Page 154 of His Big Bad Stick

“Jess, you’re fine. I’m not going to judge someone for having a funeral for their vibrator. It’s… sweet.”

“You think someone out there will love me one day for it?”

“Yes,” I say.

“And just like that I’ve stolen your moment. Wow. I’m not a good friend.”

“You have no advice. You just said so.”

“But I can still listen. I don’t know what to tell you. In a perfect world you and Colver would figure out your feelings and get a place together. Be a family.”

“Want to know something I’ve never said before to anyone?”

“Yes,” Jess says.

“I think I’ve been in love with Colver Caspian from the second I met him.”

“That’s heavy.”

“Very. And I know when we first met, it was weird. His father. My mother. They were… married… for a month…”

“Taboo romance,” Jess says. She bites her bottom lip. “Sexy.”

I shake my head. “You know, I’m over here afraid to say these things and you’re just so… awesome.”

“Fate, right? I told you that. When I met you. But that doesn’t solve your living situation.”

“No. It doesn’t. I mean, there’s nothing wrong with each of us having a place. Right?”

“Of course not. Forget society and its bullshit rules. You and Colver are having a baby. As long as you two get along and you’re there for that baby, you’re amazing.”

“Doesn’t help if I feel…”

“What?”

“He’s faithful to me. Right now. Because I’m pregnant.”

“Oh. I get it. You think after the baby comes…”

“Yes. I’m foolishly in love with him and he’s not in love with me.”

“Wow, that’s a lot to think about. A lot to process. And I’m stating the obvious here. Sorry about that, Abrielle.”

“You’re pregnant, Abrielle?”

The voice comes from behind me.

I turn, wondering who the hell is listening to my conversation with Jess.

I know it’s not Colver because obviously he knows I’m pregnant. And because Jess’s eyes would have lit up with lust seeing him.

Once I turn around, I place my hands to my stomach.

Simon is looking at me, shocked.

“Who is this guy?” Jess asks.

“A mistake,” I say. “What are you doing here, Simon?”

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