Page 51 of Yours to Conquer

I send the next song on my playlist. “I Knew I Loved You”by Savage Garden travels across invisible wavelengths to his phone. I send him a text message.

Thank you for coming today. I love you.

I don’t expect him to reply, and I’m shocked when he does.

What would you have done if you’d been pregnant?

I’d already decided I’d have tried to be a wonderful mother.

If it’s any consolation, I think you would’ve made a wonderful own.

His text leaves me speechless.

The elevator opens to the first floor. In my wildest dreams, I’d have loved to see him standing against the wall—waiting for me. When I enter the lobby, I’m alone.

I stroll to my car, enter the driver’s seat, and head into work. The first thing I notice in the garage is that his car is parked in his designated spot right next to Damon’s. That means Kat is probably here as well.

I enter the side door and take the most direct path to my small office in the corner, where I turn on the lights, toss my purse in my desk drawer, and dig into the day’s work. I am grateful for my small space out of the way.

I hear the heels on the tile floor long before she materializes in my doorway. Kat stands against the doorjamb and smiles at me.

“Well, am I going to be an aunt?” She sees the tears pool in my eyes and comes running to fold me into her arms.

“No, I’m iron deficient, and my hormones are a mess, but I started the shot today, so things should get more regulated soon.”

“That’s good news, right?” She looks curiously at me.

“You’d think so, but I’m kind of sad. I had time to imagine a beautiful baby boy with brown curls and blue eyes, and I was in love with the idea of him.” I tilt my head and shrug my shoulders. “He came to the appointment today, but as soon as the doctor said I wasn’t pregnant, he got up and left.”

“Give him some time, Em. He’s still hurt. He was trying to do something good, and it backfired on him. He’ll come around.”

“I screwed up, Kat. He’s the one, and I may have ruined everything.”

“Well, shore up your tears, girl. We’ve been called into a meeting with Damon and Anthony. Trevor and a representative from the police department will be present as well. Show them all what a powerful woman you are.” She gives me a gentle squeeze and then releases me.

“Go ahead of me. I need to touch up my lipstick and make sure I’m presentable.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Kat walks out of my office and leaves me to my own devices. I reach for my purse and take out my compact mirror, pinch my cheeks to give my skin a little color, and reapply my lipstick and gloss. I drag my fingers through my hair and walk toward the conference room.

When I enter the room, I take a quick look around. I see Anthony, Damon, Kat, Trevor, a police officer, and Tom Wakefield. His presence boils my blood. He rises as soon as I enter. He pulls out the chair next to him, but I ignore his gesture and sit at the opposite side of the table.

I sit several chairs down from Anthony. I find my eyes traveling to him, and each time he catches me looking, his eyes dart in a different direction. A weaker girl might have looked at the enormity of the situation and thrown in the towel. I was that girl a few weeks ago, but she got a slap upside the head that straightened her out. I’m not giving up until I’ve tried everything.

The police officer explains the details of the underage drinking allegations. The reporter takes notes furiously. I don’t know who invited him, but in the end, it will be good for Ahz to have him here. On the other hand, I want to slap him upside the head every time heasks a question. He’s the reason I’m in the situation I am.No, you’re the reason you’re in the situation you’re in. You didn’t have enough faith in the man you said you loved.My inner voice is loud and clear today. She’s not letting me off the hook, and rightly so. I created this situation, and I need to fix it.

“Emma, do you have any questions?”

I hear my name from somewhere far off. In my thoughts, I’ve traveled to a quiet place and tuned the entire room out.

“Emma, Damon asked if you had questions.” Kat taps my arm, bringing me back to the present.

I glance around the table and find everyone staring at me. “No, I have nothing to ask and nothing to add.”

Everyone from the meeting rises and leaves. The only people left are Tom Wakefield, Anthony, and me. They both look at me, and I feel like I’m intruding. I walk to the door to exit. Before I turn the corner, I look over my shoulder and lock eyes with Anthony. He stares at me for a minute and then looks back at Tom.

I listen to the clickety-clack of my heels on the tile floor as I head to my office. Since he will be busy with the reporter for a few minutes, it’s the perfect time to sneak into his office and drop off my invite.

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