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JULIANA
After a full week in the guys’ house, I had to admit I was getting comfortable. By the second week however, I’d developed a full-blown daily routine. It involved waking in one of their beds, showering with their shampoo, and carefully shaving my legs with the same razors they used on their handsome faces. I worked out in their fully-stocked gym to clear my head, watched their television for entertainment, and enjoyed sitting out on their patio at night, staring up at the stars.
Wondering if they were looking at the same stars I was.
I also ate their food, drank their milk, and finished every box of cereal in the house — especially the sugary ones. Because while I never used my pregnancy as carte blanche to devour anything I wanted, I decided early on that indulging my sweet tooth was just going to happen.
Once every two or three days I went to Phoenix, where I signed documents, took meetings, and began hiring the crew of people I’d need to make certain things happen. And thingswerehappening. At a much faster and even accelerate pace than I could’ve ever imagined.
And still, Aric knew nothing about it.
That part made me feel a bit guilty, but in the end it was for the best. Despite his assurances I knew my assistant would be too controlling, too involved. Besides, he’d find out soon enough. Just not until there wasn’t anything he could do to dissuade me.
I also didn’t feel guilty because this was my company, and therefore, my call. And if what I planned on doing would ultimately work out? Well, then Aric was getting the mother of all pleasant surprises anyway.
“Here you go, Ms. Emerson.”
The local attorney I’d hired was a cold, shark of a man with zero interest in bullshit and not even the slightest hint of a smile. In short, the perfect lawyer.
“They signed off on the stipulations?”
He nodded firmly as he handed me the lease agreement. “All of them.”
I was genuinely impressed. “Well done.”
“Take the time to look them over,” he urged. “Just be sure to get them to me by the end of the week.”
“You’ll have them tomorrow morning,” I countered. “Early.”
He nodded again, giving me the impression thathewas impressed. If I didn’t know any better, I would’ve assumed he was from New York.
“There’s still the matter of the zoning board,” he went on, “but the expediter assures me he’ll have that buttoned up in a few days. After that, pending the wire transfers, we’ll go to closing.”
“And get the key.”
The lawyer cleared his throat. “And get the key, yes.”
He knew I was anxious, but for all my pushing he never wavered. I’d paid handsomely for speed, and I expected to have it. Every day that went by was an opportunity lost.
“Thanks again,” I told him before turning away. “If there’s anything else, don’t hesitate to call. Doesn’t matter what time it is.”
“Oh I’m very aware,” he said perfunctorily. “Good day Ms. Emerson.”
With that we parted ways, traveling in opposite directions down the sidewalk. Maybe it was how much I was paying him, but he’d been good about meeting me anywhere I needed him to. And these past few days, I’d been staying in Phoenix more than I’d been staying at the house.
What if they’re home?
The thought always crossed my mind: that the guys could come back at any time. I kept my phone glued to my side, always charged, always ready to answer any number no matter how strange or foreign it looked. So far I’d picked up three people trying to upgrade my phone service, another two asking if I’d be interested in home solar panels, and at least a half dozen “last chance” robo-calls telling me my car’s warranty had expired.
But so far unfortunately, nothing from Devyn, Maverick, or Gage.
The baby suddenly kicked, as if somehow it knew I was thinking about its father. Or fathers, depending upon how you looked at things.
I can’t wait to show them…
The punching and kicking in my belly was a brand new development. I honestly thought it would weird me out, but I’d actually found it quite adorable. The more I grew accustomed to it, the more I started looking forward to the little signs of life that were now going on, deep in my womb.
Gage is gonna flip out!
