“It’s all going to be okay. You know that, right?”
“Yeah,” I say, trying my hardest to believe her.
My nightwith the Vipers WAGs is just as incredible as I hoped it would be. I laugh until my stomach hurts and I’m sure I’m about to pee my pants.
The food is incredible, and despite not being able to eat as much as I would like, I’m sent home with a considerable amount all in containers, ready to be warmed up later when I’m hungry again. Something tells me I won’t be the only one having a Chinese midnight feast tonight, because the second Everett smells what I’m hiding in here, he’s going to want in on the action.
When Parker drops me off outside his apartment building, my heart is full and my body exhausted.
“Don’t let my brother eat all that food. You need it to ensure my niece or nephew is big and healthy.”
“I’ll do my best,” I promise her.
“I meant what I said earlier: our parents are going to love you. You’re good for Rett, and they’ll see that.”
“Here’s hoping. But what about?—”
“Just worry about now,” Parker says.
I sigh. “I can’t help it.” My hand comes to my stomach. “I’ve got to think about the future more than ever.”
“We’ll all be there, no matter what happens with Rett. You and your little one will always be looked after and protected. You’re a part of the family now, whether you like it or not. Shit, I’m sorry,” Parker cries when my tears spill free.
“I’ve been trying so hard not to cry tonight,” I wail.
“Damn it, Rett’s going to kill me if I send you up there looking like that.”
“He’ll know it wasn’t your fault. I’m just a mess right now.”
“Oh, he’ll blame me, all right. For a man who claimed to never want a woman, he’s suspiciously protective of you.”
“I’m growing his baby and saving his reputation.”
“Both may be true, but I think it’s more than that. You’ve got him wrapped around your little finger, and he has no idea how to deal with that.”
“He’s…” I sigh, a smile pulling at my lips. “He’s been incredible. So sweet and caring.”
“Many wouldn’t believe it’s possible.”
“But you know better,” I say.
“Yeah. Rett might be the hot-headed player we all know and love, but that’s only one side of him. There are only a very select few who get to see deeper, and you’re one of them, Bea.”
I nod, those pesky tears continuing to flow freely.
“I promise to take care of him, too,” I whisper.
“Oh sweetie,” she breathes, reaching for my hand and squeezing. “I know you are.”
Despite my best efforts, I’m still crying when I let myself out of Parker’s car and walk inside Everett’s building.
I meant every word I just said to her. If I achieve nothing else in my time with her brother than to prove to him that he’s worthy of the good things in life and that everyone loves him just the way he is, then I’ll walk away happy. Well…maybe. “Accomplished” might be a better term, because something tells me I’ll be far from happy at the prospect of watching him live out his life from afar.
I’m still battling my emotions when the elevator doors open. I take a step forward, more than ready to be upstairs and peel my too-tight clothes off, but I quickly discover the small space isn’t empty.
“Everett?” I gasp, my heart lurching when I find him resting back against the handrail, his shoulders pulled so tightly I’m convinced they’re about to snap.
“You’re crying. Why are you crying? What did Parker say to you?” he demands, sounding a little unhinged.
