Page 7 of Verdict

I didn’t have his number, and seeing as there was no way in hell I was asking Walker for it, I sent him a DM on social media.

How romantic.

He was set to arrive any minute, and I couldn’t think of another time when I’d needed a drink more. I sighed, resting my hand on my stomach as I looked at myself in the mirror.

I studied my reflection for a long moment.

Same dark hair. Same blue eyes. Same woman who’d walked into Cohen Jordan’s penthouse over a month ago, convinced she knew exactly what she was doing.

Except that woman hadn’t been carrying his child.

What if he doesn't want this? What if he opts out—chooses not to be a part of it? Chooses to leave.

I didn't need him, but the thought of doing this alone was… terrifying.

My stomach flipped again.

I’d never needed anyone. So why did it suddenly feel like I did?

I’d replayed that night in my head more times than I cared to admit. The tequila. The music. The way he looked at me, like I was the only person at that bar. The way I hadn’t stopped him… the way I hadn’t wanted to.

I pressed my lips together, pushing the memory away. Regret wouldn’t fix anything now. The only thing that mattered was what happened next. Cohen deserved to know. Even if the idea of telling him made my pulse race like I was about to take the bar exam again.

I exhaled slowly and squared my shoulders.

You can do hard things, Ava.

I’d graduated at the top of my class in law school. I was a lawyer at one of the top firms in the city—granted, it was corporate law, and I mostly handled contracts—but still. Surely I could survive one conversation with a professional baseball player.

Even if that baseball player happened to be the father of my baby.

“I know you’ll be worth it,” I muttered softly.

A knock at the door sent my pulse into dangerous territory, a pit forming deep in my stomach. On shaky legs, I crossed the apartment. One final breath, and I pulled the door open.

Cohen stood on the other side, dark brown hair perfectly tousled, scruff coating his jaw. His hazel eyes locked on mine, a slow smile tugging at his lips.

“Well, well, well,” he said. “This was unexpected, Trouble.” He winked as he stepped inside.

That nickname seems especially fitting now.

His gaze swept the apartment before settling back on me. “Nice place.” He paused. “Thought a big bad lawyer like you would have something bigger, though.”

I crossed my arms. “I’m a corporate lawyer, and this place is plenty big enough. It’s just me. I don’t need a space to match my ego, unlike some people.”

He scoffed. “I’m a big guy. I need space.” He stepped closer, brushing a strand of hair from my face.

Without thinking, I leaned into his touch. Suddenly remembering where I was—as if shocked back into reality— I cleared my throat and stepped back. “Uh… sorry. I didn’t invite you over to hook up.” My eyes dropped to the floor.

“So what did you invite me over for then?” He sat down on my couch. One arm draped over the back, legs spread wide.

Smart move. You’ll want to be sitting for this, buddy.

I took a deep, steadying breath and sat beside him. I decided to cut right to the chase.

“I’m pregnant.”

Silence.