The sound of the shower running just a few feet away was a sweet torture that did absolutely nothing to calm the rage that burned in my veins.
I sat on the bed of the guest room, phone in hand, staring at Jack’s name lighting up my screen for the fifth time in ten minutes. My thumb hovered over the decline button before I finally just silenced the damn thing.
Like hell I was talking to that bastard tonight.
Lily made a soft, cooing sound from where I had propped her carrier in the middle of the bed. I turned my attention to her instead. She was awake now, her big eyes watching me with that intense baby focus that suggested she was judging my every move.
“Your dad’s a complete waste of space,” I said, moving closer to unbuckle her from the carrier. “Just so you know. Complete and total idiot. But you, kid… you’re perfect.”
She kicked her little legs in response, and I couldn’t help but smile as I lifted her. She was heavier than I expected, solid and warm in my arms, and when she immediately grabbed a fistful of my shirt, my chest tightened. It was a strange, fierce instinct that this tiny person was mine to protect.
I had loved Paige since we were kids. Ever since she punched Tommy in the face for making fun of my stutter. I got hopelessly attached to the fierce little blonde who defended me without a second thought.
Then Jack happened. Smooth-talking, charming Jack swept in during high school and made Paige laugh in a way that made my heart hurt. I had watched her fall in love with him, watched her marry him, watched her slowly dim over the years as he took and took and took without giving anything back.
And now this. Cheating on her, in their bed while their daughter slept down the hall.
My phone buzzed again. A text this time.
Jack: I know she’s with you. Tell her to call me.
I didn’t reply. Lily was trying to gnaw on my knuckles, drool pooling on my hand, but I shifted her to my hip and started making calls.
First, my interior designer. I didn’t care that it was late. Monica owed me a favor after I had gotten her out of a contract dispute last year, and she picked up on the second ring.
“Derek? It’s late. What’s wrong?”
“I need you to convert my second guest room into a nursery,” I said, bouncing Lily gently when she fussed. “Full setup. Crib, changing table, everything a one-year-old would need. And I need it done by tomorrow afternoon.”
“Tomorrow?” There was a pause. “Derek, that’s impossible?—”
“Monica. Please. I’ll pay whatever it costs.”
Another pause, and then she sighed. “Did you get someone pregnant? Found out about a surprise baby?”
“No… but it’s for someone special.”
“Fine. Send me the address and give me access to the apartment. I’ll try to make it happen.”
The next call was to Miranda, one of the best divorce attorneys in the city and a friend. She answered after the second ring.
“Derek Peterson calling me on a Friday night?” She said, her voice amused. “This should be good.”
“I need your help with a case. Top priority. I’m sending you the details tonight.”
“What kind of case?”
I glanced toward the bathroom door, making sure the shower was still running. “Divorce. Infidelity. There’s a child involved, and I need it handled fast and clean. The woman deserves better than what she’s been dealing with.”
“Send me everything you have.” Miranda’s tone shifted, turning professional. “I’ll review it over the weekend.”
“Thank you, Miranda.”
“Derek? This woman... she must be pretty important.”
I looked down at Lily, who had given up on my hand and was now trying to grab my nose. “She is. Very. She just doesn’t know it yet.”
After hanging up, I looked up a few clothing websites on my phone, which was significantly harder with a baby attached to me, and started scrolling through them. Comfortable pajamas in satin or silk and cute underwear. Things I could picture myself peeling off her.
