AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I… don’t know…” My voice trails off as he pulls off his tee, revealing his bare, lined torso. I fall back against the pillows, admiring the sight of my gorgeous future husband… current husband?
“Don’t know what? Don’t know if you’ll go? You’re going.”
Clearing my throat, I collect my thoughts. “I’ve never had a clerk help me. It sounds expensive. I don’t know about spending your money—”
“You’re my wife.” His dark brow lowers, and he leans down to pull of his jeans. “I want you to have a beautiful dress and go with me to this damn party. It’ll be the first year I enjoy it.”
He straightens, facing me in nothing but boxer briefs, and my breath disappears. “Okay…”
“You know, when you look at me that way, I can only think of one thing I want to do to you.”
Little wings flutter inside my stomach, and I slide lower in the bed. “What’s that?”
“Here.” He climbs over me, strong arms on either side of my head as he lowers his body over mine. “Let me show you.”
Standing in front of Winnie’s portrait, so many thoughts swirl in my head. I had planned to tell Deacon about the baby after dinner last night. It’s why I went to his apartment building… Also, because I was worried about Mateo.
Then he started talking about the masquerade this weekend and dresses and formalwear. It’s a celebration, and I imagined getting home after, everything quiet as I tell him the happy news, and us celebrating. Maybe with sparkling grape juice and a card, something memorable.
Then he started undressing, and I kind of forgot everything else. My lips curl with a smile as I think about his sexy body. I did some more work on his portrait while we were in El Paso, surrounding his torso in bright blue and shading it with orange… It’s different from my usual work, but it’s an appropriate evolution. My life is changing.
I remember his proposal, my tears. I’m going to make you so happy…
“Looks like you’ll be done this week.” Winnie’s voice pulls me out of my daydreams.
“I think I will.” Stepping back, I inspect her likeness, surrounded by all these rich things she loves, with the indifferent cat in her lap.
“I brought you this as a partial payment.” She holds out a thick brown envelope, and I realize it’s more cash.
“You don’t owe me any payment—”
“I am well aware of that. However, you’re clearly on track to finish, and I obviously like what you’ve done.” Her tone is clipped, and she glances briefly at my waist. “I thought you might need the money now.”
“I don’t know why I would need an early payment… But if you’re offering, I’ll accept it.” Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.
Her lips press and she nods sharply. “Not that it’s any of my business, but if you need a doctor… I know one who can help you.”
For a split second, I’m confused. Does she mean for my brother? “I’m sorry, I don’t understand—”
> “Enrique found vomit in the flower bed this morning. You ran out so suddenly last night… I simply put two and two together.” She lifts her chin in a self-righteous manner, and my jaw clenches. Of all the stereotypical…
“You assumed I was pregnant.”
Her eyebrow arches. “Are you not?”
My cheeks burn hot, and while I’m excited and happy about the baby, I’m pissed I can’t rub it in her face—that it’s Deacon’s, that we’re engaged, or that we’re kind of even married… in a way.
“That’s what I thought. You might think me unkind, but I’ve seen many promising careers cut short by unexpected… arrivals. I’d hate for that to happen to someone as talented as you.”
“Nothing is being cut short.” Snatching the envelope out of her hand, I stuff it in my purse. “You can keep your doctor’s referral.”
“I wasn’t trying to offend you. I simply wanted to help.”
“I don’t need your help. With all due respect, mind your own business.”
Turning to the canvas, I pick up my brush and hold it a minute while I calm my breathing. I imagine telling her the father is her dear, precious nephew… Who I happen to be madly in love with. Instead, I swallow my annoyance and focus on finishing this job.
“Well, I’m sorry if I offended you.”
