Page 58 of Strike Zone

“It’s been great. You’re not an asshole.”

“I love the surprise in your voice when you say that.”

“Give me a break. You’re a known player, and you’re just insanely hot. My experience with guys like you is that they live up their own ass and think the world revolves around them.”

“Guys like me. If you haven’t realized yet, I’m one of a kind.”

“I’m starting to. But as much as I appreciate having you here, I can’t let myself rely on you, Linc.”

“Why not?”

“Because we live in the real world. We agreed to be friends and figure out this parenting stuff together, but you’ll go back to training, start hooking up with non-pregnant women, and I’ll still be here trying to sort out my life. I’m going to be a mom and a single one at that. The sooner I wrap my head around it, the easier it’ll be in the long run.” He stiffens at my back.

“You’re not going to be a fucking single mom. I’m here. I plan on being here for everything. Whether you want me or not, you and the baby are my priority now.”

“I don’t expect anything from you, Linc. That’s all I’m saying.”

“Fine, and if I were a dickhead, then I’m sure you’d be the most amazing single mom on the planet. But I’m here, and I want to be part of this. We’re friends now, get used to it.”

“We know next to nothing about each other.”

“Fine. If I tell you something personal, will that make our newfound friendship more legitimate in your eyes?”

“Depends.”

“Okay, not my cock size or anything. That’s way too personal and impressive to share with you. Oh wait, I’ve already done that.” He gives me a sly wink and that panty-melting smile of his. He does make me laugh.

“Tell me something good.”

“First, let’s get you up and brush those teeth. Morning breath and puke is… just gawd awful.”

“Your breath isn’t exactly Tic Tac fresh right now either, buddy.”

He leans in, pressing a kiss to my cheek. “Then, I guess we’re not making out until post-mouthwash.”

“Why do you say things like that?”

“Because I know you want to kiss me, Diana.” He lifts me to my feet, the rise and fall of my chest betraying me. “I’m just waiting for you to catch up.”

“Stop, Linc.” I force myself to step out of his spell-binding orbit. “We’re not a couple, and you saying stuff like this is confusing. I’m asking you… please stop.”

His expression sobers as he runs his hands through his messy hair. “Sorry. It won’t happen again. Friends without benefits. I’ll leave you to get ready.”

“Linc…” He closes the bathroom door behind him, leaving me staring at myself in the mirror, contemplating why I can’t just let him be nice to me. I manage to keep it together long enough for the shower to heat up, but once inside, I brace my hands on the wall, letting the water rain down on me as silent tears spill from my eyes.

What am I going to do?

How did I end up here?

* * *

The apartment is quiet when I emerge dressed, refreshed, and starving. Linc’s shoes are gone from the living room, and his keys aren’t on the kitchen island. I’ve managed to push him away, and now I’m left in the solitude of my secrets. I know I’ll need to tell Brooke and my parents pretty soon, but I’m not ready for them to know yet.

As my eyes well with tears once more, the door to my apartment swings open, and in walks Linc with bags from the coffee shop across the street.

“I didn’t know what you might be in the mood for, so I got one of every bagel. Caffeine is bad for the baby, so I got you some super-healthy herbal tea. The barista said it’s amazing.”

“I thought you’d left.” I swipe the errant tear rolling down my cheek, but I’m not quick enough. Linc stares at me as if he’s just witnessed someone delivering the knockout blow to a Labrador puppy.

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