Page 52 of Keeping the Single Dad
Was he freaking out? Alex was always so calm and measured. Only the slight flick of his jaw betrayed his unease.
He’s going to walk away.?
My breath cut off, but I tossed my hair over my shoulder in a gesture of indifference. “I only realized this morning. I’ll test today. You don’t have to be involved. I shouldn’t have even said anything—”
“I’m taking you to the pharmacy. Right now. We’ll get a test.”?
“Not now. I can’t be late for training.”
“I’ll meet you afterwards. The minute you finish, I’m taking you.” His voice was firm, final.?
My body stiffened. Why had I even told him? “I’m perfectly capable of going to a pharmacy. You don’t have to be involved—”
He paled, and the muscle in his jaw jerked again. “You don’t want me to be involved?”
My heart pounded. I folded my arms tight across my chest and shrugged. “Not if you don’t want to be.”
His frown deepened. “Why wouldn’t I want to be?”??
“We’ve had sex a handful of times. This isn’t your problem. I don’t expect anything from you, and you don’t owe me anything. I’m going to handle this.”
“This is my responsibility. I want to be involved.”??
I bit my lip until it throbbed like a pulse. I was so used to Dad’s indifference and Mel’s agitation that it was hard to deal with someone who was always so unfailingly good-natured. The heavy ball in my stomach ground harder
“How do you know it’s your responsibility?”
I didn’t even know why I’d said it. I hadn’t been with anyone else, but where did Alex get off assuming we were exclusive? We’d never had that conversation. It wasn’t something either of us wanted. I didn’t want to get attached, and Alex wouldn’t want anything heavy in case it affected Brodie. Alex’s words rattled in my head.
We’re making progress.
Progress to what?
The line of his mouth tightened a fraction more. He studied my face, feature by feature. “It doesn’t matter either way.” His voice had an infinitely kind tone. “I’ll be here, whatever may come.”
He reached out, lacing his fingers through mine. My heart pounded, but the touch of his warm hand stilled me.
“You’d help me even if this isn’t your problem?”
“Yes.”
A sudden heat pressed behind my eyes. I could barely look at him without breaking down. I couldn’t do this alone. It was so hard to trust and rely on someone, but with Alex, maybe it was worth the leap. He pulled me toward him. I melted into the strength and warmth of his embrace.
“Whatever you need.” His voice was a tender murmur. “Don’t worry. I’ve got you.”
Chapter 28
Lana
Lateraftertraining,Isat on the edge of the bathtub in my apartment. My hands shook as I fumbled with the pregnancy test kit box and pulled out the white plastic stick.
“Come out as soon as you've done it.” The bathroom door muffled Alex’s voice.
I studied the smooth white stick in my hand. Weird that my life could take a completely different path, within the next five minutes.
“Whatever happens, we’ll figure it out. Don’t worry.”
My guts churned. “Of course I’m worried. I’m not ready to be a mother.”
