Page 80 of The Bitter Rival

“I don’t want to talk about it, Bella. Please?”

“Would it be that bad if I got pregnant?” she practically whispers.

“Yes. Yes, it would be that bad. Now, drop it.”

The space suddenly grows quiet. The very last thing our situation needs is a baby. I know I’ve hurt her. What’s more, it’s just the beginning.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-THREE

Isabella

My eyes blink open, and I know before I roll over, he’s gone. I couldn’t sleep. I have no idea what time I finally dozed off. The way we ended our night was painful. He was so adamant about not wanting a baby with me. Was he worried we could have another special needs child or was it being tied to me that caused him concern?

Turning to lie on my back, I stretch my arm over the sheets and find they’re still warm. Springing up in the bed, I realize he can’t be long gone. Looking at the bedside clock, it reads 6:45 a.m. I jump up, run to my closet for a pair of jeans and a T-shirt and throw a hoodie over my head. I quickly visit the bathroom to brush my teeth and hair and then find a pair of shoes in the den.

“Austin?” I ask quietly into his opened door.

“Yeah, Mom,” his tired voice returns.

“I’ve got to run out for a bit. I won’t be long. Call me if you need anything. Otherwise, I’ll be back soon.”

“Are you getting donuts?”

“Sure,” I toss back. Maybe if this conversation with Sebastian doesn’t go well, I can at least drown my sorrows in coffee and donuts.

Running down the front steps, I race for my car. I have an ominous feeling about this. Something didn’t feel right last night. Not only did he look awful when he came to the door, but when had he ever sought me out to only sleep? There was no snark. No reaction to my obvious arousal last night. Was he having second thoughts about trying a relationship with me? It didn’t seem Austin was a barrier, or at least, I hadn’t thought so until I brought up the subject of more children.

Looking at the speedometer, I notice the needle is sitting at 60mph. Hell, I don’t need a ticket or to end up dead. Making a mental note to watch my driving a little more carefully, I let up on the gas. My mind is reeling, so I decide to turn on some music to distract myself. I’ll deal with whatever happens when I speak with him. But I’m not going to live my life in limbo, wondering what’s going on. We’re adults. If he’s no longer interested, he needs to just say it to my face.

Flipping through the stations, nothing is playing but commercials and love songs. Neither are helping the turmoil I’m in. I reach his subdivision, and my heart rate escalates. Thank god I have the day off. I’m practically manic. I don’t know how I could work after this discussion, good or bad.

As I reach his drive, I turn in slowly. It dawns on me, I may not be able to tell if he’s here. He frequently parks in his garage, and I don’t know until he opens the door if he’s home. He could’ve had an early case in the OR, and I’m making more of this than-

I immediately pull my foot off of the gas and let my car coast to the side of the drive as it rolls to a stop. His shiny black town car is parked in front of his porch with the trunk open and several suitcases placed behind. I sit behind the wheel, stunned. He’s leaving and couldn’t even tell me goodbye? Is this a work trip? There’s no way he wouldn’t have known this last night, not with having his bags packed at this early hour.

Charlie descends the steps, carrying another large suitcase and Boomerang on a leash. I watch as the dog jumps into the front seat, and Charlie places all of the bags in the trunk. Suddenly, Sebastian is at the top of the steps. My heart stops. He’s leaving.Do I run to him? Ask him not to go?I grab the handle as he turns to his front door. Exiting my car, I watch carefully for clues as to what to do. I assume he’s locking his door and assess whether I should call out to him until I see him extend his arm to a tall, statuesque blonde. The same tall, statuesque blonde from Julep’s the other night.

I feel tears start to collect in my eyes as I watch him escort her down the steps. Charlie stands, holding the door open for them, and I watch as Sebastian gets in first while she stands at the door speaking with Charlie. My heart feels like it’s being torn in two. How could this man have come to me last night? Come to hold me in my home, just to go to her. Not just go to her but go away with her.

As if she’s heard my thoughts, our eyes connect, and the same smirk present from the night in the restaurant reappears on her face just before she slinks down into the backseat, and Charlie closes the door.

I can’t stop the tears from pouring down my face. How could I have been so wrong about someone? I realize I’m frozen in place, staring in their direction when I make eye contact with Charlie, who’s wearing a disenchanted expression. He tilts his chin in my direction as if he’s sending his apologies the only way he knows how.

Climbing back into my car, I swiftly recall they’ll need to come in this direction to leave. I quickly back out the way I entered and make it down the road a safe distance before I bury my face in my hands and cry.

Sebastian

“Well played, Sebastian. However, did you know she’d be here?” Sophia asks, sitting in the seat next to me.

“I wasn’t sure. But I suspected she might.” I leave out because she’s a beautiful, strong human being who’ll fight for the people she loves, even to her own detriment.Unlike you.“Thank you for coming on such short notice.”

“I have to admit I was surprised to see your name on my phone last night. You seemed so cozy with her at the restaurant. Did she wait a while before sinking her claws in?”

“It’s not like that, Sophia.”

“You know I’m free if you’d like some company on your getaway. Where are you headed?”

“Minnesota.”

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