“I can open a car door, Quentin. I’m pregnant, not broken.”
“I know you can, but you are mine to take care of now. So let me.” His words are so sure, so strong that they wrap themselves around me like a warm blanket.
You’re mine to take care of now.
I try my best to shake his words off the entire ride home, but they don’t want to let go.
Chapter 15
Quentin
“Tu vas être papa!” Camille screams.
I came right here after my dinner with Teagan ended, and my mind’s been spinning ever since with a thousand questions and scenarios.
During my drive, I called my sister, seeing as it was only nine o’clock and she’s usually still up, and asked if I could come over. I needed to tell her and talk about it. While she may be my little sister, I still go to her for everything.
“I know,” I say, still feeling remnants of shock over the revelation. “J’arrive toujours pas à y croire.”
Ryker grips my shoulder and gives it a gentle squeeze. “I’m happy for you, man, congrats,” Ryker says with a smile as he returns to my sister’s side.
“Thanks. I’m happy too, in a weird way, I guess? It’s not how I imagined starting a family, but there’s no way I’m not going to be a part of my kid’s life,” I tell them.
“It may be an unconventional way to start a family, but there’s nothing wrong with it,” Camille replies, her less than usual chipper tone giving me the inclination that she has more to say.
I sigh. “But?”
“I just know how excited you were last time…and I don’t want you to get burned again.”
A pit forms in my stomach at the memory of what happened with Penelope. Although I asked Teagan for a paternity test, I can’t imagine Teagan putting me through that again. There’s something about her that seems genuine. Maybe it’s the way she doesn’t care what people think and says exactly what’s on her mind. Most people hide what they’re really thinking and live to please others, but not her.
“Teagan was very clear about wanting nothing more than a night of fun.Sherejected me, so I’d be surprised if she was trying to trap me.”
“Ew.” Camille wrinkles her nose. “No sex talk, remember?”
I roll my eyes. “You’rethe one who asked.”
“So, she’s different?”
“She is,” I say as my mind drifts to our dinner tonight. Not only did she look so beautiful that it took my breath away, but she’s strong, confident, and doesn’t put up with anyone’s shit, including my own. It’s nothing like I’ve ever experienced before.
Camille folds her lips together, then says, “I’m worried you’re going to fall in love with her, because you like to take care of people. I don’t want you to romanticize something that has the potential to end really badly if it doesn’t work out. If you guys try to make it work and it doesn’t, then you lose that friendship, which is so important to co-parent. Of course you’ll put the baby first, but I imagine it makes things easier if things are good between you two.”
“I appreciate the concern, sis, but it’s not like that at all. Am I attracted to her? Obviously.”
Camille mocks puking and I just laugh as I continue on.
“And of course I care for her because she’s the mother of my child. I want her to be safe and healthy. But I hear what you’resaying, and don’t worry. This is not going to become more than two people raising a baby together. Romance is out of the question,” I finish, ignoring the voice in my head that is very aware of how much I already like being around her. There’s something about her, a magnetic energy of sorts that draws me to her even in the short time we’ve spent together.
“I think that’s a great mindset to have. I know I’m usually the optimistic one, but I feel protective over you,” she says with her silvery blue eyes intent on mine.
“I know, and I’d be the same if roles were reversed.”
Camille still seems skeptical, but she softens at my reassurance. “Well, I for one can’t wait to meet her.” Camille smiles like the Cheshire Cat.
“I’d love that,” I tell her, hoping the two of them hit it off.
“What doyouwant? It sounds like you want to be there for more than doctor visits,” Ryker points out.
