swipes with each other while a man and woman followed behind m outhing what appeared to be demands they stop fighting. They were probably a family. Parents and chil dren. He’d been a parent for sixteen years and had never known it.
    “What are you thinking?” Gail asked.
    Norris turned to her. “So many things.”
    Gail leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms. “Give me your worst, Norris. I want to know what you’re feeling.”
    “What I’m feeling? Okay. I feel angry to have missed sixteen years of my child’s life. I feel proud and I’m in awe of her. Reese is a beautiful girl, and to see some of myself in her . . . It’s a joy I can’t put into words.”
    “She’s a wonderful young woman, and you can get to know her. I’ll be honest, Norris. The reason I feel the need to leave while you’re getting to know Reese is because I have been selfish when it comes to her. To see her bonding with you, and loving you—I don’t know if I’ll be able to take it, but I understand it needs to happen. The time I’m away will give you both the time you need to form these bonds, and give me time to accept it’s hap pening and also help those in need.”
    “You make it sound like it will be so easy.”
    Gail shook her head. “Oh, no, I don’t believe for one second it will be easy for any of us, but I have faith we can make it happen. You and Reese need to know each other.”
    “She’s going to be living with me?”
    “If you both agree. If not, I have someone in mind to be her guardian. Regardless, Reese will be available when ever you want. She is your daughter.”
    Norris expelled a long breath. “My daughter.”
    “I gather you don’t question it, but if you want to have a DNA test done, I can arrange it.”
    “That’s not necessary, Gail. I have all the proof I need. I just . . . Everything else is so . . . I need time to think.”
    “I understand.” Gail extended a business card with all
her numbers. “Just remember I’m leaving in two weeks.” Norris moved over to the desk and took the card. “Right, two weeks.” He picked up the picture. Reese. His daughter. And he thought he had issues dealing with his unexpected feelings for Dahlia. “You’ll be hearing from me.”
    * * *
     
    Norris drove aimlessly about the city, trying to come to terms with the changes that had occurred in his life. Dealing with the idea of falling in love was one thing, but to learn he had an almost adult daughter . . . His body shivered. A daughter.
    Two hours into his mindless travel, Norris remem bered his dinner plans with Ryan and Lara and shot off to the Oceanside Grille. He arrived at the restaurant just as drink orders were being placed.
    “Scotch on the rocks,” Norris said to the waiter, sliding into the empty seat across from his friends and breathing in the smell of fresh seafood and charbroiled steaks.
    The man scribbled the order and went about his way.
    “Scotch?” said Ryan. “You don’t drink anything stronger than dry wine.”
    “ It’s been a long day, and I need a stiff drink.” Norris smiled at Lara. He had a lot on his mind, but his best friend’s wife glowing with the beauty of impending motherhood was a sight to behold. “How’s the gorgeous mama feeling tonight?”
    “Like I’m carrying two little ones who seem intent on using my womb as a kick ball,” Lara said, looking down at her tummy. “But it’s just to remind me they are happy and