Page 51 of Falling for Love
“I’m not in hiding. I’ve been keeping a low profile.”
“Well, I saw on the news Chandler is turning himself in to the police about now, so can you meet me at your house? We can spend some time together, just us,” she asks.
I miss her, too. “Hang on.” I turn to Jack, who is talking to my parents. “Jack? Holly left a ring at my house. She wants to know if I can hang with her there for a while. It’s safe now that Chandler is turning himself in.”
He nods and glances at his watch. “I need to get on a video call with Lucas and Tristan. My laptop and paperwork are back at the hotel. How about I drop you off, handle the call, and come back for you later?”
I nod. “Sounds good.” I shift the phone at my ear. “We’re leaving now. See you there?” I ask my sister.
“Yes! See you soon.”
“Oh, I have my phone again so give a call if you need me.”
She says okay and disconnects the call.
I return the cell to Mom. After another quick round of goodbyes, Jack and I walk out the door.
We’re sitting in the car, ignition on, AC blowing, and I turn to face him. What I have to say is anxiety-invoking for me, and I bite down on my lower lip.
“What’s wrong?” he asks, reading me well.
I swallow hard. Talking to my sister, realizing we can meet up at my house, gave me an unwanted realization. “I can go home,” I tell him, the fact making me sad. I love staying at Jack’s hotel, being with him, things between us being so right.
He turns to me with that sexy grin. “How about one more night with me at the hotel? Tomorrow, we can talk about what happens next.” Reaching out, he clasps my hand.
And I take it for the reassurance it is.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
I like Taylor’s dad. Eric Monroe is a protective father, and I love that for her, even if he did grill me with questions. I can imagine doing the same thing should I ever have a daughter. I don’t blame the man at all.
After dropping Taylor off at her house, walking in, and talking to her sister, I leave them alone. Just as a precaution, I tell her to lock up when I leave. I do wish she had a burglar alarm, but I trust the police to make sure Cross turns himself in, and he’s got more important issues now than a wayward ex-girlfriend.
I sit down, laptop open, and video-call my partners. First, Tristan, then Lucas’s face appears on the screen.
“It’s about fucking time,” Lucas says. “I haven’t seen your face in too long. What’s going on?”
Guilt rides me because I haven’t been in touch with the guys since before leaving for Charleston. I’ve kept my focus on Taylor, though I have gotten work done while I’ve been here.
“Work-wise, I’ve done a walk-in trip to the departments that denied our permits. I tried some schmoozing, trying to get in to see the people in charge. No luck.” It’s aggravating knowing that asshole was able to tank our project, but I have hope things will sort themselves out soon.
“Once the senator goes down, our lawyers suggest we reapply,” Tristan says.
“But I was actually asking what’s up with you.” Lucas raises an eyebrow.
I laugh because I deliberately started with work to deprive Lucas of assuaging his curiosity. “Taylor’s feeling good. Anxiety is gone thanks to no charges being brought against her. And with the asshole turning himself in, everyone can breathe easier.”
“I bet.” Tristan leans back in his seat, folding his arms across his chest.
“How are things at Midnight?” I ask and get a rundown of issues, and thankfully, things that are going right.
I’ve been mulling over something really important, and I need to run it by my partners. I have no idea how they’ll take it, but I’ll find out soon. I clear my throat. “Hey, there’s something I need to talk to you both about.”
“What’s up?” Tristan asks.
Lucas eyes me, curiosity in his gaze.
Drawing a deep breath, I jump in. “So, you know Taylor’s pregnant.” I don’t wait for the snark. Of course they already know. “She lives in Charleston and I’m in Florida, and I don’t want to be a part-time dad.” I don’t want to move far from my family and friends either, but I’m wondering if I have a choice.
