Keep My Heart (Top Shelf Romance Book 7)

by Lex Martin

  Now he’s the one laughing. “I’m not going to be your stripper!”

  “Why not? I’m sure she’ll keep her hands to herself.” I smirk because we both know that’s a lie. He gives me a look.

  “It will be good for you. I don’t know what she likes to eat, but I’m sure Viola knows. Please?”

  “Maybe,” he says, and I feel pretty good about my open attempt to play matchmaker.

  In the morning, I work out, then go straight to the office and try to read through diagrams for these damn computers. I can’t comprehend the nonsense. Right before eleven, Courtney pulls up in her Jeep, music blaring. She’s wearing this crazy dress with big polka dots, and her hair is pulled up into a tight, high ponytail. I watch her reach over and grab a bright pink tool kit with her name embroidered on the outside. It takes everything inside me not to burst out laughing. She sees me inside, gives me a big wave, and then swings open the door like she owns the place.

  “Whoa! Apple products. Nice work, King.” Her eyes widen when she sees the large iMacs lined against the desks along the wall. She drops the heavy bag down on the front counter where my secretary will sit—as soon as I hire one. Shit, I have so much to do.

  “Yeah. Only the best.” I smile proudly.

  “Agreed. So, whatcha got?”

  I hand her a box of cords and CDs with a smile. “Can you help me install all of this and get the router and network set up, so it’s protected?”

  She puckers her lips and gives a playful eye roll. “Duh.”

  Immediately, she starts wiring everything together, inserting discs and clicking through things so quickly, it’s as though she’s got all the steps memorized. Before finishing, she neatly zip-ties all the cords so they look nice.

  “You’re good to go.” She slaps her hands together with a smile.

  I sit down at one of the computers and see the wireless network in the top right-hand corner.

  “Oh, I set up a shared drive for everyone, too. You know, just in case you wanted that.” She winks.

  I didn’t even ask for that, but it will be helpful during start-up to stay on the same page with my employees. My eyes widen. Shit, she really is a genius. Before I can even tell her thank you, a squad car pulls up in front of the building. Courtney sees me staring behind her with a smile, and she turns and catches sight of Drew. Now her eyes are the ones that are wide. She tucks loose strands of hair behind her ears and sits on the desk with her long legs crossed.

  Drew walks in with a bag from the local deli and a bottle of fancy looking water. I’m pretty sure I saw drool drip down her chin, but I don’t dare say a word.

  “Ms. Bishop?”

  Courtney’s mouth falls open. Drew is fucking working this. I’m so proud of him for stepping out of his comfort zone because I know how hard this is for him. He ignores every girl who bats a lash his way, especially Courtney. But she deserves a trophy for trying.

  She stands and puts her hand over her heart.

  “Those damn handcuffs,” she says under her breath and then realizes I heard her. She glares at my snicker, and I shrug.

  “I was told your favorite lunch is a chicken wrap and pure coconut water,” Drew says.

  “Wait, what?” She’s just as shocked as I am that he brought her lunch.

  He hands her the bag, and she takes it with a huge smile on her face. This might be the most attention he’s given her—ever. His radio goes off, and he answers back quickly.

  “Hope you enjoy it,” he tells her and then turns around and leaves.

  Courtney leans against the wall and sighs. She’s so damn dramatic.

  “Oh my God, Travis! Are you trying to kill me?”

  I can no longer hold back my laughter. “No, I need your help!”

  “I’ll do it. I accept your offer.”

  “What?” I’m confused.

  “Just tell me when we open, and I’ll be here. Especially if you can pay me in glimpses of Drew in that uniform.”

  Union International offered me a great salary, a decent-sized office, and a position I only dreamed of having six months ago. As hard as it was to say no, I couldn’t accept, considering my current situation. They even counter offered, giving me a twenty percent pay increase, but it wasn’t enough to keep me grounded in Boston. I packed my stuff and shipped it to Courtney since I’ll be staying with her until I find a place of my own. The last few months have been…well…interesting.

  Drew and Courtney both know I’m not returning to Boston once I leave, but I haven’t found the courage to tell Travis yet. He’ll find out soon enough and when I don’t leave after the holidays are over it’ll be a dead giveaway. I begged them not to say a word because I want to be the one to tell him. I have to be. We have a lot to talk about, but the truth is, I’m not sure what to say to him or where to even begin. Just thinking about it gives me an anxiety attack.

  I shove my carry-on in the overhead compartment of the plane and slide the window cover open, peering out into the distance. Soon we take off over a blanket of white fog, and as nervous as I am to be returning to Cali, I’m happy to be leaving Boston and all the damn snow.

  As the plane lands in California, I feel a little ridiculous wearing a baggy sweater and so many layers. I roll my sleeves up to my elbows and patiently wait while we deplane. I was cold, but now I’m sweating. Freaking hormones. A lump forms in my throat when I open my text messages and see Courtney is already waiting for me. This is happening. I’m really home.

  After I pee, I wheel my suitcase through the airport, trying to find just a sliver of courage. I walk through the double doors, and Courtney is leaning against her Jeep with a big, goofy smile on her face. She takes off running in high heels and gives me a big hug.

  “Oh my God, Mama! Look at you!” She squeals and pats my tummy. I’m so happy she’s excited about this pregnancy because I’m still not sure how to feel, but I’ve felt like that since the day I found out.

  Though I felt like death, I took an Uber to the nearest pharmacy. The guy who drove me across town looked at me like I had the plague, and I’m sure when I stepped out of his car, he sprayed disinfectant all over the seats. I walked inside and stared at the pregnancy tests, picking up a two pack, which claims to be 99.9% accurate. I’ve never had to take one, and I almost find it hilarious that it’s come to this point. Courtney is three thousand miles away but has me so worked up I have to know for sure. I’m pretty confident it’s a virus. I’ve had the flu before. I know the symptoms, and I feel like death—totally the flu.

  When I grab the cardboard box, I feel ridiculous. All the way to the counter, I keep repeating how I can’t be pregnant. Birth control. I didn’t miss a pill. Not one. I take a cab back to my studio apartment and somehow find the strength to climb the stairs. I read the instructions at least ten times before I take the stick out and pee on it, and then I wait. Almost immediately two pink lines appear.

  No, no, no.

  I take the other pregnancy test out of the wrapper and pee on it, too.

  The first one had to be wrong. This could not be happening, not now, not when I’m at the beginning of my career and so far away from everyone I love. Just as fast as the other one, two pink lines.

  I sit on the toilet and stare at it in shock. I’m not even sure what to do or say. Immediately I call Courtney, crying.

  “Oh my God, Lola. What’s wrong? Is everything okay?”

  “Court.” I sit there a long time in silence as tears stream down my face.

  “Lola? You’re freaking me out.”

  “I’m…” I couldn’t even say the words.

  She pats my belly and brings me back to reality. I gulp, thinking about how lost I felt when I told her, but she was there for me. I don’t believe there was a time when she wasn’t.

  “I guess this sweater didn’t cover up this bump?” I look down and laugh.

  “I mean for the most part, but it’s still totally obvious.”

  “Couldn’t you have just lied?” I smile,
but I thought I’d be able to face Drew without him instantly knowing. It’s so hard to recognize the change in myself, but I thought it wasn’t that noticeable with oversized clothes. Who the hell am I trying to fool? Everyone.

  “I cannot wait to go shopping. Cute little clothes and hats and shoes. I LOVE BABIES!” She’s talking so loud, her voice echoes through the parking garage. She grabs my suitcase and throws it into the back of the Jeep and slams her foot on the gas as usual. I shoot her a look, and she slows down. “Sorry, I forgot there was a baby on board.”

  I grin at her. “So, how was your wrap and coconut water?”

  Drew texted me and told me what was going on, that Travis asked for a favor, and I’m happy he considered Courtney and looped Drew in on it. She’s the best of the best and can help him with anything he needs.

  “I’m so happy you’re home and that you’re finally going to be my roommate,” she says as she parks outside of her place. We had talked about living together so many different times in college, but after being accepted into the common dorms, it was a lot easier to move my stuff across campus and not have to worry about paying rent.

  “So, I got a job,” Courtney says, wheeling my suitcase across the pavement to her apartment.

  “Really?”

  “Well, I kind of told Travis I was going to work for him.” She bursts out laughing, and I can’t help but laugh, too.

  “Seriously? What did he say?” God, I miss him.

  “He looked at me like I had lost my damn mind.”

  I know that look well.

  “Have you?” We walk inside, and I see my boxes waiting for me in the living room.

  “Yeah, probably a little bit. But my dad said no more freeloading. Either I get a job or move back to Texas and work on the ranch. How cliché is that?” She wrinkles her nose and makes a face. “And we both know I wouldn’t survive one day of having dirt under my fingernails or sweating.” She cringes.

  “Oh, sweet baby Jesus.”

  “I know, right? I’m not going back to Texas. No way. Not with your hot brother showing up and bringing me lunch. And with me becoming an aunt and all.”

  I shake my head at her. “Well, if Travis goes for it, you totally should. He’s dealt with enough shit from the corporate world that I’m sure he’ll treat his employees like gold. But honestly Court, it’s marketing. You hated marketing.”

  She laughs. “Because it was boring! You have to admit it was boring.”

  “You have a point.” I sit on the couch and prop up my swollen feet. “Oh my God!”

  She stands up and walks toward me. “What, are you okay?”

  I look up at her, shocked. “Yeah. I just felt the baby kick for the first time.”

  “Baby Traviola loves me!” She sits next to me and places her hand on my stomach, and the baby kicks again. It’s one of the weirdest sensations and makes this impending motherhood thing feel very real all of a sudden.

  “Have you told anyone else yet?” She searches my face.

  I shake my head. “Not yet. I’m not even sure what to say.”

  “Honestly, I’m sure you won’t have to say anything.” She gives me a smile, then glances down at my tummy.

  “Oh, shut it. I’m so nervous, Court. I’m really scared to tell Drew. I’m worried to tell Travis and my parents. I feel lost. What if Drew hates me? What if Travis writes me off? What if my parents make me feel guilty?”

  She gives me a hug. “What-ifs don’t mean shit. And no matter what, it’s going to be okay. No one's reactions will change the fact that you’re going to have a sweet little baby. Everyone will have to accept it. You’re going to be the best mom on the planet, and I’m going to be the world’s number one aunt. And you know if you need anything, I’m here. Okay? Always.”

  I nod, and she gives me a tight hug. Sometimes Courtney is completely ridiculous, but I love the fact that she’s always on my team, rooting for me, no matter what.

  On a whim, I pick up my phone and text Drew because the time for him to know is now. I can’t hide this any longer.

  Viola: I’m home. Still up for ice cream?

  Drew: Yeah, give me an hour?

  Viola: Yep!

  My nerves kick into overdrive.

  I glance at Courtney. “Want to drive me to Sugars, so I can tell Drew the big news?”

  She lifts both of her eyebrows. “Are you sure? At an ice-cream shop?”

  “He won’t make a scene in a public place.” I laugh, but it’s true.

  “You’re evil.”

  Time passes quickly. Courtney reluctantly drops me off, and while I wait, I order two scoops of strawberry ice cream and sit in a secluded booth in the corner of the room. I get lost in my phone, and only look up when I see Drew walking toward me with a scoop of chocolate. I was so into this new book that I didn’t even see him come in or even order. As soon as he sees me, he smiles.

  “Vi, you look good! The extra winter weight suits you,” he says, grabbing my spoon and helping himself to my ice cream that I’ve barely touched.

  I furrow my brows.

  “You too, ass.” I glare at him. He stops shoving the ice cream in his mouth, and I laugh. For the next thirty minutes, Drew catches me up on work and our parents. He talks about Travis and the business and even mentions Gryff. One person he doesn’t dare talk about is Mia, because he knows better, and considering my hormones, I might lose my shit over strawberry ice cream. It seems as if all of their lives have gone on without me, and I feel like I’ve missed so much. My heart is racing, and I try to find the right place to tell him the news. After he complains about the cold, I just blurt it out.

  “I’m pregnant.”

  At first, he doesn’t stop talking, and I think he doesn't hear me, so I repeat myself.

  “I’m pregnant, Drew.”

  His mouth drops open, and he sits there and stares at me like I slapped him across the face. I’m thankful there’s no one else in the restaurant.

  “You’re going to be an uncle.”

  The fact that he’s not saying anything is stressing me out. I know it’s a lot to take in, so I sit there and wait for him to speak. Time slips through my fingers, and I cover my face with my hands because I feel the tears welling on the brims of my eyes. Gently, he pulls my hands away so he can search my face.

  “I’m going to be an uncle?” He sounds and looks shocked.

  I nod.

  “Who is the…?”

  “Oh my God, Drew. Who do you think? I don’t sleep around.”

  His eyes widen as he connects the dots, and I want to know what he’s thinking. We sit there, staring at each other, and I wish Courtney would just walk in and say something that makes me laugh. My heart is beating so fast I can feel the pulse rock through my body.

  Drew finally gives me a smile, and it allows me to relax just a bit. “Does Travis know?”

  I shake my head. “Not yet, but I’m going to tell him as soon as possible.”

  “Yeah, he needs to know he’s going to be a dad.”

  I swallow hard. “Remember that favor you owe me?”

  “How could I forget?” Drew says.

  “Can you help me tell Mom and Dad?”

  Chapter 16

  Travis

  As I’m leaving the house to head to the office, I see a package from FedEx sitting against the door. Confused, I pick it up and realize it’s the surprise birthday gift I mailed to Boston for Viola. Since her birthday is only a few days away, I thought I’d send her something nice—a pair of diamond earrings to match the heart necklace I gave her when we were kids. It really fucking hurts my heart to see the box sitting at my feet.

  I pick it up and walk back inside as I send her a text.

  Travis: Refusing my packages now?

  Her text bubble instantly pops up.

  Viola: Huh?

  Travis: I mailed you a package for your birthday, and it’s been returned.

  She doesn’t reply as quickly, but once she finally does, I’m floo
red.

  Viola: It’s because I’m back home.

  I read the text again, and it confuses me. What the hell? She wasn’t coming home until closer to Christmas, last I heard.

  Travis: What? You’re here right now? You’re early.

  I wish she would’ve told me as soon as she landed, and I know I’m probably not at the top of her list, but fuck, I’ll fight my way back to the top. Still, for some reason, I thought I’d be the first to know.

  Viola: Yeah, I’m here permanently. Can we talk soon?

  Permanently?

  Travis: You tell me the time and place, and I’ll be there, princess.

  I pick up the FedEx package and set it on the counter, wondering if it’s too early to start drinking. I hadn’t expected Viola to be home already, and now to hear she’s not going back is a sweet surprise. Honestly, I’m unsure of how I should feel right now. A part of me is thrilled to fucking death that Viola is here, but another part of me is anxious. What does this mean exactly? I wish it meant that we’d have another chance to be together, but that’s a dangerous game to be playing. On the other hand, just the thought of her being here puts a huge smile on my face. Every day since she left, I’ve wished she’d come back to Cali—come back to me—and now she has.

  Drew wakes up and drags his ass into the kitchen and furrows his brows at the smile I’m wearing. I can’t help it.

  “Did you win the lottery or something?” he asks.

  “Viola is home! Did you know?”

  He gives me a nervous smile, but I try to ignore it. “Yeah, she asked me not to say anything.”

  I don’t even comment because it was the same words I’d said to him whenever we talked about Viola and me. She had asked me not to say anything until she was ready, and I didn’t.