Page 80 of Book Boyfriends
“Yeah. Why?”
“Umm…” Tongue clicking, he clutches and unclutches his hands around the steering wheel. “Maybe I could walk with you. Through the neighborhood or there’s a park a few blocks away that your brother has mentioned. It has a nice dog run and play area.”
“I…”
“Or Gemma’s. They have that outdoor patio and serve puppy-friendly ice cream,” he forges ahead, taking advantage of my hesitation.
This isn’t a good idea. None of this. Not letting him drive me home. Definitely not going out for ice cream with him and my dog. The last time we had ice cream together it ended with me pinned up against the back gate.
“They do have the pumpkin pup bowl, which is Wentworth’s favorite.” I smile.
Bad Georgia!As much as I lie to myself that friends do things like this, the feelings surging inside me about Davis aren’t merely friendly. Not at all. I like him. Ireallylike him.
With every new interaction, our initial meeting fades away, offering a clear picture of who he is. It’s addicting. Like a good book… with each page, I want to just keep reading.
Davis and I stroll down the sidewalk. The little cleared throat noise he makes once we reach the gate signals that the memory of our last time here is, no doubt, playing inside him.
“Oh,” Hope gasps as we open the gate. Face pinched and hand on her belly, she stands on the other side.
“Hope, is everything okay?” I blink, taking in the pained expression tightening her features.
“I think I’m in labor,” she grits out, wincing.
“What!” I rush to her side. “It’s too early. You’re only seven and a half months along.”
“Tell your overachieving niece that.” She envelops my hand in a vise-like grip. “I thought it was just Braxton Hicks, but it’s been the last hour… And there’s been some vaginal discharge that I’m not sure isn’t my water breaking.”
“You don’t know?” My question is high-pitched.
“No, Georgia, I don’t know. I’ve never had a baby before, remember? Books and online videos can only tell you so much.” Her tone is sweetly sarcastic.
“Should we call someone? Your doctor? Rem?” Davis asks, coming to Hope’s other side.
“Thanks, Davis, but I’ve already made calls. Rem is in San Diego for work. He’s on his way. My doctor will meet me at the hospital.” Eyes wide, she looks between Davis and me. “Oh god, did I mention vaginal discharge in front of Davis?”
Shrugging his shoulders, he offers a lopsided grin. “With two moms, you’d be surprised how used to the mention of lady business I am.”
“Lady business?” I snort.
“Oh, he’s sweet.” She makes a motion with her free hand, her keys jangling.
“Hope, were you about to drive yourself to the hospital?” I gape. “Why didn’t you call?”
“You were on that da…outwith Lars. I didn’t want to bug you,” she says, the words coming out like a question.
I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. Even in the middle of possible labor, my bestie is still shipping me and Davis.
“We should get you to the hospital.” Patting her hand, I start to guide her through the gate.
“I’ll take you,” Davis says, following.
“No, it’s?—”
He shakes his head. “This way, you can sit with her in the backseat and hold her hand. You focus on Hope, and I’ll focus on you…uh…getting you there safe.”
“I like his plan,” Hope breathes, as her hand tightens harshly around mine and she bends at the waist.
“Okay.” I nod. “You’re the boss.”
