Page 786 of One More Kiss

“Why not you?”

I want to run over and wrap her in my arms, just like I did at the hospital. However, we’re in the office, so I feel it best to keep my distance and composure. My employees have already seen me chase after her once before. Doing it again would not be a good look. Once this business transition is complete, I’ll be free to do what I want with her.

“Just like that, huh?”

“Yep, just like that. We no longer work for the same company. That means we are free to do what we want. So, Ms. Riley Moore, can I take you out for dinner this Saturday?”

With the tears barely dry on her face, Riley lets out a sigh, followed by laughter. I jam the box of Kleenex sitting on the conference table towards her. She grabs a couple sheets out of the box, sniffles a bit, and wipes her nose.

Then she looks over at me. “Yes, I’d love to go out to dinner with you, but I have to tell you something.”

It’s my turn to be worried and confused.

“Go ahead,” I say.

She nibbles on her bottom lip, almost nervously, and I wonder what the hell she could have to say that would make her so nervous.

“I’m, well, actually I mean, we’re pregnant.”

The world shifts. My heart skips a beat, and I’m not sure if I just heard her correctly. “What did you say?”

Her cheeks grow redder. “We’re having a baby.”

I blink, realizing that was in fact what she said. A baby. We’re having a fucking baby. I smile, because fuck me. I’m going to be a dad, and Riley, the woman I’m in love with, is the mother.

“Say something. Anything, please.” Riley’s worried expression forces me to speak.

“I’m excited. Shocked, but excited.”

“You want a baby? You aren’t mad?”

My brows furrow. “Of course, I’m not mad. I could never be mad. I was fucking you without a condom and I knew the consequences of that.”

“You aren’t going to ask me to give it up? Or to get an abortion?” I almost jump out of my chair, but squeeze the arms tightly to keep my anger in check.

“I would never ask you to do something like that. It’s your body, your choice, but please know I want that baby as much as I want you.”

Her eyes shimmer with unshed tears. And I can’t help it. I know I should keep a distance between us, but I push out of the chair and walk over to her. Taking her into my arms, I almost sigh with relief as she wraps her arms around me and burrows her face into my chest.

“I want you too, and I’m grateful to have met you that night in the elevator.”

I pull back a smidge and press my lips to her forehead. “Me too. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.”

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