Out of the Friendzone

Chapter 54

EMMA

The first day back at Jones-Nolan feels like no time has passed at all. My office is just as I left it, a disheveled mess. I like to call it 'organized chaos'. To any other person, they may see this as a complete cluster-fuck of my crap, but I know where everything I need is. My entire morning is consumed by a ridiculously full inbox, filled mainly with webinar meetings that I missed in my absence of school. I could just highlight them all and hit delete, but it passes the time and keeps my mind off of other things.

"Welcome back."

I look up to a smug Graham walking through the door with his hands in his pockets. His hair is cut a bit shorter than when I left, but it still looks like a complete mess and contrasts against the crisp lines of his expensive gray suit.

"Hey." I lean back in my chair and motion to the stacks of folders that have found their way to my desk. "I see you have plans for me for the next three weeks."

He chuckles and moves further into the room, pulling out a chair and making himself more comfortable. "Sure do. Don't worry, you won't be closing accounts this time. You'll be writing a report about the money we've reclaimed for the company, amounts, general idea of where it all came from, so on and so on."

I nod at the stack, welcoming a new challenge. Writing isn't exactly my strong suit but I can handle it. I would much rather be playing with accounts again.

When I look back to Graham his eyes are focused on me, yet he's fallen awkwardly silent. I shift uncomfortably in my seat and begin 'organizing' my new workload.

"Graham, I'm uh – sorry that I didn't call you after I stayed with you. I really appreciated it. Things just got hectic with my life and this place was the last thing on my mind. I've been-"

"Pregnant," he finishes my sentence truthfully where I was going to fill it in with a lie. My mouth falls open as he gives an awkward chuckle. If he can tell I'm pregnant that means everyone in this damn office can tell. People cannot know.

"I'm uh, I, well..."

"Killian told me this morning."

"Damnit." I sink into my chair and toss down my favorite purple highlighter. "Well, at least you didn't guess on your own."

Killian cannot be running around telling people that right now. I need to carry out my plan before this entire place figures it out and tells his dad.

"He's worried about you. I am to keep an eye on you and make sure you are reading your blood pressure routinely. He's also pretty damn excited to be a dad."

That last part makes me smile uncontrollably. Sometimes I still wonder if this worries Killian, if he's worried about his dreams ending, if he's worried that this baby will cause him to be stuck working here for the rest of his life, or if he's scared about being a dad and becoming his father. That comment made me feel loads better.

"That's good to hear."

"Your secret is safe with me, Emma. If you aren't feeling well just let me know." He gives me a friendly smile and stands from his place just as a certain brunette enters the office. Her normal little bouncy walk stops when she sees there is someone else in the room. "I sent an email about those reports. If you need help with them let me know, but it should be self-explanatory."

"Thanks, Graham. I appreciate it."  He gives Milah and I both a nod before exiting the office.

I watch Milah eye the door from where Graham just left and laugh. The girl is practically drooling down her pretty burgundy dress. When she turns back to me, her blue eyes are ridiculously wide like those of a Disney character.