Page 32 of Heart in Waiting
That said a lot about Lana that she referred to her unborn child as a critter. Reese laughed at the absurdity of it. “Does Sullivan know you refer to your baby in that derogatory term?”
“He started it,” she said, then laughed. “The first time he actually could see it moving. Its little arm or leg pushed out on my stomach, and it freaked him out. He said it was like an alien trying to push itself out of me.”
Reese’s laugher was so boisterous, it echoed through the hallway. Tears started streaming down her face. She lifted her hand to wipe them away. “Oh God,” she said through the laugher. “I would have loved to have been there to see that.”
“We do love the critter,” Lana tried to reassure her. “But pregnancy is so weird. I don’t really blame him. Honestly, I don’t know why he still wants to touch me. I’m as big as a house and waddle like a duck.”
“He loves you,” Reese said, finally gaining control over her laughter. She wanted what Lana and Sullivan had. They loved each other so much... Now they had a baby on the way, and they still stared at each other like the other person was perfect. What must that be like? “Appreciate it. I know there are some women who aren’t as lucky.”
“He’s lucky to have me,” she responded in true Lana style.
Jessica rounded the corner and sighed. “There you are.” She rushed over to Lana. “Sullivan is driving me crazy. He sent me to fetch you. I swear he’s acting as if he lost a limb since you left to use the facilities.”
Jessica was another one who had found a special man. Was Reese the only one who remained alone these days? Even Carter and Olivia seemed to be heading toward a love match, though she doubted her brother realized it. Did she have that with Dane, and was she as clueless as her big brother? Maybe she should set all her doubts aside and let things flow as they would. They’d have sex later, of that she was certain, but if it was love—that wouldn’t be clear right away. It was scary to admit to any feelings that huge, and she didn’t expect him to make any confessions. She wasn’t nearly as ready herself.
“I guess I’ll return to the big lug’s side. He really is useless without me.” Lana rubbed her belly again. “And I love the bastard too.”
Reese shook her head. “Have a great night, ladies.”
“Oh, I intend to.” Jessica’s smile suggested she had some wicked plans for Preston. Reese could relate to that one...
“Me too,” Lana winked. “Sully has a hard time keeping his hands off me.”
The two women waved and then headed back to their men. Reese hadn’t been this happy in a long time. She’d needed a night just like this one. After the ladies disappeared, she turned and headed into the restroom. She’d already wasted enough time with Lana and Jessica. Dane was waiting for her to return.
Once she was done, she didn’t pay attention where she was going as she stepped back into the corridor, and someone grabbed her from behind. She didn’t have time to scream before a hand was clamped over her mouth. Whoever grabbed her was strong and held her against a hard, muscular chest and felt decidedly male.
Why had she been so blindly stupid?
She pushed her elbow into her assailant’s gut and a groan echoed back. There was no way she would be someone’s victim. She pushed the heel of her stiletto into the toe of the black shoe she spotted out of the corner of her eye and smacked her fist back into their face. She made contact with something and more groans spilled out. Whoever it was let go enough for her to wiggle free. She ran as fast as she could in her heels and straight to Dane, not once looking back. The only person it could be was Nolan, but she didn’t want to stop and find out for sure. It might slow her down and give him the opportunity to grab her again.
She rounded the corner and searched frantically for Dane or Carter. Either one of them would work, but she really wanted Dane. Finally she spotted him—the man she hoped to find. Her feet were moving before she realized she’d started running. Reese flew across the room and threw her arms around Dane’s neck. She’d never been so relieved to see anyone in her life. Her heart thundered in her chest and every inch of her shook. Tears threatened to fall but by sheer will she managed to hold back. She had to tell him what had happened. Nolan had to be caught and she couldn’t let herself give in to her fears. Especially, now that they were safe.
“What is it?” Dane asked anxiously.
“Someone tried to grab me.” She was breathless from running and struggled to get the words out.
“Go tell Carter,” he said and ran down the hall she’d just exited.
Reese headed over to her brother and told him what happened. The words came out slightly easier the second time around. She was a little calmer now that she felt a little safer. His eyes hardened as he listened. “Stay here with Olivia. I’m going to help Dane.”
It had to be Nolan. Who else would try to do that to her? She hoped Dane and Carter were able to apprehend whoever it turned out to be. Then maybe the whole thing would be over. But then again, if it was over, Dane wouldn’t have a reason to spend the night with her. Was it wrong to suddenly hope the creep escaped? She sighed. No, they needed to catch him. She shouldn’t need an excuse to spend time with Dane anyway. If they were meant to be, they would find a way to be together. Until then, she’d wait.
