Page 35 of Honest Boys Don’t Play

I bite my lip and he notices, a slight smile quirking up the corner of his mouth. “What is it?” he coaxes.

“Could we stop at Dairy Queen on the way home? I have an intense craving for a Blizzard.”

“Anything you want. Your wish is my command.”

Fifteen minutes later he pulls over in the parking lot so I can dig into my Carthwright Bar Blizzard.

“Does it ever get weird ordering something like that and knowing your family owns the chocolate bar?” He laps at his own spoon where he got a Reese’s one instead. Blasphemous.

I shrug and swallow my first bite. “Not really. It’s all I’ve ever known, so I guess it’s normal for me.”

“Do a lot of perks come with your last name?” His tone is purely curious.

I scrunch my lips. “Yes and no. In the right crowds it’s recognized.”

He nods, silent for a long moment before he says, “I would understand if you wanted the baby to have your last name. It might benefit them more than mine.”

That’s certainly the last thing I expected to come out of his mouth.

Truth be told, I haven’t given any thought to the situation of our child’s last name, but now that he’s planted the seed in my brain (and in my womb) I know there’s no chance in hell I want this baby to have the last name Carthwright.

“I think Covey is a worthier last name.” The words are barely above a whisper.

I need to let go of what happened with my parents. Holding onto the hurt over how they handled the news of my pregnancy is only hurting me while they continue to ride off into the sunset doing whatever the hell they please.

“Bertie—”

I hold up my hand to silence him, forgetting the spoon is in my hand and I accidently sling my next bite of ice cream on his face. My mouth pops open in horror.

“Oh my God, Luke. I’m so sorry.” I set my cup on the dashboard and scramble for the stack of napkins we were given at the drive-thru.

Before he can react, I’m on my knees and leaning into his space to wipe the ice cream off his face. When the last of the residue is gone, I realize just how close I am to him. Practically in his lap. His vibrant blue eyes stare back at me and as cliché as it is I find myself getting lost in them.

I’m not unaware of how attractive Luke is.

I’m pregnant with his baby after all.

But I’ve been doing my damndest to ignore it. We might’ve been navigating a potential new relationship over winter break, but the baby throws a wrench into things. Luke is a good guy, and I know he’d choose to be with me simply because I’m the mother of his child, but I don’t want him to be with me out of obligation.

My eyes drop lower counting the freckles sprinkled across his nose and the few that spread to his cheeks.

His tongue slips out, moistening his lips, and then my eyes are glued to the bow of his mouth.

My breath catches, my heart skipping a beat.

God, I want to kiss him so bad. I’d barely have to lean in to press my lips to his. I know the kiss would be good, undoubtedly make me weak in the knees. But if I kiss him, it’s crossing a line that I put there. It would be hypocritical.

That’s what has me pulling away and forcing a smile. “All clean.”

He clears his throat. “Thanks.”

Silence stretches between us and for the first time since I’ve been around Luke it’s awkward.

I have no one to blame but myself.

CHAPTER 13

LUKE