Page 16 of Teasing a King

“What do you think?” Van asks, voice hopeful.

“I think I’d like to see your house before I make any decisions,” I say softly. I can’t believe I’m considering this.

Van’s smile stretches wide and full, making my stomach do a complicated little flip that nearly pushes away whatever doubts I have.

“I can take you right now,” he says eagerly.

I smile at his enthusiasm. “How about tomorrow?”

He looks only slightly disappointed, but nods. “It’s a date.”

Chapter Seven

Mya

I can’t believe I’m considering moving in with Van. The next morning, in the light of day, I realize how crazy it sounds for me to move in with a man I barely know. Even if I am having his baby. I stifle a laugh at the ridiculousness of that thought as I make my way down the hallway toward the kitchen. I’m pretty sure Hope and Wyatt are awake already. I’d heard someone moving around in the house earlier. But I try to be quiet, just in case either of them is still asleep.

I round the corner into the kitchen, thinking of coffee and wondering which of the conflicting articles I read about caffeine and pregnancy is more accurate. Is it really safe to have a single cup each day? That’s what I’ve read online. Or am I putting my baby at risk? I sigh, eyes downcast. I don’t think I’ll risk it until I’ve seen an OB. Because my gaze is on my feet, I don’t notice Hope and Wyatt until I nearly bump into them. They spring apart quickly, but not before I catch a glimpse of Wyatt’s hand sneaking up Hope’s shirt and her own hand dangerously close to a suspicious bulge in the front of his pants.

“Sorry!” I shout, turning to hurry back down the hallway to the guest room, face flaming.

I hear Wyatt’s laughter and Hope’s scolding tone before she calls after me.

“Mya, wait!” she calls. I can hear the laughter in her own voice, but I don’t stop until I’m safely back in the guest bedroom with the door closed. Maybe I don’t need coffee after all.

I’m no prude, obviously. That ship sailed the night I pole danced at Hannah’s bachelorette party only a few days before I ran off with Van at the reception. I just hadn’t expected to walk in on my best friend and her fiancé having a little foreplay in the kitchen this morning. Though I don’t know why it should surprise me. Hope gave me a few details of their sex life back before I’d met any of the Kings. Not as many as I’d asked for, but enough for me to know that those two can barely keep their hands off one another. Had I expected that to change just because I’m staying with them?

A few minutes later, I hear a knock on the bedroom door.

“Come in,” I say.

Hope’s amused face greets me when she opens the door.

“I amsosorry!” I say, covering my face with my hands to hide my own amusement. “I didn’t mean to cock block you.”

She waves a hand dismissively. “You didn’t. Wyatt was already running late to meet Finn at the Jester. It’s a good thing you showed up or Finn would have given him so much shit about it.”

“Still,” I say with a sly grin. “You guys seemed to be having a good time.”

Hope sighs. “That man,” she says with a shudder. “I can’t wait to marry him.”

I smile, thrilled for my best friend. “I’m so happy for you, Hope,” I say. “You deserve to be treated like a queen. And that includes morning sex in the kitchen without your best friend walking in on you.”

She rolls her eyes. “Plenty of time for that after the honeymoon.”

“No,” I say, shaking my head. “This isn’t college. This is your home. You deserve your privacy.”

Hope looks stricken. “Oh, no,” she says. “Don’t worry about that.”

I hold up a hand to stall her. “I need to find my own place. And sooner, rather than later.” Taking a deep breath, I decide to tell her about Van’s offer from the night before.

“Van asked me to move in with him.” I blurt it out quickly, watching to gage her reaction.

“What?” she barks loudly. “Tell me everything.”

I begin to talk, recounting my conversation with Van. Hope’s eyes grow wide at first before turning thoughtful as I talk.

“What do you think I should do?” I ask, chewing my bottom lip nervously. “It’s nuts, right? Moving in with a guy I barely know? It’s crazy. Tell me it’s crazy.”

---