Chapter Nine
Taylor
I’m sitting in a chair at Bean & Brew, the coffee shop where Jack texted and asked me to meet him.
It’s a cute place with plants in the corners, light wood tables, and music playing just loud enough to be soothing but not annoying, which helps because I’m already nervous, my stomach churning with nerves about seeing Jack again.
Because it’s almost ninety degrees outside, I order an iced decaffeinated cold brew with four pumps of vanilla and choose a seat inside where there’s air conditioning. Thanks to the baby growing inside me, I’ve had to give up my morning routine of caffeine first thing.
Before leaving Charleston, I made an appointment with an obstetrician and went in for a first confirmation appointment. Holly came with me and yes, I’m pregnant, eight weeks along, and everything is fine so far.
I smile and press my hand to my stomach, something that’s becoming a habit when I’m alone.
More than anything, I want to share the news with my parents, but until I rid myself of the albatross that is Chandler, I don’t want to tell anyone other than my sister, just to be safe.
Another reason that this trip to Miami for a few weeks will be good for me.
I can just relax and not be on guard all the time.
At the tinkling sound of bells, I look up and see Jack stride through the entrance.
Wearing a pair of dark jeans and a white T-shirt with the Midnight logo on the left side of his chest, he looks relaxed and sexy as he walks over to where I’m sitting.
The muscles in his forearms are visible, and the memory of them wrapped around me is suddenly vivid and real.
“I hope I didn’t keep you waiting.” He pulls out a chair and sits down beside me.
I shake my head. “I got here early. It’s a character flaw,” I say with a grin.
He laughs. “I’d call that more of a strength than a flaw.” He glances over to the counter where there’s only one person waiting. “I’m going to grab a drink. Do you want a refill or something to eat?”
“No, thanks. I’m good.” He rises, and I wrap my hands around my cold drink and wait for him to return.
When he does, he has a hot drink in one hand and two croissants in the other. He lowers himself to his seat and slides a pastry to me on a napkin. “Don’t make me eat alone again,” he says with a wink. “Besides, these are delicious.”
I inhale, taking in the buttery scent and sigh. “Fine. I’ll try it.” I take a bite of the flaky pastry and nod. “You’re right. This is delicious.” I take another taste and groan.
His eyes darken and he leans closer, giving me a hint of the earthy scent that surrounded me the night we slept together. I’m suddenly hot and bothered, and I rub my thighs together, hoping he doesn’t realize I’m squirming because he’s so potent.
“That sound does something to me,” he says, reaching over, placing a hand on the edge of my chair and pulling me nearer to him. “Did I mention I’m glad you’re here?”
My breath catches in my throat. Now that I’m this close to Jack, my entire body hums with a need I’ve only experienced once before. When he was undressing me in his hotel room, then deep inside me, taking me against the wall in the outer suite.
“I …” I have no idea what I was going to say.
Lifting a hand, he twirls a piece of my hair between his fingertips. “Your hair is soft,” he murmurs. Before I can gather my thoughts, he slides back. “So, how have you been?” he asks, as if he didn’t just upset my entire equilibrium.
“Good. I’ve been working, fundraising, the usual. How about you?”
“The same. Running Midnight here and dealing with potential issues in Charleston.” He takes a sip of his coffee.
I lean in. “Did you buy the property?” I’m truly interested in the answer.
If he and his partners purchased the building, I can expect Jack to be in Charleston for business often.
Excitement fills me at the possibility, along with dread at the reminder that Chandler is also there, waiting to cause trouble if he finds me spending time with someone else.
“We’re the proud owners.” His smile is devastating.
He’s so incredibly handsome it’s hard to focus on our conversation, but I don’t want to be caught staring at him, so I return his grin. “That’s amazing! I know you’ll be successful there.”
“Thanks. I think so too.”
His confidence is equally sexy.
He leans back in his seat. “We’re just waiting on permission from the Board of Architectural Review to make changes to the structure, and we’ve submitted the paperwork for the permit we need to serve alcohol after midnight. From what I’ve been told, both can be a hassle and take a while.”
I nod. “Patience is key when dealing with bureaucratic red tape. When do you expect to open?” I ask.
“Four to six months. Depends on how long the construction changes take. We’re putting in a rooftop deck and making some alterations to the interior as well.”
I nod, too aware that my due date may conflict with that timing.
“Enough about me. Tell me more about you,” he says. “What brings you to Miami?”
I can’t ask for a better opening to break my news. I clasp my hands together on the table. “Jack?”
He meets my gaze. “What’s up?”
“I’m not sure how to tell you this.” I swallow hard, gathering all the courage I possess while he waits patiently.
He’s calm, something he won’t be once I tell him. The nerves deep in the pit of my stomach are making me nauseous.
“Okay,” I say, my eyes never leaving his face. “So, it’s been two months since we were together and … I’m pregnant.” I watch his expression, the way his eyes open wide, that sexy mouth parts, and then he collapses back in his chair.
“Pregnant.” The word sounds sharp.
I nod, twisting my hands together as I wonder what he’s thinking.
“And it’s …” His voice trails off, but I know what he’s asking.
“It’s yours. For sure.” I pause. “I haven’t been with anyone else since.”
He inclines his head, accepting my answer. I didn’t get the impression he was questioning whether I was telling the truth, more like he wanted to be certain I was sure he’s the father.
“Well, shit,” he mutters.
I give him that because this is a shock.
I’ve had time to get used to the idea. He hasn’t.
But I’ve done my job and told him. No need for me to sit around while he processes.
“Listen, I’m going to have this baby and I’m not asking you for anything.
I just thought you should know.” I take a long sip of my drink, place it on the table, and stand to leave.
“Taylor, wait.” He touches my hand and I still. “Sit back down. Please.”
I narrow my gaze, unsure what I’m going to hear from him next, but I’ll give him a chance. I lower myself into my seat. “What?” I ask, my tone wary.
“I’m sorry about my reaction. This is just a huge shock.”
I nod. “I know. I was floored when I realized I missed a period. Even more when the tests came back positive.”
He places his palm over my hand resting on the table. “I’m not going to abandon you to deal with this alone. That’s not who I am.”
I swallow hard, and I’m surprised by the relief filling me. I might have been prepared to go it alone but knowing I don’t have to? It’s so good to have someone I can talk to about this.
My hand goes to my stomach, and he follows with his gaze. “We’ll figure things out,” he says in a gruff voice.
All I can do is manage a nod. Because I’ve revealed one secret, but I’m still keeping more.
“How long are you in town for?” he asks.
“Up in the air, but about three weeks. I needed a break, so I decided now is the perfect time to take a leave from work. I’d love to see more of Miami, spend some time in the sun, eat good food. Care to be my tour guide?” I ask, then realize my mistake.
I have no idea if Jack is seeing someone. Sure, we had a fling in Charleston, but as Chandler proved, men cheat. Jack doesn’t seem like the type, but I don’t really know him. Not yet. What if I was the other woman?
“What’s wrong? I didn’t get a chance to answer you, but you look panicked all of a sudden.”
I bite the inside of my lip and curl my hand tight. “Do you have a wife or girlfriend?” I blurt out.
“What? No. Not before, during, or after we were together.” His brow furrows as he looks at me. “Is that what you think of me?”
Relieved but embarrassed, I glance away. “I don’t want to think it, but I don’t really know you, now do I?” My cheeks are flaming, but I have to be honest with him.
“Here’s the deal.” He takes my hand in his and it feels natural for me to lean in when he speaks. “I’m single. Haven’t had a serious relationship, which means whoever I’ve been with has been casual. But that could change. For the right woman.”
Oh my. My stomach swirls with possibilities at his words. Until I remember I’m not single. I’ve been racking my brain for a way to make Chandler go away but so far, I’m stuck. Literally and figuratively. But that won’t stop me from getting to know the father of my baby.
His thumb brushes back and forth over the top of my hand, and I feel the tingle in places I shouldn’t be thinking about in public.
I meet Jack’s warm gaze. “Now relax,” he tells me. “And yes, I’ll be your tour guide.”
I breathe out a sigh of relief. “Good. Thank you.”
He treats me to one of his sexy smiles. “First date tonight?”
As the word date leaves his mouth, I stare in surprise. “Sure,” I hear myself answering, doing my best not to take the word date literally.
“I’ll text you more information later and you let me know where you’re staying. Good?” he asks.
“Very good,” I reply.
Looks like I’m going to get to know the father of my baby.