Page 23 of Solid Ground

I can do this without Declan.

But I’m still going to tell him.

“Zoe?” Caitlin pinches my bicep.

“Ouch.” I glare at Caitlin and rub my arm. “What was that for?”

“You were miles away. I can call Brandon and let him know I’m staying longer if you need me.”

I shake my head. “No. You go and have a great evening. I’ll be fine.”

She lingers for a moment, her brow still furrowed. “Call me if you need me.”

“I will.” I grasp her forearm. “Seriously, I’m all good. I’ll call Declan to make a time to go and see him. If he doesn’t want to meet, then I’ll be okay.”

I know she doesn’t like me doing this alone, but if I’m raising this baby without Declan, I need to get used to doing things by myself.

Before I come up with a million reasons not to tell him, I have to pull up my big girl panties and make that call.

It’s not until Caitlin’s gone that I pick up my phone. My finger hovers over Declan’s contact before I take a deep breath and tap it.

“Hello.” Weeks have passed, but his deep, sexy voice takes me back to the hotel room.

I swallow hard. “Declan, it’s Zoe.”

“Zoe?” He pauses for a moment. “Las Vegas Zoe?”

I bite my bottom lip. He remembers me at least. “That’s me. Las Vegas Zoe.” I laugh.

“What can I do for you?” His tone makes it sound like he’s on edge—suspicious. I’m not really surprised. He’s famous and people undoubtedly approach him for all kinds of things.

“I’m coming to Los Angeles, and I wondered if we could get together for a coffee? There’s something we need to discuss.”

There’s silence, and I assume he’s digesting my words. There aren’t many things we’d have to talk about, so he’s got to guess what I’m calling about. But I don’t want to do this over the phone. If we’re going to discuss things, I want it done face-to-face.

“Sure. Text me the place and time and I’ll be there.”

A sense of relief washes over me. I’d thought he might be difficult—he might still be difficult, but he’s prepared to meet me and that’s a start.

I don’t need a man in my life. I’m perfectly capable of raising a child by myself. But the combination of not wanting to have secrets and the raging hormones inside me are forcing my hand.

“Thanks, Declan.”

“Are you okay, sweetheart?”

I blink rapidly and shift my gaze to the ceiling in an attempt not to cry. “I’m fine.”

“Let me know when you get into town. I’m not working, so I’m free any time.” His soft tone takes me by surprise, and I smile to myself.

“Okay. Thanks. Talk soon.”

SIX

DECLAN

For the pasttwo month I’ve thought about Zoe so many times.

I’m making a fresh start. Why can’t that include the woman who turned everything upside down in Las Vegas?

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