Page 75 of Trials of a One Night Stand
That’s unexpected. “Will this be a problem?”
“I wish I’d known sooner, but I’ll need you to send me the date you met Jayne and any other times you spent with her after the trial started.”
“Is that necessary?”
“I’m being cautious,” Cliff admits.
Now for the big question. I wipe my sweaty palms with my napkin. “Will what’s happening with Jayne hurt Zentello?”
“No, unless Mr. Z takes offense if you’ve kept him in the dark.”
Fuck. I’ve barely mentioned Jayne to Zelda and not by name. She’ll be pissed that I’ve kept this from her. That’s one more person I need to tell.
“But this won’t be good for Everton. Jason DeVaughn will not be happy when he finds out. He might already know.”
“I blew it.” I know what her job means to her, and I let jealousy cloud my judgment. I feel sick for her and what might happen because of what I said in the heat of the moment.
“No, you didn’t.” Cliff grins slyly. “If anything, we can use your relationship to our advantage to get this stupid case thrown out. Judge Grierson won’t like being told Jayne Everton seduced you to get information.”
“Jayne did nothing of the sort. I won’t ruin her life because we have feelings for each other and are having a child. You can’t use any of this information. It’s off-limits.”
“Feelings? Really?” he scoffs. “You think the lead counsel has feelings for you? Bullshit, Nate. She’s been using you to get information for her client.”
Jayne’s honest, and I trust her. Cliff, however, is talking shit.
“What sort of idiot do you take me for, Cliff? I’m not some green-behind-the-ears kid who has no experience. I run a highly successful multibillion-dollar company. You really think I’d let someone get the better of me just so that I can get my damn rocks off?”
He’s silent.
“Well, do you?” I ask.
“No, Nate.” He exhales. “I don’t, but—”
“No buts, Cliff. What Jason DeVaughn chooses to do about Jayne is up to him, but we won’t use my relationship with her to win the case. Am I clear?” My jaw tenses as I wait for his response, fully ready to fire his ass if necessary.
“Crystal,” he snaps. “Lucky for you, we have enough to win after today’s debacle.”
“Excellent.” I take another sip. “Now, let’s finish this delicious lunch you’re buying for me.”
Then I can go to Jayne and find out if I’ve screwed up everything for her and for us.
Jayne
The meeting room is quiet when I enter. So quiet that I think I’m the first one to arrive, but then I see Lucas and Oliver sitting at a table. Both are on their phones. My gut tells me they’re both texting Jason about what Nate said. I don’t blame them.
I had one job.
And a sweet-talking, handsome scientist-CEO got in the way of that.
A part of me wants to blame Nate for blurting out that I’m pregnant. Another part still wants to swoon over his possessive streak.
Pathetic.
I deserve whatever happens to me.
I press my hand to my stomach. Mommy will do better in the future, baby.
I take a deep breath to calm myself even though no one looking at me would think anything is wrong. My face has been washed and my teeth brushed. I even had a small bottle of mouthwash in my bag. I’m good as new.
