Page 86 of Wicked Love

“I don’t know. It’s…a lot.”

“Imagine what she’s feeling,” Weston says and then gives me a sheepish look when he sees my expression. He lifts a shoulder and I frown, guilt creeping into my chest. “How’s she handling the news?”

“I…don’t really know. We didn’t talk for long. She told me here…I’m surprised you hadn’t already heard the news actually. I’m not sure how many heard her say it, but Clara for sure did.” I show them the cup and they all crack up.

“You should check on her,” Rhodes says. “She’s having your baby, man.” He reaches out and holds onto my shoulder. “Do you have feelings for her?”

I swallow hard. “We had sex night before last again…I was sort of an asshole after the first time.” I glance at Weston. “It was the night of your wedding.”

He grins. “We should’ve all known after watching the two of you dance that night.”

“Damn straight,” Penn says, laughing.

“It was a big deal for you to have sex with her in the first place,” Rhodes says knowingly. “And you don’t do repeats. Youlikeher.”

“I like her,” I say, head in hands. “Goddammit, I do.” When I look up at them, they’re all staring at me with pleased expressions and I shake my head. “All the more reason for me to not get involved with her.”

“Holy hell, what are you saying?” Rhodes says, scowling.

“I can’t go through that again,” I say. “I can’t do it to Becca.”

“Poppy is not Adriane,” Henley says. “Not even close. You’ve been closing yourself off for so long. I think this is the best news ever.” He points at me. “Don’t run from this, Bow. Talk to her. Don’t leave her hanging. Let her know you’re gonna be a great dad to that baby.”

“And then take her to bed again and celebrate,” Penn says, holding up a hand for me to high-five him.

When I don’t, he looks around the table for another taker. Weston slaps it and then looks at me.

“For once, Penn’s got a great idea.”

“Hey!” Penn says, bopping Weston over the head.

“Maybe have a conversation first,” Rhodes says. “See where she’s standing with all this…and then take her to bed and celebrate.”

“There will be no taking her to bed,” I say firmly.

But even as I’m saying it, I’m imagining her hair spilling out over her pillow, her body on display for me, and I shift in my seat, hungry for her again.

I can’t believe how much I like the woman.

How did I let this happen?

“Let us know how it goes,” Weston says. “You’ll go see her today?”

“I don’t know. I feel like I need to have my head wrapped around it all a little better before I see her again.”

“Get your head wrapped around ittogether,” Weston says.

Rhodes points at him. “That. Exactly. Don’t wait on this, Bowie. I love you like a brother, we all do, and we want your happiness as much as our own, so I’m telling you, do not fucking blow this. Poppy is incredible and the two of you together could be straight-up magic. Give her a chance.”

“Rhodes is telling the truth,” Henley says. “And since Tru is pregnant right now, I know firsthand how vulnerable this time can be, even when the circumstances are the best. Whether you know how you want to handle a romantic relationship with her or not, it’s important that you have a good relationship for the sake of your child. But I’m rooting for the two of you.” He winks, leaning back in his chair.

“Hold on a second…” Weston says, pulling The Single Dad Playbook out of his bag. He flips it open, pointing to the page where I wrote that Becca has been asking for a sibling, and I groan.

“I can’t even think about telling Becca yet,” I say. “She won’t be able to think of anything else until November.”

“That’s when Baby Fox is coming?” Henley says, beaming.

“You sly motherfucker,” Penn says, shaking his head. “You’ve been holding this secret all this time and now you’re Poppy’s baby daddy.” He throws his hands up. “This might just be the only way you’ll let yourself get involved in a relationship.”

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