Making His Baby(141)
“Really? That’s great news, Liv. How long before you hear back from them?”
“Four to six weeks,” she supplies anxiously. “Wish me luck.”
“I will, not that you need it,” I say confidently. “Any school would be lucky to have you.”
She’s waited so long to pursue this dream and I’m happy that she’s finally able to go for it.
“Okay, you can stop making me blush anytime now.”
We chat for a while longer until I see Malakai staring at me through the glass door. Olivia and I disconnect just as he comes barging in.
“I hope that goofy ass grin means you have good news for me.”
My business partner looks refreshed and ready to go after his brief trip home. Enviously, I stare at his clean-shaven jaw and fresh attire.
I should probably take a break soon. Not because I’m tired but because I can’t imagine what I smell like after working almost two days straight.
“The site is back up and running in thirteen states on the east coast, but I still haven’t had much luck with the rest,” I say filling him in.
“Hey, progress is progress,” he says, settling in to get to work beside me.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
OLIVIA KING
“Damn, girl. You look hot!” Winnie shouts when I walk into the restaurant.
I don’t even bother being embarrassed by her outburst because this is totally the norm for her and part of the reason why I love her dearly.
We hug before claiming our seats at the table for two.
“Thanks,” I say acknowledging her compliment. “You don’t look too shabby yourself. I see you finally decided to go with the bangs. Fabulous choice.”
“Why, thank you,” she says, batting her lashes. “Thank you very much.”
“God, I missed your crazy ass. Sorry it took so long to meet up. Work has been a little demanding since I got back.”
Opening her menu, Winnie stares at me over the top of it. “How’s that going by the way? Has Gavin gone back to normal?”
“Not really,” I share with a sigh. “He’s been a bit overbearing all week and I can’t figure out why. He was totally cool with me going on the trip. But since I’ve returned, he’s been on my ass about every little thing.”
Winnie narrows her pretty gray eyes at this tidbit of information.
“I’ll kick his ass,” she volunteers seriously.
And I know she means it.
Winnie doesn’t let anything come from her lips unless she can back it up. Another reason I love her to pieces.
Shaking my head, I hold up a hand in objection. “That won’t be necessary.”
She doesn’t look convinced. “Have you told Sebastian about it?”
Just hearing his name sends my heart fluttering.
“No, something happened at his job. I didn’t want to bother him. Besides, it’s nothing. Trust me.”
“You wouldn’t be bothering him, Olivia. I’m sure he wants nothing more than for you to be open with him.”
Her words put me on edge and I’m not sure why.
“How’s that going?” Winnie asks candidly.
“Fine,” I say casually.
“Fine?” my friend echoes with an incredulous expression. “You know I’m going to need more than that. I don’t know why I was ever worried about you. I sent you to find an island fling and you ended up screwing the CEO all week!”
A few startled guests from nearby tables look in our direction and I hide my face behind the giant menu. Shoulders shaking with laughter, I’m not embarrassed one bit, just thoroughly tickled.
“He sure did a number on you. In just one week, you’re looking ten years younger and sporting a healthy glow from all that vitamin D, if you catch my drift.”
Oh, I caught it all right.
Winnie sips from her water glass and eyes me studiously.
“When do you see him again?”
The smile leaves my face. “I have no idea. Like I said, things are hectic for him right now. He had to cancel his trip to visit me.”
“So why don’t you just go see him?” she asks not seeing the problem. “You can certainly afford it these days.”
“I have Arnold to consider,” I tell her. “I already left him for one week and he didn’t do too well with the change. Besides, Gavin’s already riding my ass enough as it is.”
She harrumphs, shaking her head in exasperation.
Like Sebastian, she doesn’t understand my need to stick around and see this thing through with Arnold. But she isn’t pushing me on it and for that I’m thankful.
“How does it feel being with the sexiest tech nerd in the country?” she asks playfully.