Page 3 of Calling from the Heart
“That’s not fair, Owen. I didn’t say I didn’t trust you.” Jeb moved, feinting to the right as if he would go around the chair that way.
“You accused me of cheating.” Owen shifted left.
“I asked if you were. I didn’t accuse you of it. And that was after you hemmed and hawed and wouldn’t answer any otherquestions.” Jeb darted to the left to catch Owen before he could hide again.
“Hey!” Owen’s belly was right there, round and hard and firm.
“You are pregnant. Wow.” That was stupid thing to say, but it was true.
Owen’s cheeks turned a dark red. “I am. I didn’t try. You know I was on birth control, but it’s not a sure thing.”
“I know that.” He knew all the stats. “Owen.” He stared down into Owen’s eyes. “What were you planning to do when you ran away?”
“Get a job at another school. Raise our daughter. Cry a lot. I mean, that’s what happens.” Owen lifted his chin. “I chose to take the risk. I decided I wanted to keep the baby. You were clear. You weren’t into settling down and having a family.” Owen rolled his eyes. “Maybe next time, know that choosing a kindergarten teacher is a dumb idea. We tend toward kids.”
He just stared for long moments, the urge to shake Owen until his teeth rattled really strong. He resisted. Then he took a deep breath. “I know I popped off with a lot of shit. But you still should have talked to me. I called and called.”
“I know. I was scared.”
“Of me?”
Owen shook his head. “Of you telling me to go away.”
He raised an eyebrow. “So you just went?” He just wasn’t understanding this.
“At least I got to decide! At least you didn’t just turn your back on me! This way I’m not just a…some little lost omega, right?” Oh, Owen could yell.
“I have no desire to turn my back on you!” Jeb knew he was shouting back, but he couldn’t help it.
“Oh fuck you! You were just playing! I knew it!”
“Owen.” He felt a twist in his gut. “I’m sorry if I made you feel like I didn’t care.”
“I’m in love with you. I’m in love with you, and I’m having your baby, and I spent Thanksgiving alone. Go to the hotel. Have fun. I’ll be moving out at the end of the semester.”
He shook his head, not sure exactly what he was denying. “I tried to apologize! You wouldn’t let me!”
“I didn’t know how to tell you I was pregnant. I didn’t want you to hate me.”
“I don’t hate you.” In fact, he really wanted to kiss Owen. Wanted it bad.
“I don’t hate you either.” Owen sighed and pulled away from him. “You have a dinner to go to.”
“Not without you.” Dammit, he wasn’t letting Owen sit here alone and worry about shit. He’d already missed Thanksgiving, which he shouldn’t have.
“Oh, no. I can’t. No one knows I’m?—”
“Baby, you saw Andi at the store. She called Jen so fast she left skid marks. I guarantee everyone knows. Your phone will be blowing up any minute.”
“Oh.” Owen nodded. “I mean, that’s why you’re here, right?”
“Yes. Because I’m not going to let this go, Owen.”
Owen tried to move away, but Jeb held him fast, pulling him closer in fact, pressing them together. Which made him feel that belly, which was now gently rounded and firm, which took his breath.
He didn’t have any fucking idea what they were going to do, but Jeb knew right then that they were going to do it together.
He wasn’t letting Owen go.
