Page 53 of Trials of a One Night Stand
Especially in the amazing tub that would easily fit two.
Stop now. Don’t think about him. Focus on something else.
I stare at the towel warmer.
This small-town girl is so impressed. I hope I get to meet Roddy and Mano to thank them for letting me stay here, as it’s better than the nicest hotel I’ve stayed at. And so what if most things were made for a couple, which tells me how much the two must be in love? I can enjoy everything on my own.
The water feels so good over my body. I didn’t use one of the bath bombs since I didn’t know if that would be safe being pregnant, but I should add that to my list of questions I have for my new doctor, who Chloe and Ashton Lowe recommended. Nate offered to get me more recommendations, but the OB is also Lottie’s gynecologist, so I decided that was good enough for me.
I rub my hand over my stomach. I’ve never had defined abdominal muscles or a model-like flat stomach, but I don’t look pregnant. It’s still too early. Except for the morning sickness and fatigue, I don’t feel pregnant either.
I suppose that might change if I can hear the baby’s heartbeat at my first OB appointment. I sure hope so. All I need to do is find a good nanny like Chloe and Ashton have for their two girls, and then we’ll be good. I won’t be able to work as much, but if I can bring in clients, my position will be secure.
I’ve been saving money—originally for a wedding, but now I’ll put it toward the baby. The company has been paying me a per diem for my accommodations. Now that I’m living rent-free in exchange for housesitting, I’m saving so much more. If I take the full maternity leave, I should be fine. I still can’t forget when Nate said might be. I’ve been calling him by his nickname since Ashton mentioned his mom was the only one who called him Nathaniel. If anything, might be has gotten only louder since I heard the words in my dreams—so I’m not ready to talk to him about his involvement with the baby just yet. I’m not sure what I want with him. Still, I invited him to my first appointment. That’s a good place to start, given we have months to figure things out, right?
Still, seeing him in the courtroom today was more difficult than I imagined. He kept glancing my way until the judge entered. I hated when he stopped.
Stupid counselor.
This trial is my ticket to a promotion and a permanent position in Seattle.
I can’t screw it up.
The only thing getting in my way is Nate himself. He’s a huge distraction. I mean, the man’s already gorgeous, but he wore a well-fitting suit that almost had me drooling in my seat. I doubt the judge would have appreciated me swooning in plain sight. I’ll have to be more careful tomorrow and pretend I’m wearing blinders—the kind thoroughbreds wear so they can’t see their competition.
Not only because our client and the firm are counting on me but also because of the baby. My future isn’t the only thing at stake now.
After my bath, I munch on saltine crackers—the one thing that doesn’t upset my stomach. I should be tired of eating them by now, but I enjoy them. The doorbell rings. That’s unexpected, and given I didn’t hear one of my bodyguards stop whoever’s there, I assume it’s either my next-door neighbors or Nate.
My money’s on the latter even though I asked him for space. He has given me two weeks, so I can’t really complain, especially when a part of me misses him. Given all the uncertainty I feel, I probably shouldn’t, but he looked handsome in court earlier.
I only wish I’d dressed instead of putting on my terry cloth robe when I’d gotten out of the tub, but I wasn’t expecting a visitor.
I glance at the security cameras.
He’s here.
My pulse picks up. Stay calm.
There’s no reason to get excited or anxious. Who knows why he’s dropped by unexpectedly?
On the way to the front door, I tighten the robe’s belt to make sure it won’t come untied. I’m so attracted to this man, but I know it’s right to keep my wits around him. And of course, as I open the door, I’m struck by how gorgeous this man is. Again. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“I know you asked for space, but I need to talk to you.” He glances around, but I’m not sure what he’s looking for. This is a quiet neighborhood. “Can I come in?”
I’m tempted to say no since I do want to get to bed, but Nate’s not smiling. His tie is askew, and the tips of his fingers are shoved in his pants pockets, which isn’t normal for him. Not that I know what his normal is, but the man standing in front of me doesn’t seem like himself, and that worries me. He might be an almost-stranger, but I’m carrying his baby and don’t want anything to be wrong with him.
I open the door wider. “Come in.”
He enters, his steps heavy on the foyer’s floor. Something is on his mind, and all I can think of is that he’s reconsidered wanting to be involved with the baby. His might be has become a hell no. Maybe that’s why I take my time closing the door. By the time I do, he’s sitting in the living room with his hands rubbing his thighs.
Definitely not normal.
Even though I could take a chair, I plop next to him on the couch. If this is the last time I’ll see him, I want to feel his warmth one last time. Stupid, probably? But I’m only human, and I love being close to him. “What’s up?”
He angles his shoulders toward me. “I’ve been tied up in knots since watching you leave the courtroom today.”
My insides twist like a screw cap on a cheap bottle of wine, but unlike him, I have a poker face second to none. I’ve eliminated any tells, anything that might make a jury question what I say. “Why is that?”
