He’s bouncing to the music yet zoned out as he works, which happens often.
“What did you want to be when you were a kid?” I ask him, pulling him from whatever he was thinking.
“A ball player. An astronaut. A principal. Pretty much a different thing every day. That’s why I never made it to a four-year college. I went to community college to get my feet wet, and then I could decide what I wanted to major in. Nothing stuck. I was miserable, so after I got my associate’s, I went to work for a construction company. I hated that even more than college, so I took a bunch of odd jobs until, one day, it just hit me. I always liked to bake. That’s not something that was thought of as a career in my family before.”
“Was your family supportive?”
“Yeah.” He grins. “Surprised the hell out of me. I hustled my way into the culinary academy, and the day I got in, they threw me a party. Honestly, I think they were all just relieved I’d picked a damn path. There’s nothing worse than a man without a purpose in life. I found mine, and now, here I am.”
He’s so talented. I’m sure his family knew that all along. There are only a few weeks left in his training, so he’ll be able to explore his options fully. I was planning on waiting a few more weeks, but why hold off the inevitable?
“The orders have certainly picked up, and the new advertising is drumming in online sales. I think it’s time we made it official.”
“Are we now going steady or something?” he teases.
I giggle. “Something like that. How would you like to work here full-time? Forty hours a week, set schedule, and I just applied for a small-business health insurance plan, so while I can’t give you an hourly raise, I can get you medical. What do you say?”
With his eyes down, he grins a huge, wide smile and then looks up at me like I’m out of my mind. “Amy, in the two years I’ve been working here, I’ve seen you quadruple your business. The quality is amazing, and, sure, this place is a dump, but it’s also the best place I have ever worked. You put your heart into everything here, and we have fun. What other job can you jive with your best friends like this at? I’d be crazy to say no, which is why I’m not. To be honest, I wasn’t even looking to work anywhere else. I knew you were gonna pull through.”
If I could hug him right now, I would, but my sanitation gloves are holding a box of truffles. Shawn lifts an elbow for a pound, so I lift mine and give him a nudge.
Just like that, I have my first full-time employee, and I’m not freaking out at all. Everything is falling into place.
Once we’re finished, Shawn helps me clean up, and we make sure everything is ready for tomorrow. He won’t start full-time for a few weeks, but once he has his degree, it’ll be great to have him here every day.
While he takes out the trash, I head to my office-slash-bedroom and change into a pair of jeans and a tank top.
“See you early tomorrow, boss,” he says when we lock up in the alleyway. “Unless you want me to come in late so you can sleep in,” he says with a smirk on his face at the sight of my overnight bag.
I point to him. “Nice try. Just because I’m sleeping elsewhere doesn’t mean you can come in late.”
He laughs, which I’m sure is because he knows I’d never let anything get in the way of work. “Hey, can’t blame me for wanting to sleep in.” He motions to my bag. “Why don’t you just move some of your stuff to his place, so you’re not lugging a bag all the time?”
“We’ve only been together for a few months, and we’re still new to this relationship. I’m perfectly fine with leaving my things here, tidy in my place, where I can find them.”
“Right. He can keep your dog but not your underwear.”
“Plus, a toothbrush and some toiletries. I mean, a girl has to be prepared.” I give him a cheeky grin and then wave him off as I walk to the bus stop and head to Sebastian’s office.
As I enter the building, I wave to the front receptionist, who buzzes me in without a question. The first time she did it, I felt so special because I knew Sebastian had made the unique arrangement for me. He even made me a badge in case there’s someone new at the desk who isn’t familiar with me. Tonight, my Blake, Fields, and Moore card stays tucked in my bag as I saunter through the lobby and up the glass elevator.
When I get to Sebastian’s wing of the office, Miles stands as soon as he sees me. Instead of the cool demeanor behind those black-framed glasses, tonight, he seems apprehensive.
“Is he in a meeting?” I ask, pointing to the closed office door.
Miles inhales. “Yes. Well, I mean … not exactly,” he says slowly.
I narrow my eyes, unsure by what not exactly means. “Okay. I’ll just hang here then.”
Normally, I go straight to Sebastian’s house after work, but since I was done earlier than usual, we decided I’d meet him here, and we’d go to his home together.
I’m standing against the wall, watching as Miles taps on his desk. I open my mouth to make small talk when Sebastian’s office door opens, and I stand straighter, waiting for him to come out.
Instead of my tall, handsome boyfriend, I see a pregnant woman walk out the door. She’s very pretty with blonde hair and a button nose. Her boobs are huge, which I’m assuming is from the pregnancy, yet she carries herself like the added weight on her body is a fashion accessory to be flaunted in a fitted floral dress that hits above the knee.
I smile at her as she steps out.
Sebastian appears next, and when his eyes meet mine, there’s hesitation on his face as he looks to the woman and then back to me. I glance over to Miles, who is staring at the three of us with raised brows and an uncomfortable smile. Sebastian slides his hands in his pockets and sets back on his heels, seemingly unsure of what to say.
She must sense there’s an eerie silence because she spins around and checks out the three of us before settling on me with a curved brow.
This is all the reaction I need to know without a doubt that this woman is Lauren.
Sebastian swallows a lump in his throat.
I don’t know what I’m more bothered by—the fact that I’m standing here with a woman who is carrying my boyfriend’s child or the fact that this is the first time I’ve seen Sebastian not one hundred percent on his game.
I clear my throat, obviously needing someone to break the uneasy tension in the room.
He inhales and then gives one of his cavalier smiles. Even if it is a little forced. “Lauren, I’d like for you to meet my girlfriend, Amy.”
Well, this is awkward.
She holds out her hand to me. It’s dainty and limp, making me wonder if she’s expecting me to kiss it instead of shake it. “Hello. It’s nice to meet you. Sebastian told me he’d found someone new.”
Her tall stature and raised chin exude her confidence. If I were to nitpick, I’d say, I don’t like the way she uses the term someone new—like I’m just a plaything he found and will dispose of, like I’m an old hat—or how she’s eyeing up my flip-flops with an expression of disdain that is a far cry from the beige patent leather heels she’s wearing despite the fact that she’s nearing the end of her second trimester.
I let the negative thoughts rush out of my head and keep my cool. Just because she’s very beautiful and bearing Sebastian’s child doesn’t mean she’s sizing me up or putting me down.
Oh, who am I kidding? She is one hundred percent doing those things.
Now, it’s my time to force a smile. “Yes, it’s nice to finally meet you.”
“I’m sure this little man is all he talks about. He’s going to be the best daddy. Already has his schedule cleared. I’m gonna need him twenty-four/seven in the beginning.” She nods slightly with a small grin. “Well, Sebastian, thank you again for your help with this.” She holds up a file. “We’re still on for nursery shopping, right?”
He nods his head and turns to Miles. “Yes, next week. Please make sure you clear an hour for me on Thursday afternoon.”
Miles starts clicking th
rough the computer screen as Lauren walks over to him and adds, “Also, clear the third Saturday in next month.” She turns to Sebastian, “My mother is throwing us a baby shower. My family is dying to meet the father, so you have to attend.”
Sebastian nods again as his eyes blink rather profusely. “Of course.”
“I’ll need your mother’s address and anyone from your side who you want to invite,” she adds easily.
Instead of looking at Sebastian’s reaction, I find myself staring at Miles, who seems to be mouthing the word, Wow, as he keeps his focus on his screen and away from her.
“I’ll email you a list. Have a nice night,” Sebastian says as he gives Miles a tilt of his head in the direction of the front door.
Miles stands and walks around his desk to usher Lauren toward the front of the office. “I’ll walk you out.”
When the two of them are gone, Sebastian faces me and leans in for a kiss. “Hey, you’re early.”
I hold up my watch. “Nope, right on time.”
He looks at the dial and seems surprised. “Oh, wow. That took longer than I’d thought it would. We did our wills today.”
“That’s a bit morbid. You’re both so young.”
“God forbid something happens to one of us, but we wanted to make sure our families are present in our absence. It was her idea and a brilliant one. Her parents mean the world to her, and having them in the child’s life is important to her, no matter what.”
“Is she thinking you’d really keep their grandchild from them if that were to happen?” Even I know Sebastian would never be that kind of person.
He shrugs. “I kind of felt the same way, but I guess it’s always better to have everything in writing, just in case. Believe it or not, if I’m not there to sign the birth certificate, my son will be considered illegitimate. Can you imagine such a thing? Bad enough her church won’t baptize him because we’re not married. Luckily, mine will without a question.”
“You two have so many things to prepare. And you’re shopping for a nursery?”
“Yes. She asked in passing, and I agreed. Figured I’d get the same one for my house. That way, when he’s with me, everything is familiar.”
“That’s a great idea actually.” I let out a ragged breath.
“Right. Well, let me grab my things, and we’ll get going.” He turns and enters his office.
When Miles returns, he’s rubbing the back of his neck as he takes a seat at his desk.
Good to see I’m not the only one who found that entire exchange to be uncomfortable.
Now, if only I had the guts to tell Sebastian how I really felt.
Maybe first, I should be honest with myself.
I just don’t know where to start.
Chapter Nineteen
Sebastian and I leave his office and walk to the parking garage in his building before hopping in the car and heading to his home.
On the drive, all I can think about is the encounter with Lauren. I can’t imagine being in her shoes. Being pregnant with a man’s baby who is dating someone else has to be a horrible feeling. You should be basking in the planning, together as a couple, not having scheduled appointments. I wouldn’t be surprised if she views me as an intrusion in her future plans. Perhaps she’s waiting on Sebastian to have his fill of me and move on … or move back to her.
When we get to his house, Sebastian goes to change out of his suit. I go straight for Lady Featherington and Duke, who are pawing at my knees, ready to go out. I put their leashes on and grab a bag, taking them out for their walk.
Usually, Sebastian and I take them out together, but tonight, I want some fresh air for myself. I’ve been in the kitchen all day, so stretching my legs on a warm summer evening is exactly what I need to defog my brain.
The dogs are a great distraction. Duke is very protective of Lady Featherington. Every time she squats to pee, he stands at attention, as if he were blocking her from prying eyes. When she’s done, she wipes her feet on the grass and then struts forward, taking the lead with Duke on her tail. If another dog comes near them, Duke rushes forward and snarls at them, keeping them away from his lady. When he becomes distracted by a passing car, she growls at him and sets him back on his walk.
I’ve caught the two snuggled together on the sofa more than once. She always lets him eat the Kibbles ’n Bits first, which I think is because she knows he likes to devour only the soft pieces. And when he gets lost in chasing his tail, which he does often, she barks at him until his attention is diverted to something else, like a chew toy or Sebastian’s slipper, which is the only item of his that he likes to destroy.
Back at the house, I head straight to the kitchen, needing to continue keeping my mind busy and off of questioning everything, so I start heating up the dinner I prepared earlier today—the lobster bisque I planned to serve Sebastian months ago. I take it out of the Tupperware and pour it into a pot to simmer on low. I also packed two small containers of chocolate. One cocoa and one a very special blend.
When Sebastian enters the room, wearing the sexiest pair of gray sweats and a tight-fitted black shirt that shows off his ridiculously perfect physique, my insides melt at the sight of him.
I turn back to the soup and give it a final stir before shutting it off.
Sebastian comes up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and kissing my neck. “You sure are quiet tonight.”
Before my mind can think, I blurt out, “Does Lauren ever ask about getting back together with you?”
He lets out a surprised huff as he holds me closer. “I knew that was what was wrong. Meeting Lauren freaked you out. That’s my fault. I shouldn’t have waited so long.”
I let out a breath and drop the back of my head to his chest. “Yes. It would be nice to have a warning next time. I would have worn something better. Maybe added some lipstick.”
“You’re perfect.”
“I came from a long day of work.”
“You’re gorgeous. No woman in the world holds a candle to you.”
“She does in so many ways. And I can’t imagine how she feels, being pregnant with your child, yet here you are … with me.”
“Hey.” He turns me around, so I’m facing him. His knuckle glides under my chin, bringing my gaze to his sincere expression. “Don’t forget that she’s the one who broke it off with me. Yeah, we started to drift and never truly clicked, but she’s the one who finally put the stop to it. She doesn’t want me, and I’m relieved. Don’t ever feel like you’re in the middle or that you’re some kind of other woman. We’re both very fine with this situation.” He pauses and smiles with a light laugh. “Actually, better than fine. It is what it is, and we’re going to co-parent, but no, there has been zero discussion on possibly getting back together.”
“But you didn’t break it off with her. You …” I pause, feeling like this is all too ridiculous. My concerns sound so childish. I put a stop to them, close my mouth, and look away.
When I don’t meet his eyes, he places his finger on the side of my face and tilts my head up.
“I don’t like to see you like this. Please, tell me what’s really on your mind. No holding back,” he says with a tone of worry.
His voice makes my heart turn into goo on an ordinary day. When it’s deep with a whisper of concern, I’m so weak to his trance that I give in.
“I just feel like I’m in the way. If I weren’t here, would you two try to make a go of it? She sure seemed to stake her claim on that when we met. Don’t you think when he’s born, you two will try to give your child a life that’s not illegitimate? One where you can shop for one crib instead of two or make a schedule of where the baby sleeps on what day and who gets to decide what pediatrician you use or where he goes to school? And her family wouldn’t be surprised to meet the baby daddy because you’d be a regular fixture in their lives. Holidays, birthdays, Sunday dinners … everything would just be as it should. But here I am, a big roadblock. That’s probably what your family will th
ink when they meet me. Sebastian’s other woman who is keeping him from his rightful family.” I run my hand in my hair and groan. I’m so annoyed at myself for saying all that stuff, let alone actually feeling it.
His face falls as he pulls me into him. I fall into his chest as he wraps his arms around my back and head, enveloping me in a huge hug. I sink into him and feel so embarrassed.
“Hey now. That was a huge leap. I want to hear all your thoughts, even the bad ones.”
“I don’t sound crazy?” I ask, righting myself and looking up at him.
He caresses the side of my head and smiles. “Absolutely batshit.”
I groan again, but he halts me from hiding into his chest and grips me by the arms. He bends down slightly, making sure his eyes are locked in with mine.
“Amy, you’re right.”
My eyes widen as I wonder which point in particular I’m right about. I said so many things, which means this could easily have me devastated.
“None of this is how it’s supposed to happen. I hate having to pick out double of everything and relinquish some of my rights as a parent. I despise that my mother is uncomfortable with announcing to her friends that she’s expecting a grandchild because she’ll have to explain the situation. My mother is lovely, but she’s old-fashioned in some ways. And what I wouldn’t give to be able to lie in bed at night and feel my son kick. Lauren’s always texting me that she’s feeling them, but I’ve yet to, and it kills me.” He narrows his brow and seems almost pained. “All that is what I want, but there is no denying that it won’t happen with Lauren. I don’t love her. It’s as clear as that. I love you.”
My heart drops in absolute surprise. “You do?”
“Painfully so. Yes.”
I swallow, stunned and elated. My chest seems to remember how to beat again as tingles go up my spine and straight to my brain. “But we’ve haven’t been together all that long. It seems so sudden.”
Loyal Lawyer: A Standalone Novel Page 17