Hotshot (The Bennett Brothers 1)

I sit still, drumming my fingers on my knee and avoiding eye contact. Thankfully, Caldwell speaks up.

“Miss Crane, we all know why we’re here. I’ve advised my client to remain civil and not to speak unless absolutely necessary. I’m asking the same of you.”

Her lawyer whispers something in her ear, and she glares between Caldwell and me.

It’s uncomfortably silent as the lawyers review the legal paperwork and chain of custody the nurse presents to them. Both seem satisfied and give us the go ahead to sign.

The nurse must feel the tension because she fumbles through her explanation of the method and gives me an apologetic glance. Sasha lets out a loud irritated sigh.

I go first, giving three swabs. She goes through a process, showing everyone their authenticity before packaging them and handing each lawyer a sample and placing one in an overnight envelope. She does the same with Sasha, drawing three blood samples.

When it’s done and we all sign off on the releases, she packs up quickly and practically runs from the room.

“Now that we’ve taken care of that nonsense, it’s time we get down to business.” Sasha withdraws a folder and slides it across the table at me.

I stare at it, uninterested, and motion with my eyes to Caldwell. He glances through it and nods professionally, adding it to his stack of folders.

“We can address these issues at a later date. Mr. Bennett has requested and paid for expedited results, but it will still be up to fourteen days. Per our agreement, we will all receive the news at the same time and can move forward at that time.”

“That’s it? Aren’t you even going to look at my schedule of appointments? What about how we need to tell our families and friends? I’m not interested in doing this alone. I told you, Ren. Don’t mess with me.”

I bite my tongue not to lash out. We’ve been waiting for her to threaten me with an audience, and Caldwell is ready.

“Miss Crane, please tell me what you mean by that statement?”

“Are you mute?? What the hell is wrong with you?” She ignores him and spews her angry words at me.

“I’ve advised him to remain quiet unless I felt there was a need to discuss anything pertaining to the paternity.”

“Classic, arrogant lawyer move. We have the opportunity to discuss our child and you treat it like it’s unsubstantial.”

At her words ‘our child’, I break my silence. “What is it you’d like to discuss exactly? It seems premature to talk about anything until I have the results in my hand. It has nothing to do with being a lawyer, but everything to do with being intelligent.”

Her demeanor changes and pupils flare. This time when she speaks, it’s softer, more controlled. “Is it so damn hard to believe I’m telling the truth? This baby is yours, and I deserve more respect as its mother. What I hoped to discuss, since you won’t speak to me without representation, is how we will handle this. You’re not getting rid of me. We’re going to be linked forever through this child, so you better get used to it.”

She gets up and goes to the door, leaving her lawyer at the table. Then she turns and pins me with her glare. “I have an appointment in an hour. The details are in the folder you carelessly tossed aside. I’ll leave your name with the receptionist in case you have a change of heart and want to see our child.”

I stare at the door as it closes and feel the weight on my chest. My denial seeps away and realization hits hard. Her eyes said it all. Sasha Crane is carrying my baby.

I don’t go back to the office, nor do I meet Sasha at her appointment. Instead, I ride around for a while before heading home, needing some time to wrap my mind around the events of the day. Caldwell saw what I saw and explained to Sasha’s lawyer I had no intentions of shying away from my obligations. If the test is positive, I’d be financially responsible for the child. I’d also be asking for custodial rights upon birth and expect to have rights in all decisions regarding his or her life. They went through the motions while I sat there quietly.

As I let myself into my condo, my knees almost buckle at the sight of B

izzy in the kitchen. She turns and lets out a yelp of surprise, then her face splits into a wide smile.

“You’re home early!” She comes over and throws her arms around my neck, leaning up for a kiss.

My arms link around her waist and hold tight, kissing her gently. She breaks away and moves her hand to my head, looking confused.

“You’re burning up!”

“Yeah, I have a killer headache. Thought I’d come home and rest for a while. The chaos of the office was making me useless.” I summon up strength, forcing my voice to hold steady and convincing.

“Sweetie, you should have called. I’ll cancel dinner.” She leads me to the sofa.

“Dinner?”

“Remember? Your brothers and Claire are coming over tonight. We were going to celebrate my moving in.”