Page 47 of Final Chance At Love (Chance At Love Duet 2)

“What are we celebrating?” Sienna asked curiously.

“Just life,” I jumped in quickly and shared a glance with Betty.

“I can get the wine for you, Aunt Betty,” Sienna jumped up off the couch. “Mom, you want some too?”

“No, sweetie. Not tonight.”Not for the next nine months!

“Thank you, Sienna,” Betty replied and winked at me.

The rest of the night, we watched movies and relaxed. It was just the medicine I needed. When the little ones fell asleep, Betty and I switched to a romantic comedy. She enjoyed the wine, while I enjoyed ginger ale, and it would have been a perfectly pleasant night if there weren't so many lingering thoughts floating around my head.

Chapter Fifteen

Iwas in the office by nine a.m. on Tuesday, feeling more nervous than ever. I wasn’t sure what to expect from Kristoff as a response to my refusal to sign the contract or the news on my pregnancy. I wasn’t even sure how to start the conversation. When I woke up this morning, I noticed I had missed calls from Kristoff from yesterday evening and kicked myself for not checking my phone at all before going to bed. I was too busy trying to process the information about the pregnancy. Maybe he’ll understand?

“How are you feeling?” my counterpart, Kimberly, asked as soon as I walked in.

“Oh, I am fine,” I answered. “I am sorry I left you with all the work yesterday.”

“Don’t you worry about that, honey. Are you sure you are better? You look a bit pale.”

I will probably look like that for a while,I thought to myself. “I’m better… really better,” I answered instead.

I sat down at my desk and opened a can of ginger ale to pour into a small plastic cup, which earned me a curious look.

“It helps my stomach,” I mumbled, guilty.

“I thought you said you were better,” was the reply I got.

I kept myself busy all morning, occasionally glancing towards Kristoff’s office. His door has been closed since I got in and he hadn’t called me once, which was rather unusual. On one hand, I wanted to get my conversation behind me, but on the other I never wanted to have it.

As lunchtime was approaching, and I still hadn’t heard a peep from him, I finally decided to go into his office and talk to him. I stood up and smoothed down my skirt. My hands shook and I clapped them together to hide it. As I approached the door and knocked on it, I heard muffled laughter, followed by Kristoff’s deep voice. “Come in.”

As I opened the door, I knew it was a mistake and I’d regret ever knocking on that door. Kristoff sat in his chair, leaning back and smiling at the seductively gorgeous blonde woman who couldn’t be more than twenty-five, tops. She was smiling at him like he was a god and she had eyes just for him.

I remained frozen at the door, feeling like I got punched in my gut. And it had nothing to do with morning sickness. I was so unprepared for this scenario I just stood there staring stupidly.

I needed to get out of here, and I needed to do it fast... before I make a fool out of myself.

“Yes? Can we help you?” The woman’s voice was melodious.

I felt a choke in my throat, my hormones working against me. This scenario I definitely didn’t see coming. I took a deep breath, two breaths, in an attempt to calm myself.

I placed a fake smile on my lips. I glanced from her to Kristoff and cleared my throat, while smoothing wrinkles in my skirt with my hand shaking just slightly.

I should have known I was playing with fire. I’m the only one here that is going to be burned to ashes,the thought came out of nowhere.

I locked my eyes to Kristoff’s emerald gaze, and I knew what I needed to do. Just the thought of never seeing him again made my heart ache like never before, but I ignored all of that. None of that mattered now.

“I am sorry to bother you, Mr. Baldwin,” I reverted back to formality. “I forgot to put on the calendar my doctor’s appointment. I have to leave in an hour.”

He frowned and I had no idea what was going through his mind. Probably that I shouldn’t bother him.

“Everything ok?” His voice actually sounded concerned, which made me ache even more. This was cruel. I’d rather he acted like a jerk, like he didn’t give a shit.

“Yes, just a normal checkup.” I was actually impressed with myself for managing a smile like nothing's wrong. “I’m sorry that I have to leave early two days in a row.”

His gaze remained sharp on me, and before I did something stupid, I looked over to the blonde and smiled.

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