Page 60 of The Boss's Hideaway Baby

“There are… things.” He squints at the wall next to my head. “There was a party to celebrate the new deal last night. It was big, you know, music and laughter everywhere.”

I nod, trying to picture him among the crowd, champagne in hand, surrounded by people he probably didn’t even care about.

“But it felt empty.” His eyes lock onto mine, and my heart races. “I couldn’t help but think of you, and how I found out you’d quit the office. At first, I was shocked, but then… it made sense. Life has felt empty lately, Maria.”

I swallow against a lump in my throat, my chest filled with a mixture of fear, apprehension, and longing.

“I need to apologize for pushing you away before.” He reaches across the table to take my hand, and I let him, my stomach knotting with anticipation. “You’ve shown me what really matters. Closing that deal should have been the pinnacle of my career, but instead, it left me feeling… nothing. I miss you. I need you in my life.”

My breath catches, and I squeeze his hand in return, the emotions flooding through me almost too intense to bear.

“I’m going to take some time off.” He strokes my hand. “Slow down a little. And I’d love it if you’d join me — not as my employee, but as my partner.”

The shock of his words leaves me speechless, my mind racing to process everything he’s just said. Is this really happening? Could it be true?

“Maria?” he prompts gently, noting my silence. “I don’t need an answer just yet. You can take your time thinking about what I’ve said… or you can choose to never speak to me again. But I had to tell you how I feel.”

His hand slips from mine, and he gets up from the table. But I can’t stand the thought of him leaving. Not when there’s so much still unsaid between us.

“Wait,” I blurt out, my voice barely above a whisper. “Before you go, let me show you the renovations I’ve been working on.”

A flicker of surprise crosses his face, but he nods. As we walk through the living room and bathroom, I point out the changes I’ve made and the plans I have for the future. The whole time, I’m acutely aware of Nathan’s presence beside me. Every brush of our shoulders, every shared smile feels like it’s brimming with possibility.

He wants to be with me! I could nearly sing at the prospect. Except…

What will he think when he finds out about the baby? Will he still want me — us — in his life? Or will he go running for the hills?

And as we stand in front of the second bedroom, the weight of my secret heavy on my chest, I know that I can’t keep it from him any longer. But first, I need to know if what he said is true. If we really do have a chance at a future together.

“Wait.” I put my hand on the doorknob, stopping him from opening the door.

His brow furrows. “What’s going on?”

“Everything’s changed, Nathan.” My voice shakes. “And I need to know… are you really ready for this? For us?”

He looks into my eyes, and I see the truth there — the love, the hope, and the fear. And I realize that, for the first time in my life, I’m willing to take a leap of faith. To risk my heart for something that might just be worth it.

“More than you know,” he says, and I know we’re both thinking the same thing.

It’s time for our story to begin.

“So.” He cocks his head at the door. “What’s in here?”

Curiosity gets the better of him, and he pushes the door open, revealing the brand-new crib that sits in the corner of the room.

“Maria…” he trails off, his eyes wide as he takes in the sight before him.

My pulse quickens, and my palms grow clammy. This isn’t how I planned to tell him, but maybe it’s for the best. The truth is out in the open now, and it’s a weight lifted from my shoulders. But there’s still so much to say, and I’m not quite sure where to begin.

“Maria, why is there a crib?”

I open my mouth to answer, but the words won’t come. My breath catches in my throat, and I can feel the pounding of my heart. “Um, well, I’m planning on moving into the cabin,” I start, trying to gather my thoughts. “I’m leaving my job in New York and opening a comic-book, anime, and art supplies store in Montauk. You know, thanks to the check you gave me.”

I pause for a moment before taking a deep breath. “And, well… the cabin should be renovated just in time for me to welcome my… our baby.”

“Our baby?” he repeats, surprise crossing his features. He looks at me intently, searching for answers as the news sinks in.

“Yes.” My voice trembles ever so slightly. “I’ve been meaning to tell you, but I was waiting for the right time. I was worried about what you’d say.”

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