Page 59 of Love to Hate You

She better be there or I’m breaking the door down and waiting until she eventually shows up. A jealous storm is brewing inside of me, and Charlie better have answers for me or I’m going to lose my shit.

I just hope they aren’t answers that will break my heart.

I’ve never fallen for anyone as hard as I have for this woman. That’s probably a damn good thing because it’s a really shitty feeling when you think the person, you’re crazy about would rather be with someone else.

When I get to Charlie’s apartment, my phone beeps and I look down to see a text from her. I open it with a shaking hand and read:I’m here.

That’s it?That short, cool message doesn’t bode well.

As I stomp up to her apartment, I try to get my temper under control and calm myself but it’s damn hard. The idea of Charlie with Jordan makes me physically ill. If she’s pregnant with his child, I’m going to fall apart.

Lifting my fist, I pound on her door until it swings open. Charlie stands there with her honey-colored hair falling around her shoulders and an unreadable expression in her aquamarine eyes. She’s in a sweatshirt, plaid pajama bottoms and slippers. I’ve never seen her look so casual, and my chest tightens. We should be sitting down to watch a movie with a bowl of popcorn. Instead, I push inside and say, “You resigned?”

Her unsteady sigh fills the air behind me. “Yes.”

I spin around. “Why?”

“Maybe you should sit down-”

“I don’t wanna sit. I want answers, Charlie.” My gaze dips to her flat stomach. “Are you pregnant with Jordan Lowe’s baby?”

Her eyes go wide and anger sparks within them. “What? Why would you think that?”

“Ivy said she saw him with his tongue down your throat.” I cross my arms, pleading to the heavens above that she denies it. That Ivy lied because she has designs on me and is jealous of Charlie.

“I need to sit,” she announces and drops down on the couch, tucking her feet beneath her.

She looks exhausted, completely worn out, and I move closer.

“Please, sit Nash,” she says and pats the spot next to her.

I sit down on the edge of the couch and brace myself for what’s about to come.

“Yes, Jordan kissed me,” she says.

The moment the words are out of her mouth, I pop back up again and start pacing. “What in the actual fuck, Charlie?”

“I wanted to tell you, but I was scared you’d blow it out of proportion just like you’re doing right now.”

“Sorry if I’m not overly thrilled that you two were sucking faces.”

“He caught me off-guard, and I put a stop to it. I told him I wasn’t interested in him that way.”

“And is that before or after you slept with him?”

“What is wrong with you? You sound like a jealous idiot!”

“Again, no denial.”

“Don’t you remember our conversation? I don’t date clients much less go to bed with them.”

“No. Just fellow employees.”

She jumps up and shoves a finger against my chest. “You! I slept with you and only you and now I’m pregnant.”

My mind reels. “It’s not possible. We used a condom every time.”

“Oops, it ripped,” she says, mimicking me. “Ring any bells?”