My eyes opened and for a second, I forgot where I was. Looking at the clock on Lily’s nightstand, it was ten o’clock. Shit. How did I fall asleep? Climbing off the bed, I grabbed the thermometer and held it up to her forehead. It read 101. Walking out of her room, I went downstairs and saw Stefan sitting on the couch. When he saw me, he got up and walked over to where I stood.
“Hi.” The corners of his mouth curved upward.
“I just took Lily’s temperature and it’s 101. In an hour, she needs another dose of Tylenol. Make sure she gets it.”
I walked into the kitchen and grabbed my purse.
“Stay the night,” he said.
“What? No. I’m going home.”
“You’re obviously tired, and since you have to be back here in the morning, I think you should stay.”
“I’m leaving, Stefan.” I turned and headed for the door.
“You’re still angry with me. I understand that. But please stay. We need to talk.”
“Angry?” I turned around and stared at him. “I’m not angry. And what do we need to talk about? We’ve said everything we needed to the other day. You made it very clear to me how you felt. Do you just want to twist the knife some more?”
“No. That’s not it at all.”
“I’m tired and I want to go home.”
“And where is that? Where is home now?”
“Does it matter? Why do you even care? I’m sure you’ll have Simon find out.”
“I wouldn’t do that. If you don’t want to tell me, then fine. I just want to make sure you’re safe.”
I let out a laugh.
“Okay. Good night, Stefan.”
I walked out the door and heard him shout, “I don’t care if you don’t believe me, but it’s the damn truth.”
I held up my hand as I walked to my car and climbed inside.
Spoken words. They can cut you like a knife. Especially when they come in the form of rejection. He said what he meant that day, and there was no going back. I had my dignity and I’d accepted the fact that the feelings I’d felt for him were not returned. I had no choice but to accept it because I had a baby to think about now. His baby. A baby he doesn’t want or need complicating his life and his daughter’s life. I understood, and I wasn’t going to make things difficult for them. I’d do what I had to and then leave before anyone noticed I was pregnant, because leaving was what I did best.
I was foolish to think he’d fallen in love with me. I’d let myself get too comfortable. And the only reason I did that was because I truly believed he was my prince charming. Fuck that. There was no such thing in this world, and I knew that a long time ago. But he roped me in with his kindness, his charm, his good looks and his smile. His smile was the type that lit up a room. It was the kind of light that brightened my world. I’d always thought I was pretty happy, but it wasn’t until I spent time with Stefan and Lily, I’d found I wasn’t. As bad as he hurt me, and as hard as it was to see him, I couldn’t continue to treat him the way I did today. It wasn’t good for my mental health or the health of my baby.
Picking up my phone, I sent Stefan a text message.
“I’m staying at Jenni’s apartment. You wanted to know, so that’s where I am.”
“Thank you for telling me. I appreciate it.”
I didn’t reply because I was done talking to him.
When I walked into Stefan’s house the next morning, I found him in the kitchen in nothing but a pair of dark gray Nike pajama bottoms. No shirt, no socks, nothing. I swallowed hard when he turned around as he heard me walk in.
“Good morning. Coffee?”
“No thanks.”
“Really?” His brows furrowed.
“I’m cutting back on my caffeine.”
“Why would you do such a thing?” he asked with a smirk.
“How’s Lily this morning?”
“Her fever is down to 100.2 but she’s really tired. I gave her some Tylenol and some juice, and she went back to sleep.”
“Maybe I should take her to the doctor,” I said.
“I think she just has a virus. If she’s not better tomorrow, then I’ll call and set up an appointment.”
“Aren’t you going to work?” My hand gestured at his half naked body.
“Yes. I was dealing with Lily, so I’m running late. I’m going to go finish getting dressed.” He walked out of the kitchen and then stepped back in. “By the way, I promised Lily we’d order fried chicken from her favorite place tonight. Join us for dinner.”
“I can’t. I’m sorry.”
“Why? I know Jenni is in Europe. You shouldn’t eat dinner alone.”
“It’s what I prefer.” I conveniently left out I was working at the restaurant tonight.
He shook his head and walked away.
One Week Later
Stefan
I was sitting in my office going over some building designs when Sam walked in.
“Have there been any issues with the McAllister project?” he asked.
“No. Not yet. Why? Are you anticipating some?” I smirked.
“I don’t know. McAllister is a dick, so we’ll see. Have you had your talk with Alex yet? You haven’t said anything lately.”
“No. I haven’t. And you know why? She won’t be in a room with me longer than five minutes max. She comes over in the morning right when I have to leave for work and the second I get home, she runs out the door.”
“You have to pin her down at some point. You need to tell her how you feel about her. Have you tried calling her?”
“Really?” I cocked my head. “Do you seriously think she’d answer? I’ve texted her a few times and she doesn’t respond.”
“At least she didn’t block you. That’s a plus.”
“She wouldn’t do that because of Lily.”
My phone rang and I saw Sebastian was calling, so I answered it and put it on speaker.
“Talk to me, bro. Sam’s here as well. You’re on speaker in case you were going to talk shit about him.”
“Very funny. Did you know that tomorrow is Alex’s birthday?”
“What? How do you know?”
“I was clearing some paperwork off my desk, and I found her application I had her fill out and noticed her birthdate.”
“Shit. We have to do something for her. Damn it, bro. You couldn’t have cleaned your desk sooner?”
“Relax. She thinks she’s working tomorrow night, so we’ll have a party here for her in the banquet room. I’ll have the staff get everything set up and you guys will come in through the back door so she won’t see you. It’ll be a total surprise.”
“Thanks, brother. I appreciate it.”
“No problem. I like Alex, and I want her to have an exceptional birthday.”
“Like her how, bro?”
“You’re a dick. I’ll talk to you later.”
I chuckled as I ended the call.
“I need to buy her something. What should I get her?”