Page 94 of Playboy Boss

Scottie wanted to cry again.

“I know it’s hard for you, because of your jackass dad who basically abandoned you, but Konrad isn’t him. He didn’t abandon you. I think you abandoned him.”

But it hurt too much, and Scottie was so scared to admit she might have been wrong. What if he ultimately couldn’t be loyal? Could she really take that chance again with him?

“Look…” Tara sighed. “I’m only telling you this because I know what it’s like to have no loyalty from a man. I know what it’s like to be in love and be a slave to that love and to wonder if he feels the same. But you … you didn’t have to worry about that. Konrad is in love with you. Everyone in that room could see it. I don’t think any of us can say that wasn’t love. I know I can’t.”

Oh, God. Scottie brought her hands to her face, sighing heavily in them.

“I’m telling you this because…” She trailed off. Scottie looked at her. “Because, I’m pregnant.”

“What?” Scottie leaped on to Tara, hugging her. “Are you serious?”

Tara nodded, her face in Scottie’s hair. Now Tara was crying, her words muffled in Scottie’s hair. “I’m pregnant, and Brett doesn’t want anything to do with it.”

“No!” Scottie pulled back, looking into her friend’s face, anger filling her up where the sadness had been moments ago. “Are you kidding me?”

Tara’s eyes watered.

Scottie wanted to wring Brett’s neck. Her hate for him came to full fruition. “I’ve never liked him. I always thought he was such a loser. He didn’t deserve you at all.” Scottie’s words spilled like water from a faucet no longer denied to run free. “You deserved so much better than him, the dumbass! I can’t believe he would just walk away like this! From you and his unborn child!”

The pain of Scottie’s childhood came back. She’d been the result of a one-night stand. Like Brett, her father hadn’t wanted anything to do with a child. Her parents had both been only twenty years old and from very different worlds. Thank God her grandmother had stayed in touch.

“Scott?” Tara’s voice brought her back to the present. “This is what I’m trying to tell you…”

Scottie shook her head, not understanding anything. Or understanding and refusing to acknowledge it. “What?”

Sighing deeply, Tara grabbed Scottie’s hand and held it tight. “Good men are few and far between. God, I hate that saying. My mom always said that. But, really, I think Konrad is one of the few good ones.”

“But—”

“I know what he did, and I know what he was. I mean, he was a total playboy. Check social media. A lot of women wanted a chance at him. But what he did … the way he basically laid himself at your feet not once, but twice, and in front of people … he’s a good one.” Tara released Scottie’s hand. “Don’t forget that just because of your hurt pride. Which really is what? Nothing. It’s your way to protect yourself from getting hurt. But you can’t. Not if you want to fall in love and get married. I know you do.”

“The list…”

“Screw the list! Who cares about that list? You know why? You were last on it, right?” Scottie nodded as Tara continued. “You were last on that list, and I don’t think there has been anyone else since you.”

Scottie was beside herself. “I don’t know…” It was more than she could emotionally handle.

Tara stood, looking as frustrated as Scottie felt. “Whatever. I just wanted to let you know that.”

Scottie slumped back down on the bed, pulling her phone from under the pillow once Tara was gone and she was alone again. She scrolled through Konrad’s last text messages.

Konrad: I’m coming for you. I hope you are ready for me.

Konrad: Scottie, please answer the phone. I need to talk to you.

Konrad: Baby, I know why you are mad. Can you please talk?

Konrad:Scottine, I’m sorry. Hear me out.

Konrad: Please let me explain. I love you.

The last message was from last night, after the party fiasco.

Konrad: I’m sorry I disappointed you. But you also disappointed me.

Her gaze moved up one, to the last text from Thursday night. Please let me explain. I love you.How did that message get lost in everything else? Too late now.

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