“I’ll be back, just going to check in with the admin staff about travel next week,” I say.
Someone in the group gives me an okay.
Sliding out of my chair, I head into the hall where I stroll until I turn a corner and instantly nearly run into Isla.
“Oh, hey, forgot you were here,” she says, looking up from her phone. “Didn’t see you this morning.”
I’ve been avoiding her slightly at home, it’s better that way. She was always beautiful, but right now? She’s glowing, and she has my baby in her belly which just shoots the appeal to the sky.
Then it hits me. She works here, not for the team but for the facility and their training programs. And she’s working today.
“Why are you here?” It comes out a little short.
“Oh, hello to you too.” She’s already exhausted of me.
Reaching out, I touch her arm then rub up and down. I can’t not touch her. We may not be together, but I have the best claim possible.
“I mean, you should be at home resting, not here,” I clarify.
Isla scoffs and her eyes widen slightly. “I’m pregnant, not incompetent. Plus, even though I'm on maternity leave, technically by law I can work until this baby arrives.”
I smile tightly, a wave of protectiveness hitting me in full force. “I think not. Money isn’t an issue, and you reallyshouldbe resting. Not here.”
“I enjoy my projects and want to ensure a smooth handover.” She’s clearly offended.
I roll my lips in to tame my temper. “That’s great." Sarcasm sinks those words down. "However, as long as I can keep an eye on you while you’re under my roof, then there is no escape. In a few days, I fly to Nashville for the draft picks, and then I can’t ensure that you’re taking it easy.”
Her tongue hits her inner cheek, and it seems that she’s in a similar mood and suppressing her anger. “Vaughn, as much as this alpha male behavior would be sexy in normal non-accidental-pregnancy circumstances, I can’t handle this right now. You’re stressing me out more than work, where I get to use fancy highlighters to write notes.”
I clench my one hand, hoping it will keep me calm, reminding myself to get over my ego for a hot minute. “Okay… fair enough.”
Her free hand comes to her hip, but she can barely tip her hip out because, well, she’s heavily pregnant, and that area kind of merges together in a way that seems healthy and cute.
“You know, we can’t keep avoiding one another considering we live together, but I get it. This is the worst time for this…” she points up and down her body, “to transpire. So, I’m letting you off the hook, as I know you want to start your job on the best possible foot. That doesn’t mean that I’m enjoying this ride.”
Fuck me, I was right. I’m being an ass.
She sighs one more exhausted breath. “I’ll take it easy because I want to take it easy. It’s not due to your demands.” Isla walks past me, and I’m tempted to say something, yet I’m not sure what.
Isla beats me to the punch anyhow when she stops and turns slightly to glimpse over her shoulder at me. “Vaughn.”
“Yeah?”
Her face softens and a half-smile appears on her mouth. “Thanks for leaving the new box of ice cream sandwiches in the freezer.” Then she walks away.
Yup, I’m the king of unresolved feelings and actions.
My subtle act was because I have a sentimental spot for Isla. I can’t deny that I’ve felt that way since the moment I saw her.
* * *
Getting home late,I scrub my face, trying to wipe the tiredness from my eyes. It was a solid fourteen-hour day, and it will be that way again tomorrow. The house is dark, and I make my way up the stairs. Noticing the door to the nursery open, I decide to peek in, because somehow the reminder of a child entering my life feels calming in this moment, which is odd, as I was freaking out only a few days ago.
The moment that I open the slightly ajar door to the dark room, I notice Isla right away. She’s leaning against the window wearing a long tight cotton nightgown, with her head resting against the glass as she cradles her stomach, completely unaware that I’m here, or maybe she is aware but chooses not to spare me a glance. The moonlight is bright tonight, which only makes this scene extra poignant. I’m tempted to take my phone out to capture a photo, but it would probably cause her to turn, and I want to soak in this scene a little longer.
I get those few seconds, and as much as I want to leave her in peace, I can’t. And she seems to know that too.
“Thinking of running away?” she asks before her head turns in my direction, with her mouth sliding to the side.
