Page 57 of Help Wanted

“Your sister who is having a baby any day?” she reminded him with wide eyes.

“Oh shit!” He jumped out of bed and tossed their clothes around until he found his phone. “Yes? I’m here!”

“It’s about time. I’m about ready to burst here, and you can’t pick up your goddamned phone?”

“Shit! I’m sorry. I was—” Well, he couldn’t finish that sentence with the truth. “Not with my phone.”

“Dr. Daddy says it’s time. We’re heading to the hospital.”

“But it’s not time.” Her due date wasn’t for another week.

“Try telling that to your niece. Don’t worry. I’m close enough.”

“Okay. I’m on my way. I’m out of town.”

“You’ll have plenty of time before Mom and Dad get here from Florida. You have to get here before them, Zane. I can’t handle them and have a new life wrenched from my uterus at the same time.”

“Yes. I’ll be there as soon as I can to run interference.”

“Thank you, Uncle Z.” Damn, that got him every time. He got off the phone and turned back to Kenley, who was already dressed and packing.

“We need to go,” she said, having heard the conversation.

“Yeah. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. You’re going to be an uncle. It’s going to be great.” She zipped up her bag and tugged at her T-shirt. “I can contact the dealer and reschedule the showing for Weston’s boat. Are we ready?”

He didn’t know how he’d gotten so lucky that she was not only sexy, but also an amazing employee. Had he won the lottery?

“Thanks.”

She checked out of the hotel while he went to ready the boat. The sun was up, shooting through the sky in vibrant pink. He put her bag below. The sheets were rumpled and his stateroom smelled like sex. He couldn’t help but smile at the memories it incited.

He started the boat and helped her in when she got there.

“So are you ready for this?” she asked. For a moment he assumed she meant them. Together. “My niece is six and we spend hours changing her doll’s clothes. Over and over again. It’s super fun. You’re going to love it.” He chuckled at her deadpan tone.

“Yeah. It’s going to be great. I just hope my parents don’t ruin it.” It was nice to have hope, as unrealistic as it was.

“What’s their deal?”

“They fight and make everyone around them miserable because they are miserable. When they moved to Florida two years ago, we thought it would be a break from the misery, but no. They call and complain about one another. They should have gotten divorced when we were kids, but I think they’re both too stubborn to be the one to give up.” He didn’t go into the details of his father’s affair and how it had changed his whole view on family. She wasn’t ready for that.

“Sounds lovely.”

“Oh, yes. And they’re on a plane right now, headed our way.”

“Can’t wait,” she said. Did she plan to go to the hospital with him? He assumed he’d drop her off at her place. Why would she want to spend hours in a hospital waiting room with him? But it would make it so much better if she was there. But why would she stay, especially after he’d just told her the hideousness that was his parents? He smiled over at her again, as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

“How do you feel?” he asked.

“A little sore, but okay.” He’d made her sore? A wave of primal delight mixed in with his concern for her well-being.

“And how do feel about what happened with us?” He kept his eyes straight ahead on the water.

“I feel fine.”

“Are you regretting it? Are you sure you weren’t drunk? Did I take advantage of you?” He wanted to make sure he hadn’t set himself up for heartbreak—or an arrest warrant. She laughed at him.

“No. Calm down. It’s all good. I’m good. Stop freaking out.”

“This is a lot of pressure. I’ve never taken someone’s virginity before. I feel like I should present your father with a goat or something.” They laughed together.

“My dad might like that.”

He reached over for her hand and wound his fingers through hers.

“Seriously, though. What do we do now?” he asked.

“We go wait for your niece to get here.” It sounded so simple.

Maybe it would be.