Page 14 of Falling for Love

My breath catches in my throat. Now that I’m this close to Jack, my entire body hums with a need I’ve only experienced once before. When he was undressing me in his hotel room, then deep inside me, taking me against the wall in the outer suite.

“I …” I have no idea what I was going to say.

Lifting a hand, he twirls a piece of my hair between his fingertips. “Your hair is soft,” he murmurs. Before I can gather my thoughts, he slides back. “So, how have you been?” he asks, as if he didn’t just upset my entire equilibrium.

“Good. I’ve been working, fundraising, the usual. How about you?”

“The same. Running Midnight here and dealing with potential issues in Charleston.” He takes a sip of his coffee.

I lean in. “Did you buy the property?” I’m truly interested in the answer. If he and his partners purchased the building, I can expect Jack to be in Charleston for business often. Excitement fills me at the possibility, along with dread at the reminder that Chandler is also there, waiting to cause trouble if he finds me spending time with someone else.

“We’re the proud owners.” His smile is devastating.

He’s so incredibly handsome it’s hard to focus on our conversation, but I don’t want to be caught staring at him, so I return his grin. “That’s amazing! I know you’ll be successful there.”

“Thanks. I think so too.”

His confidence is equally sexy.

He leans back in his seat. “We’re just waiting on permission from the Board of Architectural Review to make changes to the structure, and we’ve submitted the paperwork for the permit we need to serve alcohol after midnight. From what I’ve been told, both can be a hassle and take a while.”

I nod. “Patience is key when dealing with bureaucratic red tape. When do you expect to open?” I ask.

“Four to six months. Depends on how long the construction changes take. We’re putting in a rooftop deck and making some alterations to the interior as well.”

I nod, too aware that my due date may conflict with that timing.

“Enough about me. Tell me more about you,” he says. “What brings you to Miami?”

I can’t ask for a better opening to break my news. I clasp my hands together on the table. “Jack?”

He meets my gaze. “What’s up?”

“I’m not sure how to tell you this.” I swallow hard, gathering all the courage I possess while he waits patiently.

He’s calm, something he won’t be once I tell him. The nerves deep in the pit of my stomach are making me nauseous.

“Okay,” I say, my eyes never leaving his face. “So, it’s been two months since we were together and … I’m pregnant.” I watch his expression, the way his eyes open wide, that sexy mouth parts, and then he collapses back in his chair.

“Pregnant.” The word sounds sharp.

I nod, twisting my hands together as I wonder what he’s thinking.

“And it’s …” His voice trails off, but I know what he’s asking.

“It’s yours. For sure.” I pause. “I haven’t been with anyone else since.”

He inclines his head, accepting my answer. I didn’t get the impression he was questioning whether I was telling the truth, more like he wanted to be certain I was sure he’s the father.

“Well, shit,” he mutters.

I give him that because this is a shock. I’ve had time to get used to the idea. He hasn’t. But I’ve done my job and told him. No need for me to sit around while he processes. “Listen, I’m going to have this baby and I’m not asking you for anything. I just thought you should know.” I take a long sip of my drink, place it on the table, and stand to leave.

“Taylor, wait.” He touches my hand and I still. “Sit back down. Please.”

I narrow my gaze, unsure what I’m going to hear from him next, but I’ll give him a chance. I lower myself into my seat. “What?” I ask, my tone wary.

“I’m sorry about my reaction. This is just a huge shock.”