Page 108 of Lowering His Guard

Brock grunts. “May’s the same.”

“I make you stupid?” I pat myself on the back. “I’m adding this skill to my resume. Can make a giant grump with an alien in his stomach go stupid with a bat of my eyes.”

“Who are you sending this resume to?” Mom asks. “Are you looking for another job?”

I squeeze her hand. “It was a joke. I have the perfect job. Why would I ever leave?”

“You can’t surf when you’re pregnant.”

Pain hits me with such force I nearly fall off my stool. I will never be pregnant. I will never experience the joy of motherhood. I will never create my own family.

But my parents don’t know this. I’ve hidden my deficiency from them. From the entire world. No one knows but me and my doctor.

I blow out a breath and force all the pain away. “Don’t underestimate me.”

Brock scowls, but before he can say anything, his phone beeps with a message. He pulls it out and reads it.

“I need to go. Jace is losing it. His friend’s sister has followed him around all night, and this morning she’s claiming to be in love.”

I bark out a laugh. “How old is she?”

“Eight.”

I clasp my chest. “Ah, young love.”

“Old love isn’t bad either,” he mutters before standing. “I’ll see you tomorrow at the Seals Tiger game.” He nods to my parents. “You’re welcome to come as well.”

“Sunday is busy at the restaurant.” Mom frowns. “I guess we could close.”

Brock scowls. “You’re not closing the restaurant on a Sunday during tourist season for a practice game. I’ll buy you tickets to a real game during the season when it’s less busy.”

Mom claps. “Wonderful. We can go on a road trip.” She hands him a bag. “For Jace. Can’t forget our son.”

Son. My stomach rolls but I ignore it. Good thing I have plenty of practice ignoring it.

I walk Brock to his SUV. He wraps his arms around me. “I had a good time last night.”

“I had a great time.”

He graces me with one of his real smiles that stretches from ear to ear. I nearly swoon at the sight of the big grump smiling.

“See you tomorrow, pint-sized.” He kisses my nose. “And don’t think I forgot about this morning.”

I waggle my eyebrows. “I hope not.”

He frowns. “You know what I mean.”

I nod. I do. I need to tell him I can’t have children. “I promise I’ll tell you.”

“Good.” He squeezes my middle before releasing me and hopping in the driver’s seat.

I watch him back out of the alley. I hope this isn’t the last time I watch him back out of the alley after spending the night with me. I hope revealing the truth won’t be the end of us.

But I don’t have much faith it won’t be.

Chapter 33

Rule #15: Know what deserves to come first.