He had a few questions, mostly minor. And he seemed pleased. When I finished, he leaned forward, scrutinizing some of the materials. “This all looks great, Lauren.”
“Great.” I smiled, though the gesture felt foreign. “I’ll start ordering everything and scheduling the projects with the contractors.”
“Perfect.”
“Shall we move on to the downtown property?” I asked. “Unless you have any questions.”
Wolfe opened his mouth to say something when my phone lit up on the desk. Preston’s name flashed on the screen with a new text. I scrambled for it, unlocking the screen so I could read his message.
Preston: Prepping Alexis for surgery. Baby is coming today. Soon.
“Everything okay?” Wolfe asked, sounding genuinely concerned and nothing like the cold, shrewd businessman he could be at times.
“Yeah.” I forced a smile. “Alexis is having a baby!”
“Congratulations!” He smiled, then stilled. “Oh. You mean, she’s having the baby now? Like, right now?”
“Yes.” I laughed, shoving a few items into my purse and slinging it over my shoulder. “I’m so sorry. I have to go.”
I crouched down beside Riley, petting her soft fur. “I’ll be back later. Be good for Auntie Rita.”
I stood and Wolfe placed his hand on my lower back, ushering me through the door. “And here I was going to invite you for drinks.”
I didn’t stop to glance at him, not willing to bother with his intent. “Another time, perhaps.”
Though, I had no intention of going with Wolfe—or anyone else—for drinks. After what had happened with Hunter, I’d instituted some new rules. No sex with clients was at the top.
Not that it really mattered. Nearly two weeks had passed since I’d walked out of his house, and I had absolutely no desire to have sex. It was odd. It was as if Hunter had taken both my libido and my heart with him, even though I’d been the one to leave.
I rushed toward Rita and the front door, not caring what Wolfe thought or if I was acting unprofessionally. “Hey, Rita. Can you keep an eye on Riley? Alexis is having the baby. I’m…”
“Go. Go.” She made a shooing motion. “I’ve got it covered here.”
“Thanks.” I grabbed my keys from my purse, but my hands were shaking so badly, I dropped them.
Wolfe bent down to snatch them up. I held out my hand, but he didn’t give them back. “I’m driving.”
“No.” I shook my head. “It’s fine. I’m fine.”
“Just let him drive,” my aunt said with an exasperated huff.
“Fine.” I rolled my eyes, not wanting to waste any more time.
He drove quickly, and I ignored the speedometer and the red lights he sped through. It wasn’t like I didn’t break a few traffic rules now and then. Besides, he was doing it for me.
When we arrived at the hospital, Preston’s parents were already there with Sophia. I introduced Wolfe, and he quickly excused himself to make some calls.
“You excited to meet the new baby?” I asked Sophia, giving her a big hug.
She bounced on her toes, and I wondered how long her enthusiasm would last. I was just grateful she didn’t know her mom was in surgery. I didn’t want her to be concerned, only excited. “I can’t wait to meet my new baby sister!”
Throughout Alexis’s pregnancy, Sophia had clung to the notion that this baby would be a girl. I hoped she was right because I feared what her reaction would be if it was a boy. Fortunately, we’d decorated the nursery in a gender-neutral palette that was beautiful for a boy or a girl.
We took our seats in the waiting room, and I listened while she told me about her day at school. She asked me questions about my latest projects, throwing around industry jargon like a pro. Guess that was what happened when your mom, your “aunt,” and your grandfather were all in the business.
The doors to the waiting room slid open, and Sophia jumped out of her seat. I nearly leaped out of my skin when I saw who was standing at the entrance.
“Hunter!” she called, rushing over to him for a hug.
