The man-child, having a child.
I shake myself out of those terror-inducing thoughts.
“I’ll tell Wyatt. Soon,” I murmur. “Tonight, maybe.”
“Maybe?”
“Harper. Please stop.”
“Youstop.” She lifts her hands defensively. “I’m not the one in denial, here.”
“What if I tell him and…” My voice cracks with fear. “And he walks away? What if he doesn’t want me anymore, when he realizes I’m pregnant with a baby that might not be his?”
“Then he’s not the man you thought he was.” Masters’ voice cuts through my fear like a knife strike. “He walks away, he doesn’t deserve to stand by your side anyway.”
I look up at my bodyguard — I wasn’t even aware he’d been listening, but it’s clear from his expression that he’s paid attention to our every word.
His eyes are intent. “For the record, though, I don’t think he’s gonna walk away. Men who look at their women the way Hastings looks at you when you’re not paying attention… they don’t bolt. Not for anything.”
“UGH!” Harper glares at her boyfriend. “Why can’t you ever say anything mushy and sweet to me, huh?”
“Babe.” He grins at her. It’s a good grin — the kind that lights up his whole face, made altogether more effective because he reveals it so rarely. “You don’t like mushy and sweet. If you did, you wouldn’t be with me.”
She huffs, but doesn’t argue, because it’s the truth. Turning back to me, her face twists back into a mask of worry. “I’m not your mother — thankgod, that woman is a tyrant — so I’m not going to tell you what to do. But I will gently remind you that you have a doctor’s appointment scheduled for noon today at a private practice downtown. If you’re still up for it, I was planning to go with you before your interview this afternoon.”
I stare at her for a few seconds, then cross the room and pull her into my arms. She goes still, clearly surprised by my show of affection. Typically, she’s always the one to initiate contact.
“Thanks,” I whisper. “For knowing me better than I know myself, sometimes. And for loving me even when I drive you crazy. Even when you hate me.”
She sniffles and her voice is thick when she responds. “I always hate you. Just using you for free fame perks, remember?”
“Oh, right. I forgot.” I pull back, grinning. “I’m going to take a shower. You’ll help make me look semi-attractive for my interview, right? We both know if I try to do my makeup alone, I’ll wind up looking like a troll.”
She nods.
“You’re a gem, Harper Kline. Don’t know where I’d be without you.”
I wink and walk out, whistlingAuld Lang Syneas I go. I’m nearly to the stairs when I hear Harper’s hushed tones, full of concern as she consults her boyfriend.
“Do you think she’s okay? Shehuggedme. Andcomplimented me without sarcasm. And she’swhistling.”
“She’s not okay, babe.” Masters chuckles. “She’shappy.”
Eleven
“Patience is a virtue.”
- Someone defending their lack of other virtues.
Two hours later, my happiness is gone.
All I feel is nervous.
I stare up at the fluorescent ceiling light. The paper sheet crinkles beneath me each time I fidget. Suddenly, I’m wishing I hadn’t forced Harper to stay out in the waiting room of the discreet clinic downtown where I’ve come to get my first glimpse at the tiny dictator. It might be nice to have someone in here with me, holding my hand.
If I’m being honest, though, it’s not Harper I want holding my hand. It’s Wyatt.
This might be his baby, and he’s missing it.