Page 66 of Unexpected

He grabbed the tray of shots without giving me a second glance. “It’s fine, man. Let’s get drunk and celebrate being alive.”

I followed him, but it was with a sinking feeling in my gut. Hunter was my best friend; he’d been at my side the entire time—through my diagnosis, treatments, recovery. He’d even shaved his head with me to show his support.

Considering how difficult it had been to get Alexis to take off time to do something fun like go to the aquarium with Sophia and me, could I honestly say I thought Alexis would have done the same? And if not, then what was I even doing considering a future with her?

Chapter Nineteen

“And this,” I said, gesturing to a large, open space with pipes sticking up out of the floor, “will be the master bath.” A saw buzzed in the background as I led Lincoln on a tour of the house.

“It looks great.”

The house was shaping up, and I was getting excited. It was the first property I’d be developing from the ground up. I was making all the design choices and taking all the risk, but it was a great opportunity. And something I’d been wanting to do for a long time.

I leaned in so he could hear me over the power tools in the background. “Why don’t we head out to the balcony?”

He nodded, gesturing for me to lead the way. I stepped delicately over a piece of lumber, mindful of my Valentinos. The balcony was large, but—like the rest of the house—still under construction. The railing hadn’t been installed yet, so there was a temporary barrier.

“Great location. Great property. Great potential,” I said, taking in the sweeping view of LA.

“Definitely.” Lincoln nodded. “How much is it going for?”

“It’s not on the market yet. You’re actually one of the first people I’ve shown it to,” I said, knowing how much he’d like that.

We’d been friends in high school but only recently reconnected. I had a feeling he was interested in more than just business, but I’d continue to show him houses in the hope that he’d buy. He certainly had the means to afford the multimillion-dollar homes.

“When complete, it will have five bedrooms, five baths, and a huge pool,” I continued. “Not to mention, some of the best views of the city.”

He nodded, tucking a hand into his pocket. “And the price?”

“Four nine.”

“So, really, five.”

I nodded. “Just under.”

My phone rang, and I glanced at the screen to see Preston’s name. He usually texted, so for him to call…alarm bells started ringing in my head. Something was wrong.

“I’m so sorry,” I said to Lincoln, stepping toward the doorway to the house as I held up my phone. “I have to take this.”

“Hey, sexy,” Preston’s deep voice rumbled over the phone.

“Preston,” I hissed, glancing back over my shoulder to ensure Lincoln was a fair distance away. “You can’t call me at work, not unless it’s about Sophia.”

“This is about Sophia. She misses you. I miss you.”

I dodged a worker carrying a bucket of paint. “I miss you guys too. But I’m in the middle of a showing, and when you called…I worried something was wrong.”

“Everything’s fine, I promise.”

“Hi, Mommy!” Sophia shouted in the background. “Will you be home for dinner?” she panted into the phone.

“Hey, baby.” I laughed. “I’ll do my best.”

“Great!” she squealed. “Because Preston’s making something special, and I get to help.”

I smiled, wishing I could be there. I loved that he was teaching her how to cook. I loved seeing her sense of independence and pride grow with each new skill she mastered.

“I can’t wait,” I said, knowing that no matter what it took, I’d keep my promise.