Page 4 of Teasing a King

“I actually came here to see you,” I say in a voice barely above a whisper.

I can see a hint of a smile playing on Van’s lips before he registers my expression. His face shifts from concern to utter seriousness in a heartbeat.

“What is it? Did something happen?”

I nod. “You could say that.”

“Mya, just tell me.”

I take a deep breath and nod. Looking into Van’s perfect blue eyes, I say the words that will forever change the way he looks at me. I say it fast, before I can back out. My words are nearly tripping over themselves as they spill out.

“I’m pregnant. I know we barely know one another, and I know we definitely didn’t plan this, but I’ve decided that I’m keeping this baby. You can be a part of his or her life or not. It’s up to you. I just thought you should know.”

My words run out and I deflate slightly as I stand there watching him for a reaction. There isn’t one. At first. Then his eyes widen, and his gaze goes from my face down to my belly. I hadn’t realized until now that I’d had one hand resting on my still-flat stomach. His eyes shoot back up to my face and I can see the shock and panic there. I know exactly what he’s doing. Math. He’s trying to figure out exactly how long it’s been since we were together.

“Eleven weeks,” I whisper, answering the unspoken question.

He blinks a few times. He still hasn’t spoken since I made my announcement. I wish he’d say something. I need to know what he’s feeling. He opens and closes his mouth several times. I give him time, waiting for the words to come. When he finally does speak, I almost wish he hadn’t.

He shakes his head, brow furrowed. “Are you sure?”

I blink at him. “That I’m pregnant? Three different tests said positive. So, yeah. I’m pretty sure.”

He blinks some more. “But those things are wrong sometimes, aren’t they? How do you know for sure? Have you been to a doctor?”

I’m starting to get annoyed. I try to tell myself that he’s just freaking out. I did the same when I first realized what was happening. He just needs more time to come to grips with this whole thing. I take a breath.

“Van, I know it’s a lot to take in,” I say.

He stares off into space for a moment. “It was just one night,” he says, shaking his head. “And we used condoms. I remember using quite a few condoms.”

I can see he’s starting to panic, his words coming faster. I try to keep my own voice calm. “One didn’t work,” I say softly.

“And you’re sure?” he asks. “You’re sure it was…from that night? You and me?”

It takes me a second to realize what he’s asking. When I do, I reel back as if he just slapped me.

“What did you just say?” My voice is a furious whisper, but I know he can hear clearly in the small room. I’ve gone from worried and scared to hot rage in a split second. How dare he?

He’s shaking his head quickly, eyes wide. “I didn’t mean that. That’s not—”

I’m beyond furious. “Because I slept with you when I barely knew you, I must just sleep with every man I meet, huh?” I throw my hands up. “Everyone, meet Mya Holmes, the super slut!”

“Wait,” he says, holding up a hand to calm me.

A small part of me realizes that I’m being a little unreasonable. What man wouldn’t question a claim like mine, especially after a single night together nearly 3 months ago. But my anger is leading the charge right now. It’s much easier to deal with than all the other emotions I’ve wrestled with lately, so I latch onto it.

I shake my head and fold my arms over my chest. “Oh no,” I say, voice hard as nails. “Continue. Tell me what you really think of me. I can’t possibly know who my baby’s father is, right? I mean, maybe I need to call Maury Povich. Who can I bring on stage with me? Well, let’s see, it was a busy weekend. Let me go down the list of potentials. There was the guy at the gas station who propositioned me on my way into town. I definitely could have slept with him if I wanted.”

I pretend to think for a second before shaking my head. “No, he was driving one of those squatted trucks and he looked like he might have just graduated high school the week before. I just couldn’t take him seriously.” I lean toward Van conspiratorially. “Not quite dad material, you know?”

“Mya,” Van tries again, reaching for me.

I jerk away from him, shooting him a glare that silences him. I pace the length of the small room, my voice growing louder with each lap. “Then there was the sweet old man at the grocery store who told me that if he was 30 years younger, he’d ask me on a date. Maybe I rocked his world?” I look at Van who’s standing there, mouth agape. “Gave him one last thrill before it’s off to the pearly gates?”

“No?” I furrow my brow, pretending to think. “Well, let’s see. Maybe it was some random encounter that I can’t even remember now. I mean, I see so many men, right?” He just stands there, not saying anything. Somehow that pisses me off even more.

I take a step closer to him and speak in a low, hard voice. “Considering that you’re the only man who’s so much as kissed me in nearly a year, Van, I think it’s safe to say that you are the father.”

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