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“I didn’t give him a chance to talk about any of that.” Unable to look him in the eye when I tell him how much of a coward I was, I face forward and cross my arms over my chest. “I ran. I couldn’t bear to hear him tell me to get rid of it. Not going to happen.”
This baby wasn’t planned but it’s mine, and I can’t walk away from him or her.
“There’s no fucking way he’s telling you what to do. Not now, not ever.” His hatred eats the air in the truck, and I inhale the little that’s left.
He hates who we are, where we come from, and I feel the same way. But he also hates those who think they are better than we are, have more than we do.
“That’s for sure.”
“So now what?” His fingers tap on the steering wheel as we both stare at the glowing lights coming from the wedding reception.
Carrie Underwood’s twangy lament filters through the air, mixing with laughter and hollering.
“Did he say anything of use?” His question is halfhearted. He’s as done with this conversation as I am.
“No. Not really.” I could defend Ridge and explain how he must be shocked, mind reeling with the news.
It took me several days to wrap my head around what a baby meant, especially since I was eight weeks along at the time.
Some might find it hard to believe that it took me that long to notice I was not only late but had also missed a period the month before. Although, being late wasn’t that unusual. For most of my twenty-nine years, I’ve never had regular periods.
But Travis doesn’t want to hear any excuses that benefit Ridge.
“When he comes around—because he’s gonna once this sinks in—you tell him he’s having a kid and he doesn’t have a say in anything.”
“I didn’t give him much of a choice. I’m having the baby.”
“What are you gonna do?”
“I don’t know. I won’t be able to work at Oz’s once I start showing.”
“You tell him yet?” His features are hard to read in the darkness, but his voice says it all.
Oz, my boss and owner of a strip club on the outskirts of town, won’t be pleased. I’m the best bartender he has. And truthfully, he’s more a father figure than a boss.
“Not yet. But soon. And without a job, I’ll have to give up the apartment. Can I stay with you?” I’ll need to save every penny, and staying rent free with my brother will help.
“You don’t need to ask. Of course. This fucker better help you.” He juts his chin in the direction of the highfalutin reception. “He has no choice. He’s gotta help out his baby mama.”
“Don’t call me that, asshole.” I punch him in the arm, and he flinches, yelping like a baby and rubbing at his bicep.
“That hurt.”
“That was the point.”
Still nursing his arm, he growls, “I don’t know why the fuck you got into bed with that asshole.”
“Okay, Travis. Not helping.”
“Fine.”
“What’s done is done. It was a moment of weakness.” How many times have I said that since falling into bed with Ridge?
I’m not a weak person.
“I said fine. Enough. I don’t want to hear any more. The thought of you with that.” He makes another gesture in the direction of the reception. “I’m going to kick his ass.”
“No, you aren’t.” I buckle my seat belt. “Drive. Let’s get out of here.”
