Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 53052 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 177(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53052 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 177(@300wpm)
He’s so incredibly handsome it’s hard to focus on our conversation, but I don’t want to be caught staring at him, so I return his grin. “That’s amazing! I know you’ll be successful there.”
“Thanks. I think so too.”
His confidence is equally sexy.
He leans back in his seat. “We’re just waiting on permission from the Board of Architectural Review to make changes to the structure, and we’ve submitted the paperwork for the permit we need to serve alcohol after midnight. From what I’ve been told, both can be a hassle and take a while.”
I nod. “Patience is key when dealing with bureaucratic red tape. When do you expect to open?” I ask.
“Four to six months. Depends on how long the construction changes take. We’re putting in a rooftop deck and making some alterations to the interior as well.”
I nod, too aware that my due date may conflict with that timing.
“Enough about me. Tell me more about you,” he says. “What brings you to Miami?”
I can’t ask for a better opening to break my news. I clasp my hands together on the table. “Jack?”
He meets my gaze. “What’s up?”
“I’m not sure how to tell you this.” I swallow hard, gathering all the courage I possess while he waits patiently.
He’s calm, something he won’t be once I tell him. The nerves deep in the pit of my stomach are making me nauseous.
“Okay,” I say, my eyes never leaving his face. “So, it’s been two months since we were together and … I’m pregnant.” I watch his expression, the way his eyes open wide, that sexy mouth parts, and then he collapses back in his chair.
“Pregnant.” The word sounds sharp.
I nod, twisting my hands together as I wonder what he’s thinking.
“And it’s …” His voice trails off, but I know what he’s asking.
“It’s yours. For sure.” I pause. “I haven’t been with anyone else since.”
He inclines his head, accepting my answer. I didn’t get the impression he was questioning whether I was telling the truth, more like he wanted to be certain I was sure he’s the father.
“Well, shit,” he mutters.
I give him that because this is a shock. I’ve had time to get used to the idea. He hasn’t. But I’ve done my job and told him. No need for me to sit around while he processes. “Listen, I’m going to have this baby and I’m not asking you for anything. I just thought you should know.” I take a long sip of my drink, place it on the table, and stand to leave.
“Taylor, wait.” He touches my hand and I still. “Sit back down. Please.”
I narrow my gaze, unsure what I’m going to hear from him next, but I’ll give him a chance. I lower myself into my seat. “What?” I ask, my tone wary.
“I’m sorry about my reaction. This is just a huge shock.”
I nod. “I know. I was floored when I realized I missed a period. Even more when the tests came back positive.”
He places his palm over my hand resting on the table. “I’m not going to abandon you to deal with this alone. That’s not who I am.”
I swallow hard, and I’m surprised by the relief filling me. I might have been prepared to go it alone but knowing I don’t have to? It’s so good to have someone I can talk to about this.
My hand goes to my stomach, and he follows with his gaze. “We’ll figure things out,” he says in a gruff voice.
All I can do is manage a nod. Because I’ve revealed one secret, but I’m still keeping more.
“How long are you in town for?” he asks.
“Up in the air, but about three weeks. I needed a break, so I decided now is the perfect time to take a leave from work. I’d love to see more of Miami, spend some time in the sun, eat good food. Care to be my tour guide?” I ask, then realize my mistake.
I have no idea if Jack is seeing someone. Sure, we had a fling in Charleston, but as Chandler proved, men cheat. Jack doesn’t seem like the type, but I don’t really know him. Not yet. What if I was the other woman?
“What’s wrong? I didn’t get a chance to answer you, but you look panicked all of a sudden.”
I bite the inside of my lip and curl my hand tight. “Do you have a wife or girlfriend?” I blurt out.
“What? No. Not before, during, or after we were together.” His brow furrows as he looks at me. “Is that what you think of me?”
Relieved but embarrassed, I glance away. “I don’t want to think it, but I don’t really know you, now do I?” My cheeks are flaming, but I have to be honest with him.
“Here’s the deal.” He takes my hand in his and it feels natural for me to lean in when he speaks. “I’m single. Haven’t had a serious relationship, which means whoever I’ve been with has been casual. But that could change. For the right woman.”