Page 100 of Miss Understanding

“Your test came back positive.”

I couldn’t for the life of me comprehend what she was saying. “Positive for what?”

“The pregnancy test. You’re pregnant, Kendall. We’ll have to do some blood tests to figure out how far along you are.”

I couldn’t speak. I simply stared at her like she must be mistaken. Finally, words formed on my lips. “But we used condoms. Always.”

She gave me a soft smile. “Not one hundred percent effective, unfortunately. Do you have anyone you’d like to call?”

Definitely not Liam. Oh, God. He would flip out. He’d regret ever entering into this relationship with me. Tears leaked out of my eyes from merely picturing his reaction. “No.”

“Tell you what—I realize this is coming as a shock to you. How about we take some blood and get some more information for you? Okay?”

I nodded, only half listening at this point.

Forty minutes later, I was back at my desk, staring unseeingly at my computer screen. Liam was clearly still in his meeting as he wasn’t in his office.

Based on my hormone levels, the blood test had put me at approximately six weeks. Dr. Ling had given me a list of books, vitamins, and resources to call if I had questions. Unfortunately, she wasn’t an obstetrician which meant I’d need to find one. She hadn’t judged, hadn’t asked hard questions about my relationship status, but had given me her on-call number in case I had follow-up questions.

“Ms. Tate.” Liam’s voice startled me.

I hadn’t heard him approach. He was with Phillip Kinkaid. How in the world was I supposed to tell him this? And when? I had class tonight. Maybe after. Shit. Could I manage to hold it together if he asked what was wrong? “Yes, Mr. Davenport.”

“Everything okay?” he whispered once Phil had preceded him into his office.

“Yes. Fine. Can I help with anything?” I didn’t want to give anything away. This would be the absolute worst place to tell him the news.

“I need you to reschedule my entire afternoon. I have to run home after my meeting with Phil, then fly to Chicago tonight. And rearrange my flight for Virginia so that it leaves from Chicago tomorrow afternoon. Sorry for the last-minute changes.”

If he was flying to Chicago, that meant I wouldn’t get a chance to see him tonight. It meant he’d be gone for the weekend. My heart sank. Right now I needed someone to tell me it would be okay. Then again, would Liam be that person? Doubtful.

“Sure. I understand. I’ll take care of it.”

Chapter Forty-Eight

Liam

Once I was behind a closed door in my office, Phil went on and on about the privilege of being considered for a named partner.

Meanwhile my mind wandered to Kendall. What would happen if the board knew I was seeing her? I didn’t have to guess. I’d lose my shot at becoming named partner quicker than I could blink. Given how unbelievably conservative the group was, they’d never understand a partner dating his secretary. They’d consider it drama the firm didn’t need.

Then there was the part about Gerald saying my life would only get busier. I’d be traveling the country. Attending events and representing the firm. No time for a relationship. No time for a personal life. No time for Kendall.

I swallowed hard, focusing on Phil’s next words.

“I don’t have to tell you this is confidential until it’s voted on and made official.”

“No, you don’t. I won’t tell anyone.”

“Not even Tabitha?”

My eyes narrowed at his question. “Especially not her. Why did you ask me that question?”

He shrugged. “She’s implied more than once you two may have something going on.”

“Believe me when I say there has never been something now, nor would there ever be. Named partners don’t earn the title by sleeping with their coworkers.”

I was a hypocrite. An absolute fraud to have uttered those words. Doing so made me question if I deserved the title of named partner.