Chewing on her bottom lip, she glanced around the room while wishing she were anyplace but here. Addison hated doctor visits but this one was unavoidable. Her eyes strayed to the door, silently willing someone to come tell her whatever.
“C’mon...” she muttered impatiently.
“Miss Evans,” the doctor said as she entered the room, closing the door behind her. “We have your test results back.”
“And?” Addison prompted.
“You’re going to have a baby.”
“Are you sure, Dr. Rivers?”
The one night she shared with Kellen would never be easily forgotten now that she was carrying his child.
“I can’t believe this,” Addison murmured. “I’m really pregnant.”
“I gather this wasn’t planned,” Dr. Rivers said.
“It wasn’t,” she confirmed. “We were safe, so I’m in total shock by this.”
After the appointment, she decided to go back to work. Addison needed to stay busy so that she didn’t overthink her situation.
Stress churned in her stomach and tightened bands of steel around her head. Her hands were clammy. She probably shouldn’t even be driving, given her current state of mind.
Fifteen minutes later, she locked the car with shaking hands.
Addison stared at the unobtrusive office doorway in front of her. A pot of cheerful geraniums tucked against the brick building soaked up the sun. She took a deep breath and walked inside, through the lobby and into a waiting elevator.
Just as she stepped out on the sixth floor, nausea roiled through Addison, tightening her stomach and making her mouth water. She gripped the doorframe. Any second now she was going to either throw up or pass out. When Addison felt stronger, she slowly made her way around her desk and sank down in her chair.
“Hey, are you okay?” Kellen asked as he strode toward her desk. He wasn’t sure, but he thought he’d glimpsed a flash of fear in her eyes.
“Yeah,” Addison responded as casually as she could manage. “I’m fine. Why do you ask?”
“Tiffany said that you had a doctor’s appointment this morning. I just wanted to see how you were doing.” He hoped that she hadn’t received any bad news. Kellen was still dealing with his brother’s death. He couldn’t bear the thought of losing someone else he cared about, even if that someone did not return his feelings.
She must have sensed his unease because she said, “Kellen, it was just a normal visit.”
“Oh...okay,” he uttered. “I was worried because you look like you hadn’t been feeling well the past couple of days.”
Addison hid her trembling fingers in the folds of her skirt. “Why do you say that?”
“You just haven’t seemed like yourself.”
“Hmm...well, there’s nothing to worry about. According to my doctor, I’m in great health, Kellen.”
Her stomach roiled again. She swallowed hard.
Relieved, he smiled. “I’m glad to hear it.”
Addison wanted to take the conversation in another direction, so she asked, “Do you need something?”
“No, I was concerned about you, but now that I know that you’re okay, I’m about to run out and grab some lunch. Do you want me to bring something back for you?”
“Where are you going?” she asked.
“To the deli on the corner. I’m in the mood for a Philly cheesesteak.”
The thought of the greasy sandwich made her look as if she were about to be sick.
Addison shook her head. “I think I’ll pass.”
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Kellen asked, concerned.
Addison nodded. “I’m just not in the mood for the deli today.”
He eyed her for a moment before turning to leave. “Call me if you change your mind or want me to pick up something else for you.”
“I appreciate the offer, but don’t worry about me. I’ll probably go out and get something to eat later today.”
Addison released a soft sigh of relief when he left her office. She wasn’t ready for Kellen to find out her secret. Truth be told, she wasn’t sure that she ever wanted him to find out.
I’m pregnant. I’m going to be a mom.
Until today, she had not considered the idea of having children at this point in her life and career. Addison had always been more focused on her career path than settling down with a family.
* * *
She’s keeping something from me, Kellen thought to himself when he left Addison’s office. He rationalized that she was simply reluctant to discuss her health with her employee. He could understand why—it was her personal business.
She’s okay. I don’t need to worry about Addison. She’s made it absolutely clear that she doesn’t want me in her life.
In his office, Kellen focused his attention on a current project. Working helped to keep his mind off his grief.
Everyone in the family was still having a hard time dealing with Dreyden’s death—only they avoided talking about it. Especially his parents. They were trying to be so strong for their children. What had happened was something so tragic that his family was forever changed.
It certainly changed Kellen’s view on the world. He resolved never to take life for granted. He vowed to live in a way which would have made Dreyden proud.
Since losing his brother, Kellen felt a certain restlessness in his spirit. He felt alone and realized that he wanted a special someone to spend time with—that someone was Addison. He had strong feelings for her, and Kellen believed that she felt the same way about him, deep down. She was just too afraid to admit it.
He wasn’t worried about what his coworkers thought, but it mattered greatly to Addison. She had yet to learn that she could go by the book when it came to work, but the heart...this was something entirely different.
Kellen had no desire to force her into admitting her true feelings. He would give her the space she needed, but in time she would come to him. She would not be able to put aside her feelings forever.
He longed to hold her in his arms once more. Addison had given him a glimpse into her heart the night they made love.
We belong together.
Kellen wasn’t normally a patient man, but she was important to him and most of all—Addison was worth waiting for.
Chapter 16
“Girl, you look like you’re putting on some weight,” Tia said when Addison joined her in a booth near the window. “It looks good on you.”
“Actually, that’s why I wanted to have lunch with you today,” she said as she took a seat. “I need to tell you something.”
“What’s up?”
“There’s something you need to know.” Addison paused for a heartbeat before announcing, “I’m pregnant, Tia.”
“What? Are you serious?”
Addison nodded. “I’m still in shock myself.”
“Girl, you need to tell me the scoop,” Tia uttered. “I didn’t even know you were dating someone. I thought we were besties.”
“We are,” Addison said. “You know that you are my dearest friend. Actually, you mean much more than that. You’re like a sister to me.”
“So why haven’t you told me about this guy in your life?”
“Because it’s not what you think, Tia.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m glad you’re sitting down for what I’m about to tell you,” Addison stated. “The father of my baby is Kellen Alexander. After his brother died, he was going through so much and I reached out to him. One thing led to another and we ended up in bed—it only happened once and we used protection...”
“Once is definitely all it takes,” Tia murmured. “Wow...I certainly wasn’t expecting all this.” She glanced over her shoulder. “I need a glass of wine.”<
br />
Addison released a soft sigh. “I could use a glass myself, but I can’t have any.”
“Have you decided what you’re going to do? Does Kellen even know that you’re pregnant?”
“I haven’t said anything to him yet,” she confessed. “I’m still trying to get used to the idea myself. As for what I’m going to do...I really don’t know.”
“Do you want this baby, Addison?”
“I have to be honest, Tia. I’m still too numb. I don’t know how I feel, really. It’s why I haven’t made any major decisions one way or the other.”
“It’s probably wise not to do so. But whatever you decide, Kellen needs to know about the baby.”
Addison agreed. “I know that you’re right. I just don’t know when or how I’m going to tell him something like this. It is so unexpected.”
“You have to tell him.”
“I know, but I want to wait until the time is right.”
“When will that be, Addison? If you keep waiting—the baby will be here.”
“It’s not like we are in a relationship, Tia,” Addison stated. “It was a one-night stand. What are my other employees going to think when they find out?”
“You and Kellen are attracted to one another. I could see it so I’m sure your staff already has an idea of your feelings and probably won’t be surprised.”
“I still can’t believe this,” Addison uttered. “I’m going to be a mother.”
Tia smiled. “Yes, you are.”
“The thing is...I’m not so sure that I’m ready for this...for a baby.”
“Are you thinking of terminating the pregnancy?” Tia asked in a low voice.
“To be honest, I’m not sure what I’m thinking. This is a lot to handle right now. Seeing Kellen every day doesn’t make it any easier. At this point in my life all I’ve been thinking about is my career. A baby really doesn’t fit into the picture I’ve painted for myself.”
“I guess you and Kellen have a lot to discuss.”
Addison nodded. “But first I have to decide if I’m ready to be a mom.”
“It’s your body, but I can’t see you choosing to terminate your pregnancy.”
“Tia, I know you don’t believe in abortion.”
“I’m not judging you, Addison,” she interjected. “I’ll support you regardless of what you decide to do.”
“I have to be honest. The thought of terminating the pregnancy doesn’t sit right with me, but there is always another option...adoption.”
“I can’t see you doing that, either,” Tia stated. “And I’m pretty sure that Kellen will not agree to let some stranger raise his child.”
“You’re assuming that he will want to be a father. Trust me, Kellen isn’t the type to settle down and raise a family.”
* * *
“It’s not like you to be so distracted,” Kellen commented after the weekly team meeting.
Addison spared him a glance. “I’m sorry. I have a lot on my mind.”
“What’s going on with you?” he asked. “Addison, you haven’t been yourself for a couple of weeks now.”
“I have a lot on my mind.”
“Do you want to talk about it?” Kellen inquired. “You were there for me when I was dealing with Dreyden’s cancer and his passing. Let me return the favor.”
She shook her head. “I’m really not ready to discuss anything. I hope you understand.”
“I do,” Kellen responded. “I want you to know that I’m here, and I’m also a good listener.”
Addison gave him a smile. “Thank you for caring. I appreciate your concern.”
“I know you think I’m throwing you a line but I’m not,” he stated. “I really do care about you, Addison.”
She met his gaze straight on. “Kellen, please don’t confuse lust with real feelings. We shared one night together, but let’s be realistic. You are not the type of man who is ready for a commitment.”
“How do you know what kind of man I am?” he asked. “The truth is that you really haven’t taken a chance to get to know me.”
She leaned back in her chair and folded her hands across her chest. “So you’re saying that you’re ready to settle down.”
“With the right woman,” he responded truthfully. “I could go down that path.”
Addison broke into a smile. “Kellen, you’re a bachelor for life. I’m not sure you will ever find what you consider the right woman.”
“How do you know that I’m not referring to you?” he asked. “I think you’re the one who’s not interested in getting married. You’re so afraid of your feelings for me that we can’t even have a friendship.”
Kellen’s words left her speechless, just as he intended.
“I don’t mind being your friend,” Addison responded after a moment.
“You’re kidding me right now.”
“No, I’m not. Kellen, I mean it. I want to be a friend to you.”
“But nothing more.”
“I’m five years older than you, and I’m your boss. None of this bothers you, Kellen?”
“No, it doesn’t,” he responded with a shake of his head. “Age is nothing but a number. As for your being my boss, this will not always be the case. But for now, while I am in the office, I work for you. Outside—I expect you to be my woman.”
Addison gathered up her notes. “I don’t know why we’re even having this discussion.”
“Because I’m not going to give up on you.”
* * *
On the way back to her office, Addison ran into Zaire Alexander in the hallway. The two had met at the Alexander Christmas party.
“You look beautiful,” she told her. “Pregnancy certainly agrees with you.”
“Thank you.” Zaire placed a hand to her belly. “I was looking for my brother,” she stated. “I was in the area so I thought I’d surprise him with a visit and take him to lunch.”
“He was in his office,” Addison responded.
“I checked, but he wasn’t in there.”
“Zaire, what are you doing here?” Kellen asked from behind Addison.
“I came to see you, silly.”
He laughed.
“It was nice to see you again, Zaire,” Addison said. “Congratulations on the upcoming birth of your baby.”
“Is Addison seeing someone?” Zaire inquired when they were in her car.
“Not that I know of,” he responded. “Why do you ask?”
“She has a glow about her. Her face is fuller than the last time I saw her.”
Kellen agreed. “She’s gained some weight. I noticed it, but I thought it best not to point it out. She still looks great.”
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say that Addison’s pregnant.”
Kellen’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “P-pregnant?”
Zaire nodded. “I could be wrong. It just may be weight gain. Maybe she didn’t like being so thin.”
He did not respond. Kellen’s thoughts traveled back over the past few weeks and how strange Addison had been acting. He had also noticed her changing shape and the thickening of her waist. A pregnancy would certainly explain everything.
As soon as he returned to the office, Kellen intended to confront Addison with his suspicions. He had to know if she was pregnant with his baby. It bothered him to even think of her being with another man.
Chapter 17
“How was lunch with your sister?” Addison asked when Kellen entered her office. She had just returned from lunch with a coworker minutes before.
“Actually, it was very enlightening.”
She glanced up at him briefly from her desk, and then turned her attention back to her computer screen. “Really? In what way?”
> “Ever since I heard you saw a doctor, I’ve been worried about you.”
“There was no need for you to worry. I’m okay. Doing well.”
“I’m not sure I agree with you,” Kellen said quietly as he closed the door to give them some privacy. “I have a suspicion that I know what’s going on with you.”
He suddenly had Addison’s full attention. Surely he didn’t know about the baby. There was no way that he could know. Stiffening in her chair, she uttered, “I’m not sure I know what you mean.”
“Addison, look at me. I need you to be honest with me,” Kellen stated. “Are you pregnant?”
A wave of apprehension flowed through her belly, causing her to grip the arms of her chair tightly.
“Addison,” he prompted.
She nodded after a moment of tense silence.
“Is this my baby?” Kellen wanted to know.
“Yes,” Addison responded tersely. She made it obvious that she was offended by his question, but he offered no apologies—she didn’t really expect any.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” he demanded. “Don’t you think I have a right to know that I’m about to become a father?”
“I had every intention of telling you, but I needed some time to get used to the idea myself,” she responded in a low voice.
Kellen suddenly broke into a grin. “Wow. I’m going to be a father.”
His response surprised her. “You’re actually happy about this?”
“Aren’t you?” Kellen tugged up her chin so that he could see Addison’s face. She looked away as if she wanted to hide. To be sure that her emotions were not painted there for him to see.
“The truth is that I’m not sure that I’m ready to be a mother.” There, she’d said it. Addison stole a peek at Kellen, whose grin had disappeared as quickly as it had come.
He frowned. “I hope that you’re not thinking of getting rid of my child—I won’t allow it.”
Addison met his gaze. “One thing you need to realize is that you don’t have any control over my body, Kellen. It’s my choice.”
“I want my child.” His tone brooked no argument.
She needed to make him aware of her feelings so she said, “I have to be honest with you, Kellen. I have my career to think about. Motherhood is just not in my plan right now.”
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