Page 16 of Love Unexpected

On my way to work, I can’t resist taking a little detour to a baby boutique close by. Browsing through the baby section, I’m struggling to fight back tears. Sadness overcomes me. Pregnancy is supposed to be a happy and exciting time, but I’ve been so miserable and depressed. I shake the bitterness I feel towards Noah and the power he has to tarnish this experience for me. Marcus’s support restores a little faith I have in men. I pick out an adorable one-piece baby outfit with bears on it and hurry to work.

“Watcha got there, Em?” Marcus asks, pointing at the boutique bag sitting on the floor next to my desk.

"See for yourself.” I hand him the bag and watch his reaction as he puts his hand inside.

His eyebrows shoot up as he pulls out the outfit, clearly made for a baby boy. “It’s a.. you’re having a boy?”

“I am," I say, unable to hold back the tears this time.

“Come here.” Marcus doesn't wait for permission and engulfs me in a bear hug, rocking us side to side. “Congratulations. You’re going to be a great mom. I can’t wait tomeet the little guy,” he says softly, his voice thick with emotion. An ache flickers in my chest as I think about how I should be sharing the news with the baby's father.

“Thank you, Marcus," I whisper, squeezing him back before breaking from the embrace.

“Let’s celebrate the news over dinner tonight! I want to take you somewhere special—my treat of course.” He winks.

“Sure, that sounds great. But please, pick someplace casual, I can’t do another fancy restaurant tonight.” I smile, grateful for the gesture, but cautious knowing how extra he can be at times.

“I’ll keep it low-key, I promise. I'll see you tonight.” he says with an infections smile on his face.

As I watch him leave, my heart feels a little lighter. I'm not completely alone in this. Marcus is the best friend a girl could ask for. For the first time, I imagine what it will be like to hold my baby boy in my arms for the first time, to fill that tiny outfit I picked for him.

Chapter 16

Noah

Returning to my office after a long meeting down the hall, I can’t help but notice Marcus walking away from Emma’s desk. He has been hanging around a little too much for my liking and it pisses me off. I try to tell myself my irritation is simply because I’m looking out for my little brother, and it’s not jealousy rearing its ugly head. But as Emma catches sight of me and blushes—a sure sign that I just caught them flirting—the truth bites back.

“Get a grip,” I mutter to myself. The image of Marcus and Emma clings to my mind. Leaning back in my chair, I stare up at the ceiling. Marcus has always been the flirty, charming one, while I’ve been the reserved observer, the steady hand. But why does he have to go after her? I can’t shake the feeling that this isn’t just anger, but envy perhaps.

Letting my temper take over, I decide to intervene. My fingers dance furiously over the keyboard as I fire off an instant message to Marcus.

Noah Lawson: Do I need to remind you how inappropriate your relationship with my assistant is?

His response comes almost instantly.

Marcus Lawson: Do I need to remind YOU how ugly jealousy looks on you?

His words add more fuel to my irritation.

Noah Lawson:Stay on your side of the floor, and there won’t be any issues. Remember, if she can’t keep up with the demands of this job, I’ll be forced to fire her. You wouldn’t want to be the reason that happens, would you?

Dots appear and then disappear as if he reconsiders his words, and then gives up. Ha! He should know better than to test me.

But then, as if summoned by my thoughts, the door swings open violently. A loudbangechoes through the room as the door hits the wall. An angry Marcus strides in, not stopping until he's standing directly in front of me. We’re chest to chest when I stand from my chair. I’ve never seen him like this, fuming and breathing rapidly. Adrenaline surges through me.

Emma rushes in a second later, her face pale and eyes wide with alarm as she shuts the door behind her.

“Marcus? What’s going on?” A mixture of worry and confusion laces her voice. Hearing his name on her lips certainly does nothing to alleviate the fury inside me.

“How dare you threaten her job.” Marcus seethes. “You know, I promised her I wouldn’t get involved, but I can’t stand back and watch you continue to treat her like shit! I could punch you in the jaw right now, and I’m not sure I would be able to stop myself.”

“Go ahead, Marcus. I’m not worried about you in the slightest. Do it,” I challenge. Part of me is hoping he will follow through with his threat. It would do me good to let out this anger.

But before we can unleash our frustrations on each other’s faces, Emma shoves herself between us, facing Marcus. I can't help but notice the way her ass brushes against my crotch, sending an electric current through me. The sweet smell of her shampoo invades my senses.

“Stop it, both of you!" she commands. "Marcus, you promised. I can handle this on my own. I don’t need you to defend me!” She places her hands on his chest. The move pushes me over the edge, there’s no turning back now. The primal instinct to lay claim to her feels so strong right now.

“You know, little brother, you always did want my old toys, my leftovers… sloppy seconds, if you will. Seems like nothing’s changed,” I sneer, stuffing my fists in my pockets. I try to appear casual, though I feel anything but.

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