Sly helped bring the food to the table, which was set for three, and they sat down across from each other.
She’d put a big meal together—chicken wrapped in dough, curried fruit salad, and hot rolls. He dug in. “This is delicious,” he said, licking his lips in appreciation.
“Thanks.”
She toyed with her plate of untouched food, and he set down his fork. “What’s the deal, with you today? Since I’ve been here, you refuse to meet my eyes. You don’t seem to hear what I say, and you sure aren’t talking much. Out with it.”
With a sigh, she finally met his gaze. “You’re right, I’m upset.”
“About Sophie?”
“Her, too.”
“So, it’s me you’re upset with,” he said, mentally smacking his forehead.Of course.“I tried to talk about us when I called last night, but you wouldn’t. I meant what I said on the phone. I don’t want you out of my life.”
He hadn’t planned to say that, hadn’t even realized it was true until now. “If you’re willing, we can work this out.”
Finally, she met his gaze, her expression bleak. Her hands twisted together in her lap. “Oh, Sly, I...”
She swallowed hard and with a sickening realization, it dawned on him—she’d met someone. He was a fool. “Who’s the lucky guy?” he asked, keeping his tone and expression bland.
“Pardon me?”
“The man you’re dating.”
She looked puzzled. “I’m not dating anyone. If I were, I’d tell you.”
He released the breath he’d been holding. “Then what’s wrong?”
After jabbing her fork listlessly at her chicken, she set it down.
No appetite, pale... “You’re still sick,” he guessed.
Without answering, she nudged the chicken platter toward him. “Please, help yourself to seconds.”
His belly was still empty, but he couldn’t eat another bite. Not with the odd tension simmering in the air. “No, thanks.”
It was painfully obvious she didn’t want him around, now that Sophie had canceled. That stung. “Thanks for lunch.” He slid his chair away from the table and stood. “I should be on my way, and you should probably be in bed.”
Lana searched his face, her eyes shadowed with indecision and then sighed. “Don’t go just yet, Sly. There’s something I should tell you.”
Ominous words. But she couldn’t be dumping him—they weren’t together. He sat down again. “Go ahead.”
“I—oh, jeez.” She covered her mouth with her hand and bolted for the bathroom.
Chapter
Sixteen
Lana finally let goof the toilet bowl and staggered to her feet. She washed her face and rinsed out her mouth. Although she was weak, she felt much better now. This part of pregnancy was no fun at all.
But telling Sly would be far worse.
He was sure to be shocked, unhappy, and angry. She felt sick all over again. Keeping the pregnancy to herself until after she met with her doctor seemed the smart thing to do, just in case the tests were wrong and she wasn’t pregnant after all. Yet deep down, she was certain she was.
As the baby’s father, he deserved to know, and not after the doctor’s appointment. Now. Even if she was shaking clear to her toes. Squaring her shoulders, she opened the bathroom door. Standing outside, he was waiting for her. “How are you?”
“Better now.” He escorted her to the living room and sat her down on the sofa with such care and gentleness, she wanted to weep.
