Page 17 of Bullied Pregnant Mate

"Well, if I can't, then you can't."

Lucas groaned, rubbing at his eyes. "Gina, it's far too early for this."

"Then put some pants on."

Lucas leaned back and sighed, then turned and headed down the hallway. The space grew quiet for a moment before he came back, waving a hand at his shorts. "Happy."

I wanted to ask him to wear a shirt, but I didn't. I nodded as he walked back, shaking his head. "You still didn't answer my question."

"What was the question?"

"How did you sleep?"

"Oh," I blinked, not realizing he'd asked. "I slept well. Thank you."

Lucas nodded, taking another sip of his coffee. I clutched mine and swallowed. "So, about Chris."

Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Yes?"

"He's coming tomorrow and wants to have a meeting. He has to check the house because of the fire and said that since he's going to be here, he might as well stop by and chat. For me to stay in the house, we have to sign some paperwork. I don't know what your plans are, but you should be there."

Lucas nodded. "What time?"

"Tomorrow afternoon around four. It shouldn't take long."

Lucas snorted. "Knowing Chris, it will. He's a talker."

I frowned, a little envious. Lucas knew everyone in a different light than I did. Lucas, like my brother, was the prize jewel. He was treated with respect, and his parents loved him. There weren't many photos here, but he did have one in the guest room.

I fell quiet, and Lucas noticed. "What?"

I shook my head. "Nothing."

He scowled. "You made a face."

I shrugged. "I just…you know him differently than I do."

Lucas snorted. "No, pretty sure we both know he is a pompous ass that needs to get a handle on his ego."

"Well, yeah, but I meant he's nice to you."

Lucas shrugged. "Not really. Chris isn't nice to anyone. He's a prick, and everyone knows it."

I shrugged. "Either way, it would be best if you were here, so hopefully, you can be tomorrow."

"I'm free."

"We are going to need rings," I said. "Or at least I will need an engagement ring."

Lucas looked down at my finger and then up at me. "I can swing by the shop."

"I can buy a ring," I said. "I just didn't want you to be shocked when I did."

Lucas scowled. "You can't buy your own ring. You don't want Lucas to know, then you let me buy the ring."

"I can pay you back for it," I quickly added.

Lucas just glared, not even responding to me. He took another sip of his coffee and rolled his shoulders. "Anything else? If not, I'm going to bed."

---