Chapter 8 Samantha
SAMANTHA
I’m having a boy.
I had mentally prepared myself for a girl, and maybe I shouldn’t be reacting this way, but I can’t help it.
“What do you want for dinner?”
Elijah and I are back in the truck, but we’re just sitting still in the parking lot. I feel like I’m in shock. “Whatever you want to eat is fine. And if you just want to go home, that’s fine. I know you didn’t expect this to take so long.”
He sighs gruffly and turns toward me. “Sassy, we need to talk.”
I clench my eyes. Shit. This is where he tells me I’ve wasted too much of his time. He’s probably regretting implying that he could be the dad or that we could be together. I grip my hands together in my lap. “Okay… talk.”
“I need you to do me a favor.”
I nod without hesitation. “Anything.”
He leans toward me. “I need you to stop…”
He stops talking and seems to be gathering his thoughts. “You want me to stop what?”
He reaches for me but must change his mind because he lets his hand fall to the console between us. “Stop worrying what other people think. Stop thinking that you can’t do this. You can do anything, Sassy.”
I take a deep breath and let it out slowly.
He’s right. I know he is. I’m the person that believes things always work out.
I’ve never doubted myself like this before, but with everything lately, it’s felt heavier, messier.
“You’re right. I know you’re right. I need to worry about my son.
Not whether I’m going to mess this up. I can do this.
I will do this. I’m going to be the best mom I can be. ”
He slaps his hand on the console. “That’s exactly right. There’s my Sassy.”
Warmth spreads through my chest at the way he says it. It’s almost like he’s anchoring me in place. Showing me who I am and what I’m capable of.
My stomach decides to announce its presence, and a loud growl fills the cab of the truck. Eli and I look at each other and both burst out laughing. He puts the truck into gear. “You still think you want to wait until we get to Whiskey Run?”
I shake my head “No. Let’s eat.”
He smiles. “Sassy, will you let me take you somewhere?”
I roll my eyes. How does this man not know I would go anywhere with him? “Yes, wherever you want.”
He drives only five minutes down the road and pulls into a parking lot. Chesapeake Grill, the sign says.
I meet him at the front of the truck. His hand instantly goes to the small of my back. As we’re waiting for the host, I ask Elijah, “Have you been here before?”
As soon as the words leave my mouth, a man walks up to us. “Mr. Wolfe, it’s so good to have you joining us tonight. Follow me. Is the Atrium room okay?”
Elijah agrees. “Perfect.”
As soon as we’re seated, I laugh. “Well, that answers that. You’ve obviously eaten here before.” I grab the menu to look at it, hiding the jealousy I’m feeling. I have no claim on Elijah, but to think he’s brought his dates here makes me sick.
“Kane and I have our business meetings here when we’re in Jasper,” he says, putting his menu down.
I soften. “What do you recommend?”
He pats his flat belly. “Salad, filet, and the Neva potatoes.”
The way he says it has me drooling. “That sounds good.”
I almost order the chicken, but I know Elijah will convince me to order what I want, so I go ahead and order the steak.
Dinner with Elijah is an experience that I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Hell, I’ll probably have dreams of it. He’s attentive. He asks me questions, like he wants to know everything there is to know about me. This almost feels like a date or something, but I know that’s ridiculous.
When our meals come, I dig in, and I only slow down when I see him staring.
Blushing, I nod. “You’re right. This is really good.”
He looks pleased just watching me.
And when the server asks if we want dessert, Elijah orders my favorite, chocolate cake with chocolate icing.
As we’re waiting for the desserts, I rub my hand over my belly. “I’m stuffed. Literally.”
He shrugs. “You can have a bite of the cake, and then we’ll take the rest of it home with us.”
Us. The way he says it fills my head with all kinds of fantasies.
“Have you thought of boy names?”
The question throws me off. This whole time I’ve thought I was having a girl, but the pictures in my purse tell a different story. “No. I haven’t… I didn’t even think…”
He shrugs, sensing that my anxiety is rising. “It’s okay. You have time.”
I take a deep breath and let it out. “You’re right. I do have time. I’m not going to stress about it.”
He nods. “How are you liking the job?”
I put my hands on the table. “I love it. I’ll be honest, Eli. I thought you were creating a position for me since I’m Kane’s sister, but I think you actually needed me.” I shake my head. “Not me, but I mean… you know… you needed help.”
He puts his hand on top of mine. “You were right the first time. I needed you. You’re fitting in great at the office, and you’re doing a really good job. I’m really happy to have you there.”
I couldn’t stop my smile if I tried. “Me too, Eli. I’m happy to be there too.” I shake my head. “I didn’t realize how much I needed to be back here in Whiskey Run. And having you and Kane as part of my life means everything.” I nod. “This was the right decision.”
Something sizzles between us. There’s no denying it. It’s like I can feel the attraction, and my body heats up.
He stares into my eyes, and his voice is husky, filled with emotion. “And just so you know, I’m not going anywhere, honey.”
There’s a promise in his words, but before I can ask him what he means, the server is back with our desserts.
The promise lingers between us as part of me believes him, and that could change everything.