Page 52 of Whispered Sins

“Your dinner meeting canceled this evening. They just called to reschedule.”

Shit. That was a big client I had planned on schmoozing over steak and expensive red wine.

“Did they say why?” I asked, trying to hide my annoyance.

“Their baby is sick.” She shrugged.

I suddenly felt a little more empathy. I wondered if I would ever be in the position where I had to reschedule or cancel because I was being a dad to a sick baby.

With my night free, I suddenly had an idea.

“Keep my schedule clear for the night, please,” I said, drumming my fingers on the desk.

“Yes, Mr. Jacobs,” she replied.

As I walked down the hallway, I started to formulate a plan that would involve seeing Addison tonight. And, if all went well, getting her in bed again. Seeing her naked was all I could think about. I felt like I might combust if I couldn’t have her again.

Chapter 19

Addison

I walked into the breakroom feeling like I was walking on cloud nine. Despite the lingering nausea in my stomach, my morning with Daniel had distracted me enough from the discomfort of morning sickness. I grabbed a bag of pretzels and a water bottle from the fridge. Small snacks helped my upset stomach.

I sat down at a small round table by the window and listened to the sounds of the city below, wondering what Daniel was doing now. I smiled as I crunched down on a salty pretzel.

“You look awfully happy,” someone said.

I looked up and saw Shelley standing in the doorway with a curious smile on her face.

“Just happy it’s Friday,” I lied.

I wasn’t happy it was Friday. It hadn’t hit me until I sat down at my desk this morning that I wouldn’t see Daniel again until Monday. That was, if he was going to continue chauffeuring me to the city. It was ridiculous, but also incredibly sweet for him to make a two-hour commute each morning on top of his drive to work.

“Any big plans for tonight?” asked Shelley.

“Ice cream and my couch.” I shrugged.

She laughed. She knew I was a homebody and practically begged me to come out for her birthday. It was a good thing she did. If it weren’t for her, I would never have run into Daniel. I also would never have ended up being pregnant.

“Well, I’m just sorry I didn’t get the chance to see you out of the office for once! How was that Bemelman’s place, by the way?”

“Fancy! And the drinks were dangerously good.”

“Good to know.” Shelley grabbed a bag of chips from the basket on the counter before giving me a little wave goodbye.

I finished my bag of pretzels and bottle of water, and walked down the hallway back to my office. As I passed by Brian’s office, he called me in.

“Addison, can you come in here for a minute?”

“What’s up, Brian?” I asked, leaning against the doorframe.

“We just got in the final numbers from Daniel Jacobs’ donation.”

Just the sound of his name made my heart bang violently in my chest.

“Oh?” I asked, trying not to let his effect on me show.

“Yeah. They’re big. Really big. I don’t know how Shelley did it. I’ve emailed them to you. Can you start working on the new budget?”

---