Page 98 of Heartbeats & Highways

“Nothing. I just said that she had a job here as long as she wanted, even after she was done with maternity leave.”

Roman grunted. “Thatissweet.”

Virgil puffed out his chest. “Told ya. I can be sweet.”

“You’re nicer to me than you are to your own sister,” I stated.

“Brielle has a thick skin from many years of verbal torture,” Virgil explained. “You, do not.”

“Plus, you’re pregnant,” Roman added. “And no one wants to be the reason a pregnant woman is crying.”

“I’m crying now,” I pointed out.

“Yeah, but not because we were insensitive tool bags,” Virgil said. “I was just being sweet. And make sure you tell Savage that. He’s already annoyed that I witnessed the tonsil hockey.”

“I’ll tell him,” I assured Virgil. “Also, my baby classes are starting soon, and I’ll need to leave early.”

“How early?” Roman asked.

“Five-thirty,” I said. “It runs for eight weeks. Is that okay?”

“That’s no problem,” Roman said. “We can make that happen. We’ll work around your schedule. Whatever you and the babies need.”

I burst into tears again.

Virgil glared at Roman. “Look what you did!”

Chapter 26

“Hey,”I greeted with a smile as I strode across the parking lot toward Savage.

He was leaning against the SUV, looking casually bored. “Hey.”

I stopped walking. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“Not nothing. What is it?”

“Get in the car.”

“No.”

He sighed. “Get in the car and we’ll talk.”

“I’d rather talk out here,” I said, taking a step back.

“I’m scaring you. Fuck. I said I wouldn’t scare you.” He unclenched his hands. “Can we talk in the car? I want privacy. I promise we won’t drive anywhere until you’re ready. Please?”

“All right,” I said finally.

He went around to the passenger side door and opened it for me. I trailed behind him slowly, with heavy steps, but I was determined to override my trepidation.

After I got in, Savage closed the door and then went around to the driver’s side. He climbed in, shut the door, and sat in silence for a moment.

“Savage?” I prodded.

“I’ve been in a mood all damn day,” he said softly. “All because you hugged Roman.”

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