I couldn’t look him in the eye, so I focused on a spot behind him. “You know I hadn’t been feeling well. I just needed some more rest. I’m here today, so all’s good.”
Jeremy sat on the edge of my desk, feigning casualness, but wearing an earnest expression. “I was worried, Marlena. When you didn’t answer my texts or return my calls, I thought something was really wrong.”
So why didn’t you come over? I wanted to ask him.
To be fair, I wouldn’t have answered the door even if he had.
“I went home and slept the day away. Sorry,” I replied dismissively. Every molecule in my body craved him. It was distracting. And annoying. I wanted to touch him. I wanted to feel his skin against mine. I wanted to kiss him until I couldn’t breathe. Pregnancy hormones were no joke. My horniness level had gone to a million.
I clenched my hands into fists, the nails biting into flesh. It kept me focused. “I have a lot of work to do, so…” I drifted off, picking up a pile of papers.
“Okay, I get it. We’re at work. But can I come by later? I missed you.” His words were pitched low and seductive. My insides melted and turned into goo. His hand crept across the desk. His fingers traced lazy circles on the back of my hand. “Come on, you know you miss me too.”
I did. I missed him every time we weren’t together.
But how could I spend time with him and not tell him?
I pulled my hand away and tucked it in my lap. Jeremy’s brow furrowed. “I can’t. I’m still pretty run down. Maybe another time,” I replied vaguely, wanting to cry.
Jeremy leaned towards me. “Are you sure everything’s alright?”
“Lena, I could use your help with—oh hey, Jeremy.” Adam came into my office and drew up short, looking from me to Jeremy and back again.
Jeremy stood up and tucked his hands into his trouser pockets. His smile was effortless. “Hey, man. She’s all yours.” He didn’t look my way again as he left the room. The air seemed to leave with him.
I sagged back into my chair, the tension almost too much to bear. Adam seemed hesitant as he made his way toward me. “I tried calling you last night to check to see how you were doing, but you didn’t answer.”
“I was a popular lady,” I said under my breath.
“Huh?”
“Nothing.” I waved my brother towards an empty chair. “So, what can I help you with? I’m here to serve after all.”
Adam sat down and dropped some files on my desk. He took a sip from his disposable coffee cup, the smell wafting my way. My stomach instantly rolled in protest at the pungent smell. This was not good. “You do look pale. Is it just a virus?”
Not quite…
“I’m fine,” I retorted, waiting for nausea to pass.
I wasn’t a very good liar, but it seemed to appease my brother. Adam seemed relieved. “Good. Meg wanted me to bring you chicken soup or something, but I told her you’re a bear when you’re ill and it was best to leave you alone.”
“Smart man,” I chuckled. “How is my favorite soon-to-be sister-in-law? I’m sorry I haven’t been by in so long.”
“It’s fine, I know we work you hard. Being a first-year associate doesn’t leave much time for a social life. I do remember.” If only he knew how much of a social life I actually had. “Meg is up to her eyeballs with her new art installation in Fenley plus wedding planning. She could probably use a girl’s night soon,” Adam hinted.
I clicked my pen. “I’ll drag her out, no worries. It’s my duty as a bride’s maid.”
Adam gave me his doting older brother smile. “You’re such a good sister.”
I sighed. “I know. But you can tell me how awesome I am all you want.” I could still smell his coffee. My mouth felt dry and I was dangerously close to throwing up. I pushed my chair back from my desk and stood up, putting some distance between me and the devil’s juice in his cup.
“We’ve got a few calls for representation. Low-level stuff, but I thought you could have a look. We’re not quite at the point where we can turn anyone away, but the workload is starting to pile up,” Adam was saying, but I wasn’t paying attention.
I could see out into the reception area from my doorway. Jeremy was there, his back to me, standing close to a woman I recognized as Sheila motherfucking Moore.
“Lena, did you hear me?”
I tore my eyes from the traitorous bastard I was in love with and gave my attention back to Adam. “Sure, no problem. Leave it with me.” I turned back to the doorway. Sheila’s hand was on Jeremy’s arm. He wasn’t pulling away.