what she was going to do.
“Money,” she whispered and looked over her shoulder to make sure that no one was about to come into her office. When she was assured that she was still alone, she clicked on the keys, logging into her bank account. She saw the balance there and sighed with relief. Right after that, she logged into her retirement and investment accounts, both of which Josh had convinced her to open once she understood how good he was at making money grow. Both of her accounts were very healthy, thanks to Josh’s brilliance.
“Checking your balances?” his deep voice teased.
Sloane swung around, startled that he had snuck up on her. “Oh, um…! Yes. I just…I log in every once in a while just to see the progress.”
“I log in more often. Your account, along with your sisters’ accounts, are a top priority for me.”
Sloane’s mouth fell open, but why should she be surprised? Josh had always been a very generous employer, but she hadn’t been aware that he took a personal interest in her investment accounts. “You do?”
“Of course,” he replied, straightening and tossing some papers onto her desk. “Can you make sure that these are taken care of?”
She blinked, realizing that this was another example of how Josh didn’t want anyone to know what a good guy he was. Despite her fear that she was pregnant, Sloane couldn’t hide her smile. He tried so hard to be such a grump, but she’d learned that his grumpy attitude was a defense mechanism. His way of hiding what a wonderful man he actually was. He didn’t like anyone knowing about the good things he’d done. Nor did he like people thanking him for his generosity.
“Yes, of course,” she replied and took the papers, her eyes skimming over the words but not absorbing the information.
Surely, she wasn’t, Sloane told herself. She couldn’t be! Sloane was the responsible sister. She was the oldest, the role model! She couldn’t be pregnant!
Josh left for his next meeting as another thought occurred to her. She swiveled around, her fingers flying over the keyboard as she pulled up the company’s maternity leave policy. She’d never had reason to explore this issue, but with relief, she discovered that Josh’s company was very generous, allowing each employee a full three months of paid leave. Most American companies didn’t pay the employee while they were out on maternity leave, although almost all companies were required to bring the woman back after she gave birth.
But could she stay employed here? Would Josh let her stay on? She doubted it. He’d probably ask her to leave. Being pregnant with his child, he’d be too embarrassed to keep her as his assistant.
“I’m a cliché,” she whispered miserably.
“What’s that?” he asked, his eyes narrowing as he stepped back into her office.
“Nothing!” she replied, straightening her shoulders. Her first priority would be to confirm the pregnancy. A test, she thought as he eyed her curiously. She’d have to stop by a drugstore after work and get a test.
But Josh came home with her or he drove her to his place every night! They’d been together every night for the past month!
Josh walked back into Sloane’s office, taking in the tension in her shoulders and caught her rubbing her forehead. Something was wrong. He’d sensed it earlier, but now he was sure.
“What’s going on?’ he demanded, itching to fix anything that was causing her stress.
Even as he watched, he saw her shoulders tighten further. But she forced her lips into a smile. “Nothing!”
She was lying and he wondered why. Sloane was one of the most honest people he’d ever met. Others could lie and he’d expect it, anticipate it even. But Sloane? She was brutally honest.
So, what was wrong? Why was she lying now?
“Sloane, we need to talk,” he began. Her eyes turned frantic. Shaking her head, she leapt to her feet, keeping her eyes on her desk. “I need to go do…something,” she told him. “I’m sorry, but would you mind if we…?”
“You need time alone?” he offered, even though he hated the idea. They’d been together every damn night since that first time. And at no point had she even hinted at the need for time alone! No, this was different. She was upset and it infuriated him that she was turning away from him when she was upset. Didn’t she know that he would help her? That she could rely on him for more than just sex?
She shook her head, then