Page 50 of The Forbidden Billionaire Attorney

As she lets go, her eyes lock with mine—a silent pact between us. It’s a look that says, “I know you’ve got this,” and for a second, I feel like maybe I do.

“Let’s go,” I tell them, scooping up jackets and keys with more finesse than a Vegas card dealer on a hot streak.

We step out into the evening air, the door closing behind us with a click that sounds like a period at the end of one very long, run-on sentence. And just like that, we leave the chaos inside, our own little unit—imperfect, untraditional, but somehow exactly right.

Chapter nineteen

Isabella

Itap away at my keyboard, the clack-clack echoing in the quiet of my office. It’s been a week since the whole “surprise, we’re having a baby” debacle, and my work has become my sanctuary. Mom called, her voice a mix of excitement and worry—standard mom cocktail. Dad, on the other hand, is still processing the idea that his daughter is not walking down the aisle anytime soon—if at all.

As I bury myself further into the legal briefs, trying to ignore the lingering sting from Adrian’s words at my parents’ place, a gentle rap on my door pulls me from my refuge of legalese. The door opens, and there he is—Adrian Cole, in all his infuriatingly handsome glory. He shuts the door with a soft click, trapping us in the silence that follows.

“Hey, what’s going on?” I ask, feigning nonchalance while my heart does a little tap dance.

“Checking in on you,” Adrian replies with that easy charm that should be illegal. “How are you holding up after last week’s baby reveal fiasco?”

“Doing okay,” I lie smoothly. His eyes drop to my stomach, and without asking, his hand follows suit, resting gently on the curve that’s started to form. It’s a bold move for someone who hasn’t quite figuredout where we stand, but then again, Adrian’s never been one to shy away from bold moves.

“Got an appointment today,” I say, shifting under his touch. “To find out if it’s team pink or blue.”

“Ah.” Adrian’s brow furrows, and he’s got this look like he’s about to deliver bad news. “I’ve got a meeting I can’t miss. Think you can hold off on finding out the sex? We could look at the results together later.”

“Sure, why not,” I nod, because what’s one more secret between us?

“Great,” he says, smiling that smile that both melts and maddens me.

The moment his gaze snags mine, I know I’m in trouble. There’s that all-too-familiar twinkle of mischief in Adrian’s eyes—like he’s got a secret joke only we’re privy to—and it’s heading straight for me. He closes the distance between us with a few purposeful strides, leaning down for a quick peck that’s supposed to be just that, quick. But like most things with Adrian, it escalates fast, the kiss deepening into something that probably has no place in an office environment—or any professional setting, really.

I giggle, pushing him back slightly, though my hands betray me, pulling him closer once more. “You do realize this is wildly inappropriate for office hours,” I tease, attempting a stern look that doesn’t quite make it past the flutter in my chest.

“Only if we get caught,” Adrian counters, grinning that damned irresistible grin. He’s unfazed by my accusation, and why wouldn’t he be? Rules have always been more like suggestions to him.

But our playful banter is rudely interrupted when the door swings open so vigorously it practically bounces off the wall, and there stands Kate, witness to our current lapse injudgment.

“Oh my god, I—sorry!” she exclaims, her hand flying up to her mouth as her face turns a shade that would give tomatoes a run for their money. She whips around to leave, but I can’t let her flee—not without damage control.

“Kate, wait!” My voice comes out a little too shrill as I beckon her back. Flustered, cheeks burning hotter than the Sahara at high noon, I try to salvage what’s left of my dignity. “We can explain.”

“Are you two ... a thing?” Her voice is tinged with hope and a hint of scandal, like she’s stumbled onto the set of some torrid soap opera.

Adrian and I exchange a brief glance—a silent conversation in a split second—and I decide to take the plunge. “We are,” I admit, feeling the weight of our secret tighten around me. “But it’s more than that.” I suck in a deep breath, bracing myself for the shockwave. “I’m pregnant—with Adrian’s baby. We’re keeping it under wraps for now, so—”

Kate’s eyes widen, then her entire face lights up. “Oh my god, congratulations!” she says, her excitement bubbling over as she glances between Adrian and me. “I’m so happy for you two! And don’t worry—I won’t say a word to anyone. Your secret’s safe with me.”

Adrian chuckles softly beside me. Honestly, her enthusiasm is contagious. “Thanks, Kate. We really appreciate it.”

Kate nods, still beaming. “No problem! Seriously, I’m rooting for you guys. You make a great team.” She raises her fist in a playful little fist pump, and I can’t help but smile at how genuine she is. “You’ve got this,” she adds with a wink, then pivots on her heel and strides out of the office, probably cataloging this moment for future water cooler gossip—but at least we can trust her.

As soon as the door clicks shut, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “Well, that went better than I expected.”

Adrian leans back against my desk, his smirk telling me he’s just as relieved. “Yeah, no drama. I’d call that a win.”

I smile, the tension in my chest easing a little. “At least we don’t have to worry about her spilling the secret. Hopefully the rest of the firm has similar reactions.”

We exchange a glance, and a quiet laugh escapes me, the weight of the moment feeling just a little lighter now.

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