Chapter Twenty-Seven
My phone rang, but when I saw who was calling, I turned it on silent. Hunter had called me several times since I’d left, but I couldn’t bring myself to answer. What more was there to say?
Riley whined from her spot in the corner of my office, her head resting on her paws as if she’d somehow sensed him calling. She looked so sad, and I couldn’t blame her. Hunter wasn’t there to play, and I knew she didn’t understand. She missed him. Heck, I missed him too. Even if he was a lying, secret-keeping son of a bitch.
“Busy day today,” I said to her, trying to ignore the large envelope on my desk withCasa Beautifulprinted on it. “Want to go shopping with me after work? Get some treats and see Baxter?” I waggled my eyebrows, hoping to entice her out of her funk.
She loved Baxter, but even that didn’t seem to cheer her up. She made a low grumbling sound and closed her eyes.
With a heavy sigh, I opened the envelope, knowing I’d most likely regret it. And I was right. Because as I stared at the image of Hunter and me, our eyes connecting, his hand resting on the chair behind me, I’d never felt more raw, more…exposed. He’d done this to me. He’d convinced me to trust him. He’d… No. I shook my head. He would not break me.
My phone vibrated on my desk, and I reached for it, knowing it could be Alexis. She was due any day now, and we were all on high alert waiting for the baby.
Alexis: We’re headed to the hospital as a precautionary measure.
I frowned at the screen, not liking the words “precautionary” and “measure.” Before I could respond, she texted again.
Alexis: It’s probably nothing.
She said that, but I knew she was likely freaking out. She hadn’t had the easiest delivery with Sophia, and I really hoped this time around was different.
Me: I’m sure you’re right. Do you want me to come?
I knew nothing about labor and delivery, but I wanted to keep Alexis calm.
Alexis: Not yet, but thanks.
Me: Keep me updated, ’kay? Say the word, and I’m there.
There was a knock at the door, and Riley’s head jerked up. Rita peeked her head inside. “The big bad Wolfe is here.” She scowled.
I rolled my eyes, setting my phone aside as I stood from my desk. “He’s not that bad.”
“Mm-hmm.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “That man has his head so far—”
Someone cleared their throat, and I watched with amusement as Rita’s face turned a bright shade of red. Wolfe stepped into the doorway with a bemused smirk.
“Lauren.” His voice was deep, his fashion impeccable.
Why couldn’t I be attracted to him? I’d always said it was easier to get over a man by getting under a new one. But I’d never really had a man that I needed to get over—until Hunter.
“Thank you, Rita,” I said, giving her permission to leave.
Riley sniffed the air then lowered her head again. She was the perfect dog to take to work—mild-mannered, sweet, curious, but not overly so. As long as I took her out every so often, she was content to hang out with me the rest of the time.
“Wolfe.” I stood, going over to him for a hug.
He really was a nice guy beneath the prickly exterior. In the past few weeks, we’d become friends. Alexis had referred him to me after selling him several properties. When he was her client, she always complained he was a pain in the ass. I didn’t know whether it was our different personalities or what, but I actually found him to be pleasant to work with.
It had been a long day, a long week, and an even longer month. Concerns about Alexis swirled through my mind, and I tried not to let them overwhelm me. She was my best friend, and I needed her in my life. Even if I felt awful for keeping such a big secret from her.
“You okay?” Wolfe asked, bringing me back to the present. I must have lingered longer than I realized.
“I, um—” I backed away, putting some space between us. “I’m so sorry. That was completely unprofessional.” I returned to my desk, needing that large, solid object as a barrier.
“Lauren, it’s okay.” He took a seat across from me, settling into his chair.
I ignored his concerned gaze and turned my attention to the drawings I’d been working on before his appointment. “I worked up some plans for the Mockingbird property, as well as the one downtown.” I turned my large computer screen to face him, walking him through the plans.
