Unexpected

Chapter 29

GABRIEL

The fact Nora flew all the way from Seattle without thinking about hotel arrangements infuriates me, but I keep my mouth shut. Arguing with her again would be pointless and counterproductive, as I need her to sign the NDA as soon as possible.

Taking her arm, I quickly usher her into the car, driving off in haste to meet the rest of the group. I already sent Tom a text to make sure that the Non-Disclosure Agreement is in front of her the second we step foot into the house, and he said it's all good. Which helps me put my mind a bit at ease. No matter what this woman says, I'll never be able to trust her again.

"This place is beautiful..." She smiles as I pull over.
The first glimpse of the building is a breathtaking view of the beach and garden, complete with the sound of seagulls and the gentle rustle of palm leaves.

Once you walk inside, you know you're in for a luxurious experience. The white marble floor, crystal chandeliers, and expensive decorations feel like coming out of a lifestyle magazine.

Yet, I'd give everything to go back to the warmth and coziness of my parent's place right now.

"They are waiting for us inside." I get out of the car to help her out. A part of me is still pissed at her, but at the end of the day, she's pregnant and the baby has nothing to do with this mess.

"Thanks," she whispers, trying to link our arms together.

"Let's get inside." I walk a few steps ahead of her.

The group is gathered in the living room, and Josh lets out a loud gasp when he sees Nora. "Holy shit, you're... very much pregnant." He whistles, his reaction mirroring everyone's feelings.

Only they're too stunned to say anything.

Everyone was aware that she had contacted me to announce that she was pregnant. But seeing her face-to-face sure makes it all much more real.

She chuckles. "I'll take it as a compliment."

"Nora." Tom holds his hand out for her. "You look... Lovely."

"Thanks." She shakes his hands, her eyes turning to me. "I need to use the bathroom, please."

"This way." Lena motions with her hand, and soon they are out of sight.

When I look back at Tom, my eyes narrow with suspicion, and I realize how Nora was able to track me down. "You told her where I was." I hold his gaze.

"Actually. I did," Martins says. "Tom mentioned she was willing to sign the NDA if she talked to you personally."

"And you couldn't have waited?" I scoff. "Or warned me she was coming?"

"We talked to her right after you left yesterday." He raises his hands in apology. "We didn't know she'd be showing up here so early today."

"I didn't need her knocking up on my parents' door."

"I thought you two could use some privacy." He shrugs, and the nonchalant tone in his voice irks me. Having people decide and assume things on my behalf is definitely something that comes with my job. It doesn't mean I enjoy it most of the time.

"I'd appreciate you talking to me first instead of just assuming things." I walk to him, my eyes never leaving his face.

"Okay." Tom rushes to my side, his arms touching my shoulder. "The good thing is that she's here, and I got the papers for her to sign."

Thankfully, Nora and Lena choose this moment to join us, and I take a deep breath, trying to redirect my focus.

"Nora, sweetheart." Toms smiles at her. "I got some breakfast ready for you on the patio. I think it'll be more comfortable to talk over there."