The Office Rival: An Enemies-to-Lovers Romance

He is quick to scowl but follows it with a warm smile. “That’s what she says, but Kate hasn’t experienced Ava during her teething stage.”

“Don’t scare her, Lex,” Kate scolds.

“No, scare me. I’m too naïve, and I want to expect the worse. That way I’m not in for too much of a shock.”

It’s nice to finally chat with another parent because no matter how many textbooks I read, experience can only be told from those who are wise because they’ve gone through it.

Lex enjoys talking about his family, and I enjoy hearing his stories.

“My oldest daughter, Amelia, is the tomboy. She’s always getting into mischief. Almost broken limbs, jumping off things.” He raises a Corona to his lips and takes a long drink before continuing, “Ava is my quiet princess. She’s happy just to sit quietly and observe others. Never causes trouble. Sometimes she’ll just sit in a room, and you’ll have no idea she’s there.”

“I need a baby like that.” I sigh.

Kate finishes his sentence. “Lex and Charlie’s surprise baby.”

“Technically, they were both surprise babies,” he adds.

“I’ve said it once, but I’ll say it again… it’s because you don’t keep your hands off your missus. And the two of you combined are like some baby-making factory.” Kate laughs.

Lex doesn’t appear offended and instead laughs along with Kate as if it’s a longstanding joke between the two of them. They appear to be relaxed in each other’s company. Kate told me about how things used to be different. That Lex was one of those horrible bosses up until he ran into the love of his life. It’s such a romantic story—they were high school-college sweethearts who broke up years ago, then fate stepped in when they coincidentally ran into each other at a restaurant one day. She told me how everything about him changed the moment his love walked backed into his life, but not without drama, of course. Kate now considers them family, and I can see just by sitting here how true that is.

“Two kids feel like a lot. How did your wife cope with being pregnant twice? It’s hard enough this once.”

“She enjoys it, but toward the end, she’s a bit of a hormonal demon,” he adds.

With a mouthful of food, Kate is quick to admonish him. “How dare you say that about my best friend.”

“You were the one who called her that,” Lex points o

ut.

“Oh, right. Yes, I did.”

Hearing these stories brings to the surface my unresolved feelings about my situation. I force myself to be strong, independent, and rely on no one but myself. I am going to be a single mom, whether I like it or not. I will have to raise this child for the rest of my life and make decisions that will either be wrong or right. Haden will eventually start his own family with Eloise, and this child will become less important to him. I will be both the mom and dad when that time comes. I’ll be doing it all alone.

Lost in these thoughts, I blurt out, “I don’t know how I’m going to be a single mom.”

With a sympathetic smile, Kate moves her hand and places it on top of mine.

Lex puts his fork down and clears his throat. “If I’m getting too personal, tell me to back off. The father’s not around?”

“He’s around. It’s just… this was a one-night stand with a work colleague. He’s now engaged. It’s just not your normal relationship,” I admit wholeheartedly.

“I see. Enough said.”

“So anyway, I was telling Lex you work at Lantern Publishing. His brother-in-law…” Lex’s eyes turn to Kate with an evil stare, “… published his manuscripts with the Californian branch.”

“What’s his name?” I ask curiously.

“Julian Baker,” Kate replies.

“What? Are you kidding me? I love his work, not to mention he’s… oh wait, pregnant hormonal lady on the loose. He is gorgeous.” I fan myself with a napkin, a wide smile on my face.

Lex’s eyes narrow, and Kate is quick to jump in. “Sorry, Pres, he’s now married to Lex’s sister.”

I laugh loosely. “I’m always missing the boat. So yes, he has done a great deal for Lantern Publishing and has opened up avenues for other authors. He’s never visited our New York office, but hopefully, he will one day.”

“So, correct me if I’m wrong, Mr. Sadler owns and operates this branch?” Lex questions in a more business-like manner, quick to get off the topic of Julian Baker.