Unexpectedly Expecting || BWWM

Dean POV

The engagement was killing my social life.

Ever since the announcement, Weston had transformed from my best friend to my personal warden. The man who used to hit bars and clubs with me now played babysitter, making sure I didn't even glance at a waitress. He'd taken it to the next level, giving my assistant days off and taking her place just to keep me in check.

For once, I was early to the office. I'd even managed to get some work done. But the monotony of meetings, emails, and endless small talk was already driving me insane. Leaning back in my chair, I sighed heavily.

I needed something to break the cycle—anything to shake off this boredom.

Weston popped his head in the door, looking rushed as always. "I've got to go pick up your next meeting. If you need anything, call me."

"Wait," I called, stopping him before he could leave.

He stepped inside, impatient as ever. "What?"

"I need a woman," I said with a smirk. "About 5'7, nice legs, average chest."

His expression twisted in disgust. "Your fiancée will be here in three hours. She'd perfect for that," he shot back, rolling his eyes before slamming the door behind him.

I chuckled quietly and went back to my computer. Weston hadn't told me who the meeting was with, but knowing my father, it was probably some young client he couldn't charm. My job was to schmooze, close the deal, and finally escape for lunch.

Twenty minutes later, Weston knocked on the door again. "I've got your 1:00 here. Should I send her in?"

Her.

My ears perked up, but I kept my face neutral, still typing. "Yeah, send her in."

Weston stepped aside, and the moment she walked through the door, my fingers froze.

Ivory.

I shot up so fast my chair nearly tipped over. My eyes went straight to her stomach. Pregnant.

"I-Ivory?" I stammered, completely thrown off guard.

She looked just as shocked to see me. "You remember my name?"

"Of course I remember your name."

How could I forget her? I'd been looking for her for months, replaying that night over and over, wondering why she'd left so quickly.

The silence stretched between us, thick and heavy, until Weston cleared his throat.

"Weston, get out," I said sharply, my eyes never leaving her.

"But—"

"Now," I snapped.

He hesitated but left, closing the door behind him. I gestured for Ivory to sit, and after a moment's hesitation, she lowered herself into the chair.

"So, you're..." I trailed off, unsure how to finish.

"Pregnant," she said, her hand instinctively going to her belly. "Yes, I am."

I couldn't stop staring. She looked far along—not that I was an expert—but it was obvious. Her skin was glowing and so was her face. She looked beautiful.

"How far along are you?"

"Four months today."

Four months. My chest tightened as I did the math. It added up, but I wasn't stupid enough to just take her word for it. Not after she'd disappeared without so much as glance back.

I've never had a girl want to leave my apartment. At all.

"So why are you here now?" I asked, my tone sharper than I intended. "What do you want? Money? A house? What is it?"

Her eyes widened in disbelief, and she shook her head. "I don't want anything from you. I came to give you a chance to be in your child's life. If you don't want to, that's fine. But I wanted you to have the choice."

I wanted to believe her. God, I wanted to. But my life didn't allow for blind trust. Too many women had tried to manipulate me, and I couldn't just ignore that.

"How do I know the baby's even mine?" I said coldly. "How do I know you didn't sleep with someone else and decide I was a better option?"

Her face hardened, anger flashing in her eyes. "I would never lie about something like this. Unlike you, I wasn't sleeping around when we hooked up. You were the only one I was with. So, no, there isn't anyone else."

Her words stung more than I wanted to admit. I wanted to trust her, but I couldn't.

"I can't just take your word for it," I said, my voice quieter now. "You have to understand that."

Ivory stood abruptly, glaring down at me. "This was a mistake," she said. "If you're so worried about being 'trapped,' we can do a damn paternity test. But I'm not wasting my time convincing you. When you're ready to grow up, call me. Until then, don't bother."

She stormed out before I could say another word.

And just like that, she was gone again.

I sank back into my chair, running a hand through my hair. She'd been right there—the woman I hadn't been able to stop thinking about—and I'd ruined it.

What the hell was wrong with me?

Weston barged back into the office, his face full of disbelief. "What the hell did you do? I've never seen a pregnant woman move that fast."

"Don't you have to take her back wherever you picked her up from? Don't keep her standing around," I muttered, waving him off without looking up.

He scoffed under his breath. "Unbelievable," he muttered as he left.

I stared at my computer, trying to focus and push the guilt away, but it didn't work. Vanessa would be here in a couple of hours, and she had an infuriating ability to read me like a book. I needed to clear my head before she arrived.

Unfortunately, she beat me to it.

The door burst open, and Vanessa marched in. "Who was that woman?"

I jumped, startled by her sudden entrance. "What the hell? You know the purpose of a closed door, right?"

"Answer my question," she demanded, crossing her arms.

"She's someone I had to convince not to sue us. Apparently, a product we put out was harmful to pregnant women," I said, sighing and rubbing my temples.

"What product?"

"God, woman, you ask too many damn questions. Ask Weston for a full report if you're so curious," I snapped, glaring at her.

Her eyes narrowed, but she didn't press further. "You need to handle this properly. We can't have anyone suing you while we're building your image for the wedding. Pay her off or something."

"I can handle it without your input," I growled. "Now answer my question. Why the hell are you here?"

"To make sure you're not doing something idiotic," she said coolly, sitting down in the chair Ivory had just vacated.

I glared at her. I'd rather have Ivory here than this control freak.

"That's insane. I'm at work. How would I even have a woman in here?"

"You'd find a way," she said flatly. "Anyway, my father wants to have lunch with us. Finish up and meet me at the car." Without waiting for a response, she swept out of the room.

When the door closed, I flipped it off, wishing it was her instead.

This whole situation sucked.