Page 171 of Bossy Romance

I reach for his shoulder. “Who exactly?”

“Niko, Micheal, Bailey and Belle.” Rowan blinks innocently.

I restrain my groan.

Great.

If the kids know, then the adults definitely know. I shudder to think of what the farmhouse ladies will do to me if they hear about this.

“Have you been to India before?” Rowan asks.

“Not yet,” I answer faintly.

“You don’t look that excited.” His smile flattens. “Is something wrong?”

“I am excited.” I try to show him how excited I am by smiling, but I realize that was probably the wrong choice.

Rowan sees right through my teeth-baring imitation and the light dims in his eyes. “Are you angry?”

“No, kid. Why would I be angry?”

“Because Nova’s not coming.”

I swallow hard.

“I texted her,” Rowan admits. “To tell her about the wedding.”

Everything inside me freezes. “You WHAT?”

“She said she’s too busy, but I get the feeling she just doesn’t want to come.”

I blink rapidly. “You told Nova?”

“Was I not supposed to?” Rowan shrinks back like a turtle retreating into its shell.

“N-no,” I mumble.

Inside, frustration churns in my gut. Accepting that all the kids and their parents found out is a hard enough blow.

But Nova too?

I didn’t want her to know. As impossible as it might have been, I wanted to keep this entire mess a secret from her.

“Guess the cat is out of the bag,” I say, trying to lighten the mood.

Not only is it out of the bag, it’s skittering around the room, raking its claws into the curtains and peeing all over the carpet.

Rowan keeps studying my face.

I shake my head. “I’m okay, bud. Why don’t you head outside and check on your mom?”

Rowan darts out of the room.

I take a few calming breaths.

Remember why you’re doing this. Stick to the plan.

There’s a knock on the door.

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