Page 78 of Saved By the Boss

Despite everything, though, I can’t help but think of the tiny life growing inside of me and the fact that he doesn’t know. How would he react if I told him? Would he be happy? Terrified? Most likely, he’d tell me he’s not ready to be a dad and kick me out.

That would be an inconvenient option since my car is at the shop again. Tawny drove me to work today, and he drove me back. I have no way out of here if things get awkward. I could call Tawny to pick me up, probably, but that would be so much of a hassle. She’s already done so much for me today, I couldn’t ask her to drive all the way up here.

I’m lost in my own thoughts, but Declan clears his throat, forcing me back into the present. He wipes his hands on a towel, and I notice his expression shifts. It’s subtle, but he looks almost scared. The lightness in his eyes dims, replaced by something heavier.

“Jade,” he says, his voice low. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

My stomach twists, my mind racing. I can’t even begin to imagine what would make him get so serious all of a sudden.

“What is it?” I ask, trying to keep my tone as light as possible.

He hesitates, looking down at the towel in his hands. For the first time since I’ve met him, Declan looks unsure of himself. Vulnerable, even. The sight unnerves me.

“It’s about my past,” he begins, his voice steady despite the tension in his jaw. “There are things you don’t know about me. Things I haven’t told anyone in a long time.”

I swallow hard, trying desperately not to let my imagination run away from me. I’ve done enough of that already.

“Okay…” I breathe out, my pulse quickening. I want him to be honest with me, of course, but I’m not sure how many more bombshells I can take today.

He takes a deep breath, running a hand through his hair. “Before I came here, before I built this place and started over, I wasn’t exactly a good guy,” he starts hesitantly. “I was involved in some dangerous stuff. Things I’m not exactly proud of. And I don’t know what you’re going through, but after what happened to you today, I feel like I need to be completely honest with you.”

The air feels heavy between us, the weight of his words pressing down on my chest. I don’t know what I expected him to say, but it isn’t this.

“Dangerous stuff?” I echo, my voice barely above a whisper.

He nods, meeting my eyes. “Yes,” he affirms. “And I walked away from it. I thought I left it behind. But the truth is, you never really leave that kind of life. Not completely.”

I lean against the counter, feeling the edge press into my side. The slight pain helps keep me grounded, keeps my head clear. I’m trying to process what he’s saying, to take it all in. Part of me wants to ask for more details, to understand exactly what he means. But another part of me is afraid to know.

“Why are you telling me this now?” I ask, my voice trembling.

“Because if you’re in danger, if someone’s after you, I need you to know that I can protect you. I’ve dealt with people like this before. I know how they think, how they operate. And I won’t let anything happen to you. Not on my watch.”

His words should comfort me, but instead, they leave me feeling even more unsteady.

“Declan…” I start, but my voice falters. I don’t know what to say.

He steps closer, his hand brushing mine. “You don’t have to say anything,” he murmurs, almost as if he’s read my mind. “Just know that I’m here. Whatever happens, I’m here.”

I nod, even though I’m not sure I believe him. The fear that’s been simmering beneath the surface all day threatens to bubble over again, but I force it back down. For now, I’ll take his word for it. For now, I’ll let myself believe that maybe, just maybe, everything will be okay.

The timer on the oven dings, breaking the tension. Declan steps back, giving me a small smile. “Dinner’s ready.”

I nod again, my voice too shaky to respond. As he plates the food, I take a deep breath and feel immensely grateful that I decided not to tell him about the pregnancy. For now, at least, I need to process. I need to know more about him and his past before I can even think about the implications of telling him.

20

Declan

Iglance across the kitchen table at Jade as she pokes at the last of her food, a nervous energy radiating off her in waves. She’s been quiet since I told her about my past, and I realize that it was probably too much too soon. Technically, this is our first date, and I just had to go and spoil it by being honest.

I hate seeing her like this, like she’s carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. I don’t know everything about what’s going on, but I know enough to recognize the fear in her eyes.

Part of me is worried that her fear is directed toward me. I just wanted to put her at ease, to let her know that she’s safe with me. I think it’s safe to say that backfired spectacularly.

“Jade,” I say softly, setting my fork down. I break out in a cold sweat as I consider my words. I don’t want to make this any worse nor do I want to make her uncomfortable in any way. But I do want to give her the chance to know me fully.

She looks up, her wide eyes locking onto mine.

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