Page 27 of Hot Hearts
“I know, I’m sorry.” His face softens, and a trace of guilt shows. He was only teasing about the book. It’s a baby book he ordered, and we were supposed to read it together. It was on the table, so I might have been peeking inside.
“Please stop saying sorry.” I tug his hand for him to sit down next to me. When he does, he scoops me into his arms and onto his lap. “This is my doing.”
“No, it’s not.” Now it’s Brooks being defensive but for me. He really is a good man. Brooks might go about things in not the best of ways, but he always means well. He is passionate about those he cares about, and I so happen to be at the top of that list.
“It is. If I hadn’t jumped to conclusions that night, maybe all of this wouldn’t have happened.”
"You were normal."
I snort a laugh. "I wasn't pregnant then." It's sweet how he defends me even against himself. Crap, I'm going to fall in love with him at this rate.Going to, Slater?Really?I push that thought to the side. There is way too much already going on to go there.
"You kind of were." He tries again.
"What, like five seconds?"
"It counts."
"Thank you."
"It's not all you." He tucks a piece of hair behind my ear. "I shouldn't have gone and told everyone about our engagement."I’m not sure if we are engaged, but I am keeping that thought to myself for now. Don't you need a ring? Also, why don't I think the idea of marrying him isn't so crazy anymore?
"Or went over to Felipe's place."
"Sure, that too." He doesn’t sound the least bit regretful about that.
"Don't make me laugh about it." I smack his chest. "It's not funny; you're getting all this hate." Which extra sucks. Why is the good man in all of this being dragged through the mud when it should be Felipe? He's the user, asshole, liar, and so many other things.
"I know I told you last night, but I want to say it again: No matter what happens with all of this, we'll be okay." I nod. He said that after we made love last night, when we were lying in bed. That he could take care of us. That the baby and I would never want or need for anything. It did bring comfort, but now I'm starting to get pissed about all of it. Which is honestly better than sad. "I’ve got a surprise for you. What shoes do you want me to grab for you?"
"Shoes? Where are we going?"
"Just downstairs."
“You want me to go to work with you?”
“What shoes, babe?”
“I'll change really quick.” I wiggle, trying to get up, but he doesn’t let me. “Do you want me to change or not?”
“I want a kiss.” He claims one before I try to give it to him. I smile against his mouth. “Go, we need to get downstairs. We’re late.”
“Late?” I slip off his lap.
“The sooner we leave, the sooner you’ll know.”
“It’s not a wedding, is it?” I point a finger at him.
“I could do that?” Shit, did I just give him an idea?
“Give me a couple of seconds.” I hurry back to the bedroom and into the closet. It’s strange seeing all my things next to Brooks’s. I swear each day more and more of my stuff starts to take up his place. It started with me leaving a few things here and there, and now it looks as though I kinda live here.
I toss on my wide-leg black slacks that have a stretchy waist. I noticed yesterday my pants are starting to get more snug. I grab a blouse and slip on shoes. I give myself a once-over in the mirror, brushing my hair out and putting on lip gloss and mascara. I have to admit it feels good to be getting out.
I'm sure I'll just be staying in the kitchen at the private table, but I could run into that Gabby girl. She wasn't there the last time I was. I'm not sure whether Brooks fired her or if she simply had a day off. I didn't ask him about it. I wanted to, but there are so many other stressors right now that I decided to pick my battles.
Believe me, it’s been eating away at me that she thinks she got away with it. Or better yet that she’s somehow untouchable. The girl did forge a note, but if I say something, then it's me pushing for him to fire her. Maybe I should let it go. There are enough problems to deal with as it is. Still, she's sneaky, and it irks me after my disastrous friendship with Sara.
“This look okay?” I ask Brooks as I enter the room.
