The worry that had been gnawing at me all day roared back to life, only louder and more insistent this time.
The last time I was caught in the middle of a scandal, at least I only had to worry about myself.
Brad deserved every bit of humiliation he got, and when the school stripped him of some of his honors, it felt like the least they should've done.
Nate didn’t deserve any of this crap that was happening.
If I were pregnant, there would be no hiding it. By Christmas, I would be showing.
The thought made my chest tighten with panic.
"Let me rub your back," Nate offered, and the concern etched on his face tugged at my heartstrings.
As much as I wanted to curl up and ignore the world to do battle in my mind, I owed him at least that much.
I couldn’t explain what was going on in my head or in my body, but I didn't have to push him away while I fought it.
I nodded, unable to speak, and he began working his fingers along my spine in slow, soothing circles.
It should have comforted me and eased the tension coiled in my muscles, but all I could think about was the clock ticking down, the days passing, and the inescapable reality that if I was carrying his child, the entire town would know soon enough.
And there would be no escape from that.
14
NATE
Friday arrived with its usual exhaustion, and I found myself grateful that the week was nearly finished, as was the month.
Ember sat at the small conference table near the window, organizing the notes we'd need for tonight's hospital fundraiser.
She worked busily without looking up, but all I could think about was how things had changed.
She was pulling back from me slightly, seeming distracted and avoidant, not just professional.
And last week after sex, it was so strange the way she felt off and then fell asleep shortly after.
I was starting to think she was keeping something from me, but I knew she had so much on her mind already, and the last thing I wanted was to pressure her if she felt there was something she couldn’t talk to me about.
Watching her fidget with the paperwork while knowing we only had a short time before we had to go to tonight's event just made me more concerned.
She was agitated and restless.
I wanted to help her with that.
"Ember," I said, setting down my pen. "Are you feeling alright?"
She glanced up, startled, and offered a smile I'd seen a million times every time a camera was around. "I'm fine. Just trying to make sure we have everything ready."
"You seem distracted or upset."
"I'm not," she said quickly, then looked back down at the papers in front of her. "I promise, everything's under control."
I opened my mouth to press further when a knock sounded at the door.
Before I could answer, Thomas Reed stepped inside without waiting for permission.
Without Ember out at her desk, there was no screening my visitors or turning away unwanted pop-in guests.
