“Then get out.” Gunner’s words flew from the back wall towards Laurel.
“I’m just looking for a quote. Something to help you guys out here. You have to know, by not saying anything, you’re just adding fuel to the fire. My colleagues have picked up the story, and not just in Texas. I’ve gotten on-air requests fromthe big three. Why not let the reporter who broke the news also be the vessel to carry your redemption story?”
“How nice of you.” Mae pushed against Stone’s embrace. “I’ll give you a quote. How about I tell you how far up your own ass?—”
“Nope. No, no, no, no, no.” Stone pressed his hand over Mae’s mouth gently. “I love you so much for sticking up for all of us, but we’re not giving Laurel one single thing to use against us, baby. Not a single thing.”
“Funny you mention baby, Stone.” His stomach dropped as he watched Lo’s smile turn malicious. “Congratulations are in order, aren’t they?”
“Laurel!” Gunner barked, stepping around Sebastian to march towards her.
“Oh, did I spoil the surprise?” Her eyes flicked to Mae, who had gone deathly still in his arms. “I just put two and two together. Getting sick the morning we met. Thenbumpinginto you outside the doctor’s office…”
“Holy…” Hawk mumbled, his eyes going wide as he looked over at his sister.
Stone’s arms tightened around Mae and she pressed her head down on his shoulder.
“We lost the baby, Lo.” Stone’s heart shattered for Mae, as he was forced to mention it in front of everyone. “Thanks for bringing it up in front of everyone, though. Really, so kind of you.”
Laurel’s face fell. “I?—”
“I think you can see that you’re really not welcome here. Step foot on our property again, and we will press charges…” Sebastian’s voice faded into the background as Mae pulled out of Stone’s embrace. She turned back to the reception area and began shuffling papers. Her eyes were shiny with tears, but he knew on principle alone she would never let them fall.
“We’ll make sure she takes off before we head to the diner,” Beau said as he walked past Stone.
“Thanks guys, appreciate that. And I appreciate you stepping up and protecting Mae until we got out here.”
“Sorry for your loss.” Hayes held his hand out to Stone, who shook it with a lump in his throat. “If you need anything, don’t be afraid to reach out.”
“Thanks.” He dropped his voice down. “She doesn’t really want anyone to know right now.”
“Say no more. It won’t go further than us.”
“We appreciate it.”
Beau and Hayes grabbed their bags and tossed them over their shoulders before heading out the main door. Nash flipped the sign and locked the doors, effectively putting an end to their insane work day.
The only sound in the room was coming from the paperwork Mae was shuffling around. The file cabinet under her desk opened and closed, and Stone watched as she sat back in her chair, her eyes fluttering closed for just a second before she squared her shoulders and stood up.
“I don’t want to talk about it,” she announced. Stone watched Mae shake her head at Hawk who was walking towards her. “I’m not ready to. I’m not sure I’ll ever be ready to. I haven’t told?—”
“No one else knows.” Stone took over. “This isn’t how we would have shared it.”
“What just happened here stays here. Just between all of us. It’s as simple as that.” Gunner crossed his arms and nodded at Mae. “And if there ever comes a time when you do want to talk about it, we’re here. But we’ll let you take the lead.”
Her shoulders relaxed and Stone could have kissed Gunner for that kindness.
“Sloane’s making dinner tonight,” Gage said. “Actually,it’s Lily cooking, but we’re hosting. How about we all head up there? Feels like we all could use a breather.”
The guys agreed in various grumbles and grunts, but Stone didn’t move, his eyes staying locked on Mae.
“I’m just going to go up to the apartment,” she finally said, breaking through the silence.
“I’ll come with you.”
“No. You can’t. It’s important that you spend time with the team. Especially after what happened today.”
She was pushing him away. Again.
