“I’m pregnant, Jake,” she said.
The air whooshed out of his lungs, and his mind whirled.
She’s pregnant?
He looked her over and took in the baggy sweatshirt again. It wasn’t just for comfort. She had been hiding her belly. Then his mind turned to Charles—the bastard hurt her while she was pregnant.
White hot fury bubbled up inside him. He swallowed his rage and briefly squeezed his eyes shut. It took him a few moments to search for something to say.
“I see,” he said.
“That’s why I don’t think things between us would work. I’m carrying another man’s child. It’s already going to be a scandal when the paparazzi catch wind of this.”
“Fuck the paparazzi!” Jake said loudly, a burst of anger clawing its way out.
Claire’s eyes widened and shot to the door to see if anyone would come in.
“Jake,” she said softly. “Keep your voice down, please. I haven’t told Ben yet.”
He sighed and took a calming breath before giving her hand a squeeze. “I’m sorry. But the paparazzi don’t matter. They can speculate all they want. You know none of us let it get to us.”
“I just don’t want to be a burden to you all.”
He leaned closer to her and dipped his head to catch her eyes.
“Claire, look at me.” When their eyes connected, he continued, “Youare notandwillneverbea burden.”
Tears sprang to her eyes and her lower lip quivered.
“I can promise you that every single one of the guys agrees with me. You are our family, and we will all protect you like you are, even if we aren’t all blood-related.” He reached forward and hesitated only briefly before setting his hand on the tiny bump on her stomach. “And this baby will be our family as well.”
Tears cascaded down her cheeks. He scooted closer and wrapped his arms around her. It only took a second before she wrapped hers around him and buried her face in the crook of his neck.
He squeezed his eyes shut. It felt good having Claire in his arms again, even if she didn’t want to be with him right now. But he vowed right then and there that he would do everything in his power to show her how loved and wanted she and the baby were. He couldn’t lose her again—even if they were only friends.
Jake rolledout of his bunk at the announcement that they would arrive at their destination in one hour. He scrubbed at his eyes, which he knew were bloodshot. He and Claire stayed awake for another hour talking, and she assured him she wasn’t going anywhere. After Claire went to bed, he stayed awake. Having a conversation with her was all he thought he needed, but now he felt the weight press on his shoulders.
She was carrying a child and was terrified of the paparazzi storm that would eventually hit them all. Jake wondered if she would try to flee before that could happen, and his stress skyrocketed, despite her assuring him she wasn’t going anywhere.
He wanted to have a meeting with all the guys to discuss it, but he couldn’t break Claire’s trust by telling them she was pregnant. She needed to be the one to do that, so for now, he would stay quiet.
Theo came out of the small bathroom looking refreshed and halted at the sight of Jake.
“Dude,” he murmured.
Jake nodded. He knew he needed to schedule an appointment with Celine. He couldn’t continue to run on empty.
“I know,” was all he said.
Jake pulled out his cell and typed out a text to Celine that he would like to see her about getting some sleeping pills or anxiety medication. Her response was immediate, and she said she needed to see him for an appointment first and would look at the schedule for when they could make it happen.
The guys freshened up just as the bus pulled to a stop where they had a radio show promotion. They were whisked away to hair and makeup before being put on stage for the local news show that was hosting a competition for free tickets to tonight’s show.
Jake tried his hardest to stay focused, but he struggled to keep his mind on the task. The rest of the day went the same with them being carted from one event to the next until the show that night. Jake hadn’t had a chance to see Claire once, and she wasn’t in wardrobe that night either.
His panicked eyes searched the area, thinking that she had left again when Miranda set a hand on his arm.
“Lonnie took her to get some food since she hasn’t had a decent meal today. It’s been a little chaotic for us.”
