Chapter Thirty-Two
I like Taylor’s dad. Eric Monroe is a protective father, and I love that for her, even if he did grill me with questions. I can imagine doing the same thing should I ever have a daughter. I don’t blame the man at all.
After dropping Taylor off at her house, walking in, and talking to her sister, I leave them alone.
Just as a precaution, I tell her to lock up when I leave.
I do wish she had a burglar alarm, but I trust the police to make sure Cross turns himself in, and he’s got more important issues now than a wayward ex-girlfriend.
I sit down, laptop open, and video-call my partners. First, Tristan, then Lucas’s face appears on the screen.
“It’s about fucking time,” Lucas says. “I haven’t seen your face in too long. What’s going on?”
Guilt rides me because I haven’t been in touch with the guys since before leaving for Charleston. I’ve kept my focus on Taylor, though I have gotten work done while I’ve been here.
“Work-wise, I’ve done a walk-in trip to the departments that denied our permits. I tried some schmoozing, trying to get in to see the people in charge. No luck.” It’s aggravating knowing that asshole was able to tank our project, but I have hope things will sort themselves out soon.
“Once the senator goes down, our lawyers suggest we reapply,” Tristan says.
“But I was actually asking what’s up with you.” Lucas raises an eyebrow.
I laugh because I deliberately started with work to deprive Lucas of assuaging his curiosity. “Taylor’s feeling good. Anxiety is gone thanks to no charges being brought against her. And with the asshole turning himself in, everyone can breathe easier.”
“I bet.” Tristan leans back in his seat, folding his arms across his chest.
“How are things at Midnight?” I ask and get a rundown of issues, and thankfully, things that are going right.
I’ve been mulling over something really important, and I need to run it by my partners. I have no idea how they’ll take it, but I’ll find out soon. I clear my throat. “Hey, there’s something I need to talk to you both about.”
“What’s up?” Tristan asks.
Lucas eyes me, curiosity in his gaze.
Drawing a deep breath, I jump in. “So, you know Taylor’s pregnant.
” I don’t wait for the snark. Of course they already know.
“She lives in Charleston and I’m in Florida, and I don’t want to be a part-time dad.
” I don’t want to move far from my family and friends either, but I’m wondering if I have a choice.
“I’m not buying you out,” Lucas mutters.
“We have a club in Charleston.” Hopefully. If the permits ever go through. “I’m considering moving here and wondering what your take is on me running that club full-time.”
Silence descends.
Shit.
“Yeah,” Tristan finally says. “If that’s what you want.”
“Agreed. You just took us off guard.” Lucas runs a hand through his hair. “I can’t imagine you not being here every day.”
I nod. “I can’t imagine it either, but I’m not sure I have a choice. I don’t think I can bear to be away from Taylor and our child.” And I wouldn’t be miserable because I’d have my family.
We haven’t discussed the future. We’ve both been avoiding the conversation, first because we were getting to know each other, and later because things with the senator were escalating. And now?
We have to face the inevitable.
The guys and I wrap up our call. I brace my hands behind my head and lean back, stretching out my back, then I glance at my watch.
It’s been over an hour since I dropped Taylor off at her house, but I want to give her and Holly more time together.
I change into a pair of shorts and a tank and head to the hotel gym.