Chapter 16
Chapter Sixteen
TWO WEEKS LATER
Jenna
Standing in the shower, I rubbed the bump that formed in my belly practically overnight.
After showering, I went to my closet and took out one of my work skirts.
It wouldn't even come close as I pulled it up to my waist and tried to button it. Shit. I struggled, and when I finally managed to get it buttoned, the button popped off and landed on the floor. I let out a long sigh as I tried to figure out what I would do. In the back of my closet was a grey jersey blend swing dress I had bought over a year ago and only wore a few times. It would have to do for today. After work and my appointment to get my cast off, I’d have to shop for some new clothes.
I’d barely talked to Lucas the past couple of weeks. Whenever we did speak, it was nothing more than work-related. He seemed a little cold toward me, and I didn’t appreciate it. But if acting that way made him happy, then so be it. Jerk.
When I walked into the break room to grab a cup of coffee, I saw him standing at the counter, pouring himself a cup. Walking over to the cabinet, I opened it and grabbed my mug.
“Good morning.” He glanced over at me as he held the pot in his hand.
“Morning.”
He poured some coffee into my cup and then looked me up and down.
“Is something wrong?”
“No. I’ve just never seen you wear that dress before.”
“I know it’s too casual for the office, but I had no choice. Nothing else fits me anymore.” I placed my hand on my belly and showed him the bump.
“Ah. It looks like you need to go shopping.”
“I do, and I am,” I said as I took my cup and left the break room.
When I sat at my desk, I saw Lucas leaning against the door frame, holding his cup of coffee.
“Can I help you?” I arched my brow at him.
“I need you to be here all day tomorrow.”
“Okay. Any particular reason?”
“My father is flying in tonight, and he’ll be here all day tomorrow.”
“Have you told him about the baby?”
“No. Of course not. He’s never to know.”
“All right. My lips are sealed.”
“Thank you.” He gave me a slight nod as he turned and walked down the hallway.
I rolled my eyes the moment he walked away.
His father was flying in. Interesting. I wondered why.
I finished up what needed to be done before noon, grabbed my purse, and headed to get my cast off.
The cab dropped me off about a block away due to an accident that had traffic backed up beyond belief.
I didn’t care because I was getting this damn thing off anyway.
As I was hobbling down the street, my eyes widened as I saw Bri approaching me.
“Jenna?” She stopped when she saw me.
“Hey, Bri,” I spoke in an uncomfortable tone.
“My God. How are you?” She reached over and hugged me.
Breaking our embrace, she gripped my shoulders as she looked down at my belly.
“First things first, what happened to your foot?”
“I broke it. It’s a long story.”
“Are you pregnant? She placed her hand on my belly.
“I am.” I smiled uncomfortably.
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me. Why the hell wouldn’t you tell me? Who’s the father?”
Was she serious?
“I tried, but you were too busy letting your controlling boyfriend control you and our friendship,” I spat.
“I’m sorry, Jenna. It’s just?—”
“It’s just nothing, Bri.” I started to walk away.
“I miss you!” she shouted.
“I miss you too. You can call me sometime when your douchebag boyfriend allows it.” I walked away and headed to the building where the doctor was located.
I walked out of the building feeling as free as a bird.
Well, somewhat free. When I was out walking around the city or at work, I needed to wear a removable splint for a couple of weeks, which was fine.
At least it was removable, and I didn’t need it 24/7.
After my appointment, I went shopping and bought some new clothes.
As I was climbing out of the cab and trying to gather my many bags, I heard a low voice behind me.
“Here, let me help you with those bags.”
Turning around, my face was mere inches from a handsome older gentleman.
He had salt and pepper hair that was slicked back, striking blue eyes, a light mustache, and a salt and pepper beard that lightly graced his masculine jawline.
He stood about six foot three and wore a classy black designer suit.
There was a familiarity about him. No. It couldn’t be.
“Thank you, but I got it.” I gave him a small smile.
“Nonsense. Obviously, we’re going into the same building, so let me help you.”
I sighed as I gave him a few of my bags, and we walked into the building together.
“You’ve done quite a bit of shopping,” he spoke. “I hope your husband doesn’t mind.” A smirk crossed his lips.
“I’m not married, and I would never marry a man who would have a problem with it,” I said as we waited for the elevator to come down.
“Good.” He smiled. “What happened to your foot?”
“I broke it about six weeks ago. I just got my cast off today and need to wear this while I’m out and about.”
“I see. So, you did a bit of shopping to celebrate?”
The doors opened, and we stepped inside.
“No. I did some shopping because I’m pregnant, and all my clothes aren’t fitting anymore.”
“Which floor?” he asked.
“Fifty.”
He pushed the button to the fiftieth floor, slid in a keycard, and pushed the button to Lucas’s penthouse. Damn. I knew it.
“You’re pregnant?” he asked, and I swore I heard a bit of disappointment in his tone.
“I am.” I smiled.
“Congratulations.” He gave me a nod.
“Thank you.”
I took the rest of my bags from him when the doors opened on the fiftieth floor.
“Thank you for your help.”
“You’re most welcome. It’s not every day I get to help a beautiful young woman.” He gave me a wink.
“Somehow, I doubt that.” I pointed at him as I grinned and walked down the hall to my apartment.
Wow. He was as smooth as his son.