Summer Lovin by Carly Phillips Read Free Book Online

him back to the family for his goodbyes.
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    T HE NEXT DAY , Zoe showed up early for the meeting with her partners so she could prep what to tell the two men. Both had a soft spot for very few people, but Sam was at the top of their list. Now Zoe paced the office space she, Quinn and Connor had recently rented, located about a block from the rec center where the men volunteered and where Sam hung out after school. On a clear day like today, the large office windows provided a nice view of the ocean. It was a decent amount of space for their rental money. All that was missing was a firm name, but what had been a priority yesterday seemed insignificant today in comparison to the problem Ryan Baldwin presented.
    â€œAre you going to tell us what’s wrong or are you just going to wear out the new carpet?” Quinn asked, his voice tight with frustration.
    Zoe groaned and detailed all she’d learned from Ryan yesterday, including his true identity.
    â€œHe’s Sam’s what? ” Quinn yelled, shaking the walls if not the foundation.
    Zoe winced. If anyone had a stake in Sam’s future, it was the man who’d secured her first one foster home, then another in an effort to find her a good, solid home. Being a product of the foster-care system, Quinn understood only too well how abandoned, traumatized and confused Sam would feel upon learning the truth.
    If it was the truth. But after a few hours in Ryan’s company, Zoe believed him.
    She handed Quinn the papers Ryan had given her. “I’d handle digging into Baldwin’s family and background myself except that I want to be around the house at all times. I don’t want him alone with Sam, or my parents, for that matter. I need what little control I can get over him and this situation.”
    Quinn ran a hand through his brown hair as he flipped through the papers. “His sister’s birth certificate, even her death certificate…Holy hell,” he muttered. “All this bastard has to do is demand a DNA test and he can prove he’s family. From there, a judge would only be too happy to hand her over.”
    â€œJeez, Quinn. Thanks for the vote of confidence. He says he’s from Boston, has two siblings including Sam’s mother, and from what I can gather, they’re on the uptight side.”
    â€œThat much was obvious from the way he jumped out of the way when Sam tried to put the pig in his arms,” Connor said, chuckling.
    â€œAnd you’re one to talk. My family still gives you hives.” Zoe laughed.
    Connor had the grace to flush red in his cheeks. “Only because I’m not used to so many wacky people in the room at one time.”
    â€œHe was probably afraid the pig would soil his designer duds,” Quinn offered helpfully.
    Zoe drew a deep breath before giving her opinion. “He seems nice enough. In fact I wish I’d met him under other circumstances. If I could just get him to loosen up a little, we could have some fun.”
    â€œChanging from tight-ass briefs to boxers would accomplish the same thing.” Connor rolled a pen between his palms as he contemplated the thought. “Seriously, Zoe, you can’t get involved with the guy. Talk about a conflict of interest!”
    â€œHell yes, she can,” Quinn said.
    Zoe and Connor’s gaze flew to their partner’s. “What?” they asked simultaneously.
    â€œYou already made the decision to stick close to home until we figure out how to handle the guy, right?” Quinn leaned forward, elbows on his desk, and pinned Zoe with a determined glare.
    Too bad she’d long ago learned how to handle wannabe bad guys like Quinn. “Yes. But you don’t scare me, so lose the Bad Cop look. I’m already on your team,” she reminded him. “Of course I’m sticking by Sam’s side. What’s your point?”
    â€œWell it’s summertime. She’ll be all over the place with her