Falling for You: A Forbidden Office Romance (Annapolis Harbor Book 5)

by Lea Coll

  My hands settled on her hips. “I know.”

  Pride filled my chest that she was here for me.

  Reid stopped in front of us, arching a brow at me. “Don’t you have work to do?”

  “I’m done with PT. Thought I’d see how you guys are holding up.”

  He wiped his face with a towel. “It’s fucking hot out.” Then to Callie, he said, “Sorry.”

  She smiled. “I can handle a little swearing.”

  “So, you two are official?” He nodded at my number stretched across her chest.

  I pulled her tighter against me. “Yes.”

  She tipped her head back, smiling up at me.

  I leaned down to kiss her. I felt light, as if nothing could get to me. When I pulled back, Reid’s expression was concerned, his gaze on the guys on the field.

  “The reporters are going to say you’re not focused.”

  I lowered my voice. “Fuck them. I’m a little sick of this game they’re playing.”

  Reid drank from his water bottle.

  “Besides, I met with the team doctor this morning. They’re looking to clear me at the end of preseason.”

  “Seriously?” Reid pushed off the fence to face me.

  I nodded.

  “That’s great, man. Can’t wait to have you back out there.” Then he lowered his voice. “There’s something about having the tried and true on the field with us.”

  “I know exactly what you mean.” I was young. I had a few good years left in me. It was too soon for me to make my exit.

  Callie looked at me quietly, not saying anything.

  I wondered what was going through her head. Was she happy for me?

  Coach called Reid over to the field. Reid slapped the fence with this hand. “See you two later.”

  “Are you really being cleared?” she turned in my arms so her back was against the fence.

  “Yeah. I have a twinge of pain here and there, but otherwise, I feel great.”

  “Being out on the field is different.” She looked worried.

  It meant being vulnerable to tackles. I was more likely to be injured. I loved that she was worried for me. “I’ll be ready.”

  She laid a hand on my chest. “Then I’m happy for you.”

  I kissed her because I wanted to, because she was mine, even if it was just for a few more weeks.

  When I pulled back, she turned in my arms so she leaned against me. We watched in silence for a while, the sounds of the coaches calling out plays, and the thuds of bodies striking each other filling the air. The satisfying smack of the ball when a receiver caught it made me want to be out there with them. For a distraction, I asked, “Did the reporters say anything to you?”

  She sucked in a breath. “I think the jersey caught their attention.”

  “What did they say?” My words were clipped.

  She winced. “One asked if I’d moved on from Reid to you.”

  “You were never dating Reid.” I hadn’t expected that.

  “You know they say things to get a rise out of you. I didn’t say anything.”

  Every muscle in my body pulled taut. “If they say something to me, I might.”

  “No. It’s not worth it. You have your job to worry about. You shouldn’t be getting into fights with reporters right now.”

  “If they’re coming after you, I won’t ignore it.” My tone brooked no argument.

  She turned, looking up at me, her eyes pleading. “I’m asking you to. Please.”

  “I don’t like it.” My jaw was tight, my teeth clenched.

  “I know, and it’s sweet you care, but you forget I’m used to this stuff.”

  That didn’t mean I couldn’t protect her. “You’re not used to being the one questioned.”

  “True.” Her lips drew into a line.

  Maybe it was a bad idea to have her wear my jersey. I hadn’t thought much about the repercussions beyond claiming her as mine.

  They were accusing her of player hopping. No woman wanted to be accused of being passed around from player to player. “If it comes up in a press conference, I will address it. I’ll say you’re my girlfriend. You worked for Reid.”

  I wrapped an arm around her, wanting to protect her from anyone who wanted to hurt her.

  “That’s reasonable. Just keep a level head.” Her tone was chiding.

  That, I couldn’t promise. If one of them accused her of sleeping around, I might see red.

  She left an hour later to get to work.

  Her being present didn’t distract me. If anything, she motivated me to work harder. Seeing her and talking to her throughout the week settled me. It made me think we could handle being apart during the season. We could survive anything, even reporters who wanted to tear us down for entertainment.

  Over the next few weeks, my knee felt even better. I felt stronger. The doctor and trainers were optimistic I’d be cleared in time for the first regular-season game, if not a preseason game. Callie visited me one or two mornings a week; I texted her throughout the day and called her at night. I had flowers and something else delivered to her, like pastries or cupcakes, each week. I also arranged for Dylan to take her to the spa one Saturday for a massage.

  I wanted to take care of her. I wanted her to know she was my girl, and nothing would come between us. We were stronger than this small separation. We spent most weekends together at my house. We went boating, enjoying each other’s company.

  I couldn’t help out much with the mentor program until the post-season, but I called that kid’s grandmother, talking to her about the benefits of sports. How it kept me out of trouble. She made me promise to keep an eye on him. It felt good to be a positive influence in someone’s life. It made me hope for more than just the summer with Callie.

  I wasn’t able to help much with Frank’s move to the new home, which was closer to Rebel Sports, but I knew Callie felt better having him nearby. The only thing still bothering me was Callie living in the city. There was no need for her to commute with Frank being near her work. I wanted her close during the season. Anytime I brought up the idea of her moving, she made an excuse. She hadn’t found a nice place yet, or she wanted to focus on work.

  Those were all good reasons, but I felt like there was something I was missing. At the end of training camp, Reid hosted the team at his house.

  Pulling up to his house, I said, “Before Dylan, he never would have hosted something like this.”

  “No. He’s changed for sure.”

  I looked over at Callie. Had she changed me too? Or had I always been this guy waiting for the right girl to show up? “Ready to go in?”

  At her nod, I walked around the SUV, taking the tray of brownies from her lap. She stood, smoothing out the wrinkles in the skirt of her sundress.

  “Are you nervous?”

  She licked her lips. “A little. I’m not attending as anyone’s employee. It’s different.”

  I pulled her into my side, kissing her head. “Everyone’s accepted that we’re dating.”

  Walking in, Dylan immediately greeted her, pulling her over to her friends, Avery and Hadley. They weren’t dating players, but they were usually around when Dylan hosted.

  I headed out to the deck. There was a spread of crab, corn on the cob, hushpuppies, and cold salads. The picnic tables were covered with blue and white checked table cloths in the backyard overlooking the water.

  Reid came over, handing me a beer. “Things with you and Callie are serious?”

  “Yeah.” Last time, he’d asked me that question with Callie standing next to me. He wanted my unfiltered response, but it wouldn’t change no matter who I was standing next to. The only thing was I couldn’t tell him we’d agreed to just the summer.

  “You ready to be back?”

  “So ready.” Things were looking up. I was getting stronger every day. The twinges of pain were days apart. Hopefully, it would only get better.

  Reid clapped me on the back. “Hope to have you on the field soon.
”

  No one wanted that more than me. We ate at picnic tables on the lawn, drinking, talking, and laughing. I never enjoyed these events before. I tolerated them. With Callie by my side, things were different. I wanted to stay into the evening when the sun set over the water.

  When the pickup game formed, it was girls against guys. The girls’ choice. I liked the idea of being paired against Callie. After a few snaps, Callie looked a little sluggish.

  “Are you okay?”

  She held a hand over her stomach. “Maybe it was something I ate.”

  “Was the crab bad?” I guided her to a chair on the lawn, having her sit.

  I looked around. No one else seems to be sick.

  Her face was pinched and pale.

  Dylan came by with a water bottle. “Are you okay?”

  Callie breathed in and out slowly as if she was trying not to throw up. “I’m just hot.”

  It was warm but not overly hot for August. Sweat beaded her forehead.

  I took the bottle from Dylan, twisting it open, then crouched down next to her. “Here, drink this.”

  Callie smiled at me, but it felt forced. “I’ll be okay.”

  The game resumed, but I stayed on the sidelines with her.

  When her color came back, I relaxed. She probably had too much to eat, then overdid it by running around in the heat.

  She brought out my protective instincts. I wanted to take care of her. It was scary because if I did, I’d feel responsible for her. I wasn’t sure I was ready for that.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  CALLIE

  The last few weeks had been exhausting. I wasn’t sure if it was the problems we’d had at work with the website, the extra hours I was working, or trying to divide my time between work, Grandpa, and Jonah. I didn’t want to stress out Jonah while they were busy with the team, so I kept most of the issues to myself.

  Occasionally, I felt slightly nauseous, like that party at Reid’s house, but I’d brushed it off due to lack of sleep. I used to feel sick when I pulled all-nighters in college.

  Dylan stopped by for lunch on the Friday before the first game of the regular season.

  “Are you nervous to meet Jonah’s family?” she asked when I slid inside her car.

  “No. I’m excited about it.” I was hoping I’d get a glimpse into Jonah.

  “How are things going with Rebel Sports?” she asked, driving toward the downtown area.

  “I think we finally ironed out the issues with the website. People were signing up, but it wasn’t registering them.” My stomach seemed to be in a constant knot, slowly unraveling, then tightening with each new problem.

  “I know Reid’s happy to have you working there.”

  Sighing, I said, “I wish I didn’t have to report problems to him anytime he calls.”

  “He gets it. There are bound to be issues when you’re opening a new business. It’s not your job to build the website.”

  “Just to make sure things run smoothly, which hasn’t happened lately.”

  “Let him know if you need any help. You’ve been too busy to even hang out.”

  “It’s not just work. I’m visiting Grandpa, making sure he’s settled in okay, and then Jonah.” It wasn’t going to get easier because Jonah would be living in the city once the official season started.

  She glanced over at me. “I’m worried about you. You look tired.”

  I was so tired I could easily fall asleep, and I wasn’t one for daytime naps.

  She parked at the city dock parking lot which was packed with lunchtime visitors. “Is something else going on?”

  “No. Why?”

  “You look like you’re not feeling well.”

  “I’m just tired.” Something had been troubling me. The exhaustion and sickness, I could pass off as being too busy to take care of myself, but this week, my breasts were feeling heavier, my nipples painful. I’d blame it on my period, but I usually skipped them by continually taking the active pills and throwing out the inactive.

  “There’s something else.”

  Dylan was a new friend, but ever since her car accident, I felt closer to her. I could trust her. I blew out a breath. “I’m worried I might be pregnant.”

  “Have you taken a pregnancy test?” Her gaze was focused on me.

  “I’m scared.” If I don’t, I can pretend everything’s fine.

  “You might feel better if you knew one way or the other.”

  “Then it’ll be real. I’ll have to tell Jonah.” It was awful timing. He’d been cleared to play in the first regular-season game this weekend, and I wasn’t sure how he’d react. We’d foregone condoms because I was on birth control. Would he blame me?

  I wasn’t in a place to even consider having kids. I couldn’t afford to move into a new apartment, much less find a bigger space to accommodate a baby and everything they need.

  “I’ll go with you. Let’s grab some subs to eat at my place.” I nodded because I was grateful to have someone to go through this with.

  We walked to the pharmacy on Main Street. Dylan took charge, grabbing several different brands before taking me to her house. She’d moved in with Reid but hadn’t rented her old house out yet.

  Taking the boxes into the bathroom, I read the instructions, wondering if I was ready for my life to change. Could I be responsible for another human being? My chest constricted painfully. I’ve never felt so alone. How I wished I had my parents for this. They could’ve been here as a sounding board, a support system.

  I peed on the stick, waiting for the time to be up to check the window. With each passing second, I felt more agitated. How could I raise a baby? I wanted to pay off my student loans, get my MBA, prove myself to Reid. How could I fit a baby in the mix? Would Jonah even want one? Or would I raise a baby alone?

  I couldn’t stop the anxiety.

  I opened my eyes. Lifting the stick with shaking fingers, the window said Pregnant. Trying not to panic any more than I already was, I took two more tests with the same results.

  Dylan knocked softly on the door. “Is everything okay?”

  “I’m not sure.” Would Jonah welcome this baby? Or would he toss me and him or her aside?

  I unlocked the door for Dylan, my eyes filling with tears.

  “You’re pregnant?” she asked as soon as she saw my face.

  I nodded miserably, gesturing at the tests lining the sink. “What am I going to do?”

  I wrapped my arms around my middle.

  She hugged me. “We’ll figure this out.”

  “I have to tell Jonah.” The question was when. He had his parents visiting this weekend for his first game. I didn’t want to be the reason his comeback didn’t go as planned.

  “It will be okay.”

  I was grateful she was here. That I wasn’t alone, but telling Jonah was this crushing weight. I felt like I was going to suffocate.

  “I’m here for you. No matter what happens.”

  Dylan helped me clean up then drove me back to work.

  I tried to be productive, but it was impossible. I searched online for ways to tell your unsuspecting partner you were pregnant. It didn’t help. The negative stories only increased my anxiety.

  This baby would change everything. My relationship with Jonah, maybe even my new friends. I might be alone again raising this baby.

  I wiped away the tears, trying to think about it rationally. I was old enough to care for this baby. I knew Reid would be supportive.

  I laid a hand on my stomach. The baby was a tiny speck at this point, but I wanted to protect him or her. Love washed over me for the life growing inside me. The baby was unexpected, but he or she would be my family. They’d love me unconditionally. The thought of that love would hopefully get me through the next few days. Having someone so helpless rely on me was scary, but I could do it.

  I left work determined to take care of the baby, to keep him or her, no matter how Jonah reacted. I had both the baby and my health to consider now
.

  I fell asleep before Jonah called to say good night. The next morning, I had a text from him saying he was sorry he missed me, and he’d meet me at his condo in the city to meet his parents.

  I couldn’t tell him yet. I couldn’t drop this bomb on him when his parents were visiting. We needed time to talk about it. He needed space to think. I’d have to hold it inside and pretend everything was okay. I hoped I could pull it off.

  I’d never been to his condo, although he lived in the same building as Reid. When I knocked, an older woman with brown hair and Jonah’s eyes opened it.

  “You must be Callie.”

  Stepping inside, I wished I’d been here before. I wouldn’t feel like such an outsider. Holding my hand out to her, I said, “It’s so nice to meet you.”

  “I’m Tasha, Jonah’s mother. My husband, Rick, ran out to grab some coffee. This is my daughter, Elodie.” Her tone was friendly.

  A younger woman came up to us. She was tall with long brown hair and blue eyes. “Nice to meet you. Jonah hasn’t brought a girlfriend home since—”

  Then she glanced at her mother.

  I didn’t miss the tight shake of Tasha’s head. She didn’t want Elodie to bring up this ex. All I could remember was that he’d only had a few relationships, but maybe I’d assumed that. I wish I had more background information on him so I didn’t feel so lost.

  “Where’s Jonah?” I asked, desperate for an ally. So far, Tasha and Elodie were friendly, but I felt unsteady not knowing his history.

  “He’s getting ready. Do you live in the city?” Elodie asked.

  “I have an apartment here. I work at Rebel Sports.” My face heated. I hadn’t thought much about him being my boss in a while. I hoped his parents didn’t think less of me.

  “Is that how you met?” his mother sat on the couch next to Elodie, so I sat across from them.

  “I used to be Reid Everson’s personal assistant, but we hadn’t talked much before. We got to know each other better while working at Rebel.”

  We hadn’t really discussed what to say or not to say.

  Jonah walked in. Grateful, I stood as he crossed the room toward me. “There you are.”