And that’s when I feel it—the nausea rising.
I tilt my head back, breathe through my mouth as I dry my hands and scramble in my pocket for one of the ginger candies.
Not right now.
Please, just, not right now.
“What are you doing?” Shannon sneers.
I pop the candy in my mouth, sucking like it’s going to save my life.
And maybe if it prevents me from puking right now, it will.
“Dishes,” I say when I can risk opening my mouth enough to form the word.
Unfortunately, that doesn’t make her go away.
Instead, she comes closer…and brings her cloud of perfume with her.
I retch, wrench off the water, and sprint out the back door, my only thought to get away from the perfume, the kitchen, the woman.
Unfortunately, a commotion follows me as I stop in the center of the lawn and plunk my hands on my knees, focusing on breathing.
And not puking.
God, I really don’t want to puke in front of that woman.
“Harper!” Luna calls, her footsteps pounding on the deck.
“What did you do?” Leo snaps.
“I didn’t do anything,” Shannon snaps back. “The psycho was washing dishes and just ran out of the room. I don’t even know why I followed. I just want to get the hell out of here already.”
I don’t hear his reply, and a second later, I realize it’s because he’s no longer with Shannon.
He’s standing beside me. “Harp,” he murmurs, gently settling his palm on my back. “Are you okay?”
His spicy scent surrounds me, but instead of making me queasy, it helps settle my stomach.
“Leo!” Shannon calls sharply.
I close my eyes.
He’s here with another woman, Harp, I remind myself. Hell, we’re all here because of that other woman.
“Go back inside,” I say miserably. “I’m fine.”
“You’re not fine.” He crouches down, touches my cheek. “Has the baby still been making you sick, even with the ginger?”
“Sometimes,” I admit before adding, “But it’s been a lot better. Seriously, I’m fine. I’m already feeling better. See?” I straighten.
Then waver slightly.
Dammit.
He catches my arm. “You’re not fine.”
I yank it free of his grip. “I am.”
