I can’t keep my eyes off April. She’s beautiful. Maybe it’s the fact that she might be carrying my kid, but she has this light about her. She fucking glows. I’m not the only one who sees how gorgeous she is. All the men, and some women, in the restaurant stare at her, envious. They think we’re a couple, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. We’re two strangers who fucked. For now.

There’s more to the deal I’m writing up for her, but the terms aren’t Rod’s. They’re mine. If she’s having my baby we have a lot to discuss and work out. This is a delicate situation. I hope the arrangement I seek will be agreeable for her.

The black pants she’s got on are hugging her ass and it has my mind straight in the gutter imagining being behind her. An image of the party flashes through my mind. My fist in her hair. My mouth on hers as I took her from behind. Fuck, she is the one.

Our table is in a more secluded corner in the back. I wanted privacy but also wanted her to feel at ease by being out in public with me in case she’s nervous.

Why hasn’t she sought me out about the baby?

I don’t know anything about her but that’s the point of this dinner. I asked her here tonight to get to know her on a more personal level.

My head is ten kinds of fucked up right now.

Once we’re seated and have placed our orders, silence stretches between us. Neither of us seems to know where to start.

“Do you know the sex of the baby yet?”

“No, but soon. I think I’m having a boy. The doctor hasn’t confirmed it. It’s just a hunch.”

A few months ago, the thought of a son would have scared me shitless, but right now, looking at this woman before me, the idea is strangely exciting.

I’m still nervous about the idea of being responsible for another person. Fuck, I have a lot of freedom right now, only worrying about myself. But then, Weston settled down and got married. He’ll be having children soon, and I want our kids to grow up together and be close in age.

The timing may not be perfect, but I feel like maybe it’s happening for a reason. I don’t know what that reason is yet, but I’m going to enjoy getting to know April whether she wants me in the picture or not.

She needs me even if she’s too proud to admit it. I’ve spent the past few days poring over it all, trying to remember that night. The only thing clear to me is that I blew inside of her without a condom. I’ve done dumber things, but not many.

The waiter comes out with the first course, and we eat in a comfortable silence until she asks how I know Rod. I explain that we went to college together and she laughs when I tell her I think he’s a dick.

Fashion and jewelry design are her passion. The bracelet on her left arm is one of her creations.

“Seem to have quite a talent. I don’t know shit about jewelry, but it looks nice.”

“That’s what I was saving for. I wanted to open my own boutique, but life happened, and I needed money to cover my medical bills.”

Guilt pangs in my chest that she’s been doing this alone.

Our meal ends, and we still haven’t tackled the elephant in the room.

“Are you ready to get out of here? I can drive us to my office and bring you back to your car after. We can discuss the details there, so you can see it all in fine print.”

“You don’t have to go to so much trouble. I can meet you there.”

“Whatever you’re comfortable with.”

I pay the bill and escort her to her car, trying to resist the urge to kiss her. It seems crazy and wild but she’s the sexiest pregnant woman I’ve ever seen. Something keeps pulling me to her. I’m definitely attracted to her the same way I was that night. I want to know all there is to know about her. Where’s she from? Does she have siblings? Is she single?

“See you in a few. Drive safe.”

A quick wave of her hand and she starts her car up as I close the door for her. I watch her pull out then get into my own ride and head back to the office.

It’s after hours and the place is empty, just as I’d hoped. I’m sure what I’m about to propose may very well piss her off.

The idea I have is a crazy one, but I’ve thought on it, and it’s what I want.

I unlock the door and quickly reset the security system once April walks in.

Neither of us say anything as we ride in the elevator to my office but the tension between us could be cut with a knife and our eyes lock briefly. My lips curve into a smirk knowing I have an effect on her.