Page 15 of Unexpected Kisses

“What’s she going to do then?” My sister’s eyes widen and a slow smile graces her face, which is so similar to mine and Colton’s. “You’re going to help her, right?” She wriggles her eyebrows up and down.

“Well …” I shrug. “Yeah.”

“You’re so sweet,” Lisa chirps.

“More like he knows he’ll get laid on the regular with this arrangement.” Hayley chuckles. “Am I right?”

I get up to pace. “Well, a little of both. I wanted to help her out. I think what she’s trying to do is admirable and I know my”—I wave my hand down around my groin area—“swimmers are viable. Plus, it won’t hurt that I’ll get to spend extended time with her. She’s pretty cool.”

“Good for you. Are you going to be able to do this without getting attached to her? I mean, you’re going to have to spend a fair amount of time with her. It could take months for her to actually get pregnant.” Hayley points out.

“Well, I can’t get attached. She doesn’t want a partner. Just a baby. I’m sure I can do it.” I sit back down. “But I need to ask you two how you feel about it because her baby will be a half-sibling to your kids. She was wondering how the two of you would feel about it. If you would want the kids to know each other and spend time together?”

They glance at each other. They always seem to know what the other is thinking, it’s quite weird. “We’re fine with it. Honestly. I think it’s great you’re going to help her fulfill her dream of becoming a mother. It’s the best thing. As for the kids being in contact, it would be nice, but it’s up to her. We’re absolutely open to the idea, but it’s whatever Sarah feels most comfortable with.”

I blow out a breath and a smile breaks across my lips. “Thanks. I knew you’d be cool with the whole thing.” Lisa sits up and Hayley climbs to her feet to embrace me.

“Anytime.” She lays her hand over my heart. “Just be careful, AJ. I don’t want you to get hurt. You already seem to like her.”

I brush off her concern. “I promise I’ll be okay. She’s really sweet and I think we’ll be able to keep the lines of communication open if anything changes.”

CHAPTER7

–sarah–

“Good morning, Mr. Wainwright,”I say brightly from my perch behind my desk. It’s weird being here before him because he’s usually here long before anyone else.

Eric stops at my desk. “Morning, Sarah. How was your weekend?”

“Busy as usual. Got to hang out with the family yesterday.” A smile tugs at my lips at the memory of Kenny and Austin chasing poor old Archie around Mom and Dad’s backyard.

“Great,” he says distractedly as he steps into his office, and I head to the kitchen to make his pot of tea.

It’s obvious to everyone in the office he’s lost his desire to be here. He’s been passing more and more of his tasks over to Tony, the Vice President, who happens to be a dick. I only hope his grandson takes over sooner rather than later.

With Eric’s tea in hand, I head back to his office with a smile, ready to go over his plans for the week. “Thank you, Sarah. I have a face-to-face call with Adam in ten minutes, so we’ll do our planning after that. Please shut the door on your way out.”

“Sure thing.” I step out and quietly close the door behind me, returning to my desk to update the database. We changed to a new system and some of our information got lost in the transition, so I have the delightful task of cross-checking everything. It’s an enormous job and tedious to boot.

Lost in the task, I jump at the sudden shout which bursts from Eric’s office. I glance across, but he’s closed his blinds, so I can’t see inside. In all the time I’ve worked here, not once have I heard Eric raise his voice, and there have been times when the guys from development and testing have tried his patience. I strain to hear more of the conversation, my body leaning toward his office, but his words are muffled.

“Sarah. Can you let Eric know we’re ready for the second round of testing for MicroE19?” Evan raps his knuckles once on my desk and heads back the way he came.

“Sure,” I call to his retreating back and make a note in an email to Eric.

Eric’s door opens and slams closed. With angry steps, he strides down the hallway carrying his briefcase. I quickly jump to my feet to follow him. “Mr. Wainwright. Is everything okay?”

He stops suddenly and I almost run into the back of him. He spins around, wearing a tight smile, his face flushed in anger. “No, Sarah. Everything is not okay. I’ve decided to go home for the day. I’ll start fresh tomorrow.” He spins on his heel and I struggle to come up with what to say. I’ve never seen him like this.

“Uh, okay. I’ll see you tomorrow. Please take care.”

He nods, waving over his shoulder, and the elevator doors close him inside the metal box. As I arrive back at my desk, my phone vibrates, so I quickly snatch it up.

AJ:Hi

AJ:I spoke with Hayley and Lisa and they don’t have any issues with us moving forward

AJ:I’m ready to start when you are

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