Page 66 of Waiting on You

“Yeah, tests came back positive for human DNA. Everything has been shut down while they investigate.”

“Maybe it’s for the best. Do you really want to build a hotel on top of a murder scene?”

Nate barks out a laugh and shakes his head. “Yes, we do. Otherwise, hundreds of jobs will be lost on topof the millions of dollars in man hours we’ve already spent on this project. Right now, we’re hoping the bones are from a murder and not part of an Indian burial ground because if they turn out to be from an Indian tribe, we’re fucked.”

“When will you know?”

“Hopefully in the next few days.”

“You still awake?”

“No, you’re talking to a sleeping person,” I joke, making Nate chuckle.

He has dark circles under his eyes, his hair is a mess like he’s been running his fingers through it all day, his suit is rumpled, and his tie is barely hanging on, yet he’s calling me to say good night.

I hate that he’s being stretched so thin, but when I told him he doesn’t need to call me every day, twice a day, he told me talking to me was the best parts of his day, so how could I deny him that? Besides, if I’m honest with myself, it’s the best parts of mine as well.

It’s been eight days since he left, and I’m missing him more than I thought I would. Since he’s come back into my life, the longest we’ve gone being apart has been the few days I avoided him after the partnership and marketing plan were finalized.

Missing him has me wanting to tell him I want to give us a chance because the thought of us not being together physically hurts my heart, and the idea of himlistening to me and going back to Dallas makes me feel sick to my stomach. But then I remember how upset his brother Dustin was about Nate walking away from the company, and I’m at a loss as to what the right thing to do is.

The problem is, Nate being gone and calling me twice a day has given us the chance to talk. While I’ve been worried about Nate feeling forced into moving to Rosemary—despite him saying he doesn’t feel that way—he’s done a damn good job of proving otherwise, which is making it really hard for me to continue to keep him at an arm’s length. I’m worried that once he comes back, I’m going to selfishly give in and give us a chance because the truth is, that’s what I want. I want Nate here, with me, and not just because he’s the father of my baby, but also because I love him and can see a future with him. But more than that, I can’t see a future without him.

“Sorry I called so late,” he mutters. “It’s been a crazy day.”

“Any news on the bones?”

“Not yet.” He sighs and drops onto the edge of the bed. “Tell me something good.”

As I’m thinking of something to say, a flutter spreads throughout my belly, and I smile. “I can feel the baby inside me,” I tell him.

“What?” His eyes widen. “Like, kicking?”

“It’s more like a flutter. At first, I thought it was gas,” I admit, my face warming in embarrassment. “Butafter it happened a few more times, I realized it’s the baby.” My hand goes to my belly, and I rub it, hoping my little guy or girl can feel how much I already love them.

“That’s wonderful,” Nate says with a smile. “I can’t wait to feel it once it gets stronger.”

Speaking of which…

“When are you coming back?” I ask since the ultrasound appointment is in two days.

“I don’t know,” he says with a sigh. “Everything here is fucked. Our attorneys are working around the clock, but the county is dragging their feet.” He pulls the phone back and then sighs again. “Hey, I hate to cut our talk short but?—”

“No, no! Go!” I tell him without letting him finish.

He doesn’t owe me anything, and this is exactly why I’ve been pushing for us to focus on figuring out our roles as parents and not on us. It’s obvious Nate cares about his family’s company—as he should—and asking or expecting him to walk away from it all is selfish. I know he’s hell-bent on doing it anyway to prove that he’s all in, but when he gets back, we’re going to need to sit down and discuss this because I can’t imagine Nate being happy, walking away from everything just to, what, take a chance on us? When the fact is, he can be a father in Dallas. It won’t be perfect, and a lot of travel will have to take place, but I can’t be the reason he gives up everything…even if I want to be.

He looks like he wants to argue despite being theone who needs to go, so, before he can, I tell him good night and hang up. And then I spend the rest of the night trying to figure out how to convince him—and myself—that him going back to Dallas is for the best.

“Hey,Paige. We’re going over to Kira and Ryder’s for dinner. Wanna go?”

I look up from the email I’m typing and shake my head. “Thanks, but I’m a bit tired. I think I’m going to grab takeout and get into my pajamas and binge-watch something on Netflix.”

Today has been a shitty day, starting with Nate not calling this morning—like he’s been doing every day. He texted that he was sorry things have been a mess and had flowers sent to my office, but it only solidified that I’m doing the right thing by pushing him away. He’s exhausted and burned out. Bradford Hotels means everything to him, and I’m not going to be the one to take it away from him.

Ana nods. “Any news as to when Nate will be back?”

“No, but he said he’ll be at my appointment tomorrow.”

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