“Yeah, it is. But…isn’t it kinda what you wanted?”
“I wanted him to be a part of this,” I say, gesturing to my stomach. “I want my child to have both parents in his life. I don’t ever remember saying I wanted to pretend that we’re a couple to fix his reputation.”
“But if you don’t, he could get traded, and then he won’t be in your life at all. He already travels for nine months of the year. He’s hardly going to be here even if he plays for the Vipers with his schedule.”
“Yeah,” I agree, my heart aching with the thought of him constantly being away. Not for me, of course—for our baby.
“And don’t forget the benefits,” she adds, wiggling her brows.
“There won’t be any benefits,” I assure her. “That’s complicating it all.”
“Or it’ll make it worthwhile. I know I’ve never been pregnant, but everything I’ve ever read says that you get horny as hell with all the extra hormones surging around your body. A man that fine could really come in useful. And it’s not like he won’t be up for it. If you’re faking this relationship, I’m assuming he won’t be getting his needs met elsewhere. And you know that man has needs.” Her eyebrows start dancing again.
“I’m not just going to lie back and let him fuck me silly all summer just so he can look good in the media and still get his kicks.”
“Why the hell not? It sounds like the kind of summer dreams are made of.”
“It sounds like a one-track road to pain and heartache.”
“Or it could be the beginning of something amazing.”
I groan. “You’ve been reading too many romance novels.”
“What? A girl’s got to do something to keep the hope alive. I fully believe that there is a book boyfriend out there for all of us. He’s just waiting for the right moment to make himself known and sweep us off our feet.”
Sienna’s wordsfloat around my head as I welcome my first client of the day for her facial. But while I can see several positives with pretending to start something up with Everett, I can’t ignore the massive red flags.
Being able to cast my emotions aside for a one-night stand is one thing. But keeping them at bay while pregnant and in a fake relationship…is that going to be possible? Even with keeping sex out of it, my hormones are at an all-time high.
I fully understand how this arrangement could help Everett, and in turn, help me. It would keep him with the Vipers, and that’s the best chance our baby is going to have in terms of having a father. If he gets traded to another team, well, he’ll be nothing but a paycheck. Not that I want his money. But from the little bit I’ve got to know about Everett, I don’t doubt that he’ll take care of his responsibilities.
But there’s another way this arrangement could potentially help me. I don’t want to admit it, and I really don’t want to dive back into my past, but if I’m going to do this for Everett, then surely, he’ll be willing to take the next step and allow me to claim what’s rightfully mine.
My head is spinning as the clock ticks around to lunchtime. My half-eaten burrito has been forgotten, and my stomach is growling so loudly I had to apologize to my client. I’m sure it was the last thing she was expecting during what was meant to be a relaxing full-body massage.
The thought of warming up my leftover breakfast makes my mouth water. I knew there was a reason I couldn’t finish it all this morning.
I say goodbye to my client, regrettably with a little more enthusiasm than I welcomed her with, seeing as I’m about to get food. But before I get a chance to spin away from the reception desk and race toward my awaiting burrito, Lessy stops me.
“This is for you.”
I scan the desk for a parcel but come up empty.
But then, she hands me a bag.
“What’s this?” I ask, brows pulled together.
She looks equally as confused as she murmurs, “Your lunch.”
My heart jumps into my throat.
I didn’t order any lunch. But one person’s face quickly pops into my head.
“Oh, right. Yeah. Sorry. Long morning,” I ramble while she continues to stare at me as if I’ve sprouted an extra head.
I reach for the bag and bring it to my chest. I have no idea what’s inside, but it smells incredible. My stomach growls obnoxiously loud as I race toward the staff room with my goodies clutched to me like treasure. I might have been excited about my leftover burrito, but this has just blown it out of the water.
“What’s that?” Sienna asks as I burst into the room.
