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My breath stalls, throat tightens, and I almost choke on my next words. “If you can’t learn to trust me, I don’t know how this relationship is going to work.”
“Relationship?”
Anguish slices through me at the single word. Not because it’s a question, but because of the panicked look on her face.
“I agreed to give you a chance to be in your child’s life. You and I…” she trails off.
“You and I what? What exactly do you think this is? We’re sleeping together. I stay at your place all the time, and we’re looking to move in. We’re having a baby together for fuck’s sake. If that’s not a relationship, what the hell is it?”
Her mouth drops open, and her eyes widen. “This is all moving way too fast, that’s what it is. Sleepovers, dealing with family, buying a house…”
My insides twist as I wait for her next words, thoughts of our dream house—dream life—crumbling.
“We haven’t even been on a date.”
Well, fuck.
16
LACY
“Isaw Arlene today.” Travis chews on the toothpick dangling from the corner of his mouth and my heart rate doubles its pace.
“Oh. Did you talk to her?”
“Nah. She was with some guy, never saw him before, and as soon as I called out to her, they took off like cockroaches scurrying from the light.”
“Huh. I wonder what that’s all about. What do you think she’s up to?”
He scratches the dark scruff on his chin and narrows his gaze on me. “Why the hell do you care?" I shrug in a feeble attempt to downplay my interest, and to avoid eye contact, I busily clean the bar top. It’s no longer my job and given the side-eye Roxy lobs my way, she’s saying as much. She has my old shift while I now work days in the office, and already have the hang of things.
“She knows about the baby. I just want to test the waters.” I fold the damp cloth and place it on the counter as I shoot Roxy an apologetic smile. “See if I have anything to worry about.”
It’s been over a month since I saw Arlene, and although she hounded me for a few weeks after that visit, she’s now gone silent. Which, if I’m being honest, puts me even more on edge.
I’ve considered talking to her, even to Otis. To confront them about their intentions because as conniving as they are, neither of them can keep their mouths shut. With the right prodding, they’d spill their stupid yet devious plans. Then I’ll know what I’m dealing with it.
But on my own, it’s a risk, and although I’ve thought about asking Travis to be my backup, I won’t drag him into this mess. Not unless I have to.
“What do you…” He stops midsentence, his features hardening as he works it out. “Fuck, you worried about what they’ll do when they find out Kincaide’s the father?”
What he doesn’t say, though it’s written on his face, is that there’s no way they don’t already know, not in this town and given how far along I am.
I swallow with difficulty, trying to get past the eventuality. “Yes and no. I want to cut them off before they become a problem. That’s all.”
“Let me…” He pauses, gaze sharpening on something behind me and then down to my middle as a solid arm slides around my waist.
A subtle hint of leather and spice hits my nostrils before I feel the heat of Ridge at my back. Instinctually, I melt into him, ease settling over me.
“Lace.” His strong hand rests gently on my swelling belly. “You ready?” He kisses my temple and I nod. “Travis.”
My brother’s cheek muscle tics, jaw clenching. “Ridge.” He slides off the stool and pulls the toothpick from his mouth. “Lacy, I’ll talk to you later.” Then he glances down to the bar. “Roxy, Lynette, see you, ladies.”
They sweetly call after him and I rub at the center of my chest, wishing the pinch of distress away. Travis has accepted Ridge will be in my life, and his to a lesser extent, but he still doesn’t like it. I’m not sure he ever will.
“Talk later, T.” I spin to face Ridge. “I’m starving.”
“Good because I’ve got a surprise for you, and it involves food.”
