What I can imagine is Abby’s teasing eyes as she nurses little Buck in this very bed. In my fantasy, she’s still pregnant. Or maybe she’s pregnant again. Regardless, it’s stupid and I need to get it out of my head.
She once asked me what my dreams were and I told her the truth.
But now they’re changing.
It’s confusing and I need to get my head on straight before I destroy everything.
Chapter 8
Abby
The weeks turn into months, and we’ve fallen into an easy routine. Rhett comes over whenever he can, we share meals together, and he rubs my feet or my back until I fall asleep. Sometimes I wish he’d just spend the night. I like feeling his arms around me.
I’m growing ridiculously attached to the man which is such a bad idea.
Rhett: We have to talk.
His text is colder than usual, and it stresses me out.
Me: You’re spending too much time over here. You need space. I’m alone. I get it.
He doesn’t respond.
Bile creeps up my throat and I pace the living room. Rogue and Runaway watch intently from the couch. I knew this was going to happen. It would one day come to this. Maybe it’s best that it’s happening before the baby comes. If he abandons us both, I’ll be doubly devastated.
Keys jangle at the front door and I stiffen. Seconds later, Rhett storms in. He doesn’t look embarrassed or regretful or awkward.
No, he’s pissed.
I yelp when he makes it over to me in three long strides and then yanks me to him for a hug. At first, I’m frozen, a statue of confusion. But then I melt against his solid, comforting chest. He smells good and familiar. His grip is tight and bordering on crushing. When he reaches a hand up to stroke a palm over the back of my head, my eyes turn watery.
“Your text was confusing,” I admit, voice thick with emotion.
“And your responding one was stupid,” he responds with a bite. I grumble and try to push him away, but he holds me tighter. “I’m not going anywhere, honey. I told you that.”
I know he means as the father of our baby, but whenever he calls me honey, like I’m sweet and just for him, I imagine he means other ways. Like maybe there’s love deep inside him for me.
“Why the ominous text then?” I ask, finally managing to pull back so I can look at his handsome face.
“All it said was we have to talk. I could have been wanting to talk about what we needed to get next for the nursery.”
I pull away and start for the kitchen. “We both know you wouldn’t send a text like that. Be straight with me. This gives me anxiety.”
He sighs heavily as I start the coffee machine for him. I know how he likes it and that he enjoys curling up with me on the couch to sip it. Since we clearly have to talk, I may as well set the scene.
“What are these?” he asks as he opens a plastic storage container. “Cookies? Didn’t know you could bake, Abs.”
I snort out a laugh. “Nah, those are from Clara’s man, Eric. Did you know he’s her stepbrother?”
Rhett smirks. “Yeah. My best friend is the neighborhood gossip and has the loosest lips.”
Riko told me that the girl Rhett used to crush over long ago, Savvy, lives in Moonlit Gables with her two boyfriends in a throuple. Rather than bringing up what might be a touchy subject, I snag one of the cookies while his coffee brews.
“Lemon raspberry,” I say before devouring half the cookie. “Oh my God, they’re so good.”
Rhett’s eyes are laser focused on my mouth as I eat making me wonder if I’m making a big mess of crumbs. Then, he forces his gaze away to grab one of his own. “I met Eric at Riko’s wedding. Seems like a nice guy. Did you learn this from Riko or Clara herself?”
“Actually,” I say with a pleased grin, “I’ve been going on walks with Clara and Casey. They’re super nice and Clara always has sweet treats at her house.”
