Page 10 of So That Happened

Pregnant?

What the?!

I don’t even bother to wonder what they’re doing here—I can’t process anything past that round, blossoming belly. Everyone in the vicinity probably thinks I’m doing a world-renowned impression of a largemouth bass, but I can’t bring myself to care.

The baby bump is proudly displayed under one of those floaty white dresses that all pregnant women who could double as interior design bloggers tend to wear.

Veronica’s face is relaxed and smiling, her honey-colored waves long and shiny. Almost as shiny as that rock on her finger.

I feel a bit faint all of a sudden.

I need air. This lobby is clearly short of oxygen.

Must fill out a comment card suggesting they purchase a few air-cleaning plants.

I start to back away from the front desk, hands up in a position of surrender.

Maybe I have enough hidden ninja skills to creep out of here unseen. I’ll take a greyhound bus to Atlanta instead. Worse comes to worst, I’ll ride a greyhound dog there, if I have to. Hell will freeze over before I spend the night in the same hotel as my ex and his pregnant bride.

No siree. I’m out.

They haven’t noticed me, and Rosemary and Mildred are distracted—cooing over someone’s squishy little pug dog. I can make it.

I take another step back. One foot behind the other, there we go.

Avoid that large metal trash can, and the child playing with her Barbie on the (less than clean) floor.

Just a few more steps and I’ll be in the clear. Away from this living nightmare.

I’ll find a McDonald’s on the way to the bus station and drown my sorrows in an extra large milkshake and fries. Maybe some chick nugs with that spicy dipping sauce. You know, the mayo-style habanero one, and—

“Oww!”

I yelp as my foot smashes against something hard.

And… moving.

Despite my valiant windmill-arm-flailing, I lose my balance and teeter over like a jug of milk.

As I fall, I spot the culprit: a sleek, metal wheelie suitcase left unattended in the entryway.

I wince, bracing myself for impact.

But the impact never comes.

Instead, a large pair of arms circle my waist, catching me deftly. Like I’m a football or something.

“Oof,” I grunt as the arms crush me towards a firm chest. A chest that smells like…

Sexy pine forest.

Freaking dammit! Not again!

I keep my eyes closed for a moment, staying still and wishing I could evaporate into thin air, while also breathing in that deliciously moreish scent.

“You okay?” a now-familiar deep voice grunts.

I slowly open my eyes. Look up at that gut-wrenchingly handsome face. Nod sheepishly. “Fine.”

Source: www.allfreenovel.com