Page 77 of Accidental Theirs

He kept this from me, and even though I’m hurt and angry, he might be the father of my child. I can’t exactly burn bridges.

Marie meets me at my car. The walk to the parking garage helps me decompress after a long day.

She leans up against the passenger side as I press the fob to unlock the doors.

“You ready for tonight?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”

“Are you nervous?”

I nod. I am nervous, and not just because of what happened today.

Seeing Damien as a potential partner is kind of crazy, when I really think about it. He’s always been so professional, kept me at a distance.

I don’t know what’s changed, but he’s different now. Softer, somehow. And I have to admit, the vulnerability is appealing.

Marie casts me a side-eyed frown. “You’re acting funny.”

I keep my eyes on the road. “Dominic came this morning on behalf of Titan.”

“Oh? What happened?”

“He kissed me.”

It’s easier to tell part of the truth than completely lie to my friends. Guilt rushes through me, but I know I’m making the right decision.

This needs to stay between me, Dominic, and Damien.

“Hoo boy,” she breathes. “So, is he in the running for favorite baby daddy?”

I snort. “I don’t have afavorite, Marie.”

“I guess you haven’t made a decision yet.”

“I haven’t. Besides, what happens if I pick a favorite and he’s not the dad?”

Marie shakes her head. “You don’t have to be with whoever the dad is just because of biology. I want you to be happy, not settle just because you’re pregnant.”

Settling is a strong word, but I understand what she means.

It’s hard to imagine what the future will be like when I know Carter Holdings is in trouble.

Roland pulls up behind us in the parking lot, and we all walk into my apartment.

I kick off my shoes at the door and throw my keys in a bowl on the counter.

“Is he picking you up?” Roland asks.

“Nope. I’m meeting him at the restaurant. Some new steakhouse called Bullhorns.”

“I’ve heard of it. Expensive.” Marie smirks. “But he can afford it.”

“Damn right, he can. Carter Holdings pays him more than enough,” I mumble.

Roland heads straight to my room, rifling through my closet. He pushes a bunch of it aside, pulling out a few options and throwing them on the bed.

“Do you need easy access, or can you wear pants?” Marie teases, and I scoff.