Page 158 of Need You To Choose Me

I press my shaky hand against my stomach, still staring at that empty exit when a low snarl makes my shoulders tense.

“This is completely inappropriate! She’s his son’s teacher.”

I didn’t have to turn around to know who said that. I would recognize that voice anywhere.

Lucy Donovan.

Then again, should I even be surprised? I knew it was just a matter of time before somebody brought it up. This was a small town filled with conservative people, most of whom went to church every Sunday, and they still frowned at women having children out of wedlock. I was surprised I didn’t get more nasty comments up until now. Or maybe I was just too stuck in my own world to notice.

The bile rises in my throat, my palms turning sweaty.

“How did anybody allow this? It?—”

“Allow what?” A loud snort snaps me out of my thoughts. “I didn’t see the same energy when y’all threw yourself at him earlier today. Or do you think it’s more appropriate forCoachto date the mother of one of his players?”

Mrs. Miller stops next to me, her bony hand wrapping around the handle of her walking stick, and for a second, I wonder if she’ll do something with it.

Lucy must think the same thing because her gaze glances toward the stick, frowning before she shifts her attention to Mrs. Miller. “That’s not the same thing.”

Mrs. Miller arches her brow. “No? Because it looks pretty much the same from where I’m standing.”

Lucy’s mouth opens and closes and opens again, but no words come out. Somebody chuckles. Lucy snarls, her cheeks are bright red in embarrassment, but she flips her hair back and lifts her chin. “It’snotthe same. I was just trying to give him a proper southern welcome, that’s all. Coach just moved to Bluebonnet recently, after all.”

Mrs. Miller pointedly looks at Lucy’s cleavage. “Yeah, I can see just how nice and inviting y’all can be.”

Her snarky comment has me pressing my lips together to stop a snort from coming out, something Lucy doesn’t miss. But before she can say anything, a hand sneaks to the small of my back. “Ladies.”

My body relaxes into Blake’s touch, at least, until Lucy notices it and glares at Blake’s hand on me.

“Coach, good game.” Mrs. Miller smiles at him.

“Thank you, it was all the kids.” Blake’s silvery eyes meet mine. “Ready to go home?”

Lucy scoffs, but before she can say anything, Mrs. Miller pats Blake on the arm. “Yes, you guys should do that. Savannah should get some rest.”

Blake’s head whips in my direction, his palm sliding to my bump. “Is everything okay? Is the baby?—”

“The baby is fine,” I reassure him, placing my hand over his.

“And you? How are you feeling?” Blake lifts one hand, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “You look a little pale. Maybe?—”

“I’m fine. Really.” I give his hand a squeeze. “Let’s just go home.”

Blake watches me for a second longer before nodding. He takes my hand into his, and we say goodbye to Mrs. Miller as we walk away. I swear I can still feel Lucy’s glare fixed on my back.

Blake keeps giving me curious glances as we grab our stuff. Levi joins us, and we make our way to the parking lot and Blake’s truck.

“Do you wanna stay for dinner?” Blake asks once we get to his house.

I open my mouth; however, Levi is faster. “Yes, you should stay. Please, Sav?” he begs, clasping his palms together.

Knowing there is no point in fighting, I don’t even try. Levi goes to take a shower, and I join Blake in the kitchen, where he starts working on dinner. Washing my hands, I start working on the salad. At some point, the boys come too. They set the table while we finish the meal, and we all sit together to eat. Levi chats about the game, and even Daniel talks about his day, and the school project he was working on.

“I didn’t realize you were such a good cook.” I place the plates into the sink once we’re done with dinner, pushing up my sleeves. It only seemed fair to clean up since Blake was the one who did most of the cooking.

“There are a lot of things you have yet to learn about me, Blondie,” Blake whispers, his arms wrapping around my waist from behind as his lips brush against the side of my neck. “Besides, I like feeding you.”

My eyes fall shut as warmth spreads through me, my whole body relaxing against Blake’s strong chest. He sways us from side to side in a slow dance.

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