Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 34934 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 175(@200wpm)___ 140(@250wpm)___ 116(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34934 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 175(@200wpm)___ 140(@250wpm)___ 116(@300wpm)
Which is why I’m taking the job with Elijah. I know he’s giving me the job because I’m Kane’s little sister. He’s a good guy and sometimes acts like he doesn’t want people to know it.
I have my eyes closed, head lying back on the couch cushion when Kane comes back in. I don’t open my eyes until I feel his gaze boring into me.
I open one eye and peek at him. “What is it?”
He sits down across from me and binds his hands together nervously. “You doing okay?”
I sigh. “Elijah told you I fell apart?”
He’s silent, and I open both eyes to look at him. The surprise is evident. He shakes his head. “No, he didn’t mention it. What happened?”
I clear my throat and slowly lower my feet to the floor and sit up. I don’t want to have this conversation, but my brother deserves the truth. I shrug. “I dunno. I just sort of lost it, I guess. All of it, no job, the asshole cheating on me, no place to live. It just sort of hit me all at once, and I cried.” I shake my head because cry doesn’t quite justify it. “I mean, I lost my shit, but I’m fine now.”
Kane nods awkwardly. He’s never been good at handling emotions or anything else close to it. “Right, well you can stay here as long as you want to.”
“Oh yeah? You good with some kid crying at night, waking you up?”
He chuckles. “It’s not some kid… she’s my niece. And I’m serious, sis. You can stay here for as long as you need to.”
I bite my lip so I don’t start crying all over again. “Right… well, thank you. I appreciate you. I really do.” I put a hand over my belly. “Without you, I’d be homeless right now.”
He leans forward and puts his hand on my shoulder. “I would never let that happen.”
He lifts his hand off me and puts his hands on his hips. “Well, we put everything in your room. You want me to help you unpack?”
I consider his offer, but I feel like I’ve already asked a lot of him. “No, I’m going to unpack, shower, and get to bed.”
He chuckles. “It’s seven o’clock.”
I struggle to my feet. “Yeah, and I’m six months pregnant and starting a new job tomorrow. Trust me if I don’t go to bed soon, I’ll need a nap by two o’clock.”
He crosses his arms over his chest. “Right. Sorry. I don’t know a lot about pregnant women, but—”
I hold my hand up. “Bub, it’s okay. I don’t expect you to. I know you think I’m weak and—”
He steps toward me. “I don’t think you’re weak. You’re the strongest woman I know.” He puts his hand on my shoulder. “Sis, you’re the reason I got through my addiction. Well, you and Elijah. You are the reason I didn’t fall apart. And I also know that your baby is lucky to have you for a mom.”
I hold my arms open. “I love you, bub.”
He laughs and pulls me in for a hug. He’s both gentle and fierce as he holds me against him. “We’re going to get through this, okay? I’m going to be right here by your side the whole time.”
I lean my head back to look up at him. “The whole time? You mean you’re going to be there when I have the baby?”
He steps back and puts his hands up. “Whoa, whoa, I don’t know about that.”
I slap him on the chest playfully as he starts to turn green. “It’s okay, I’ll give you a pass. I don’t need you passing out while I’m having the baby.”
He puts his hand to his chest. “Okay, I’m going to let you get to bed. I’ll see you in the morning. I leave here at six.”
My eyes widen automatically. “Right. Six o’clock. I’ll be ready.”
I walk down the hallway to my bedroom, and instead of unpacking, I pull out pajamas and my toiletries. I take a quick shower, lay out my clothes for tomorrow, and then settle into the twin-size bed. Even though I want to analyze everything that happened today, I don’t have the strength.
I rub my hand over my belly. There’s no looking back. From this point, I’m only looking forward. I’m going to get my life in order and be the best mom I can be.
CHAPTER 5
ELIJAH
It’s midafternoon on Sam’s first day of work, and I’ve had to force myself to walk out of the office. I wasn’t getting anything done because all I wanted to do was watch her work as Carrie showed her the ropes.
I drove straight to the local car lot, and three hours later, I’m heading back to the office trying to figure out how I’m going to explain what I just did. I know Kane is going to question me. Hell, Carrie’s going to know something is up, but I’m not worried about anyone except for Sam. She’s my only concern now.