I rise from the bathroom floor and wrap my hand around the pregnancy test before slipping it into my pocket. After a quick look in the mirror, I swipe my fingers under my eyes, then step out of the bathroom.
Two hours later, I’m shoving the same bit of scrambled egg and microgreens across my plate for the thousandth time. I’ve played out every possible scenario in my head, but the one that sticks out the most is imagining what Holt’s reaction will be when he walks through the door.
I picture him wrapping his arms around me, telling me he’s all in. But just when I’m convinced that’ll be his reaction, I imagine another scenario that involves him backing away, telling me this isn’t what he signed up for. Holt is an ambitious man, focused on his career and finding his mother’s murderer. Not raising a child.
Then I think about what he told me the night I poured my heart out to him. The way he wrapped me up in his arms, promising over and over again how much he’s in love with me.
I glance up at the clock, wondering when the moment will come.
I won’t deny, fear has set in. Fear of losing everything I’ve gained over these past few months.
But he needs to know the truth, regardless of the outcome.
My breath catches in the back of my throat the second I hear the door open.
“Wallflower?” he announces from the end of the hallway.
My pulse races, and I inhale a deep breath, lifting my shoulders and wringing my fingers in my lap.
“In the kitchen!” I yell back, trying not to let my voice break.
“Hey,” he sighs, a smile stretched across his mouth. It reaches his eyes, lighting him up. “You won’t believe what I’mgoing to tell you.” He crosses the room and moves around the kitchen island. Gripping the back of my head, he tilts me up until my lips meet his. He sinks into it, using every ounce of energy to hold me close.
I grip his suit jacket, moaning against his mouth. He’s warmth and comfort, soothing the worried parts of my mind and soul.
I’m full of nervous energy, unable to quiet it.
“Holt,” I pull away. “I need to?—"
“Hang on, Wallflower,” he cuts in. He’s practically bouncing with excitement. I can tell something has happened. He rakes his hand through his hair, revealing his gleaming eyes. “Rome dropped the lawsuit.”
“What?” I sit up out of my chair, and Holt sweeps me into his arms, then spins me around in a circle.
“Yeah,” he laughs, gently placing me back down.
I’m dizzy and feel like vomiting, but his mood is contagious. Despite my inner struggle to come to terms with what I need to tell him, I’m now fully focused on Holt’s news.
“H-How?” I stammer. “Why?”
“His lawyers sent word to mine this morning. They didn’t give a reason, but I think it must be because of what we overheard the other night at the masquerade ball. Julianna asked him to drop it, and he must have done it for her.”
I jerk my head back.
“What?” Holt asks, his eyebrows tugging together in concern. “This is a good thing, right?”
“No, of course, it is.” I take a deep breath and look up at him. I softly chuckle. “I just don’t know how much of this he didforJulianna. I can’t imagine Rome wanting to do anything for her.”
“You’re right.” Holt gives me a soft smile. “I don’t know his reason, but I guess it doesn’t matter. This gives me a chance tofocus back on work and, maybe down the line, I can figure out who he was talking to that night. But as far as my reputation, my team assured me it’s all taken care of now. My PR is managing the media coverage. It’ll probably be in the cycle for a little while, but once the dust settles on that, we’re in the clear.”
“That’s amazing.” I grin, watching the stress melt away from his body. He’s almost back to the man I knew before he was slapped with this lawsuit.
“I’m considering asking Rome who he was talking to the night of the masquerade ball.”
My stomach turns. I understand Holt’s drive, but I also hate the idea of him getting involved in something dangerous. Something tells me the man he saw talking to Rome won’t be considered a friend.
“I just want you to be careful, Holt. If that man is connected to your mother’s killer, are you thinking Rome is somehow connected, too?”
Holt pauses, considering my question. It’s been one that’s weighed on me ever since that night.
