Page 113 of One Reckless Night

I clenched my jaw, then forced myself to relax. Janie had been with me long enough to know when to push and when to back off. She’s also discreet. “She’s fine. Healing. Just needs rest.”

“That’s good to hear,” Janie said, her smile genuine now. “She’s tough. And… well, it’s nice to see you like this.”

“Like what?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

She laughed lightly, shrugging. “Human, for once. It’s a good look on you.”

I didn’t respond to that—couldn’t—but I gave her a small nod before turning back toward my office. Amelia was on my mind the entire time I worked. I was giving her and Clair plenty of “girl time” hoping it would improve Amelia’s mood. And because I knew she needed a break from me. Of course, I was also hoping he would forget about that conversation we almost had as well.

I packed up my things and made sure to put Amelia’s laptop in my bag. I just hoped whatever it was she was so desperate to review wasn’t going to stress her out. If she was anything like me, the research would help her relax. That was the only reason I was taking it to her.

I walked outside and was about to go to my car when I saw Michael.

He looked as out of place as I felt. It had been over a year since I’d seen him—maybe two, now that I thought about it. Video chats didn’t really count. He looked the same, though maybe a little more tired, a little more worn.

“Jared,” he said, striding toward me.

“Michael. What are you doing here? Are the girls okay?”

“The girls are fine. Your voicemail made it sound like you were dying or something. What’s going on?”

I hesitated. I couldn’t invite him back to the house. “Let’s talk in my office.”

Michael followed me without question. When we got to my office, I closed the door behind us and turned to face him. “It’s been a while,” I said, my voice stiff.

“Yeah,” Michael said. “You’ve been busy. Too busy to call, apparently. Or show up.”

I winced, knowing I deserved that. “I know. I’m sorry.”

Michael sighed. “Look, I’m not here to rehash old arguments. You said you needed help. So, what’s going on?”

I gestured for him to take a seat. We both sat down, sitting across from each other.

I took a deep breath and figured the best way to say it was to just say it. “I’m going to be a father.”

Michael’s eyes widened, and for a moment, he just stared at me. Then he let out a low whistle. “Wow. Okay. That’s a lot.”

“Yeah, it is. It’s been wild.”

“When?”

“She’s seventeen weeks,” I said. “She just got out of the hospital. There were some complications with the pregnancy. She’s on bed rest for at least a month.”

He nodded. “Are you planning on being involved? Or are you going to push her to the side like you’ve done with everyone else?”

I flinched, his words hitting too close to home. He was not pulling any punches. “I’m trying to be there for her,” I said. “But it’s complicated.”

“Complicated how?” Michael asked, raising an eyebrow.

I hesitated, then said the words I’d been too afraid to say out loud until now. “Because I love her.”

The moment the words left my mouth, I felt a weight lift off my chest. It was the first time I’d ever admitted it, even to myself, and it felt… good. Really good. Like I’d been living in a haze of distrust and fear since Gemma cheated on me. Now, finally, I could see clearly.

Michael studied me for a moment, then nodded. “Okay. So, what’s the problem?”

“The problem is that I don’t know how to show her,” I said, my voice breaking. “I’ve spent my entire life pushing people away, focusing on my career, trying to be the best. And now, when it matters most, I don’t know how to be what she needs. Things have not been smooth between us. I didn’t even know she was pregnant until she was three months along. We weren’t talking.”

Michael sighed. “Jared, you’ve always been so focused on proving yourself to everyone—your mentors, your teachers, even Mom and Dad. But the truth is, they would have loved you regardless of whether you were a genius or not. You’re missing out on life because you’re so hyper-focused on being the best. You’re so afraid to let people know you and love you for the man you are. You want people to admire you for your accomplishments.”