Discovering Love: Finding Love Series, #3

By Corinne Mazille

A Single Mom Romance
I had it all...until I found out I was pregnant.

Banished from my family for having a baby out of wedlock, I dedicated my life to my son, to surround him with the love he deserved.

Dating was never part of the plan...

Until I met Lucas.

Somehow, he found a way past my guarded heart and made me yearn for something I never knew I wanted.

But when my past threatens to tear apart the life I built, I have to decide where I see my future going and what's worth fighting for.

Is Lucas the future I have been dreaming of all these years?

** Previously Published as Making Jenna Mine **

• Language: English
• Publisher: Corinne Mazille
• Release date: Feb 9, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393670582

Corinne Mazille

Corinne was born and raised in Melbourne Australia, where she currently resides with her own family. After her first daughter was born she found her love for books all over again. Her nose always stuck in a book reading all the romance books she could find. Sometimes even reading a book a day! Fast forward a few years and her obsession grew, turning into a love of writing. Her first book debut in February 2018 and while it's been slow going there are many more to come, so watch this space. Make sure to click FOLLOW above to stay up-to-date on all new upcoming releases.  Learn more about Corinne on her website at www.corinnemazilleauthor.com, or you can find her on social media (@corinnemazilleauthor) or her Facebook fan page Corinne Mazille's Bookworms.

Book preview

1

Jenna

Islam my foot on the brake yet again and slap my open palm onto the steering wheel, blaring my horn. HURRY UP! I haven't got all day.

Groaning, I close my eyes and take a deep breath, calming my nerves. I'm going to need them when I tell Alex I need to work tonight. Maybe I shouldn't have said yes to helping Sara out today with her cleaning shift this afternoon, but she sounded so terrible on the phone that I couldn’t say no. Plus, the extra money would come in handy.

When she called me during my break today at my job where I work four days a week while Alex is at school, she was coughing and splattering all over the place, worried that her boss would fire her if she didn’t show up for her afternoon shift. We work for the same company but have different bosses. I work the day shift; she works in the late afternoon.

I could hardly let her down. If it weren't for Sara, I would never have found the place Alex and I live in now. And while it's not big, I have made it feel as homey as possible for my son. I want him to feel like he has everything in the world, just like every mom out there, even if I can't give it all to him like I want to.

I met Sara at the local Starbucks when I first moved to Millbrae. I would go in there to use the WiFi to look for jobs, and after striking a conversation up that first day and her cooing over a baby Alex, we became fast friends. When Sara found out I was looking for a place to stay, she set me up with her grandparents, who have a room over their garage.

Tom and Brooke were the cutest older couple I have ever met. They still hold hands everywhere they go, Tom stealing a kiss when he thinks no one is looking. When I first met them, they hugged Alex and I like we were family, and it had brought a tear to my eye. It made me realize this is how a family should be. They let us move in right away, which was perfect as I was running out of money staying in motels until I could find work. The space above the garage was much more than just a room. There was a full bathroom, a mini kitchen, no bath—but we made do—and the room was big enough to fit a bed and a couch. As a bonus, the Williamses didn't charge me much. They loved Alex so much and enjoyed looking after him, which helped me out whenever I was in a bind.

Moving away from my hometown was hard but also the best decision I could have made. My parents hated the fact that I fell pregnant out of wedlock and insisted I marry Peter. Peter had been my on-again-off-again boyfriend since I was sixteen. Mostly off. Our parents were close and always planned on us getting married to make it official that we were family.

Huh, a family. Like my parents would even know what that word meant.

My parents were of a mindset that kids were to be seen and never be heard, unless, of course, other kids were visiting. That was when I was allowed to act like a child. When I was allowed to speak and have a bit of fun. But most of the time it was adults without kids that visited, and so I would be sent to my room with strict instructions not to come out and bother them.

A car beeps behind me, the driver waving at me to move forward in the school pick up line.

Having Alex and bringing him to San Francisco was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I finally know what it's like to be happy, and I owe that all to the gorgeous little face beaming at me from the curb amongst the other children waiting to be picked up.

Hey, little man, I say, as he throws his bag on the car seat next to him before doing up his belt.

Hi, Mom, I had the best day today. Do you know what I did? If there is one thing Alex loves to do it’s to tell me all about his day, from the moment I drop him off until the moment I pick him up.

That's great you had such a good day. What happened? I enjoy these one-on-one moments, especially when I know that as he grows older, he will stop sharing so much with me.

"I got to pick the story that was read after lunch, and I picked The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Because it was my pick, the teacher let me sit on a chair next to her, instead of the floor, and I helped turn the pages, he says in one breath before continuing. And everyone loved it, Mom. Mrs. Ryan made me bow at the end and thanked me for picking such a good story, and the whole class clapped."

I laugh; that's my boy. He loves his books but also enjoys being the center of attention.

That's great, Alex. He continues to tell me all about his day.

When we near home, I get his attention again.

Alex, Mommy has to help Aunt Sara today. She's not feeling well, so I’m going to go to work for her. I'm going to try really hard to make it back before bedtime. I peek in the rear-view mirror to gauge his reaction. I don't do this often, but he hates missing out on spending time with me.

Oh, Mom, no, it's a school night. He frowns, crossing his arms as he pouts.

Yeah, I know, buddy, but Mommy has to help out Aunt Sara. Plus, this means you get to hang out with Tom and Brooke. You love spending time at their house.

Yay, he squeals. Do you think she'll make me her lasagna?

I laugh at that; typical boy thinking about his stomach and where his next meal is coming from.

Mom, please don't come back until after dinner. Please!

Oh, so now you're okay with me going to work. You don't like my cooking anymore? I ask, a small frown appearing on my face.

Hmm… He puts his finger to his cheek, tapping it on his face, a grin forming.

Yes, Mommy, I like your cooking, but I looooooovve Brooke’s lasagna. Pleeeease come home late. He starts blinking quickly.

I laugh again. Oh, okay, mister, I say, as I pull into the driveway, but you need to have a shower first and get into your pajamas quickly.

After changing for work and settling Alex with the Williamses, who were more than happy to make Alex his lasagna, I set out to find this job site Sara has sent me to.

It's in the city, in a tall, brooding building that is shared between two businesses. She dropped off the keys with the work van earlier, along with a set of instructions.

It’s only four stories. Deal with the top two floors first, as the company is new to San Fran and won’t be moving in till next month. Then on to the lower two stories, some architectural company with offices. Easy enough night.

Sara mentioned there was minimal staff still around, which suits me fine. I want to be in and out as quickly as possible, help Sara not get fired, and make some extra money too.

I let myself into the building and make my way upstairs. I put in my headphones, turn on my R&B playlist on Spotify, and get to work. Once I'm done, I lock up and make my way down to the lower floors. Being that it's after six o'clock, there's only a couple of people here. I set about grabbing the things I need out of the cleaner's room and saying hello to the lady working behind the large receptionist desk.

Cleaning an office is a nice change to cleaning the clubs and bars that I normally do, but beggars can't be choosers. The hours of cleaning these establishments allow me to care for my son and only work while he is at school. But if I could choose, I would pick a place like this. Everything looks new and is kept nice and clean, even the bathrooms, which makes for a nice change.

Lifting the lid off the trashcan, I remove the plastic bag when Wendy, the receptionist, walks in.

I'm leaving for the night. I wanted to let you know that Mr. Maxwell is still in his office, but it's okay to go in and clean around him. That's what Sara does. She slings her handbag over her shoulder. It was nice meeting you.

Wendy is a lovely older lady who, when she introduced herself earlier in the evening, I got the impression enjoys a good chat, so my reply is brief—I just want to get home to Alex.

It was lovely meeting you too. I smile but avoid eye contact.

Wendy turns and leaves the room, so I vacuum and clean behind her desk. As I unplug the vacuum cord, I see a shadow loom over me, and the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. But I'm the only one here. Oh no, that's right. Wendy mentioned her boss was still here. Maybe I've taken too long to go and clean his office. Slowly getting up, I bump into who I assume is Mr. Maxwell.

I try to put some distance between us as I turn to face him, a short, plump man with beady eyes staring back at me. And is that a wig?

You're not Sara. What are you staring at? he shouts, dusting the top of his head. Oops, busted.

I … um … No, I’m not Sara. I’m—

He steps closer, and I can almost see the food stuck in his teeth. Where is that lazy bitch?

Excuse me? I lean back but stand my ground. Sara’s sick, and I’m filling in for her.

He looks me up and down, so I place my hands on my hips and say, And you are?

I'm Sara's boss, Mr. Miller. How dare she send some nobody to do her job for her? This is unacceptable. She can’t just hand off her responsibilities like that. She deserves to get fired for this! He takes a step forward, making me jolt back.

Oh shit!

No, no, please, Mr. Miller. She was sick, and I’m not a nobody. I work with the day crew. I was helping out a colleague who isn’t well. Jeez, what is up with this guy?

I don’t like how close he is to me. I try to move to the side, but he follows my movements.

He eyes me sideways, giving me a wry grin. Oh God, this guy is disgusting. I’m so grateful for my manager; there’s no way I could work for this guy.

You are a nobody; just a lowly cleaner. And you’re fired too. He puffs his chest out, staring at me.

You can't do that. I work for Andrew, and I'm one of his best workers. He won't allow that. Oh God, this can't be happening right now.

Ah, Andrew, yes. But tell me, miss, who signs your checks? His grin widens and his arms cross over his chest, resting on his bulging tummy. His stare falls to my chest.

And I think about that for a moment and realize there are two signatures on the check. Oh shit, this doesn’t look good for me at all.

Ah, I see you’ve registered that I’m also one of your bosses. He swipes his finger on the desk I’m yet to wipe down. See? You don’t even know how to clean. He shows me his finger with the dirt on it. Now I have to let you go. Tsk tsk tsk, he continues with a smug look on his face.

No, you can’t. Please, I need this job, I beg again, trying to move around him and out of such close proximity.

Hm … let me think, he mocks, before looking me up and down, making me shiver again.

Ew.

Oh God!

I look around the office to see if there is anyone still here, goose bumps forming down my back, my hands sweating as I realize we’re alone.

When Wendy left, she said the only one still in the building was her boss. Is he still here? I look around again. No, surely, if he heard this angry man yelling, he would have come out to see what was going on? Shit! He must have left when I was vacuuming.

No, you’re fired. Although— he says, as he runs his fingers down my arm, circling his hand around my wrist while licking his lips. I close my eyes in disgust, trying to think of how I’m going to get out of this situation.

I’m trying not to panic when, suddenly, Mr. Miller is no longer standing in front of me.

Opening my eyes, I see a tall guy's back. Wow! The guy is built: broad shoulders in a fitted shirt straining with the muscles clearly visible underneath. I dare a peek and see said guy’s arm restraining a furious Mr. Miller, if his red face is anything to go by.

What is going on here? the stranger growls.

2

Lucas

Ipark the car then jog, making my way to the ER. I dropped my brother off with his wife, who just went into early labor. It was quite funny seeing him lose his mind, not knowing what to do or to be in any shape to drive.

My phone beeps with an incoming text from Beau.

Mia's not fully dilated, don't know how long it will be.

Great. I decide to do some work, answering emails while I wait for my parents to get here.

A few hours later, I see my mom and dad walking down the hall.

Any news? Mom asks.

Standing up, I hug them before sitting down again.

Not yet. Mom pats my leg.

How's work going, son? Dad stretches his legs as he leans back on the stiff hospital chair.

Good, thanks. I have a proposal I'm working on that could bring in some good business for us.

I opened my own architectural firm a few years ago. And apart from helping Beau with his construction sites, I’ve started to build my own clientele, creating the need to hire more staff to help me out.

We talk shop for a while before we head to the cafeteria for some lunch and coffee.

While it would have been better for us to wait until Beau called us, we wanted to be here for both of them. In the middle of a game of poker, which dad had brought to help kill time, my phone starts buzzing in my pocket.

Leaning forward, I pull it out and see that it's my brother.

I whisper to my parents, It’s Beau, then answer the call. Hey, bro.

Where are you guys?

Ah, there's a waiting room on Ward 2. I'm here with Mom and Dad.

Okay, I'll come to get you.

What's going on, has Mia had the baby yet? I ask, getting worried he hasn't said anything yet.

Yep, she's perfect, man. That wife of mine is a powerful, beautiful, strong woman. I'll come to get you guys, he rings off as he hangs up on me.

"What did