The Heir Affair. Cat Schield

       Four

      Kyle caught himself grinning as he negotiated the Las Vegas traffic on his way to Ugly Trout Records. The entire afternoon, since finding out they were having a girl, he’d been floating in a bubble of optimism. Now that the initial shock of his impending fatherhood had faded, he was feeling as if everything that had gone wrong with his and Melody’s relationship was just a series of misunderstandings that they could sort out with a little work. They were going to be parents. Their daughter deserved to grow up in a secure, loving environment and he intended to provide that for her whatever it took.

      Which was why he’d decided to start his campaign by bringing dinner to Melody at the recording studio so she could see he intended to take care of her. On the passenger seat sat a bag filled with several items that topped Melody’s favorites list. It would have been better if they’d been in LA and he could’ve gone to Mama Rosa’s for the Bucatini Alla Carbonara, but he thought what he’d found would pass muster.

      He’d also discovered a place that made the most fantastic cheesecakes. He’d brought a sampler for her to gorge on. She’d lost weight these last few months and he couldn’t imagine that was good for the baby.

      Ever since seeing that tiny profile and hearing that his daughter was now moving her fingers and toes, he’d been filled with optimism. He was going to be a dad. The thought held nothing but joy. Sure, he had no idea what he was doing, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t learn. After all, he’d seen the way Trent had taken to being Dylan’s father.

      Trent, who’d sworn all his days that he’d never get married and have kids. His best friend had grown up with a terrible role model for fatherhood. Siggy Caldwell’s ruthless tyranny in business carried over into his personal life. He had picked favorites among his children, choosing to lavish praise on his firstborn while criticizing both Trent and Melody. No matter how successful they were, neither one could do anything right in Siggy’s opinion.

      And yet both of his younger children managed to become affectionate, caring people. In Trent’s case it had taken becoming a father and admitting he was in love with Savannah before his true nature emerged.

      Melody hadn’t learned to guard her emotions the way her brother had. She was more inclined to throw herself into a relationship with little regard for her self-esteem. That was how she’d been with Hunter. While she’d been dating the DJ, it had driven Kyle crazy to see her always making excuses for the way Hunter treated her. And yet that was not how she’d reacted when faced with problems in her relationship with Kyle.

      Instead of laughing off his assumptions about her and Hunter, she’d been furious and they’d had a terrible fight. He couldn’t remember her ever arguing with Hunter. Was that because her feelings for the DJ had been deeper and more profound? If so, why had she chosen Kyle in the end?

      The driveway leading into the record label’s parking lot appeared just ahead of him. He couldn’t wait to see the look on Melody’s face when he surprised her with dinner. She loved it when he was spontaneous.

      Grabbing a parking space near the front entrance, he exited the car. It was close to six o’clock, and the lot was half full. Nate made the studio available twenty-four hours. The rate for off-peak hours was significantly cheaper, which made recording sessions affordable for up-and-coming artists. Melody took advantage of the quieter evenings to work on her album.

      Kyle was reaching for the glass front door when he spied two people approaching through the lobby. His chest tightened as he recognized Hunter’s tall form alongside Melody’s slim figure. They were engaged in an animated conversation and hadn’t yet spied him. He yanked open the glass door with more force than necessary.

      “Kyle.” Melody’s eyes widened as she noticed him entering the building. “What are you doing here?”

      He held up the bag. “I brought you dinner. I thought you’d be working.”

      His gaze flicked to Hunter. The DJ’s lack of concern caused Kyle’s annoyance to spike. Why was Melody leaving with him?

      “Oh that’s so...nice.” She glanced at Hunter. Was it guilt that flickered in her eyes? “We were just going to grab something.”

      “And now you don’t have to.” Kyle pushed down his irritation and smiled. “I brought all your favorites. I thought you could show me what you’ve been working on while we eat.”