This Game Called Life (Kingdom Book 4)

“You used to like my kisses,” Carlos murmured.

Without a doubt, MacKenzie knew something was going on with him. He hadn’t been interested in her since he found out she was pregnant. She had known it, yet she had still accepted his invitation to stay with him all in a vain attempt at making their relationship work. Always holding on to the possibility that they could make a life together.

“You’re right; I used to like your kisses, but you and I know that we don’t work. Therefore, I’ll ask you again; what’s going on with you, Carlos?” The moments stretched on with no response to her enquiry, surrounding them in an eerie silence that unnerved her.

“Have you moved on, MacKenzie, is that it, have you found someone else even though your daughter is only six months old?”

MacKenzie didn’t understand the look Carlos gave her, and she certainly didn’t appreciate his comments.

“To my understanding, Noelle is our daughter, and yes I’ve moved on, and whether I’ve found someone else is none of your damn business!” MacKenzie could feel the heat rising in her face. How dare he stand here in judgment of her; she had seen image after image of him attending functions with more than one starlet on his arm. The level of his hypocrisy was almost unbelievable until she remembered who she was dealing with.

Pushing all thoughts of his disdain aside, MacKenzie lifted her sleeping baby out of the car seat. Holding Noelle close, she placed a gentle kiss on her forehead before returning her to her original position.

“By the look of that dress I’d say you have a hot date rather than dinner with Aviva and her husband. Are you sure that’s where you’re heading or is a certain Jacob Kingdom going to be there?” His tone dripped with so much scorn it shocked MacKenzie.

“What is this? You knew Jake was going to be there. I never hid that when you offered to babysit.”

“You’re right, and honestly, I’m happy he’s going to be there,” was Carlos’ cryptic response.

Deciding their conversation had deteriorated far enough, MacKenzie decided she didn’t want to know what he was alluding to. Instead, she kept her attention fixed on her daughter.

“Noelle’s ready so don’t let me keep you. What time will you be bringing her back?”

“I’ll let you know.”

Taking a deep breath at his cavalier response, MacKenzie decided to approach the subject of the return of their daughter from another direction.

“Okay, I want you guys to have a good visit, so I’ll expect you around noon tomorrow.”

“Seems to me you’re anticipating a really long night!”

“I know you’re trying to pick another fight with me but I’m not biting. Whatever’s going on with you is your business, so leave me out of it!”

“Got it, leave you out of it, understood.” Picking up the car seat, Carlos didn’t spare her another glance as he left.

Proud of herself, MacKenzie drew in a few deep breaths to compose herself. Something had changed where Carlos was concerned. With that thought, a shiver of fear inched its way down her back.

Rushing to the window, MacKenzie pulled back the curtains and watched as Carlos secured the baby in his car. As though he could sense her gaze he looked back. As their eyes locked, her feelings of apprehension intensified. One minute he looked as though he hated her, and the next the Carlos Ernesto smile was on full display. Then he walked around the car, got in and drove away.

For some reason, MacKenzie felt tears pool in her eyes. Angry with herself, she grabbed a tissue, blew her nose and tossed it into the trash. Pulling herself together, she wandered around for a few minutes, fluffing cushions and straightening artwork that didn’t need her attention. Realizing what she was doing, MacKenzie allowed her arms to fall to her sides. A loud sigh and a few deep breaths later she was nearly in control of her emotions.

Shifting gears, MacKenzie attempted to dismiss her concerns. It was Jake and Jason’s thirty-fifth birthday, and Aviva had insisted she join them for dinner. Aviva had wanted to throw them a party, but Jason had balked at the suggestion, and for once held firm against the wants of his wife.

With a few hours to kill, MacKenzie realized for the first time just how tired she was; having sole responsibility for a baby was all encompassing. The idea of a nap seemed wonderful, and would accomplish three things: It would take her mind off her baby being gone; distract her from Carlos’ odd behavior, and hopefully it would stop her from falling asleep during the meal.





Chapter 8

At exactly 7:30 pm, Jake saw Mackenzie walk through the door of the restaurant. As the hostess escorted her to the table, Jake saw her hesitate, probably because he was the only one present.

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