“Keep me company while I put the room to rights and then I’ll throw in dinner. Have you eaten yet?”
“No,” Gabby said.
Ethan stood dumbfounded, I was guessed over Gabby flirting with the good-looking Dom. “Gabby, can I have a second?”
“Come back to the aftercare room when you’re done,” the Dom said.
“What are you doing?” Ethan asked. “You’ve never come on to a woman or a man since you and Belle got together. What’s going on?”
Gabby raised her left hand and wiggled her fourth finger. Bare except for the imprint on the skin of a ring that had been there. “The day after we had dinner with you last Sunday we had a huge fight. She’s never gotten over me not being honest about the baby. And to be truthful, I haven’t changed my mind. I got pregnant for her.” She waved her hand. “And yeah, not a substantial reason. But…” Gabby gestured toward the black curtain. “I need to get laid so let’s talk tomorrow. We can meet at our spot and have burritos for breakfast.”
I cast my gaze anywhere except on Gabby. I didn’t know if I was invited or not. But why would I be? I was the new kid. She and Ethan were tight.
“Jude, you come, too.”
“Are you sure?” I asked. “This is personal and you hardly know me.”
“You coming will save Ethan going home and having to relate everything,” she teased. And then serious, she added, “If I ever feel that I have to speak to Ethan alone, I’ll be sure to let you know.”
“Okay, then,” I said. “Ethan, do you need to say anything to Gabby without me?”
“No, my questions can wait until tomorrow,” he said and kissed her on the cheek. “Be safe.”
As soon as we were down the stairs and heading for the exit,” I pulled him out of the stream of bodies near a hallway that had a sign that read,Changing Rooms, Members Only. “Your eyes are so dark, I can’t tell whether your angry or worried.”
“The latter,” he said.
I cupped his face. “About them splitting up?”
“No,” he replied, his manner more worrisome than when my mother screamed at him.
“Ethan, then what?”
“I’m afraid she’ll decide to get an abortion. My sperm helped make the fetus she’s carrying. And she’s looking to hook up…”
I enclosed Ethan in the circle of my arms, pressing his head to my shoulder. “Baby, you’ve been through fucking hell and back today. Let’s go home.”
I took his hand and waving good night to Caleb and Roger, we walked to his truck in silence. The only words that passed between us was when I asked for the key fob to his truck. I’d never driven anything but sedans, but I wasn’t about to mentionmy inexperience. And I refused to let him drive in his state of mind. Besides, the gearshift was clearly marked.
I backed out of the space made easy with a back-up camera, then slipped the gear into Drive. The feel of a truck was light years different than what I was used to. Thus, I took a few minutes to get used to the heavier feel on the steering wheel and the unrefined ride. But I made it home without incident.
When I’d parked, he unbuckled his seat belt and touching his leg, I said, “Wait for me.”
He eyed me curiously but said nothing.
I hopped out and walked around to the passenger side, studying his dejected expression through the windshield. When I opened the door, I took his hand and didn’t let go as he exited the truck. Nor as we entered the lobby and made our way to the elevator. When we were halfway down the corridor to his apartment, he paused me.
“Were Frank and Mamma going to wait?”
“No, they sent a text to Gabby when you were with Liam saying they were leaving and for you to remember they love you.”
Ethan merely replied in a hollow voice, “That’s good.”
I let us into the apartment. Once inside the foyer, I put the key fob on the table and dropped to one knee. Ethan didn’t even react when I untied one work boot, tapped on his leg to lift up, and yanked the boot off. I removed the other one and then toed off my shoes. Then I walked him straight into the bathroom where I gingerly took off his shirt, then his pants and socks. “I’m assuming you can’t take a shower with the lacerations being so new?”
“No, I can’t,” he confirmed. “Liam cleansed them with alcohol and then smeared on the antiseptic cream. Jude, while I wash up would you mind making something for me to eat? I’llcome in as soon as it’s ready. But right now, I have to lay down before my legs give out.”
“Of course, baby.’
