His Best Man's Baby Read online

  He seemed disappointed. “Sure.”

  Tae rode in silence as Daniel drove her back to the apartment. When they arrived, the apartment lay empty, and she found a note Jax left. She skimmed it.

  “Okay?” Daniel asked.

  She nodded. “Yes, I’m okay. I’m just going to bed.”

  He hesitated. “Since he’s not here…”

  “I’m grown, Daniel. I can stay home by myself.”

  “Call me if you need me.”

  She thought she heard an emphasis on the word me, but let it go. “All right.”

  Before she could deny him, he dropped a kiss on her lips and walked out the door. She made sure the door was locked and then returned to Jax’s note. He sometimes took investigation assignments late at night because that’s when most people were off work and Jax could catch them at home. He knew she had a doctor’s appointment the next day and promised to be home to take her and pick her up.

  “Home, huh?” she muttered. Well it was a good thing he’d gone. She could rest and think about what to do. A buzz from her phone caught her attention, and she checked it. The text came from her sister Sasha.

  “Ma is a mess, crying like you killed somebody. Congratulations on the baby. I’m sad you didn’t tell me, but I know you. Call your mother before she drives me crazy. I beg you.”

  A pulse pounded in Tae’s head, but she sat down on the couch rather than heed the call of her bed. Now she knew Daniel had been talking to her mother about getting back together with her. The knowledge pissed her off. He didn’t need to bring her family into things, but at least he hadn’t been the one to tell her mother about the baby. No, the catty Janita had done that.

  Her mother had the nerve to wait three rings before she answered the phone. “Hi, Ma, how’s it going? I have news for you, even though I’m sure you already know…”

  * * * *

  “How did she take it?” Jax asked Tae the next day on the way to the doctor’s office.

  “Like my mother takes everything—as if I got pregnant to spite her. She feels we should wait to have sex until we’re married. My sisters and I, I mean. None of us did, but at least Sasha and Janita waited until they were married before they had kids. So I’m the black sheep. She says I broke her heart.”

  Jax studied her face in between focusing on the road. “I don’t know your mother at all, but I don’t want her to upset you. I can talk to her if you need me to.”

  “No way, Jax. You’d make it worse. I can hear you now telling her if she is going to upset me, she’ll have to wait until after the baby is born to talk to me again.”

  He frowned, and his grip on the steering wheel tightened. “That’s what you think of me? That I only care about our son, and your mom can verbally abuse you all she wants after he’s born? I suppose you think Daniel would charm her.”

  She groaned. “Don’t start.”

  “What did the two of you talk about last night?”

  “Are you going to tell me about the job you took?” She wondered if he’d rushed out to take one after seeing how Daniel had settled the craziness with Janita and Terrence by giving them money. Janita had texted her later that Daniel had given them enough for gas back home. She’d even gone so far as to insist if Tae had to marry a white man it should be Daniel. Tae had no trouble seeing a future of Janita constantly trying to dig into Daniel’s pocket with that scenario. Of course she would put a stop to it. What am I thinking? Like I’m going to accept his proposal.

  “Tae.”

  She snapped out of her reverie. “What? I didn’t hear you.”

  Jax eyed her. “You wanted to know about the case I took, but you’re not listening.”

  “I’m sorry.” She laid a hand on his arm and slid fingers down to his hand. Today, Jax wore his usual when he intended to work, a dress shirt and dark slacks. The burgundy-and-white pinstripe looked good on him, and she planned to get him a few more from Brooks Brothers since his birthday was in a few weeks. He would turn thirty-five.

  “Tae, you’re still not listening.”

  “Sorry!” She squeaked in alarm. “I was thinking about your birthday and what we’ll do.”

  He smiled. “We don’t have to do anything.”

  “We can afford something, Jax. All our money is going to bills and savings, but you’ve been good to me. I want to do something special.”

  Tension around his mouth worried her, but he turned his hand face up to link with hers. Then he drew hers to his mouth to kiss. “We’ll talk about it later. I have to check out a few things while you’re at the doc, so this time I’m not staying, but I’ll be back to pick you up, okay?”

  She sighed. “Okay.”

  “Tae?”

  “What?”

  “You’re really fine with it?”

  “I know you have to work, Jax. You’ve spent too much time at my side and neglected work.”

  “With you is where I belong. In fact, I was doing some thinking.”

  Her stomach fluttered, and she suspected it had more to do with nerves rather than the baby kicking.

  “What would you say about us combining households? Your apartment is good, but you know I have my house. It’s small but big enough for the three of us.”

  She faced the street ahead of them. “The commute—”

  “Is only an extra ten miles, not that big a deal.”

  “I know.”

  The fact was he didn’t tell her he loved her. She wasn’t sure if Jax saying it would make everything perfect. Letting go of Daniel didn’t feel possible yet.

  “Can I think about it?”

  He sighed. “Okay, but don’t take too long.”

  “Or what?”

  He smirked. “Nothing. Just don’t.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Yes, Mr. Hart.”

  A few minutes later, Jax dropped her off. Tae moved to get out of the car, but he grabbed her hand. “Hey, where are you going?”

  She paused. “What do you mean?”

  He pointed to his lips. The lower, full one particularly called to her. “Right here, beautiful.”

  She couldn’t help the grin. Jax, the fun guy, was still in there. “I can’t reach,” she teased. “The armrest and my belly…”

  Jax was out of the car within seconds and jogged around the back until he reached her door. He opened it wide and leaned in. Tae got a whiff of his aftershave, and it made her mouth water. She took in the glimpse of his smooth chest through the opening of his shirt’s top button. He’d lain his tie on the back seat, and she knew he’d slip it on at the last minute.

  “And what is your excuse now?”

  She lowered her lashes. “None.”

  Jax captured her chin and raised it before slanting his mouth over hers. He parted her lips and slipped his tongue between them. A moan crept up her throat, and she didn’t hold it back. Jax kissed her deeply, drew back just enough to break the connection but not the warmth of his nearness, and then devoured her mouth again. Her nipples ached to feel his touch, and her pussy grew moist. She squirmed in her seat, needing him, until he deemed her good and conquered. Then he straightened.

  “Now you can go inside.” He held out his hand, and she took it to rise. “Okay?” he asked softly. “I can see you inside.”

  “I can get there. Thanks.”

  She managed to walk with some semblance of control to the clinic door and hurried inside. When she looked back through the window, Jax waved, then gunned the engine as he tore out of the parking lot.

  Tae moved through the appointment with her thoughts full of both Jax and Daniel. What would she do? What did she want to do? Daniel asked her to marry him, and Jax wanted her to move in with him. The decision should be simple, but she loved them both. Each man had positives and negatives about him. Jax was a lot of fun, and sex with him blew her mind to pieces. His rough touch although without sophistication gave her life sometimes. Then there was the fact that his job was dangerous, and if he pulled back from it even a little, he didn’t
make enough money. Just asking him to ease up in the first place made her feel guilty. She loved her career just as much as he loved his.

  Daniel had money. That was not an issue with him. He’d paid his dues and moved up the corporate ladder. He took life a lot more seriously than Jax did, but that didn’t mean she didn’t enjoy being with him. She did. His gentle touch pleasured her and made her feel cherished. She had no doubt she would always come first in his life, and he had already proven he loved her. The man had married a woman who looked like her for goodness sake, but he loved her so much he couldn’t let go and make his marriage work. Guilt rode her because of it even while his actions solidified his feelings. The problem with Daniel was he wanted her at home with his little one. He might claim he would be flexible, but would he? Daniel desired that old-fashioned family dream with white picket fence and a wife who baked cookies and joined the PTA. He might be willing to put that dream aside, but would it make him happy in the long run? Could they overcome their different views of what they wanted in life?

  “Ms. Croft, we’re all done. You can get dressed now.”

  Tae blinked and glanced down at her belly. The technician hadn’t completely wiped away the gel she used when administering the sonogram. Tae took the offered tissue and cleaned up herself then worked her way off the table. “Can I go to the bathroom before that? I’m about to burst.”

  The woman smiled. “Of course. We’ve all been there. Across the hall, second door.”

  Tae had been to the clinic a million times. She knew where the bathroom was but made no comment as she dashed as fast her as swollen ankles and rounded belly would allow. Once she handled her business and had washed her hands, she returned to the room but paused long enough to call Jax before she got dressed. After four rings, the phone went to voice mail. She frowned and typed a text message.

  “I’m ready. Please come now. I’m starving.”

  She dressed and went through the mundane procedure of checking out. Jax still hadn’t called or texted. When she stepped out of the clinic, she searched the parking lot for him, but saw no sign of his car. “Damn it. I could have driven myself, but he insisted. So over this.”

  At least she didn’t have to go into to the office. Incredible favor allowed her to work part time in the office and part time at home. Tae considered it a miracle. She might not be on bed rest, but the doctor insisted on little stress. That was the only reason she’d gotten the special treatment, another reason she loved her job.

  She checked her purse. No cash. Across the street was a Harris Teeter and a couple restaurants. She could grab something to eat and get some money for the bus. Frowning, she wondered if the CATS bus schedule might be easily accessible on her cell phone. Stupid Jax.

  Then she remembered that Jax never forgot her or missed her appointments. She recalled what happened the last time he stood her up, and all thought of eating disappeared. He might be somewhere hurt and unable to call. What if it was worse this time? What if he was dead?

  She cried out, and clutched her stomach, tears spilling down her cheeks. A man who had been strolling to his car turned around, saw her, and rushed over. “Are you having the baby? What do we do? Call the police? Somebody help!”

  Tae fought to get control. She willed her breathing to slow so she didn’t hyperventilate, but the pain of Jax being hurt bore heavy on her emotions. “No, please,” she panted. “Don’t. I’m fine. I just need to sit down.”

  She wound up back in the doctor’s office, a cup of water in her hand, and a nurse taking her vitals.

  “Really, I’m okay,” she insisted.

  “Can’t be too careful, Ms. Croft. You’re only seven months. Did something happen after you left?”

  She refused to admit her fears. “No.”

  “Well, Dr. Chen doesn’t want you leaving on your own. Is Mr. Hart picking you up?”

  She almost burst out crying at the mention of his name and the fact that they knew him well enough to know he was always with her. “I’m going to call my…other friend. He’ll be here soon.”

  “Okay.” The nurse rubbed her back and straightened. “I’ll be back in a few minutes. Dr. Chen will want to talk to you again. You stay right there, and when your friend gets here, he’ll need to come inside to get you.”

  Tae stared down at her phone with the favorites on screen. She hesitated over Daniel’s shortcut, remembering him asking her to call him if she needed him. Then she moved on to Zerita’s number and pressed that. The phone rang several times and went to voice mail. She hung up and called Zerita’s office line. Her friend’s assistant picked up.

  “Zerita Fox’s desk. This is Pamela. May I help you?”

  “Hey, Pam. Is Zerita around?”

  “Hi, Mommy. How’s it going?”

  Tae gritted her teeth. Pam’s teasing was the last thing she felt like dealing with at this time. “Fine. Is she there? It’s kind of important.”

  “Nope, sorry. She’s in another endless meeting. I don’t know how she gets writing done, but don’t tell them I said so.”

  “I won’t.” Tae ended the call with a few assurances that she would keep everyone updated on herself and the baby. She dialed Daniel. Jax is fine. Jax is fine.

  “Baby?” Daniel breathed into the phone. His gentle tone unleashed the floodgates. She cried like a fool, blubbering incomprehensible words. Even as she noted the sympathetic glances from the nurses and confused annoyance from a few patients passing by, she couldn’t quite pull herself together.

  “Where are you?” Daniel managed to break through the onslaught.

  “At the clinic.”

  “I’m on my way.”

  He disconnected the line without another word. All she could do was sit there and wait, holding on to the hope that her baby’s daddy was fine. Twenty minutes later, she’d already spoken with the doctor again, and Daniel walked through the door where Tae waited. He paused just inside the entrance, and she would have signaled to him, but stupid emotions overcame her. He scanned the area, spotted her, and then headed over. When he stooped to touch her cheek, she cried some more like an idiot. Daniel drew her into his arms and rubbed her back. He asked nothing while she sobbed it out.

  “Oh good, your friend is here,” the chipper nurse said. “Mr…?”

  Daniel stood up and drew her to her feet to tuck her close to his side. “Daniel Elliott. Is it okay to take her home?”

  “Yes, definitely. Dr. Chen spoke with her. Looks like it’s just emotional. Pregnant women get that way sometimes. Everything seems to overwhelm us, especially in the last trimester. Please, be kind to her and let her deal with it her own way. Call us if you need anything, Ms. Croft.”

  Tae ducked her head. Embarrassment kept her mute. Daniel led her to the front of the clinic and out to where he’d parked. She pretended to fall asleep while they rode back to her apartment, but when he saw her inside, he confronted her.

  “What’s gong on, Octavia?”

  “Don’t talk like that,” she snapped.

  He drew her to the couch and placed pressure on her shoulders until she gave in and sat down. She tried to draw away when he took her hands, but he held on. “Talk to me, baby.”

  “Please, Daniel.”

  “I can’t help if you don’t talk to me.”

  She sniffed and looked at him. “Why didn’t Jax pick me up? Is he hurt? You can tell me the truth.”

  Daniel looked away from her and then hesitated. “He’s not hurt. He and I were talking. He didn’t want me to tell you but…”

  Her heart constricted.

  “He can’t look after you the way you need. He intended to talk to you tonight—”

  “What do you mean he can’t look after me? I’m not a fucking child!”

  “Tae.”

  She jerked her hands out of his. “Get out. I’m going to rest. You did your good deed. Now you can go. I’ve been letting you two act like nursemaids, vying for my attention all these months. Well that ends today. Jax should have ma
nned up and told me this was all too much and he was pulling out.” Her voice wobbled, but she cleared her throat. “He just asked… Never mind. I want you to go, Daniel.”

  He stood up as well. “I can stay.”

  “No, I’m working from home today, so after my nap I’m going to be editing.”

  “Have you thought about my proposal?”

  She clenched her hands at her sides and spun away from him Putting off telling him about her decision was the last thing she wanted to do, having learned her lesson with Jax. “I’m sorry. I can’t marry you.”

  “You can’t, or you won’t?” He walked up behind her and turned her around to face him. For the first time, she felt Daniel’s strength and saw real anger in his face, directed at her. “Is it because of him? Because it’s obvious he doesn’t give a damn about you, Tae. He left you stranded at the hospital.”

  “This has nothing to do with Jax.”

  “How can I believe that? You fucked him when my back was turned.”

  She glared at him and wrenched free of his touch. “Excuse me? When your back was turned? I believe you were marrying another woman, and I was not in a relationship with you. Further more, I’m still not. So you can get down off your high horse.”

  “I already told you, Tae.”

  She tossed her purse on the couch and then removed her sweater. “Already told me what?”

  A finger beneath her chin made her duck away, but Daniel wouldn’t be put off. He grabbed her by both arms and drew her closer. For an instant it seemed like he didn’t even care that he pressed too hard on her belly. She opened her mouth to tell him where to go, but he covered her mouth with his. Tae punched at his chest, but he caught her hands and pinned them between them. She couldn’t get away. Her grunts of protest and squirming in his hold went unheeded, and a slice of fear stole her breath. He released her mouth and rained kisses across her cheek and down her neck.

  “I’m not letting you leave me,” he whispered in her ear, and a tremor raced down her back. “You love me, and I love you. That should be enough. No, that will be enough.”