“Why?” Her eyes wander over my face, and I know what she sees—a man in his prime, likely around the age where he’d start looking for a partner to settle down and start a family with.

But that man is not me.

“Because I don’t want children.” The statement echoes through the room before sliding into place between us like a brick wall.

“Oh.” She swallows, dropping her gaze from mine.

“Fran—”

“You know what?” she interrupts as she pushes up to stand, her movements jerky. “You’re probably right. I probably just got my dates all messed up. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

“Fran—” I move to my feet as she stumbles on the way to the door.

“I’m sorry for bothering you.”

“Francisca.”

“Just forget I was here.” She rushes out of my office, leaving me staring at the empty doorway.

What the fuck?

Rubbing my hands down my face, I attempt to dissect the emotions running rampant through my system. But I can’t. There are too many.

“Is everything okay?” Dropping my hands from my face, I look at Jamie.

“Everything’s fine.” I move to my desk and start gathering all my things.

“Are you leaving?” she asks, coming too fucking close.

“Yes, you can leave early, too, if you don’t have anything to do.”

“Are you sure you’re okay? That sounded pretty intense.” Did she overhear that conversation? My head comes up, and my eyes lock on hers. She must see something in my gaze because she looks away. “Sorry.”

“Goodnight, Jamie.” Stepping around her, I leave her in my office and head down the hall and out the front door of the building. As I’m starting the engine of my SUV a few minutes later, my cell starts to ring, and Billy’s name pops up on the screen.

Cricking my neck, I press accept on the call. “Billy.”

“Dayton, how’s it going?”

“All right. Just leaving the office. What’s up?”

“Did Mary talk to you?”

“She did.” I back out of my parking space.

“How do you feel about the case?”

“I haven’t had a chance to go over everything yet, but I plan on spending the weekend looking into it.”

“Good, that’s good.” He goes quiet, and I frown at the dash when I see his call is still connected.

“Did you need anything else?”

“I have a favor to ask.”

“Shoot,” I mutter, hoping like fuck his favor has nothing to do with Jamie. With the mood I’m in, I’m liable to tell him to fuck off.

“Tomorrow, there is a charity golf game, and my son can’t make it. Do you have any plans?”

“What time?”

“It starts at eight. I know this is last minute, but you’d be doing me a favor. Not to mention, it’s for a good cause.”