by Jenna Reed
Erica didn’t respond right away. It felt like hours before she drew in a hesitant breath and spoke. “Saturday…we can have lunch…and talk.”
“Okay,” I agreed quickly. “Tell me when and where, and I’ll be there.”
She hesitated again before saying, “I’ll text you Friday. Bye.”
My own goodbye was cut off by the call ending. I fell back against the couch and blew out a heavy breath. I knew I was still far from winning her over, but I at least had somewhere to start now.
12
Erica
I sat down at the table thinking this was a big mistake. While Rhett had surprised me with his tenacity about being involved during the pregnancy, it didn’t prove anything. Not really. Anyone could be determined and wrapped up in an idea for a week. Even he could pretend to be interested in a family for that long. When the novelty wore off, I had no doubt that he would suddenly have more interesting things to do. More interesting women to do, more likely.
The surge of jealousy that thought inspired surprised me. I was probably safe to assume Rhett had slept with multiple women since we’d had sex. That didn’t mean I had to like it. Even before discovering I was pregnant, Rhett would often slip into my thoughts. If I hadn’t been so busy the last few months, I might have even suggested a round two with him. Now, I was filled with conflicting feelings about him. One moment, I wished he’d quit giving me hope and just walk away. The next moment, I was remembering how his naked body looked as he hovered over me in bed.
“Can I get you started with a drink while you wait for the rest of your party?” the waiter asked, startling me out of my thoughts.
God, did I ever want a drink. “Just water,” I requested with a smile.
The waiter nodded politely a disappeared.
I glanced at my phone for the time, even though I knew I was almost an entire half hour early and there was no reason for Rhett to be here already. The possibility of seeing him again unnerved me. All the feelings I didn’t know how to handle came flooding back in. He’d been relentless in texting and calling, some of his messages and texts not doing a very good job of hiding his frustration with me, or maybe it was with the baby news. I wasn’t sure which. Which only reminded me that I barely knew him at all.
One night of sex could produce a baby, but it couldn’t produce responsible parents by magic. Rhett argued that the baby changed things for him. I didn’t believe that for a second. Either he was honestly interested and ready to be the baby’s father, or he wasn’t. It wasn’t a switch he could flip on and off, as he expected me to believe. If Rhett had always been willing to step up and raise a child, then why had he never wanted one? It made no sense to me.
A chair pulled out from the table, startling me into glancing up. I was downright shocked when I found myself staring into Rhett Banks’s gorgeous blue eyes. God, I’d almost forgotten how insanely sexy he was. Almost. He looked even better than I remembered, though I wasn’t sure how that was possible. Struggling to suck in a breath, I stared up at him without a clue what to say.
“I wasn’t expecting you to be here already,” he said.
The sound of his smooth voice nudged my thoughts back to that night. His words from that night whispered through my mind, telling me how beautiful he thought I was, urging me to come. Warmth spread through me, shocking me back to reality. I shut the memories down quickly, and with finality, and straightened my posture. “Then why did you show up so early?” I asked coolly.
“I wanted to make sure you weren’t waiting on me.” He finished pulling his chair out and sat down. Once settled, he met my gaze with no sign of nerves or hesitation. “How are you?”
“Fine,” I replied. “And you?”
He smiled, but it was different than I remembered. “I’m good.”
We fell into an awkward silence then. I worried he’d barrage me with questions and accusations the second I let my guard down. I was so focused on preparing my defense that I couldn’t think of anything to say to him that might constitute small talk.
“Thank you for agreeing to lunch,” Rhett said. The honesty in his tone surprised me.
“I just hope I don’t end up regretting it,” I said. He didn’t bat an eye at my tone, too harsh for what I wanted to be a relaxed conversation.
Rhett didn’t respond to what I’d said right away. He studied me first, which made me squirm for some reason. What did I have to hide or answer for? Except for maybe the child growing inside of me. I hadn’t stopped to suggest using protection either. I’d been too caught up in the feel of his body pressed against mine, the all-consuming hunger we’d both felt in that moment. Everything I was desperately trying not to think about at the moment.
“I want you to know,” Rhett began, “that what happened that night has never happened before.”
I scoffed, even though a shot of relief sped through me. “Getting a woman pregnant? Good to know.”
“No,” he said, “not wearing a condom. I’d never done that before, and I can’t really explain what happened that night.”
My shoulders relaxed a little at his admission. “Neither can I.”
The corner of his mouth twitched, whether in a smile or in disbelief, I wasn’t sure. “I just wanted you to know that, despite my reputation, I’m not careless, and I never would have intentionally put you in this situation.”
Despite my other doubts about him, the honesty of his words was impossible to refute. I felt my resistance soften a tiny bit more. “Thank you. I appreciate knowing that.”
He smiled again, and relaxed in his chair. I hadn’t realized how tense he was until his broad shoulders eased to a more natural position. It reminded me of the easy way we’d acted around each other at the wedding, which made me wish he’d smile like he did that night. I mentally shook myself. There were no sexy smiles needed at this lunch. I had more than enough problems already. No need to add sleeping with Rhett again to the list.
Before either of us had to say anything else, the waiter returned and took Rhett’s drink order, a water to match mine. I almost objected and told him he didn’t have to forgo something stronger just because I couldn’t have alcohol anymore. Then I decided that if he wanted to prove he was invested in being a father, I would let him. For now.
“So,” Rhett said, “how have you been doing, really?” He was back to studying me, and I felt uncomfortable under his gaze. What was he looking for?
“What do mean?” My argument sounded weak, even to my ears.
Rhett shifted, leaning forward. “This isn’t an easy thing to wrap your head around. It affects a lot more for you than it does me, at least right now. Work, maternity leave, insurance, recovering…it’s a lot to take in.”
“It certainly is,” I said.
Leaning back in my chair, I considered how honest to be with him. I didn’t need him trying to get involved in every aspect of my life. That made me want to downplay the chaos I’d been through in the last week. Maybe he needed to hear all of it, though. If he couldn’t handle that, and he hit the road, better I face that now, right?
Crossing my arms, I leveled my gaze at him. “My boss was not thrilled when I told him the news and he realized he’d have to find a long-term sub to take over my class for two months. A lot of subs won’t take assignments that long and there’s a teacher shortage in this area. Legally, he can’t fire me for being pregnant, but he can find other reasons if he does happen to find a full-time teacher and really wants to get rid of me. We haven’t gotten along very well since he forced me to move to fifth grade, and I haven’t been there long enough to get tenure.
“I also realized I’d picked the cheapest insurance plan possible, because I could barely even afford that, and my out of pocket expenses for this baby are going to be much higher than I anticipated. To make things even better, I live in a one-bedroom apartment on the fourth floor, and I have no idea how to tell my parents that their only daughter is about to make them grandparents.”
I held my hands u
p when I ran out of words. He couldn’t possibly really want to get caught up in all of that. He had all the freedom in the world, and all the interested women he wanted. His life was relatively problem-free, from what Sophia had said. Why take on all of my shit when he didn’t have to? I held my breath, waiting for his excuse to be somewhere else.
“Fuck,” he said with a shake of his head, “that sucks, all of it. I’m sorry you’re up against all that shit.”
My shoulders sagged, but for what reason I couldn’t exactly say. Relief? Disappointment? Confusion?
“Look,” Rhett began, “I can’t really do much about your dick of a boss, or any of your work concerns, but I can help with some of the other stuff, if you’ll let me.”
Wariness and confusion tightened my chest. I ignored the burst of gratefulness and desire that tried to intrude. “What other stuff?”
“The financial issues.”
I pulled back, immediately opposed to the idea. He didn’t give me a chance to object before continuing.
“I make good money, and eventually I’m going to be financially responsible for at least half of the costs of raising the baby anyway. Why not let me start paying my half now?” He held my gaze, not wavering even a little. “Whatever your insurance doesn’t cover, I will. We can split the cost of baby stuff, furniture and clothes and whatever, but if there’s something you can’t afford, I can get it. We’ll figure out daycare later. You shouldn’t have to stress about money right now. You’ve got enough on your plate without that added in.”
My fears and worries insisted I not believe him, reminded me not to get dependent on him. What I saw in his eyes said something else. Maybe it was pride or ego that made him make the offer. Maybe it was more heartfelt than that. I had no idea. For some reason, though, I trusted him to follow through on the offer. At least until he bailed. I hadn’t been overplaying how much this was going to affect me financially. Even if he only stuck around a few months, any help with medical bills was hard to pass up.
“Let me think about it,” I finally said.
It was too hard to think rationally with him sitting across from me. His allure wasn’t just sexual. Deep down, I suspected Rhett was an amazing guy. Of course, that didn’t translate into being an amazing dad who stuck around, but sitting right across from him made it difficult not to be pulled in by the compassion in his eyes. My desire for him made me fear that I couldn’t keep a clear head around him and would end up giving him too many chances to break mine and the baby’s hearts.
Rhett didn’t press the point, which surprised me. Instead, he changed the topic to something equally stressful. “About your family…would you like me to be there when you tell them?”
My eyes flew wide and I gaped at him. “Are you insane? No, I don’t want you there. My brothers will kill you!”
That caught him off guard. “Why? It’s not like we’re the first two people to ever announce an unplanned pregnancy from a one-night stand. Is your family super religious or something?”
I choked back a laugh. “No, my family is not religious.” If they were, my brothers would be in big trouble right along with me.
“Then what?” Rhett asked, confused.
“My brothers know you. That’s why.”
His brow creased as he thought. “Who are your brothers?”
“Jackson and Carson Roberts.”
The furrow between his eyebrows deepened. After a moment, he shook his head. “Jackson, his name sounds familiar, but I don’t think I actually know either of them.”
“They know you,” I said, “or at least of you.”
Rhett frowned. The impact of that revelation wasn’t lost on him. “I see where you’re coming from, but I also don’t think it’s fair for you to take the brunt of their reaction when it’s my reputation that’s going to cause the issue.”
Once again, his response wasn’t what I’d expected. I could tell he was serious about it, too. His willingness to protect me was somewhat unnerving…and more than just a little sexy. It was so tempting to let him play at being my knight in shining armor. He could sweep me away from all my worries, carry me off to some hidden tower, and continue where we left off that night.
Stuffing that thought away as quickly as possible, I said, “I can handle my brothers. You’re the one who needs to watch your back when I finally tell them.”
“When will that be?” he asked. “Just so I know when to tell my new bodyguard to start.” His mouth curved up into a teasing smile.
I tried to resist his humor, but the corner of my mouth inched upward as well. “I’m serious about this. Especially Jackson. He was pissed and ready to tear you apart just over us sleeping together.”
Rhett’s brows rose in surprise. “You told him?”
“I hadn’t meant to. He was at my place when I came home the next morning.”
“Why?” he asked.
A slight smile crept onto my lips. “In our hasty exit, I left a few things behind at the church. He was dropping them off.”
Rhett considered this and nodded. Everything I’d said indicated that I was very close with my family, Jackson in particular. On the slim chance that Rhett did stick around, getting them to accept him would not be easy. My brothers were fiercely protective of me, and would not respond well to their baby sister getting knocked up by one of the biggest playboys they knew.
Rhett’s hand covered mine, yanking me out of my thoughts. I stared at him, confused and not allowing myself to enjoy the strength and warmth of his touch.
“We’ll figure all of this out. You don’t have to do it on your own,” he said.
My gaze fell to his hand. God it felt good to hear those words and have the physical and emotional support I desperately needed. If only it weren’t all an illusion. With a disappointed sigh, I slid my hand out from beneath his.
“I’m not looking for a relationship, Rhett. It’s the last thing I need in my life at the moment,” I said, “and I refuse to be with someone just because we happened to make a baby together. If you’re going to be involved in all of this, it’s only as the baby’s father. That’s it.”
Frustration flashed in his eyes, and for a moment, I thought he was going to lash out at me for rejecting him. Then, he said, “I’m not looking for a relationship either. I am going to be involved, but my motivation to solely to make sure you and the baby are taken care of and healthy. Doing that is going to take at least being friends, though, don’t you think?”
This time, it was more difficult to tell how honest he was being. Probably about as honest as I was being with myself. Rhett was insanely hot and sexier than he had any right to be. In any other situation, I wouldn’t have hesitated to suggest we go back to his place again. Reality was that in seven months I was going to have our child. That was overwhelming enough without letting lust confuse my emotions. I knew that would only lead to heartbreak. He was right about being friends, though. It scared me to even contemplate it, because my will power around him was shaky at best, but I knew it was a risk I would have to take.
“It would certainly make things easier,” I agreed.
He smiled. “Then let’s give it a try, okay?”
That same worry that I would regret this hovered around me. I nudged it aside purely out of practicality, and for no other sexually gratifying reasons. “Okay. Friends.”
13
Erica
I kept glancing at the clock, urging the substitute teacher to hurry it up. I was already anxious enough about seeing the OBGYN Dr. Bennet had referred me to that I didn’t need to add battling traffic while in a hurry to my concerns. My students were all working quietly, for once, and I had the afternoon’s lesson plans already laid out for the sub. It should be an easy few hours for him or her, if whoever it was would just show up!
Twenty minutes later, when I was on the verge of grabbing the principal and dragging him in here to watch my class, the classroom door popped open. A young woman who looked to be fresh out of high school breezed i
n. I jumped up from my desk and buried the desire to lecture her about punctuality.
“Lesson plans are on my desk,” I said. “The kids have ten more minutes to work on their essays. Thanks!”
I didn’t wait to see if she had any questions. If she wanted answers, she should have shown up on time.
Racing out to my car, I shoved the dawdling sub out of my mind and tried to mentally prepare myself for the upcoming appointment. Dr. Bennet had assured me that Dr. Anderson was one of the best in the city and would take great care of me. I was still on the verge of losing my lunch. All Dr. Bennet had done was a pregnancy test and given me a general idea of a due date. What if the OBGYN found something else? A problem?
I’d texted Rhett an hour ago to remind him of the appointment and the address of the office. He hadn’t responded. That had amped up my anxiety more than almost anything else. In the three weeks it had taken to get in with the OBGYN, Rhett had shown up to both my appointments with Dr. Bennet, had met me for lunch each weekend to see how I was doing and talk about everything baby-related. Normally, he answered a text within minutes, and never missed a call unless he was in a meeting. Even then, he texted me to let me know he’d call back.
His attentiveness was borderline overwhelming at times. Not to mention how much it was screwing with my mind to have him at my beck and call, but not for the reason I wanted. I was coming to understand that his aggressive attentiveness was personality related. The night we’d slept together, I’d enjoyed his aggressiveness, and was turned on by his alpha traits. Now…hell, both of those things still applied on a personal level. When it came to the baby, though, his constant attention made me a little wary at times because I worried how long he could keep up that level of intensity. For the most part, I choked it up to genuine interest and a need to prove himself to me. I just hoped he realized this was only going to work as a partnership.
