Page 88 of Bad Boy for Hire
It was perfect.
It was the truth.
As soon as he tied up this loose end, he was going to go to May and lay it all on the line.
Chapter Twenty-Five
“Girl.” Jewell eased down onto the corner of May’s desk like she usually did. “I don’t know what to say. I am so unhappy for you, I want to strangle that boy and give you one million dollars at the same time. Would either of those help?”
May couldn’t help smiling. Jewell was a good friend, a great boss. “I will settle for a flexible schedule and continued success for Zest.”
“That, I can do.” Jewell stood up and crossed the room before looking over her shoulder. “You’re sure you want to go to him?”
“I’m sure I don’t want to wait any longer for him to text or call. There are arrangements that need to be made.” For the first time, in this situation, anyway, May was going to make those arrangements herself.
“Here for you. And, by the way, you’re taking off the rest of the week. You’re allowed to work from home if you want, but I would never force that on you.”
May appreciated the support, and the days off. Depending on how tonight went, she would probably need a few days off.
She planned on showing up at Xavier’s house, telling him her plans, and making sure they were back on track. They’d had a supportive friendship before they’d slept together, so it was feasible that they could pick it up again. Which, she acknowledged, could be tricky. Every time she’d gone to his house since they attended the wedding together, she’d ended up in bed with him. Remembering those moments now assaulted every last one of her senses. The memories of being with him, talking with him after while facing each other on their own pillows, were so very strong.
She had no idea how she’d continue running into him casually without remembering their connection. She had never wanted a man so badly that her body overrode her brain. Not until him. Ever since she’d driven away from him that last time, her breasts, her arms, even her womb had ached for him.
For his touch.
For his kiss.
But it was past time for her to be logical. She’d thrown logic into the wind and look where that’d landed her. She placed her hand over her stomach as she walked through the parking lot and silently promised that, from here on out, her baby was the priority.
She would never regret making a child with Xavier. Never.
Before she turned over the engine, she pulled her cell out of her purse and typed in a text. I’m coming over. There’s something I need to say to you, face to face.
Her finger shook over the Send button before she finally tapped it. Then she sent a follow-up text: Don’t panic. The baby is fine so he wouldn’t worry.
When she didn’t hear back right away, she decided to treat herself to dinner somewhere Xavier wouldn’t be. Granted, that meant a trip to Sugar Hi for a confection or two, but hey, she was an adult, and tonight that meant dessert for dinner in her car.
Mid-bite of a delectable Devil Dog, which she was enjoying with a cup of decaf coffee, he finally texted her back. Here. Can’t wait to see you.
And like that, there went her damn womb again, tightening in anticipation of seeing his handsome face, strong arms, and kissing that mouth?—
No.
No kissing. No tightening. No anticipating.
They were friends. They would be co-parents. Nothing more.
She polished off the Devil Dog and dusted her hands on her black pants. Her bangle bracelets jingled as she gripped the steering wheel. Too much sugar and nerves had made her shaky.
“You’ve got this,” she reminded herself, channeling some of Jewell’s strength and confidence. She would borrow from whatever reservoirs were available. Laying it out for Xavier was one of many hurdles, arguably the biggest. Was it possible for them to go back to the way things were? She didn’t know for sure.
As she drove to his house, she tucked every thought of having sex with him one last time into the back of her mind, boxed them up, and sealed the box with duct tape.
There. That ought to hold them.
She couldn’t give in to her basic instincts today of all days. She was also aware that stepping into her own didn’t mean burning down everything in her path. She had learned a very valuable lesson over the last few days: Xavier hadn’t ended up being who she’d needed him to be.
And that was okay. Even if it broke her heart a little. She’d wanted him to show up for her, but, as her father used to say, Facts are facts. A wise man—or woman—didn’t argue with facts.
