I pull out a black, skintight jumpsuit. It has a low V and flared legs. I grab a pair of black calfskin boots and hold them up for Callie to see. She files without looking. “You need to call your other friends in here for this advice. I’m no good at it.”
“Except you are. This isn’t for a black-tie gala. This is meant for something darker. No one else can help me. Even if they could, I want you.”
She smiles. “I don’t know what I did to deserve your friendship.”
“You cared about me when no one else did.”
“Now everyone cares for you. Riley Astor worships the fucking ground you walk on.”
Smiling, I swallow hard. He doesn’t know what I’m about to do. I’ve lied to him by omitting the truth. It’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. “He does. Hopefully, he still loves me after what I have to do.”
“I’ll be your ride or die forever, but babe, why don’t you want his help?”
I cradle my lower stomach. “He’ll treat me like I’m fragile, and I can do this without him.”
“The fetus is practically a monarch. Can you blame him for treating you like you’re fragile? You’re filled with important shit.” Callie glances at her lap when her phone pings. She smiles and texts back. “I know you can do this without him,” she adds. “The question is, should you?”
“I’m bringing a team. Reggie will be there,” I say, looking down. It’s always a weird dynamic when I speak of Reggie like he’s mine, and Callie speaks like he’s hers. We both own him in different ways. “Don’t worry for me, and play your part.”
“Of course I will,” she replies.
“What’s her part?” Riley asks, strolling into the closet, gaze locked on me like lasers.
I grin. “Finding that salmon I’ve been loving. They didn’t have any down at the docks this morning.” Another lie. I was at the docks this morning, but it wasn’t for fish. It was for information and practice. “Callie knows a fisherman who she used to be a client. She is going to call in a favor for that lunch we’re hosting this weekend.”
He smiles, taking the bait fully and truly before kissing me. He tips my chin up and deepens the kiss, his tongue darting against mine. He owns my mouth for several moments before Callie clears her throat. “Sorry, Callie. I was thinking about that kiss throughout the entire board meeting I just sat through.”
“Sounds like you really learned a lot,” I joke.
He shrugs. “Someone took notes. I’m sure the email is already in my inbox. How are you feeling? Other than not having the food you want?”
“I’m feeling fantastic, the same as this morning when you asked.”
Riley’s gaze darts behind me to the island. It’s where the black jumpsuit and boots sit in a pile. He looks back at me quickly. “Plans tonight?”
Callie stands and walks over to the island. “Just watching romcoms with me,” she says, smiling as she scoops up the outfit. “Thanks for letting me borrow this. It’s perfect for our night out.” I could kiss her.
“Yeah, take that purse you were looking at. I have two.”
“Thanks, babe.” Callie kisses my cheek. “I’ll leave you lovebirds to it.” Her giggle carries off the soaring ceilings as she leaves.
“Romcoms, huh? I thought I was going to get you tonight.”
I run my finger across his bottom lip. “You get me every night. It’s good for me to spend time with Callie.”
“And a girl’s night this weekend?”
I swallow. “I thought I told you.”
“You probably did. Can I come?”
“We’ll have security. Double now that I have this one,” I say, rubbing my stomach.
He does the same, a serene smile spreading across his face. “I really love you, lamb.”
“I love you,” I say. The words are true, but they still taste bitter. Not after tonight, though. Not after I close the door and right the last wrong. My baby can be born into a family at peace. My reign can truly begin.
***