"Come on in, Lucian."
"Thanks."
I take the food and place it on the round dining room table. I didn't bring wine because she's pregnant and it would be rude of me to be drinking when she can't herself.
"I brought different types of tacos because I didn't know what you liked…"
"Lucian…"
I turn around and see her standing there. Her hands protectively over her belly, looking good enough to eat. I can't believe how much I want her right here, right now. I let out a deep breath and walk to the living room. Her apartment is colorful and bright, and I would lose a bet if she didn't get this place after she found out she was pregnant with my baby.
The couch looks comfortable enough, so I sit down on it, hoping she starts the conversation. I seemed to put my foot in it every time I said something at our last meeting. I don't want a repeat of that.
"I want you to be a part of the baby's life."
"I was out of line the other day, Kimber."
"I might let you take over in bed, but this life inside of me is more important than anything else in my life right now."
"I don't just want to be a part of the baby's life, Kimber. I want to be a part of your life too. If you'll let me."
"I haven't even thought about that. I do want your name to be on the birth certificate as the father."
She's still standing, watching me, in a position of power if you want to liken it to a business discussion. This is more than that. My future depends on what happens here, tonight. I need to be on my best behavior.
"Can we start over? Will you go on a date with me?"
"You want to date a pregnant woman?"
"You look more beautiful than I've ever seen you, Kimber. You are glowing and soft and just perfect."
"There's the charmer I met back at the resort."
"To be honest, I panicked when you came into my office. I couldn't bear the possibility of not ever seeing you or the baby again. You got the ruthless businessman in that moment, and I'm sorry you ever had to meet him."
"I thought my blood pressure would go through the roof. I've been having trouble with that."
I get up immediately and go to her. I take her hands in mine and lift them to my lips to kiss them. I place one kiss on each hand and lower them back again without letting go.
"I promise I'll never cause you another worry in your entire life."
"That's a big promise there, mister big shot billionaire."
"Not all the money in the world could help you if something happened to you or the baby. You are priceless to me, and I mean to prove it to you."
"Oh, oh. Do I want to hear what you want to say?"
"I just want to offer you anything and everything you need. If you don't feel like working right now, I can cover your bills. If you don't want to work ever, you and the baby will lack for nothing. Don't hurry to refuse. I see it in your eyes. Think of me as the genie in the lamp with unlimited wishes."
"I didn't sleep with you because of your money, and I don't need your money right now. I will, however, accept things for the baby. Do you want to see the nursery?"
"That's a yes, please."
She pulls me by the hand into a bedroom that's been painted colorfully to delight the baby's eyes and evoke a comfortable place for my baby to grow up in. Everything has been set up with love and care and I find myself thanking God and the Universe for putting Kimber in my path.
"It's perfect, Kimber. He'll have fun growing up here."
"What? No fancy penthouse for us on the most expensive skyscraper in New York?"
