My enemy had to come save me. I hate him for that. For getting me pregnant. For sleeping with me in the first place.
You didn’t hate it when he kissed you like you were the best thing he’d ever tasted in his entire life…
I sneak a peek over at Rhett as he drives. Everything about him screams confidence. I’m not usually attracted to the arrogant, self-assured guys that haunt the country club, but there’s a darkness inside Rhett that sang to me.
Plus, he’s genuinely hot.
At least our baby will be pretty.
The always present snark inside me dims as I imagine holding this baby one day. I didn’t exactly envision a guy like Rhett fathering a baby for me, but it’s happening. And, because he’s him, it’ll be cute and smart and likely athletic.
But it’ll also always be a stain on my family.
A mistake I gave literal life to.
When I think about this future baby in my arms, it doesn’t seem so awful, though. Aside from not being able to provide a home for it at the moment, I know I could love it. I’d do a hell of a lot better job than Mom did at loving me.
He asked me if I was ready to be a mother. I’m not. But I know deep down, I’ll figure out a way to be by the time this baby arrives.
So, I guess I’m not putting it up for adoption.
I sense that he’s going to hate that answer, especially considering that ten minutes ago, he wanted me to terminate the pregnancy. My palm goes to my stomach, and I cover it almost protectively.
Rhett can say whatever he wants, but this is my body, and I think I want to keep him.
Him?
I guess it’s better than calling it an it.
We drive in tense silence and neither of us speak until he pulls into an older townhouse community, Moonlit Gables. He drives past a building marked “laundromat,” past a unit with a sign in the yard, and then to one with a soccer net set up. The unit on the other side also has a soccer net and it’s evident the people in both townhomes use their combined yards to play full-on soccer games.
“Whose house are you dumping me off at?” I ask as he parks in front of the first soccer net unit.
“Riko Valentine. Er, last name is Blake now.” He sighs heavily as he shuts off the car. “He’s my best friend. His husband is Derek. They have an extra room you can stay in.”
I frown as I look up at the townhome. “Do they know I’m coming?”
“They’re about to find out.”
With those words, he snatches my backpack and climbs out of the car. Irritation simmers in my gut as I hurry after him. I hate that he’s treating me like a problem to solve. It reminds me of my father which has my stomach roiling in disgust.
Rhett beats on the door like a maniac. I hiss at him when I get close, but he ignores me. A few seconds later, a cute guy aroundour age answers the door. His features are twisted in confusion and when he sees me, his eyebrows hike up.
“Riko, this is Abby. Abby, Riko. Can we come in?”
Riko steps aside and Rhett pushes past him.
“Sorry,” I say sweetly. “He’s a spoiled prince who thinks he can treat everyone else like peasants.”
Riko’s grin is back and his eyes gleam with wickedness. “You’re not his girlfriend.”
“Oh, God, no. That’s my sister. Lucky girl,” I say dryly. “I know he’s your friend, but he’s a dick.”
He chuckles as he closes the door behind me. The townhome is decorated like two guys live here. Masculine grays and neutrals. Framed soccer memorabilia. The couch, however, looks quite cozy, so I help myself to it, grateful to be able to rest my back.
Tonight’s been exhausting.
“Want a beer or something?” Riko asks as he heads to the kitchen where Rhett disappeared to.
