Page 14 of Love Unexpected

I chuckle softly. “You know, despite my best efforts at adulting, I just have a few packets of instant ramen and some cereal.”

“I could go for some cereal.”

“Ha, well, help yourself,” I say, finally stepping back into the living room where Marcus is leaning against the wall, inspecting a framed picture I hung crookedly.

“Who’s this?” he asks, turning the frame slightly to straighten it. The picture is a selfie I took of Lucas and I at a basketball game about six months ago. It’s the only picture I have with him, and I’ll always cherish it.

“An old friend of mine. Let me grab you a bowl for your cereal,” I reply, eager to change the subject.

“Just promise me one thing: no ramen for dinner. If I’m saving you from a cold house, I’m not letting you die from lack of nutrition.”

I can’t help but laugh more loudly this time, slinging my bag onto my shoulder. “Deal. Although, cereal isn’t that much better.”

“Touché. Let’s grab something more nutritious on the way. Are you ready?”

“Yeah, let me just turn off all the lights.”

Chapter 13

Noah

The next morning, I arrive at the office late. I’m never late. To anything. But last night, I let my anger get the best of me, and I drank a little too heavily. I’m full of dread, afraid of what the day will bring this time. When I turn down the hall, the first thing I notice is Emma’s empty desk. Her laptop isn’t on the surface either. This is the second day in a row she hasn’t shown up to work. Maybe she quit already.

I walk into my office, slightly taken aback by the sight of my brother leaning against my desk, a deep scowl planted on his face.

“Do we have a meeting I forgot about?” I tilt my head, trying to gauge his mood and the cause of it.

“Emma is taking a sick day today. She asked me to let you know," he replies, crossing his arms defensively.

“You’re getting awfully cozy with my assistant, don’t you think?” I shoot back.

“She’s my friend," he defends.

“Well, you better watch your back with that little ‘friend’ of yours. She’s a snake. You can’t trust her—just look at where that got me," I say, plopping down at my desk. I rub my temples, hoping to ease the tension that has already started to build behind my eyes.

“Noah. You know she’s not trying to trap you. Emma wouldn’t do that,” he states matter-of-factly.

“And how would you know what she wouldn’t do? You’ve known her for five minutes. She is NOT pregnant!” I shout. I take a deep breath, willing myself to calm down. But my own brother taking a stranger’s side over mine is unbelievable.

“I know her enough to know she’s not like those gold diggers you’ve dated in the past. If she says she’s pregnant, I believe her," his conviction unwavering.

“So you’re taking the side of some random chick over your own brother? Your own blood?” The disappointment in my voice is palpable.

“I’m not taking sides, brother. I’m just trying to think with a level head here. I’m not going to turn my back on the woman carrying my niece or nephew.” The smile on his face pisses me off, and his words only fuel my fire.

“She's not pregnant, Marcus! It’s impossible. She hasn’t been working here long enough to get knocked up and be able to find out already! It’s literally impossible!” I throw my hands up, exasperated.

“Noah, trust me. She isn't faking this." Marcus's voice is unyielding. "She was throwing up ALL night last night. There's no way she could fake that."

His words hit me like a bucket of ice. “What do you mean? How do you know what she was doing all night?” I ask cautiously.

“Don’t overreact..." he pauses. "I went over to her place last night to check on her. She told me days ago that her heat was broken, but I didn't realize the situation was as bad as it is. I couldn’t just leave her there to freeze to death, so I convinced her to stay at my place last night. Don’t worry, I slept on the couch.” A cheeky grin spreads across his face, as if that somehow makes it all better.

I could easily punch that smug look off his face. My fists clench involuntarily. “Oh great. Just what I need. You've invited the snake into your home. Why not bring her to family brunch this weekend while you’re at it? Marcus, this is beyond inappropriate! You can't have an employee sleeping in your bed. And I won’t even ask how you managed to get her address.”

“That’s interesting you say that," his voice challenging, "you didn’t think it was inappropriate when she was in YOUR bed.” He turns to walk away. “She’s not lying, Noah, and you should really apologize for the way you treated her. She might just forgive you.”

“I have nothing to say to her," I snap. "Now, if you don’t mind, I have a mountain of work to do since my assistant decided to play hooky again today.” I sit at my desk, glaring atthe pile of files. But as I flip through the first folder, my mind wanders back to her. Is she really pregnant? We slept together three weeks ago. It's impossible. I'm sure of it.

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