Page 35 of Trials of a One Night Stand
“What are you thinking?” Nathaniel asks.
“That karma is a bitch.”
“Didn’t expect you to say that. Care to explain?”
I stare at the bag, trying to force more air into my lungs. “My best friend got pregnant in high school. Steffi struggled with having a newborn, trying to go to school, and working. She had to drop out, the same as her mother and her grandmother. I thought I was better than that, especially now. I’m older and should’ve—”
“We used protection. Each time.”
Not trusting my voice, I nod. I hope that’s enough. Though the alternative could be some disease or something along those lines. Would that be a better alternative than being pregnant? At least many of those were treatable.
“But we used a brand that’s not known for their quality,” he adds. “I thought it would be okay for one night. I’m sorry it wasn’t.”
The last thing I expected from him was an apology. And who knew that was a problem with condoms? This could only happen to me. I rub my aching forehead.
“You’re no longer in high school. You have a good career, so you won’t be reliant on a shotgun wedding to determine your future or have to depend on your parents.”
“True.” I take a breath. He’s right. I can afford to have a baby on my own. And it’s not like he would want to marry me. We’re strangers who shared a night. I can also understand him not wanting to be involved…
“And you won’t have to do this on your own,” he adds.
Wait. What? My gaze jerks to his. “What are you saying?”
He motions to the bag. “Let’s see if you’re pregnant, then we can discuss it.”
I stare at the bag as if it’s a bomb waiting to explode. “I’d rather not do this in a public bathroom.”
“Your place or mine?”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
NATE
Twenty minutes later, I’m standing in a room at an extended-stay hotel. Where Jayne lives, to be exact, and I must admit I’m confused. This isn’t what I expected since she’s a lawyer at a top firm, but nothing about her has turned out the way I expected. Still, Seattle has much nicer and safer areas than here. I’ll have to do something about this.
I glance around at the small living room, table with two chairs, and mini kitchen. Functional, but her windows face a street that sees a lot of traffic. “You live here?”
“For now.” She clutches the bag I gave her in the conference room. “I’ve been working at various offices in the firm around the Pacific Northwest until I find a place and position.”
I scratch my head. “So Seattle is temporary?” I don’t like the sound of the last word, especially if she’s pregnant.
“I’d like to stay in Seattle. My cousin lives here.”
“Lottie.” I remember meeting her that night in the bar. Ashton pops into my head. “Nice to have family nearby.”
Jayne nods. “The Seattle office is also the biggest in the firm. Lots of opportunities.”
I can see that, but… “What about the ex-asshole?”
“He works at the Spokane office. That’s where I used to work, but after his promotion I asked for a transfer. Unfortunately, there were none, so I’ve been filling in for people on leave.”
The news about her no longer working with her ex brings a wave of relief. Ironic considering Zelda’s still prominent position in my company and my life. Again, I’m not sure why I should care since Jayne seems over him. “I’m sorry you’re the one to be pushed out.”
“It happens, and I’d rather not see him or the coworker he cheated on me with.”
“Sounds like an HR nightmare.”
With a shrug, she raises the bag. “I should probably see…”
