Page 52 of Securing the Pucking Rebound

“We can do it early.”

“Really, it’s okay,” I argue, although I’m not sure why. I’ve loved our last three mornings together.

Calvin nods, although I don’t miss the disappointment that darkens his eyes.

“Okay. I guess I’ll see you around, then.”

“You know where I live,” I tease.

“Have a good night, ladies.”

“You too. If you bring a bunny or two home, keep the noise down, yeah?”

Calvin’s entire body freezes as my words hit him.

“You got it. Laters.”

Bea stands silently, her eyes drilling into me until the front door slams closed.

“What. The. Hell?”

“Says the one who didn’t warn me he lived in this building before I signed the lease.”

“I already told you I forgot.”

“Yeah, and I’m pretty sure I pointed out that you can’t blame your pregnancy for everything,” I tease as she walks toward my small dining table.

“I will use it as often as I please. I’m not getting kicked in the bladder for nothing.”

“Fine,” I mutter as I grab us some water, plates, and cutlery and join her at the table.

“So…care to explain why Calvin Keller is getting comfortable in your apartment?”

“He lives upstairs and he makes a fuck load of noise. I went up the first night I was sick to tear my noisy neighbor a new one, and there he was, all sweaty and hot.”

Credit where credit’s due, Bea holds her amusement in for a solid five seconds before she starts laughing.

“What? It’s not funny,” I whine. “He’s really annoying.”

“Oh yeah, it looked like you were really irritated by him lounging on your couch as if he lived here.”

“He’s…” I sigh as I think about the last couple of days, a smile creeping onto my lips. “He’s been pretty awesome, actually. He’s brought me food, made sure I’m okay.”

“Calvin is a good person. I’m not surprised.”

“I…” I grind my teeth, irritated at myself. “Yeah, he is. I’ve liked hanging out with him.”

Bea’s alight with excitement. “Oh, my god. Have you got a crush on Calvin?”

“What? No. No, that is not what’s happened.”

“Uh-huh, yeah, sure.”

“Bea,” I whine like a petulant toddler. “I don’t want a fuckboy hockey player.”

“Nor did I, and look where that got me: knocked up and wearing his ring.”

“You wanted a hot night with a hot man. That’s different. I don’t. I want…”