Page 97 of Calamity Rayne Knocked Up

“Xander is gay.”

I blinked, my brain a little slow on the computing part. “It sounded like you said he was gay.”

“Exactly.”

“How do you know?”

“Because he told me.”

“He told you he’s gay? When? How?”

“We were having a drink, and the other guys weren’t around, so he told me.”

“He just blurted out,‘I’m gay’?”

“Pretty much.”

I thought about Tyler, who had a million different opportunities to come out to me, but never did. “Well, I guess you just get everything then, don’t you?”

“I’m sorry. Are you upset that he’s not hitting on you?”

“No. I’m just...” I didn’t know what I was, so I threw up my hands in frustration. “This pregnancy has my instincts all messed up.” Then it finally occurred to me. “Oh my God, wait! He’s intoyou!” I knew I sensed a red flag! I was just reading it wrong.

Hale shrugged. “Maybe, but he realizes I’m straight and happily married.”

“He gives meHand That Rocks The Cradle Vibes.”I protectively rubbed my belly. “I don’t trust him.”

“Xander’s a good guy, Rayne. He’s not trying to steal me or our baby from you. We’re working on a few business ideas together. That’s all.”

Another red flag. “Hale, you can’t.”

“Sure, I can. His company’s in trouble and I can help.”

“But the only reason you know his company’s in trouble is because I told you.”

“It’s not like you had confidential information, Rayne. I asked, and he confirmed. He’s never going to sell to my dad.”

“Why not?”

“Because he’s aprick.”

“Which one?”

Hale laughed.

“It’s not funny, Hale. I work for your dad. You might think you’re screwing him over, but I’m a part of this.”

“Baby, Xander already told my father he’s not interested. Their meeting’s been postponed indefinitely.”

“I can’t believe you.”

“Rayne, there is nothing underhanded here. This is how these things work out.”

“Don’t patronize me, Hale. You used Thanksgiving to schmooze a business deal, because it was one more way to stick it to your dad. I thought we were past this.”

“Rayne—”

“No.” I evaded his touch when he reached for me. “You know you did something wrong, and you did it knowing I was involved. I’m mad at you and you gave him my fries.” I pulled open the door to walk out on him then immediately closed it, deciding to stay in the kitchen a while longer.

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