Page 46 of Mending Hearts

David peered at me and seemed to consider the options. “I can write a note for exhaustion. There is a chance you’ll eventually be on bed rest.”

“Once I’m off the tour, I’ll be in Little Falls for a while. So, bed rest won’t be an issue.” I waved him off. “Lots of rest, so no need to be stuck in my bed.” I slid a sly glance toward Tyler. “Well, not one related to the baby, anyway.”

Tyler’s jaw clenched.

God, what was his problem?

“Right, well, I’ll get that note for you. Katie,” David turned to his daughter, “can you come type it up? You’re faster than me.”

She glanced at Tyler under her lashes, and then she followed her father out the door. A stony silence settled over the room.

“The baby is fine. I don’t understand why you’re in such a pissy mood.” I crossed my arms.

Tyler produced a lollipop from his pocket and ripped the wrapper off in one swift movement. “If you put even one second of thought into it, you’d know why I’m annoyed with you.”

“Clearly, it has something to do with your formerly precious Katie.” I didn’t even try to contain my own frustration. “The tension between the two of you is ridiculous and not in a hot way. All her feelings are lying on the floor at your feet.”

He grunted and crossed his arms. I wanted to reach out and squeeze his bicep. I appreciated whatever was causing him to work out so much. God, he was gorgeous.

“You’re deliberately rubbing our arrangement in her face.”

“Please.” I twisted my features into what I hoped was disbelief. Acting wasn’t my strength. “My excitement at getting to have sex with you has nothing to do with her. Like zero.” I formed a zero with my fingers. “If she doesn’t think we’re sleeping together when you look like that and I look like this and I’m carrying your baby, then she’s not too bright.”

“Mia.” Tyler’s lips barely moved when he said my name. He took the lollipop out of his mouth and pointed it at me.

“Why do you care what she thinks?”

“I don’t care what she thinks. I care how she feels. You’re making her feel bad on purpose.” His eyes glittered with anger.

“Why do you care? Doyoustill have feelings for her?” When he opened his mouth and I sensed a lie coming, I jumped back in. “Never to each other, Pretty Boy. Don’t you dare.” My heart dipped low in my chest.

“That’s not an easy question to answer.”

“No, it is. It really is.” I tried to ignore the rush of insecurity.

The door popped open, and Katie entered, her hand extended with a white envelope. Doctor David came behind her, medical file in hand.

“Thanks.” I smiled and tried to make it genuine for the pissed-off Pretty Boy. Had I taken my comments too far? Maybe. But I hated the tension between them, that Tyler wouldn’t just explain why the tension existed, that he still cared about Katie’s feelings. What kind of guy cares about whether his ex-girlfriend’s feelings get hurt? Ridiculous. Half the guys I knew wouldn’t care if theircurrentgirlfriend’s feelings were hurt.

“Your manager or whoever is welcome to call me with questions. I would prefer my note didn’t make it into the press since it’s skirting the truth.”

“Sure, of course. It’s not like I want all this public.” I folded the note and slid it into my bulky purse. “Thanks for seeing us again today. I—I might have overreacted.”

“Not to worry. Bleeding can be scary.” He patted my shoulder. “You’re under a lot of stress and physical obligations with your show. Bleeding isn’t uncommon, but as I said earlier, it should always be checked if it’s unusual or excessive or you just need to ease your mind.”

“Thanks for your time.” Tyler stretched out a hand and shook David’s. He hesitated before offering Katie his hand. “I appreciate the help.”

That last comment was too heartfelt and filled with hidden meaning. Katie’s hand wrapped around his a little too quickly. My smile faltered. I took a deep, steadying breath before I lost my temper.

He could have feelings for Katie. I had no claim over him. None. We were having a baby, but not even together since he’d be raising it alone. In fact, it would be better if the baby never realized I was its mother. I rubbed my stomach, and Tyler slid his fingers down my arm until we were linked. Tears pooled in my eyes, and I had to pretend to look for something in my purse with my free hand to keep them from spilling over. Finally, my fingers hit on a forgotten token from Tyler, and I pulled out a lollipop in triumph, all thoughts of crying gone.

A hint of smile touched his lips when I twirled it in his direction. We slipped out the hospital door with Pasha leading the way to the car, fingers locked together.

“Are you still mad at me?” I whispered.

We slid into the car, and Tyler didn’t respond. I snuck a glance at him, afraid I’d see anger there again. Jealousy burned inside at the thought of Katie and Tyler together. That wasn’t something a friend felt—a friend would behave differently. But I’d never had a guy as a friend, so I wasn’t sure what that looked like either. How was I supposed to feel about him and Katie? Surely not happy.

“I’m sorry.”

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