A Complicated Love (Complicated Love #1) (8 page)

Joshua never phoned me like he said he was going to. Probably too busy with his big busty, bitchy, cleavage showing girlfriend… not that I’m jealous or anything. I gradually crawl out of bed, shower and change into my navy suit skirt, white blouse and navy jacket. I twist my hair into a braid and drape it down on one shoulder. If I’m going into work to face Joshua, then I will go in there looking my best. I apply a bit more makeup than I usually do and put on my navy heels. Tracy bought me a pair of earrings for my birthday ages ago, that I’ve never worn, so I pop them on. They’re little round pearls in a gold setting. I grab a cereal bar, my bag and head out the door, hoping the day will be good even if I do have to plaster on a fake smile for Joshua’s benefit.

It’s quite busy in the office today. I have to set up for a meeting for 11:00 a.m. and there are three individual meetings with Joshua later on in the afternoon. I grab Joshua’s coffee from the coffee room and head to his office. As I get closer, I can hear a commotion coming from Joshua’s office. I hear a woman screeching. I’m not sure whether to knock or not. My decision is made when I hear heavy footfalls coming toward the door. I quickly head back to my office and pretend to be typing as a very pissed off Tammy comes storming out of Joshua’s office with Joshua following after her.

“I can’t believe you, Joshua Lynn! How can you treat me like this?” She stands there facing Joshua with her fists clenched at her sides.

“Look, I’m sorry Tammy, but I only said I wanted to be friends. I never implied anything more.” He looks very uncomfortable having this conversation in the hall.

“Is it because of
her
?” She points at me and glares. “She gets knocked up to trap you, and you
dump
me, to what exactly… play happy families with that piece of trash? She doesn’t even dress well, I mean look at her.” I stare at her dumbfounded.

She knows about the baby?

He told her!

I’m fuming.

How dare he tell her?

“Don’t talk about her like that. It has nothing to do with anyone else. I’m sorry that I’ve hurt you, but I won’t have you talking to my employees like that.”

She glares at me and saunters over to my desk.

“This is all your fault. You had to go and get yourself knocked up.”

She leans down and whispers in my ear so Joshua can’t hear, “If you think for one second that you
will
get your grubby little hands on him, you’re very much mistaken. You’re nothing but a trashy whore.” She composes herself before walking out of my office. I see her glare at Joshua before she calmly says, “This isn’t over, Joshua.” She flicks her hair over her shoulder before walking toward the lift.

I roll my eyes.

What a bitch!

Once she’s gone, I look up to see Joshua leaning against the doorframe.

“Are you okay?” he asks with concern in his voice. I stand up and round the table to stand in front of him.

“Okay? Are you serious? You tell my business to that bitch. Why? How dare you?” I fold my arms across my chest.

“I’m sorry, okay… it… it just slipped out,” he pleads.

“It just slipped out? Look… I may be having your baby, but that doesn’t mean you use me as an excuse to break up with your girlfriend.”

“She wasn’t my girlfriend. There hasn’t, or isn’t, anything going on between me and Tammy.” I glare at him. “It’s none of my business.” I’ve had enough of this conversation, so I grab the coffee mug.

“Here’s your coffee, might be a bit cold now though.” He takes the mug from me and our fingers accidentally brush. From just that single touch, my breathing picks up and I get tingles all up my arms. He’s still staring at me, but I’m afraid to look at him.

“Is there anything else?”

I hear him sigh. “No, nothing.”

I pick up the files for the meeting. “Well, if you don’t mind, I’m going to go and set up the meeting room.” I brush past him as I make my way out the door. Before I can get any further, he grabs me by the arm.

“Annabelle… Did you make that appointment with the doctor?”

I can’t look at him right now, so I whisper, “No.”

He sighs. “Okay, well when you do, can you let me know, please? I really want to be there.”

I gently nod my head. He releases my arm and I hear his footfalls walking away. I don’t know how to feel. Deep inside, I feel relieved that he’s not with Tammy anymore, but I can’t believe he told her about the baby. I haven’t even told Aunt Sylvia or Tracy yet. I don’t have time to think about it now, so I go and get the meeting room ready for the meeting at 11:00 a.m.

Later in the afternoon, I’m sitting in my office typing up my meeting notes when I’m startled by a knock on my open door. My head snaps up and I take in the tall, muscular guy standing in my office doorway. He has gorgeous blond, wavy hair and big blue eyes. He looks like a stereotypical surfer. He’s very tanned and has the most amazing smile and his big blue eyes are literally sparkling.

“Well hello beautiful, I’ve never seen you here before.” His smile is infectious that I can’t help smiling back. “Last time I was here, Wendy was here.”

“Yea, she retired. I’ve been working here a few months now. Sorry, but do you have an appointment with Mr. Lynn?” He bursts out laughing and I’m trying to understand what was so funny.

“As a matter of fact, I have, but it’s not a business meeting. It’s the only way he ever has time to see me. Joshua works too damn hard. I wish he would cut loose sometimes and stop being so business, business, business.” He laughs again. His eyes are really something. “I will go and let Mr. Lynn know you’re here. Mr.—?”

“Don’t worry beautiful. I will go straight in, he won’t mind.” He walks off.

Who is here?

I’m still staring at the open doorway when the blond guy pops his head in.

“My name’s Karl beautiful, Karl Stanford.” He winks and disappears again. He seems quite a happy guy.
I wonder who he is to Joshua?

While I have a bit of time, I phone the doctor and make an appointment for later on this week. I’ve been feeling quite well recently, but nervous about going to the doctor and booking my first ultrasound. I hear laughing coming from Joshua’s office and moments later Joshua and Karl appear, laughing about God knows what. It’s great to see Joshua actually smiling. He has such a gorgeous face when he smiles.

“Well Joshua, give me a call when you actually want a night out. It must get boring with all the work you’re doing. You need a night out with me.” He laughs. “What about you beautiful, fancy a night out with me?” I laugh as he wiggles his eyebrows up and down. I look over at Joshua and he’s not laughing anymore. In fact, he’s frowning.

“Thank you, Karl, but I’m looking forward to a nice night in front of the television tonight.” I smile and look at the time. It’s nearly time to go, so I stand and clear all the files away.

“Oh come on beautiful, I
will
get on my knees and beg,” he laughs. “I will give you a night to remember.” I giggle at his words. He’s a terrible flirt.

“She said no, Karl. Leave it.” I glance up from what I’m doing and see Joshua glaring at Karl.

“Whoa, sorry mate, I was just having a bit of fun. I didn’t know you two—?”

“We’re not,” I blurt.

“It’s complicated,” we both say at the same time. I glance at Joshua and my eyes lock with his. He eyes are full of desire that I’ve never seen before.

Karl laughs. “Okay then you guys… I’m gonna go.” He looks between me and Joshua before laughing and walking off. I quickly glance away from Joshua and busy myself by tidying my desk.

“Uh, Joshua?” I glance up and he’s still standing in my office.

“Yes.”

“I’ve made a doctor’s appointment for later this week if you want to still come?” I nervously chew on my bottom lip.

“Yea, of course, clear my schedule for that day and I will definitely be there.”

I smile. “Thank you.”

Joshua smiles and makes his way back to his office. I can’t help smiling. Things seem to be looking up for me and Joshua.

I hope!

I hate doctors waiting rooms. They are always dull looking with horrible plastic chairs to sit on. Joshua insisted on going private, but I was happy to go to my own doctor. Today is only to have another pregnancy test done, and to book an appointment for an ultrasound at the hospital. They will be able to give me a rough guide of how many weeks I am too. I have agreed to go private for the hospital appointments and the birth of our baby. Joshua kept insisting.

I feel really nervous sitting here, waiting. I feel like we’ve been waiting for ages. Joshua has been really quiet since he picked me up from my apartment. I lied to Tracy and said Joshua was picking me up for a business meeting. I felt so guilty lying to her, but I’m going to have lunch with her tomorrow to tell her. She only has a week left until she leaves for Los Angeles. I don’t know what I’m going to do about the apartment. I’m going to have to look for something a bit cheaper, something that I can afford. I can’t go back to Aunt Sylvia’s because it would mean giving up my job, and I don’t want to do that. Aunt Sylvia still doesn’t know, so I’m going to phone her tonight.

A doctor walks into the waiting room. “Miss Connor?”

Joshua and I stand and follow the doctor to his office. We both take a seat across from him.

“What can I do for you today?” Mr. Baxter has been my doctor for years. He’s quite young with chestnut wavy hair and a chestnut moustache. He has very kind and caring eyes, so he always makes me feel at ease.

“I’m pregnant. I took a home pregnancy test and it was positive.” I smile.

“Okay Miss Connor. Well, let’s check you out,” he asks me loads of questions. One question being when was my last period? My face turned bright red when that question was asked, especially while sitting next to Joshua. He uses this cycle calendar in the shape of a disc to work out roughly how many weeks I am. He says that my first ultrasound is at twelve weeks and I’m roughly twelve weeks, but the ultrasound will be more accurate. Joshua is very quiet throughout the whole appointment. Mr. Baxter books me an appointment for an ultrasound at the hospital for two days’ time. I’m really excited and nervous about the ultrasound. Mr. Baxter prescribes me some folic acid and we’re all set. Joshua and I get into his car and Joshua takes me back to my apartment, where he pulls up his car.

“Thanks for coming today—”

“Annabelle, you don’t need to thank me. I will pick you up for your ultrasound.” He smiles at me and my heart starts fluttering.

“Thank you, Joshua. I’ll see you at work tomorrow.” I lean over and give him a quick kiss on the cheek before I jump out of the car. I turn around and notice that he’s still staring at me while clutching the steering wheel. His intense eyes make me hot all over. His car door opens and he jumps out and heads toward me. He stands within inches of me and I can feel his breath gliding against my cheek.

“I’ve wanted to do this for ages now.” He’s breathing heavily and I’m confused as to what he means.

“What—” I don’t have time to finish my sentence before his mouth descends on mine. This kiss is different than the ones we shared on
that
night. No drinking involved. His kisses are warm and firm. He bites my bottom lip and caresses my face. I moan into his mouth and I feel his tongue slip between my lips. He caresses my tongue with his, and it’s magical. I wrap my arms around his neck and play with his hair. We’re pressed so close together, we meld perfectly. Moments later, Joshua breaks the kiss and places his forehead against mine. It takes a while for our breathing to return to normal.

“Wow… ” He grins boyishly.

“Definitely, well worth the wait.” I giggle and give him a quick peck on the lips. “Definitely worth the wait… ”

He embraces me and buries his head in the crease of my shoulder. I feel so happy right now. Joshua and I are on good terms and I’m feeling better about the baby. Still nervous, but things seem to be looking up. Joshua gives me a quick kiss on the lips and releases me.

“It’s getting late... I should go.” He looks uncertain, but I give him a smile.

“See you tomorrow, Joshua.” I sway my hips more as I walk toward my door, hoping that he’s watching. I casually glance over my shoulder and see Joshua staring at my bottom. I do a silent cheer with a big grin on my face. He gives me a wink and gets into his car before driving off.

This has been the best day ever!

I have a quick shower and make myself comfortable before calling Aunt Sylvia. She picks up on the second ring.

“Hi Aunt Sylvia, how are you?” I chew on my lip.

“Hi sweetie, I’m fine. I’ve been enjoying a nice day of gardening.” She has an obsession with gardening. She has one of the best gardens in Harrow. It’s probably good enough to compete in The Chelsea Flower Show.

“Aunt Sylvia… I… um… have something I need to tell you,” I nervously stammer.

“Well, spit it out, sweetie,” I take a deep breath and just blurt it out.

“I’m pregnant! The baby’s father is Joshua Lynn. Yes, he’s my boss, but it was just this one time before I started working for him. I don’t really know him very well, but I do really like him and he wants to stick by me and the baby,” I rush it out. There’s silence at the end of the phone. I try to wait patiently, but Aunt Sylvia is taking ages to respond.

This isn’t good… I just know it!

“Okay sweetie… that was a lot to take in.” She giggles. “Congratulations. You’re going to be a good mum, just like your mum was.” My heart skips a beat as she reminds me of my mum. I really miss them, and I always wonder what my mum would think. Aunt Sylvia tells me to ring her after the ultrasound and like all Aunt’s do, she gives me some advice on being pregnant. We both express our love and hang up. I feel relieved that she took it so well.

I know Tracy will be supportive, but I really wish she wasn’t leaving. She leaves two days after my ultrasound. I’m going to have to start apartment shopping very soon. I get settled in bed. My phone starts buzzing on my bedside table. It’s a text from Joshua.

Annabelle, I want to take you on our first date.

I giggle and type back.

I think we have done everything backwards lol I’m waiting Mr Lynn…

It doesn’t take long for him to reply.

Miss Connor, would you do me the honour of accompanying me to dinner tomorrow night? I will pick you up at 7pm?

I leave him hanging for a bit. Don’t want to seem too eager.

Yes, Mr Lynn… I would love to and 7pm will be great. Where are we going?

A few seconds later, my phone buzzes again.

Joshua:
It’s a surprise beautiful. Now go to sleep and dream of me. Sleep well.

Me:
Night Joshua x

Oh crap! I can’t believe I put a kiss at the end of that message. I put my phone down and hope he doesn’t say anything. I’m hoping Joshua is right and I do dream of him.