Page 27 of Her Baby His Gift

Harlem didn’t want to lose him. Was there really any other decision to make?

Harlem took a deep breath and whispered against his warm skin. “Damian?”

Slowly, he turned away from Nate and the baby to give her his full attention. “Yeah?”

“I-I . . . I think I’m ready.”

Chapter 14

The flirty laugh of a woman could be heard as Harlem stepped out of the elevator and walked down the darkened hallway to Damian’s office building.

She immediately recognized who it belonged to.Dana Montgomery. The woman had gone to college with them and was now a Senior Accountant at his firm, Fox, Johnson, and Steele Investments. She had been flirting with Damian for years, and Harlem couldn’t stand her. Damian thought it was all innocent, but Harlem knew better. Dana always laughed a little too loud and managed to stand just a bit too close to Damian for Harlem’s taste.

After six on a Friday, his Admin was already gone for the evening, as were most of the employees. When Harlem approached the door to Damian’s office, she did what any good girlfriend would do. She stood quietly outside and listened to their conversation. While Harlem didn’t think Damian would ever cheat on her or date someone who worked for him, she wanted to reconfirm it.

She listened.

“When I was twelve, I didn’t participate in any extracurricular sports even though I loved them. They were too expensive. I’ll never forget how that made me feel. So, I try to help as many kids as I can. I have to say, this is my first hockey team sponsorship. At that age, I would have been on my ass more than I would have been upright. I don’t know who forgot to tell those kids, but ice is cold.” Damian chuckled with laughter. “Football and basketball were my favs back then. Still are.”

“You would have been adorable on the ice. I can see you in your cute little hockey uniform.” Dana giggled. “I can’t imagine you not being good at anything.”

Harlem mimicked Dana as she silently mouthed the same words Dana had just spoken.

Dana continued to pour on the praise. “You’re one of a kind. Seriously, thank you for supporting my nephew’s hockey team.”

“No problem,” Damian said.

“You’re so good with kids. You’re going to be a fantastic father.”

“I can’t wait. I’m excited about the prospect now that I’ve convinced Harlem to slow down enough to start a family.”

“If I had a guy like you and he wanted to have a few kids, I’d do it in a heartbeat. I hope Harlem knows that she’s one lucky girl.” Dana said.

Harlem pressed her lips together in a firm line as her hand automatically went to caress her stomach. It had been almost a year since they decided to have a baby after Nate and Melody’s accident. Having children was a sensitive subject and one she didn’t want Damian discussing with the likes of Dana.

Harlem had heard enough. She strutted into the office and announced her presence with her response. “I am very lucky, and so is he.” Harlem walked right past Dana without giving her so much as a glance and kissed Damian on the lips. “Hey, babe.”

He returned her kiss. “Hey.” Damian gave Harlem a slow once-over. “Wow. You look stunning.”

Harlem exaggerated batting her eyelashes. She was beaming on the inside but played it cool. “Thank you. I always try to look good formyman.” It took every ounce of control not to turn toward that transparent cow and gloat.

Begrudgingly, Dana spoke. “Harlem.” Her giddiness from a few seconds prior vanished.

Damian checked his watch as if he couldn’t feel the temperature in the room drop at least twenty degrees. “I didn’t realize it was so late. We are supposed to meet everyone at the restaurant in about an hour.” He turned to Dana. “I’m sorry I kept you so long. Get out of here and go enjoy the weekend.”

“I don’t mind, and I’malwayshappy to help. I’m here for whatever you need, Damian.” Dana said it with a blank face, but Harlem was not fooled. However, Damian acted as if he hadn’t heard the tone in Dana’s voice change or understand her meaning.

Damian was smart. Harlem had a hard time believing he was too slow to pick up on her vibes.

“Have a great weekend,” Dana said as she sauntered out of his office.

Good riddance.Harlem was glad to see her go.

Damian pulled Harlem’s body close. “I’m tempted to throw you across my desk and mess up that hair. I would if it didn’t mean we’d be late.”

Harlem wrapped her arms around his neck. She had a mischievous glint in her eyes. “There’s nothing wrong with being fashionably late.”

Damian covered Harlem’s lips with his. Her eyes closed as he exerted just the right amount of pressure. Slowly, Damian pulled back and touched his forehead to hers. “As much as I want to do all kinds of damage, Carter’s introducing us to a potential client that could add almost a hundred million to our portfolio. We can’t be late.”

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