Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 22

Camila Davis heard the words and shot the kid a frosty glance.

Daniel blinked his big blue eyes innocently and piped up, “Camila, is Lillian feeling any better? I brought a whole bunch of toys today. I really want to be friends with her!”

Camila looked at his oh-so-sweet little face and felt a wave of annoyance.

If she hadn’t seen for herself how two-faced this kid could be, she’d probably be fooled by his act too.

She turned away, not even bothering to hide her irritation. “That’s not necessary. Lillian doesn’t really know you, and she’s not comfortable playing with strangers.”

From the couch, Jordan Smith’s face tightened into a scowl. His voice was low and edged with anger. “Camila, do you have to be so harsh? Ms. Lewis said Lillian should spend more time with kids her age. It’ll help her get better.”

“Daniel came over just to play with her today. Why are you, a grown woman, crushing a kid’s enthusiasm?”

Camila listened to his lecture, her eyes growing colder. Her disappointment in this man deepened.

He barely ever showed any real interest in Lillian as a father. Now suddenly he cared, but deep down, Camila knew it was just to keep Daniel happy—not out of any real concern for Lillian.

Plus, last time, this kid had trashed Lillian’s playroom. And now he was standing here, acting all innocent—God knows what mischief he was planning next.

No way was she letting him anywhere near Lillian.

Camila’s tone was icy as she replied, “Lillian hasn’t even had breakfast yet. I’m taking her to eat. She doesn’t have time to play right now.”

Daniel didn’t seem the least bit disappointed. In fact, he smiled even sweeter. “That’s okay, Camila! You can take Lillian to breakfast first. I’ll wait for you guys!”

As he spoke, a sly glint flickered briefly in his eyes.

She might have autism, but she was sharp and had a great memory.

She still remembered that boy outside—he’d yelled at her before!

Camila gently stroked her daughter’s hair, soothing her. “That’s fine, honey. You don’t have to play with him. Take your time eating, we’re in no rush…”

She figured if they took long enough, maybe that brat would get bored and leave.

But no such luck.

After half an hour, they finally left the dining room, and the kid was still there, waiting patiently right where they’d left him.

The moment he saw them, his eyes lit up. He quickly pulled out a pile of toys from his bag and chirped, “Lillian! You’re done eating! Come look—these are all the toys I got just for you! I even asked Uncle Jordan what you’d like. You’re gonna love them…”