The 5-Year Plan (Friends to Lovers Romance Book 1) (15 page)

Trent jerked a thumb at the doctor. “I think he is right.”

“What?” She glared at him. “I thought you’d be on my side.”

“I am on. It’s also called the healthy side.” She opened her mouth to protest and he put a finger on the part of her lips that wasn’t swollen. “They’re doing everything to heal you. Let them. Frankly, I’d feel much better if you stayed here tonight. And I’ll stay with you.”

Something softened in her eyes. “Fine.” She let her head fall back on her pillow.

Trent winked at the doctor. “You will discharge her tomorrow, right? We have to go somewhere to be in the morning.”

The doctor glanced at Victoria. “She can go—if everything still looks good.”

Trent shook his hand and he left. Sitting down on the edge of Tori’s bed, he asked, “Want anything—besides to go home?”

She shifted on her bed. “Where do we have to go tomorrow morning?”

Trent took out the paper he’d been hanging onto. The fight had crumpled it so he smoothed it flat. She read it, looking slightly confused. “What—in plain English—does this mean?”

“It means Jason was the one who initiated the conversation with the TerraDyn’s rival. It also proof that he created a login just recently to keep stealing files from the company. We’re going to hang him and Bob.” 

“We should do this today.”

“Tomorrow will be soon enough. Your health is priority. Besides, I left another nice little trap for Jason, and I want the Trojan I set for him to show up on his system. I will bet he’s going to try for a last hit once he hears Bob’s in custody. I’d also bet Bob sells out Jason before Jason tries to sell Bob out to the DA.”

She plucked at the sheet covering her. “You know, Trent, when I was sort of with it in my apartment, I…” She stopped when nurse walked in.

“There are two policemen here to see you. The doctor has allowed them to interview you for half an hour if you feel up to it.”

“I’m ready,” she said, looking as determined as a warrior about to go into battle.

When the policemen came in, he kissed her on the cheek. “I’ll be outside.”

Thirty minutes later, the policemen left. Trent sat with Victoria until she drifted into sleep. There was a lot he wanted to say, but it could wait until she was out of the hospital. He was glad she’d come out of this without major damage. He smoothed her hair, kissed her forehead, and settled down to catch what sleep he could in one of the hospital chairs.

The next morning, the cute nurse looking after his brother took pity on him. She snuck him back into the nurse’s locker room, where he could grab a shower. He was pretty sure she also snuck a glance at his bare butt. He called a favor in from Victoria’s sister for Jillian to stop by Victoria’s apartment and pick up some fresh clothes for her. Jillian yelled at him for ten minutes for not telling her sooner that her sister was in the hospital. She came over and gave him the clothes with a glare, and told him her evil boss wouldn’t give her the day off and she couldn’t quit since she was on a bet with her twelve step sponsor about staying on a job for thirty days straight.

“You tell her she’d better call me.” Jillian punched a finger into his chest with every word. “And I’m coming over tonight to see her as soon as I get off and I’d better see her in bed and looking after herself!”

Geeze—pushy women ran in that family.

The doctor came in and removed the bandage. The swelling had gone down, and the bruises were now mostly yellow.

Once again, Trent wished that he hadn’t let Bob off so easily. But, by now, Bob should be in jail. Trent was going to see to it that he remained there for a long time.

As soon as she’d showered, changed and had signed the release papers, Victoria turned to him. “I want to see Tom.”

“Not even coffee first?”

She pulled a face. “No caffeine for a week—doctor’s orders. But let’s take him tea.”

They bought tea from the vending machine and headed to Tom’s room. Tom made a fuss over Victoria, and they compared bruises. Trent shook his head. “Sorry—stitches win over possible concussion.”

Victoria poked him in the side. “Hey—I had possible subdural hematoma.”

Tom pointed at her. “That sounds bad. That has to win.”

Trent shook his head. “You’re being soft on her—it’s only a possible. Definite stitches still win.”

They sat with him while he had breakfast. Trent broke first. “If I don’t eat, I’m going to start chewing on the blue dog.” He took Victoria to her favorite bakery, Delight. She picked apart a roll and drank half a cup of tea, but he was only looking for progress.

“Please, Trent—we have to do this. Now.”

“Fine.” he stood up. “Let’s go.” They took a cab to their office. Inside, Tori leaned toward him and muttered, “Everyone’s looking at me.”

He leaned closer. “As they should because you’re the most beautiful woman on earth.”

She managed a lop-sided smile. “You’re such a flatterer.”

“Just the plain truth.” He pushed into Iverson’s office without giving Iverson a chance to say anything.

Iverson looked up, his face dark. Seeing Victoria, he drew in a sharp breath and his eyes narrowed as he took in her bruises. “What the hell happened?”

Trent let Victoria talk. She told Iverson about Bob, the attack on her, his collusion with Jason to steal company information, and the proof he’d painstakingly collected. Trent handed over the screen capture printout. “I have still got one more ace up my sleeve. When that software collects some information…”

“It already has.”

“Cool!” Trent sat down. “I thought you might want it emailed directly to you. And the verdict?”

Iverson tugged at his tie. “It proves that you’re right. Victoria, I’m not sure it’s possible to say just how sorry we are about recent events. Mere words can’t erase the horror we put you though. While there is nothing that I can do to make up for it, I would like to say that TerraDyn would like to offer you full reinstatement in the company.”

She lifted her eyebrows. “And?””

Iverson glanced at Trent. He looked at Tori. She stared at Iverson. He cleared his throat. “I’ve just called an emergency board meeting to inform the directors. We…um…we’ve been considering a senior VP promotion for you for some time. I hope we can put that through for you as soon as possible.” He forced a smile.

Victoria steepled her fingertips. “I’m glad that the right people were caught.”

“Yes.” Iverson smoothed his tie. “We’re all looking forward to putting this… unfortunate incident behind us. The grace and dignity with which you have conducted yourself during this event has been exemplary.”

Trent almost choked. He had to turn it into a cough. Iverson could sure spout bullshit with the best of them, but of course the company needed to cover its ass from a law suit. They’d do anything to welcome Victoria back and keep her happy enough not to bring suit. Perhaps this really was a golden opportunity for her. But he couldn’t help thinking he might lose her to her job—a VP job was going to eat up her time. But if that’s what she wanted…

He forced his mind away from thoughts of her buried in her work and waited for her to accept.

Victoria folded her hands in her lap. “I am not sure about this, Peter.”

Trent stared at her. What was she talking about? Didn’t she want this? Wisely, he didn’t say anything. Maybe she was holding out for more. Knowing Victoria, she was probably a step ahead of Iverson.

With a quick smile, Iverson nodded. “Of course, the promotion would be accompanied by a generous raise, many new perks and privileges, and a hefty bonus, not to mention an increase in responsibilities. I am sure that you’ll do as good a job as you always have.”

“Relax. I don’t have any intention of launching a law suit against the company, Peter.”

“I would,” Trent muttered. “You nearly died.”

She glanced at him and smiled at Iverson. “I need some time to recuperate and to think about my options.”

“Well, of course.” Iverson’s smile widened. “You’re overdue for paid vacation. Take all the time you want.”

Victoria nodded and stood. She started for the door but turned back. “I would like a public apology, however.”

Iverson choking. “A...a what?”

Determination laced her words. “I want you to circulate a memo, Peter. It wouldn’t be nice for everyone to know what really happened.”

He stood. “Of course. Something like that can be done.”

Trent could imagine the furor this was going to create in the legal department when they had to come up with wordings that would absolve the company of the blame and yet render an apology to Victoria. This was one memo he was going to read from beginning to end. He might even frame it.

Victoria nodded. “Good. I’ll be back in three weeks to discuss my position with the company.”

Trent looked at her and muttered, “You could own the damn company.” She winked and walked out. Turning to Iverson, Trent told him. “I’m taking vacation, too.”

“Whatever.” Iverson waved his hand. He had to know that keeping Trent in good humor might serve to their advantage since he was close to Victoria. But then he looked up. “Make sure she rests, would you?”

“Sure.” Heading out, he found Victoria at the elevators.

Outside the office, she lifted her face to the sun and took a deep breath. “I’d like to go home now.”

“What—you don’t want to see Jason arrested? Thrown out? Disgraced?” She shook her head. He took her hand “Ah, yes, there is much to discuss. We have our own future plans to refine.”

Victoria smiled, but surprise showed in her eyes. He was quite sure she didn’t know what he was talking about, but he was done wasting any more time.

“Screw it,” he muttered. He went down on his knee. “Marry me!”

Tori pulled in a breath. The pedestrians passing by stopped to watch. Someone called out, “Well, you gonna answer him, sweetie?”

Victoria grabbed the white lace train of her dress and scuttled forward on high heels. Although the mirror had assured her she looked fabulous in the white dress that emphasized her curves and made her glow, her stomach was jumping and her hands kept shaking. This was supposed to be the happiest day of her life—she was supposed to be ecstatic. Instead, she was in an upheaval.

Everyone had told her that things went wrong on wedding days…but no one had ever mentioned anything as big as this. She was dealing with a totally, freaking
big deal.

The only way she knew how to solve a problem was to confront it head on.

She wound her way through the corridors of the old church, her heart pounding. What if things didn’t work out at this crucial juncture of her life? She needed to settle matters before she crossed that line and stepped into a different life. The halls and corridors of the Gothic old structure were so confusing she nearly got lost. Twice. Victoria emerged out into the garden. The guests all turned and looked at her. She shook her head and waved. Cynthia lifted her hand and wiggled her fingers. Victoria headed back inside.

Where was he?

She found a door at last with a paper taped to it that said GROOM.

She knocked on the door and glanced around, hoping no one would catch her in the act. Jillian would skin her if she found her here. After all, the bride wasn’t supposed to be sneaking around the church on the most auspicious day of her life. And the groom wasn’t supposed to see her.

Tom opened the door and frowned. “What are you doing here?”

“I need to see Trent.” She slipped past him before he could stop her.

Trent’s shocked voice pierced her ears. “Tori!” He slapped a hand on his eyes. “I am not supposed to see you before the wedding. It’s bad luck or something. Jillian told me.”

Handsome didn’t describe the way he looked. He simply took her breath away. His black tux showed off the broad shoulders and trim waist. He hadn’t tied his tie yet and his open shirt shows a hint of chest hair and the tan column of her throat. She wanted to nibble on his neck. She could physically feel the punch of attraction in her gut. She couldn’t wait to be married to him and start a new life with him. How had she ever gotten so lucky? But was it destined to end before it started. She hoped not. She was also too aware that her dad was downstairs waiting to give her away. Her mom was probably pacing, and Jillian was probably hunting for her right now. But she had to clear with up with Trent. She wasn’t sure how he’d react to what she had to say.

What if he didn’t want to marry her anymore after this?

Panic slid up her spine. Ignoring the feeling, she straightened her shoulders and turned to Tom. “Could you give us a couple of minutes alone?”

“The guests are here. The wedding is about to start. Can’t this wait till all this over?”

“It can’t wait.” She grabbed his hand and squeezed. “Please. Just stand outside the door and make sure no one comes in. Particularly not Jillian. This is very important.”

Tom gave a reluctant nod.

She turned to Trent. He peaked out from between his fingers and then his hand fell away from his eyes and he stared at her. “Oh my God! You look beautiful. It’s a good thing you dropped by—If I’d seen you first when you were walking down the aisle, I might have looked a love-stuck idiot. That’s bad for my image.”

She turned to his brother. “Please, Tom. Just a minute?” Tom was eyeing her with suspicion. But for what she had to say, she didn’t want an audience.

“Okay…but may I just say that if you changed your mind about marrying him, can I tell you I’m next in line.”

“Hey!” Trent scowled at his brother. “That’s not fair. She hasn’t changed her mind.” He turned to Victoria. “Have you? Please tell me that you’re not having second thoughts.”

“Of course, not.” She smoothed back her already perfect hair.

“Good!” He turned to his brother. “You—out!” Tom winked at Victoria before edging out of the door. He closed it behind him. Trent faced her. “What is it about?”

She sucked in a breath and let the word out. “I know this won’t go down well, in fact I’m quite sure of it, but there’s no other option—I have to tell you before the wedding. You’re the love of my life. We went through hell to get together and I might you him today, and the mere thought of it is enough make me freak out.”

Trent frowned. “You want to tell me you love me? Before the wedding?” 

“No…not that. Remember, how we talked about the fact that you were ready for marriage? About you taking on new responsibilities?”

“Yes, and I assured you I’m excited about this new phase of our life. Hundred percent. You don’t need to worry.” He came forward to take her hands. “What is it, Tori?”

His voice sent a shiver up her spine. “I should have taken more time to prepare a speech.”

“Tori—will you just tell me?”

“Positive thoughts only!”

“Tori—you’re telling me your thoughts now. And now you’re freaking me out.”

She gripped his hands. “Remember, how I had this five year plan?”

He looked bewildered, but he nodded. “Why are we taking a trip down memory lane? How can I forget the five year plan? You kicked the third item off the list when you refused to take Iverson’s offer to step in as the new Vice President.”

She was distracted for a moment. “Well, yeah, I didn’t see any sense of going back to a company which didn’t have the wisdom and class to retain an efficient and amazing employee like me. It’s their loss. I have had better offers.”

“Working from home as a freelancer is not a better offer. That’s a lateral shift.”

“Hey, after my near death experience, I want to take it easy. I want time to smell the roses, to meander from one place to another without a plan—to relax. I thought you appreciated that, and I hope you have not changed your mind about being the highest earning member of our family.”

“Of course not. It’d be nice not have your awesomeness thrown into my face on a daily basis.” He grinned. “Plus that makes me the head of the house so you have to defer to me.”

“Perish the thought. It’s not happening.”

“Couldn’t you at least leave me the fantasy of being in charge?”

Victoria knew she was wasting time, but she wanted to find the right words. They were still eluded her. “No.”

“Are you worried about your work? If freelancing isn’t working for you, there’s plenty of firms who’d snap you up.”

“I know.” Pulling away, she began to pace. “Freelancing is great right now. So is the new apartment. In fact, given the circumstances, it might be the best decision in a long time.”

“What circumstances?”

It was now or never. She stopped pacing and faced him. “Things have changed a little, Tent.”

“What things?”

Hands rigid at her side, she let the words out in a torrent. “It seems that the second step in my five year plan has fallen into place. And I need to be sure that you’re okay with every aspect of our relationship before I exchange marriage vows with you.”

He frowned. “Second step? What are you talking about? Of course, I am okay with everything. Hey…wait…second? The first step was marriage so the second step was…” His mouth gaped open and he stared at her. “No!”

“Yes!” She held out the pregnancy strip she had gripped in her fist. “I’m pregnant. And I swear I didn’t make this up or plan it and this is the third test I’ve done so unless I’m a complete moron, I am going to have a baby.”

Trent stared at the strip. “The first night? We made a baby on the first night we made love?”

“Yes.” She still wasn’t sure if he was happy. Did he want the baby? They never discussed this so far. They’d planned the wedding in a hurry because they didn’t want to wait any more. And she was ready for a change. The fact that she was pregnant had escaped her attention until last night when she realized that she was late by two weeks. “I am sorry. I should have realized something was up, but so many things have been happening and I didn’t put two and two together.”

Much to her relief, Trent laughed. He drew her into his arms. “Given that you were offered the post of the VP, I would say you fulfilled all parts of your plan. Trust you not to fall behind, Tori!”

“Does this mean you’re happy?”

He kissed her—a long, lingering kiss that made her want to rip off her gown and forget the wedding. He pulled back before it went that far. “I couldn’t be happier, Tori. This is the best news I’ve had since you said yes to my proposal. We are going to have a blast together. And this baby is the luckiest kid in the world because it’s going to have you as a mother.”

Her heart soared. In all honesty, she hadn’t been sure how he was going to feel about this second chance to be a father when the first one hadn’t gone so well. She punched his chest. “You really will make a great dad.”

He laughed. “Trust you to stick the plan.”

“Screw the plan, Trent. All I want is to start the honeymoon as soon as we can.”

He wiggled his eyebrows at her. “We could start now—we’re already late with the wedding.”

She stepped back. “But the plan was—”

“Yes?” Trent smiled as he walked to the door. He locked it. “I think I have a better plan.”

Twenty minute later, the restless guests settled as the Wedding March began to play. Victoria tried to push her ruined hair into place but it was no use. Jillian was muttering, asking where she’d been, and Trent never had gotten his tie tied. Beaming, she stared down the aisle. Her dad at her smile, her mother sniffling, Cynthia dabbing her tears away and winking at Tom.

And she couldn’t image a more perfect day.

It was a good thing no one had caught her sneaking around and getting stuck in a very compromising situation her husband to be.