Page 10 of Teasing a King

Claire rolls her eyes. “Maybe so,” she concedes. “But he should know better than to say it out loud to a pregnant woman. That was a dick move.”

I shake my head. “Hannah’s right. He doesn’t know me well. For all he knows, I proposition hot guys at weddings every chance I get.”

Hannah smiles at me. “You hooked up at my wedding? Nice.”

I feel myself smile for the first time since the scene in Van’s office. “We left the reception together,” I say, feeling my face heat.

She sits up straighter, blowing her nails and rubbing them on the front of her shirt. “Look at me,” says, “Bringing people together and helping to create new life. I’m like a superhero or something.”

Quinn rolls her eyes. “Or something, alright,” she says. “What exactly did he say when you told him?”

I take a breath and blow it out. I try to think back to my conversation with Van and recite it as best I can to the others. When I finish, they’re all looking at me with thoughtful expressions. It’s clear by their lack of outrage that my own reaction might not have fit the situation.

“Am I the asshole?” I ask, miserably.

Hannah shakes her head. “No, honey,” she says. “You’re not the asshole.” She hesitates, wincing a little. “But I don’t think he is either.”

I look around at the other women, none of whom are arguing with Hannah’s assessment. I make a face and sigh.

“I know,” I mutter, reaching for my ice cream. “I overreacted.”

Quinn shrugs and laces her hands over the barely noticeable bulge at her waist. “Maybe you did,” she says. “But I wouldn’t worry too much about it. I flip out over dumb shit at least twice a week these days and Ronan doesn’t bat an eye.”

“Bullshit,” Hannah says, laughing. “He looked panicked last week when the diner was out of curly fries, and you got all weepy. That man was ready to go harvest potatoes from a field and make the damned fries himself if it would make you happy.”

Quinn smiles. “He totally made me curly fries the next day.” She shrugs. “I can’t help it if fries make me emotional. This baby craves them.”

I sigh and take another bite of ice cream before speaking again. “I guess I need to talk to him again, huh?”

All the women nod.

“It can wait until tomorrow,” Hope says. “Let him suffer a little first.”

The others all chime in with sounds of agreement. We all indulge in our various snacks and beverages for a few minutes. Finally, Hope turns to me. I can read the expression on her face, and I know exactly what she’s going to say before she says it. I hold up a hand.

“Stop it,” I say.

She gives me a blank stare. “Stop what?”

“That,” I say, pointing at her. “I’m fine.”

“I know you are,” she says. “You’re always fine. But I’m here if you need to talk.” She looks around at the other ladies. “We all are.” They all nod their agreement.

“I’m fine,” I insist. “I freaked out a little at first.” At Hope’s narrowed eyes, I sigh. “Okay, fine. I freaked out a lot. But I’m good now. I’ve come to terms with the idea of being a mom.”

My lips curve into a small smile. “I don’t know,” I say softly. “I think I’m even getting sort of excited about the idea.”

Hope’s face splits into a massive grin. “Good,” she says. “Because I plan to spoil the shit out of this kid.” She points at Quinn’s belly. “That one, too.”

Quinn pats her belly. “Get in line,” she says. “Ronan has already spent a ton of money on things this kid won’t need for at least a year!”

Everyone laughs and I join in, but the mention of Ronan makes me remember Van’s reaction to idea of being a father.

Hannah seems to notice my silence. “What’s wrong, Mya?”

I roll my eyes. “It’s stupid,” I say with a shrug. “I just wish Van was okay with it, too. I mean, it’s not like I thought he’d be over the moon about a one-night stand resulting in a baby. Neither of us planned this. I just…” I trail off with another shrug.

“You kind of hoped he would?” Hannah says gently.

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