“Yes,” I laughed. “A lot better pay and some different responsibilities. The details are kind of up in the air right now but it will make my relationship with Liam and Sawyer much less problematic. I won’t be working under them anymore.”
“You’ll just be living under them,” Bianca teased.
“Exactly. Hey, do you want to get some food after work?”
“Of course! Ugh, my boss is calling. It’s back to the flea baths for me. Love ya, chick.”
“Love you too!”
Life was good. For the first time in a long time, I could safely say I was happy.
Reaching the office, Sawyer and Kane left the car first, and then I followed. I had pointed out that my even being in Sawyer’s car would be cause for discussion but he didn’t care. They refused to let me take the bus anymore and honestly, I was happy to be driven. It was a taste of luxury, and with a baby growing in my belly, it was definitely safer.
My happy, blissful bubble lasted until the elevator doors opened onto the office floor and all hell broke loose.
There was a tense air in the office as we headed to our desks. No one would look at us, which was normal when it came to Sawyer and Kane. But no one looked at me either. Usually, I got a wave and a few morning smiles, but not today.
Today, everyone was tense with their heads down and gazes averted. When we reached Sawyer’s office, we saw why.
Sawyer’s father Marcus was standing by the desk with his back turned. Just a glimpse of him had my stomach sinking right out of my ass and a wave of cramp twisted below my navel. Marcus was never a good sign.
“Father?” Sawyer took the lead, stepping forward in greeting.
Marcus spun on the spot, his face contorted with rage and he threw a large newspaper directly into Sawyer’s face.
“When were you going to tell me?” he roared, causing Kane and I to jump. “That you got that little whore pregnant?!”
My blood ran cold. Our relationship was to remain a secret until I was in my new job position, but as Sawyer turned over the newspaper in his hands, I saw the truth blasted across the front page.
CEO Sawyer Crane gets employee pregnant.
Me. I’m the employee.
Fuck.
Kane’s fingers touched my elbow, turning into a firm grip that kept me steady.
“You are front page news boy,” Marcus yelled. “Because you couldn’t keep your fucking dick in your pants! On top of that, I saw her with Liam so not only did you get an employee pregnant, you got a whore pregnant!”
My cheeks flared hot as if I’d just been slapped and humiliation burned through me like a rapid inferno. A reflex apology clung to the tip of my tongue but I didn’t have a chance to speak.
“I don’t care,” Sawyer snapped, throwing the paper directly back at his father. “It’s idle gossip. Since when have we ever cared what they print about us in the papers?”
“Gossip ruins lives,” Marcus hissed, slamming the paper down on the desk.
“Only if people listen to it. Which I won’t because it’s nobody’s business.”
“You don’t deny it?!” Marcus’s head tipped back and his eyes were wild. “It’s not gossip if it’s true you buffoon!”
Sawyer turned his head slightly, catching Kane’s eye then suddenly I was guided out of the office. The door slammed closed, and an explosive argument erupted inside just as Liam arrived. His smile immediately twisted into a grimace of concern.
“What’s going on?” Liam asked, taking my other arm despite my protests. They led me to my desk and Kane coaxed me to sit down.
“Callie’s pregnancy is all over the news, attached to Sawyer’s name.”
“Shit,” Liam breathed. “How the hell did they find out?”
“I’m sorry,” I said weakly. “I should have been more careful.”