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Shane studied him closely. “Maybe. But how about you care about her from a respectful distance?”
“I’m not going to leave her to deal with this pregnancy without my support.”
Shane rolled his eyes. “I’m not asking you to. Just don’t make her think it means more than it does.”
“I’ll do my best not to.” He turned away, his stomach sinking to his shoes. “Come on. Dinner is probably ready.”
They headed inside, and Logan felt like he’d found solid ground only to have it snatched out from beneath him. Fortunately, Shane left him alone after their conversation. Faith was obviously trying hard to bridge the divide between them, but it was getting her nowhere, and even Dennis and June seemed to have noticed. He was relieved when they finished, and it was time for him to return to The Den.
He’d just pulled up outside when his phone pinged. He glanced out the window at the pub, which was brightly lit and giving off a cheerful hum of conversation, then checked his phone. He’d received a message from one of the women he’d hooked up with in the past.
Em:I’m in town overnight and thought we could catch up. *winky face*
Another message arrived a few seconds later.
Em:I’m at The Den. Where are you? And why does your mum keep glaring at me?
Logan grimaced. From what he could recall, Em had been a nice girl and they’d had fun, but even if he’d been in the mood, he had no desire to see her tonight. He sent a quick reply to let her know he was busy and then snuck in the back entrance, locking his apartment behind him.
13
Gabby was exhausted,but at least she’d gone almost a full day of work without being sick. She slumped into her car and closed her eyes to rest them for a few seconds, then rapidly blinked them open when her head started to droop and she realized she was about to nod off.
She drove into town and parked outside The Den. Logan had said he’d close the pub until after their doctor’s appointment because Corinne wasn’t available to keep an eye on things. Gabby felt a bit guilty about affecting his livelihood, but he was determined to accompany her and had said he’d rather lose an hour or two of revenue than miss seeing their baby for the first time. She had to admit, hearing that had made it difficult to remind herself that they were, in fact, not a couple. They were just two people who, as he’d say, were all in this together. At least until shit got real.
She hadn’t even left the car before Logan appeared on the front steps and locked the entrance to The Den. She opened the car door and clambered out, her weary legs not getting the memo that they were expected to do their job.
“Do you mind driving?” she asked. “I’m tired.”
“I’d be happy to.” He accepted the keys from her and she circled the bonnet and flopped with a sigh of relief onto the passenger seat. “How have you been today?” he asked.
She closed her eyes and let her muscles relax. “Exhausted, but I haven’t thrown up.”
“That’s great.”
She winced. “Can you dial down the enthusiasm?”
He chuckled. “It’s like being with someone hungover.”
Her eyes slitted open and she glared at him. “Except the hangover is from your dick, and it’s lasted way longer than is fair.”
His lips twitched. “What can I say? It’s a talented dick.”
“Ass.” She closed her eyes again. When she next opened them, the car was stationary but they were no longer outside The Den. Instead, they were in the parking area behind the small hospital in Te Awa Tui, and the afternoon light was beginning to dim. Logan wasn’t in the driver’s seat and she jolted in surprise, looking around for him. Her door opened and she exhaled with relief.
“Here.” He offered her a hand. Reluctantly, she took it and let him pull her to her feet.
She strode toward the clinic, then had to stop as her head spun. “Whoa. Got up too quickly.”
He steadied her. “You have to be careful.”
“No shit, Sherlock.”
He sighed in exasperation. “Just let me help you.”
“Fine.”
She allowed him to wrap an arm around her waist and escort her into the clinic. He gave the receptionist her name and they were directed to the waiting area.
