"Tell her I'll call her back," I say, already dreading the conversation.
"Will do, boss." Kieran gives me an obnoxious salute. "Also, your eleven o'clock canceled, so you've got the morning clearto decompress from whatever cardio you clearly got up to last night."
"Get out."
"Going." But he stops at the door. "By the way, you might want to tell to the staff about the baby soon. That shirt's not hiding what you think it's hiding, and people are starting to notice."
I glance down at my flowy top. From my angle, I can see exactly how much it's not concealing. Fuck. "Noted."
Once he's gone, I slump in my chair. My hand automatically goes to my belly. He's right. I can't keep pretending this isn't happening. People whisper when I walk through the warehouse now. Clients do double-takes in meetings, trying to figure out if I've just been hitting the beer too hard or if there's something else going on.
It's only a matter of time before someone like Miller finds out, and I'd rather control the narrative than let rumors run wild.
And once Miller finds out...
That thought sends ice through my veins. Nolan Miller's been circling Portland's craft scene like a vulture for months, and a pregnant CEO is exactly the kind of "weakness" he'd try to exploit.
I'm pulled from this spiral of paranoia by a text message notification.
Kasen: How's your morning going?
I stare at the screen, a smile tugging at my lips despite myself.
Me: Fine until Kieran started interrogating me about my "glow." Thanks for that, by the way.
Kasen: I will never apologize for making you come. But next time I’ll make sure to relax you so much you don’t care what he says.
Next time. The promise in those two words sends a shiver down my spine.
Me: There won't be a next time if you keep leaving evidence.
Kasen: Liar.
Me: I have actual work to do, you know
Kasen: So do I. Doesn't mean I'm not thinking about this morning. And last night. And how you taste.
My thighs clench involuntarily. This is ridiculous. I'm a grown woman, not some horny teenager sexting in class.
Kasen: What time are you done today? Clover and Banks want us to come over for dinner.
Right. The family dinner of doom.
Me: I know. Navy called before I got in this morning. I don't think I can make it.
Kasen: Yes you can. It's just dinner.
Kasen: Please?
That "please" does something to me. In all the time I've known Kasen James, I don't think I've ever heard him say that word.
Me: Now who’s begging?
Kasen: Pink.
Me: Fine. But YOU'RE telling her everything.
Kasen: Deal. Pick you up at 6?
