Page 28 of Reluctantly Ever After (The Oops Baby Club #2)

I want to argue anyway, but he's right. Miller's been circling both of us. Whatever he wants, we're stronger together.

It doesn’t matter, though, because Kieran's already gone to fetch Miller. I turn to Kasen with a glare.

"This is my office. My company. You don't get to make those decisions."

"He's trying to buy both our businesses, Pink. Whatever he has to say affects us both." He sits up straighter, suddenly every inch the businessman I've gone up against for years. "We present a united front.”

Miller appears in my doorway with Kieran hovering behind him, looking about as happy as I feel.

"Miss Callan," Miller greets me with that slimy smile that never reaches his eyes, and I see Kasen tense and I wonder if it’s because he wishes it was his last name attached to me. "Mr. James. What a lucky surprise to find you both here."

I seriously doubt it's a surprise at all. Miller doesn't strike me as a man who leaves anything to chance.

"What can I do for you, Nolan?" I ask, not bothering to make small talk.

"I won't take much of your time." He steps further into my office, closing the door behind him and blocking Kieran out, who flips him off behind his back.

His eyes slide to Kasen, then back to me, taking in the lunch spread on my desk and likely drawing exactly the right conclusions about what's happening here.

"I simply wanted to deliver some news in person, as a professional courtesy. "

"What news?" Kasen asks, his voice deceptively casual.

"Pacific Northwest has acquired Eastside Ales," Miller announces. "As of this morning, they're part of our portfolio."

The statement lands like a bomb in the quiet office. Eastside is one of my biggest clients. Their beers account for nearly twenty percent of Cascade's distribution revenue.

Twenty percent of Cascade's revenue gone, just like that.

"That's interesting timing," I say, keeping my voice level despite the panic building in my chest. "Considering I have a meeting with their team in two hours to discuss expanded distribution."

Miller has the grace to look apologetic, though I doubt he feels it. "Ah, yes. They weren't at liberty to discuss our negotiations. But don't worry—we intend to honor all existing contracts, for now."

For now. The threat isn't subtle.

This asshole.

I can sense Kasen tensing and I glance at him. His hand grips the chair arm so hard I'm surprised it doesn't splinter. "And you felt the need to deliver this news in person because...?"

"Like I said, professional courtesy," Miller repeats, straightening his immaculate tie. "And to let you know my offers for both your companies still stand. In fact, given recent developments..." His gaze drops to my stomach. "I'm prepared to improve them."

"What developments would those be, exactly?" Yeah, I’m going to deny everything until I’m forced to admit it.

"Come on, Miss Callan. You know, in a sense, Portland’s like a small town." His smile turns condescending. "Your situation with Mr. James has become a hot topic of discussion."

Kasen's on his feet before I can blink. "Our situation is none of your fucking business."

"Isn't it?" Miller doesn't even flinch. "Two competitors suddenly involved? A baby on the way? It changes the landscape of this business considerably, I’d say."

The casual way he discusses my pregnancy like it's a business merger makes my blood boil. I rise to stand beside Kasen. "Get out."

"I'm simply pointing out that my offer takes your new circumstances into account. A generous maternity package. Flexibility for family needs." He produces a business card like a magic trick. "When you're ready to discuss terms that work for everyone, call me."

The implication that pregnancy makes me weak, that I need his "family-friendly" accommodations, has me gripping my desk to keep from lunging at him.

"Goodbye, Nolan."

He nods, that infuriating smile never wavering, and leaves without another word.

The second the door closes, I deflate and sink back into my chair. "Fuck."

"He's playing dirty." Kasen runs a hand through his hair, dislodging his beanie. "Using your pregnancy against you."

"Against us," I correct, then freeze. When did I start thinking of us as a unit?

"He knows everything." I look through my glass walls at my employees, several of whom quickly look away. "And if he knows, everyone knows."

"Then we stop hiding," Kasen says simply. "Make an announcement. Control the narrative."

He's right. I hate that he's right, but he is. "I need to talk to my staff."

"Want me to stay?"

I consider it. Having him here would make a statement. But it might also undermine my authority or make it look like I need a man to prop me up.

"No. This is something I need to do alone."

He nods, understanding in his eyes. "I'll head out. But Wren?" He waits until I meet his gaze. "We're going to bury that fucker."

"Damn right we are."

He gathers his things, but pauses at the door. "Remember, dinner’s at six. We'll talk about Eastside after. Figure out a strategy."

"I remember."

He leaves after extracting a promise that I'll eat the lunch he brought. I watch him cross the warehouse floor, several of my employees tracking his progress, then turning to look back up to me.

Kieran appears as if by magic. "Want me to assemble the troops?"

Ah, so now he’s not only appearing out of thin air but also a mind reader.

"Yeah, give me ten minutes."

I spend those ten minutes stashing my ice cream and then trying to figure out what to say, how to explain that yes, I'm pregnant with Kasen James's baby, and yes, we're involved, but no, it doesn't change anything about how Cascade operates.

It sounds stupid even in my own head.

This is why I didn’t want to get involved with anyone in the industry. People are going to think I’m trying to make a deal with him and sleeping with him to make it happen. Every brewery I’ve brought on and earned the rights to distribute for is now going to be in question.

Did she sleep with the owner to get them to sign?

Fuck, being a woman is really hard sometimes.

When I step out onto the warehouse floor where my team has gathered, I feel like my heart might pound straight out of my chest. Forty pairs of eyes watch me expectantly. Some curious, some concerned, all waiting for me to explain what's going on.

The whispered conversations die immediately.

"Thank you all for taking a few minutes for this," I begin, proud that my voice doesn’t shake. "I know there have been rumors circulating and I want to address them directly."

I take a deep breath, letting my hand rest on my belly because you know what? I’m owning this shit.

"I'm pregnant," I say, the words hanging in the suddenly silent warehouse. "Sixteen weeks. And yes, Kasen James is the father."

The gasps and murmurs are exactly what I expected. What I didn't expect is how liberating it feels to say it out loud.

"This doesn't change anything about how Cascade operates.

We're still committed to supporting independent craft breweries.

We're still the best distribution network in Portland.

" I meet the eyes of my key managers. "My personal life is separate from business.

But I wanted you to hear it from me, not the rumor mill. "

I glance around. "Questions?"

Please don't have questions.

It’s so silent all I can hear is the whooshing of blood in my ears. Then someone starts clapping. Then another. Soon the whole warehouse is applauding, and I have to blink hard against the sudden sting in my eyes. Someone yells about time and I laugh even though it’s watery.

Fucking pregnancy hormones.

Kieran bumps his shoulder into mine and then ruffles my hair before I can swat his hand away.

"Alright, show's over. Back to work. We have beer to move."

As they disperse, Kieran leans closer so I’m the only one that hears him say, "Nicely done. Short, sweet, to the point."

"Think it was enough?"

We start back toward my office as everyone gets back to work. "For them? Yes. For explaining whatever's actually happening with you and James?" He smirks. "Not even close."

"I don't know what's happening with us," I admit.

"Bullshit." His expression softens. "You've been circling each other for years. Can you at least admit that you don’t hate him?”

"I don't hate him," I say quietly, the truth of it settling deep in my bones. "I don't think I have for a while now. Maybe I never really did."

"I know." Kieran's smile turns a little wicked. “The sexual tension between you two could power the city. Vegas just gave you an excuse to act on it."

He's right. It's always been easier to frame Kasen as the enemy. The rival. The competition. It gave me somewhere to direct my frustration and a way to ignore that there might’ve been something else going on.

Like the fact I’ve maybe always been a little bit obsessed with him.

Now? Now I don't know what he is. Father of my child, for sure. Husband, technically. Lover… yeah, that happened.

But maybe also something I never expected.

Maybe also something I never knew I wanted.

"Eat your lunch," Kieran orders, moving toward the door. "I'll reschedule Eastside and confirm dinner with Navy."

"You're too good to me."

"I know. You're lucky I love you."