Page 84 of About That One Night
Zoe: Feeling well, baby is . . . okay. Twelve weeks and growing. Six to eight weeks and we can find out if we’re having a boy or a girl.
MaxMc: It’s a girl, and after you come by to visit I’m taking you to my penthouse. The one you’re avoiding.
Zoe: I’m not.
MaxMc: Since I told you I made some changes, you’ve been avoiding it like it has ticks.
Zoe: Does it?
MaxMc: I won’t even respond. Message me if you want me to pick you up. If not, I’ll see you here. Drive safely.
We’re in my new SUV—because it’s safe for babies—heading to my penthouse. The leather seats arecomfortable, and the car smells like that new car scent mixed with a hint of Zoe’s jasmine perfume. I inhale deeply, savoring the combination.
“What did you think about the office?” I ask, trying to keep my voice casual as I glance at Zoe. I’m hoping to convince her that moving her law firm into the security building is a good idea. “You wouldn’t have to pay rent and would only lose the deposit if you terminate your contract early.”
Zoe looks out the window, her reflection thoughtful in the glass. She turns back to me, raising an eyebrow. “You mean the office with the state-of-the-art security system and a gym that looks like it belongs in a superhero headquarters?”
“Exactly,” I say, unable to suppress a grin. “It’s perfect, right? Safe, convenient, and you get to see me every day.”
Zoe smirks, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “So, the real perk is seeing you every day?”
“Well, that and the rent-free working situation. Think about it—no rent, secure building, easy access to a lot of amenities, and did I mention me?” I flash her my best charming smile, feeling my heart race a little as I wait for her response.
She rolls her eyes, but I can see the corners of her mouth twitching upward. “You’re really pushing for this, aren’t you?”
“Absolutely,” I admit, my hands tightening slightly on the steering wheel. “I want you and the baby to be safe, and this way, you won’t have to worry about anything except maybe getting sick of my face.”
She laughs, the sound filling the car and makingmy chest feel warm. “Alright, alright. I’ll think about it.”
“Perfect,” I say, turning onto the street that leads to my penthouse. “You won’t regret it, Zoe. I promise.”
We pull into the underground parking garage, and I park in my designated spot. As we step out of the car, I can’t help but feel a surge of hope. This is the start of something new, something better.
As we walk to the elevator, I steal a glance at her, admiring the way the fluorescent lights play off her hair. “Dinner tonight? I’ll cook.”
Zoe looks at me skeptically, her lips quirking into a half-smile. “Am I here just for dinner or are you going to convince me to move here because . . .”
I shrug, suddenly feeling a bit uncertain. “Something tells me that you don’t like me enough to move into my soulless penthouse,” I say as the doors of the elevator open into the foyer. I step out, turning to face her. “This place is more for me than for us, and I understand that. The invitation is so you can see what I did with one of the guest rooms—it’s temporary, but I want the baby to have a room here in case you need more time to realize how much I love you.” I pause, watching her reaction carefully. “But also, I have an entire presentation with information about lots, houses, and even babymoon destinations for you.”
She frowns. “Babymoon destinations?”
When we enter my home office, I gesture toward the stack of books on my desk. “I’m not on board with the gender reveal and those showers, but thebabymoon is to pamper you in a tropical destination, so you’re relaxed before the baby arrives.”
Zoe’s eyes widen, a soft smile playing on her lips. “You’re a dreamy boyfriend, McCallister.”
I run a hand through my hair, feeling a mix of pride and uncertainty. “Not sure what that means, but is that getting me close to having my girlfriend move in with me?”
Zoe laughs, the sound light and musical. “I like you, McCallister.”
My heart skips a beat, but I need more clarity. “Like you as in ‘I’m on board with the whole spending the rest of eternity with you?’ Or like you as in ‘you’re too fucking funny and I’ll humor you?’”
“Does it have to be one or the other?” she teases, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
I wink at her, trying to mask my nervousness with charm. “Whatever gets me closer to having you forever, Zo.”
Zoe’s expression softens, a hint of vulnerability in her voice. “You say forever so easily.”
I take her hand, feeling the warmth of her skin against mine. “Zoe, I was a Navy SEAL. I saw things . . . Life can end today, right now, for anyone. You. Me . . .” I pause, swallowing hard. “Fear is real, but love is too, and I’d rather take my chances figuring out this life with you by my side than keep feeding that fear and waiting for . . .” I shrug, unable to finish the thought.
