He puts his hand to his chest. “Okay, I’m going to let you get to bed. I’ll see you in the morning. I leave here at six.”
My eyes widen automatically. “Right. Six o’clock. I’ll be ready.”
I walk down the hallway to my bedroom, and instead of unpacking, I pull out pajamas and my toiletries. I take a quick shower, lay out my clothes for tomorrow, and then settle into the twin-size bed. Even though I want to analyze everything that happened today, I don’t have the strength.
I rub my hand over my belly. There’s no looking back. From this point, I’m only looking forward. I’m going to get my life in order and be the best mom I can be.
CHAPTER 5
ELIJAH
It’s midafternoon on Sam’s first day of work, and I’ve had to force myself to walk out of the office. I wasn’t getting anything done because all I wanted to do was watch her work as Carrie showed her the ropes.
I drove straight to the local car lot, and three hours later, I’m heading back to the office trying to figure out how I’m going to explain what I just did. I know Kane is going to question me. Hell, Carrie’s going to know something is up, but I’m not worried about anyone except for Sam. She’s my only concern now.
I walk back into the office and find Samantha and Carrie sitting at the conference table, pouring over spreadsheets.
I walk into my office and shut the door.
When I see Carrie getting her stuff ready to leave, I walk out of my office. I nod at her. “Thank you for all your help today.”
She smiles at me. “She catches on quick. I’ll be taking a few days off soon enough.”
I lean against my door and cross my arms over my chest. “I’ve been working you too much. You deserve a day or two.”
She puts her tote over her shoulder. “Bye, boss man. Bye, Samantha. I’ll see you in the morning. Don’t forget to put those feet up.” She looks at me. “I told her she could put them up here, but she wasn’t having it.”
As Carrie walks out, I glance over at Samantha. “Well, how was the first day?”
She looks tired but happy. “It was good.” She holds up a legal pad. “I have pages of notes, and Carrie said she’s teaching me invoices and materials.”
I nod as I fiddle with the keys in my pocket. “So I bet you’re ready to get out of here, huh?”
She blows out a breath. “Kane said he’d swing by here when he’s finished at the job site. I’m good. There’s a few spreadsheets I am going to look at to get ready for tomorrow.”
I take a step into the conference room. “Right, well, John is almost finished with your office. He painted the walls today. I opened the window to air it out, but it may be a day or two before you can move in. I know paint fumes aren’t good for you or the baby.”
She gestures toward the main entrance of the building. “I hate you went to all that trouble. There’s two desks open at the front. I can use either of those.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “That’s where the foremen come in and do their paperwork at the end of day, and there usually ends up being dirt or mud covering the floor or seats there. Plus, I want you to have your own space.”
She opens her mouth to say something but then closes it. “Right, well, thank you. I mean, thank you for everything. Most people wouldn’t hire me in my situation, so I really do appreciate the job.”
I walk further into the room, and her scent envelops me. It’s like sunshine and home all wrapped into one. “There’s something else I forgot to mention.”
She sits back in her seat, and her hands rest on her belly. “What is it?”
She’s nervous, and I hate to see she’s prepared for fight or flight. I pull the keys from my pocket and walk over to her. “Here’s the keys to your company car.”
She doesn’t hold her hand out, so I put the keys on the table in front of her.
She stares at the keys and then back at me. “I can’t take that.”
I pull out a chair from the conference table and sit down. “Yes, you can. You’re an employee of Wolfe Construction, and as an office employee, you get a company car.”
She crosses her arms over her belly. “I have a car.”
Fuck. I should have known that she’s just not going to accept it.
