Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 34934 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 175(@200wpm)___ 140(@250wpm)___ 116(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34934 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 175(@200wpm)___ 140(@250wpm)___ 116(@300wpm)
I put a hand on the side of her neck. “Honey, listen. I’m going to be with you every step of the way. When it gets overwhelming, I’m going to be right here. When you feel nervous, scared, or whatever you may feel, I’m going to be right here with you. I promise.”
She nods.
I’m hoping that I’m making her feel better, but she awkwardly stands up and grabs her purse off the chair. She gives me a fake smile. “You ready?”
I nod, and with my hand on the small of her back, I walk her out of the room. I shouldn’t, but I grab her hand and walk with her the whole way, wishing she would let me in and tell me what’s going on with her.
CHAPTER 8
SAMANTHA
I’m having a boy.
I had mentally prepared myself for a girl, and maybe I shouldn’t be reacting this way, but I can’t help it.
“What do you want for dinner?”
Elijah and I are back in the truck, but we’re just sitting still in the parking lot. I feel like I’m in shock. “Whatever you want to eat is fine. And if you just want to go home, that’s fine. I know you didn’t expect this to take so long.”
He sighs gruffly and turns toward me. “Sassy, we need to talk.”
I clench my eyes. Shit. This is where he tells me I’ve wasted too much of his time. He’s probably regretting implying that he could be the dad or that we could be together. I grip my hands together in my lap. “Okay… talk.”
“I need you to do me a favor.”
I nod without hesitation. “Anything.”
He leans toward me. “I need you to stop…”
He stops talking and seems to be gathering his thoughts. “You want me to stop what?”
He reaches for me but must change his mind because he lets his hand fall to the console between us. “Stop worrying what other people think. Stop thinking that you can’t do this. You can do anything, Sassy.”
I take a deep breath and let it out slowly. He’s right. I know he is. I’m the person that believes things always work out. I’ve never doubted myself like this before, but with everything lately, it’s felt heavier, messier. “You’re right. I know you’re right. I need to worry about my son. Not whether I’m going to mess this up. I can do this. I will do this. I’m going to be the best mom I can be.”
He slaps his hand on the console. “That’s exactly right. There’s my Sassy.”
Warmth spreads through my chest at the way he says it. It’s almost like he’s anchoring me in place. Showing me who I am and what I’m capable of.
My stomach decides to announce its presence, and a loud growl fills the cab of the truck. Eli and I look at each other and both burst out laughing. He puts the truck into gear. “You still think you want to wait until we get to Whiskey Run?”
I shake my head “No. Let’s eat.”
He smiles. “Sassy, will you let me take you somewhere?”
I roll my eyes. How does this man not know I would go anywhere with him? “Yes, wherever you want.”
He drives only five minutes down the road and pulls into a parking lot. Chesapeake Grill, the sign says.
I meet him at the front of the truck. His hand instantly goes to the small of my back. As we’re waiting for the host, I ask Elijah, “Have you been here before?”
As soon as the words leave my mouth, a man walks up to us. “Mr. Wolfe, it’s so good to have you joining us tonight. Follow me. Is the Atrium room okay?”
Elijah agrees. “Perfect.”
As soon as we’re seated, I laugh. “Well, that answers that. You’ve obviously eaten here before.” I grab the menu to look at it, hiding the jealousy I’m feeling. I have no claim on Elijah, but to think he’s brought his dates here makes me sick.
“Kane and I have our business meetings here when we’re in Jasper,” he says, putting his menu down.
I soften. “What do you recommend?”
He pats his flat belly. “Salad, filet, and the Neva potatoes.”
The way he says it has me drooling. “That sounds good.”
I almost order the chicken, but I know Elijah will convince me to order what I want, so I go ahead and order the steak.
Dinner with Elijah is an experience that I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Hell, I’ll probably have dreams of it. He’s attentive. He asks me questions, like he wants to know everything there is to know about me. This almost feels like a date or something, but I know that’s ridiculous.
When our meals come, I dig in, and I only slow down when I see him staring.
Blushing, I nod. “You’re right. This is really good.”
He looks pleased just watching me.