Page 119 of After the Vows

“Everyone who was at our wedding, plus my parents.”

“You didn’t need to do this.”

“I love you, wildcat. I want to give you everything you want even if you didn’t realize you wanted it.”

“You’re good at this.”

“I learned from the best.” He nods to his parents. His dad hands his mom a drink before offering her a chair.

“I lucked out when you moved in next door.”

“Nah, wildcat. I’m the lucky one.”

I push up on my tiptoes to kiss him. He palms my neck and pulls me close until our lips meet. I groan at the taste of him. Lucas’s flavor of musk and man is addicting. I sigh and he pushes his tongue inside. My tongue reaches out to duel with his.

“You’re pregnant! Who the fuck is the father?” Hudson shouts and I break up our kiss.

Lucas’s brow wrinkles. “What’s going on?”

I grin. “I don’t know but let’s go find out.”

I clasp his hand and lead him toward the table where Nova is sitting. She’s throwing daggers from her eyes at Hudson. If they were real, he’d be bleeding out on the floor and Lucas would have to arrest one of my best friends at our wedding reception re-do party.

“Life is never going to be boring with you around,” Lucas says.

“Get your seatbelt strapped on and hold on for the ride!”

Chapter 38

Nova – a woman who thinks she’s been keeping a secret from her friends

Nova

“Idon’t know why this party has to be atHideaway Haven Resort,” I complain as I drive Maya and Paisley toward the resort where Lucas has set up a surprise party for Chloe.

“I think it’s romantic,” Maya says. “They’re having a do-over of their wedding reception, but this time they’re in love.”

“I’m just glad the resort is now carrying our beer,” Paisley says. “Good job on landing the account, Nova.”

My cheeks heat when I remember how I landed the account. My methods weren’t part of any business class I attended in college. I glance down at my belly. And I wouldn’t recommend them.

“Does this mean you get to see more of the sexy owner of the resort?” Maya asks.

I scowl. “I don’t want to see Hudson any more than I already do.”

“But you never see him.”

That’s not exactly true, but I am not clearing up her misconception.

“Which is exactly the way I want to keep it.”

“I don’t understand,” Paisley says. “You clearly find the man attractive. Why don’t you want to see him?”

Thank the smugglers in heaven, we’ve arrived at the resort because I am not answering her question. I park, switch off the engine, and jump out of the car. My stomach cramps and I place a hand over it. This is not the time to throw up. You’d think I threw up enough today already. You’d be wrong.

“What’s your hurry?” Maya asks as she rounds the car to where I’m standing.

“We’re supposed to be waiting in the lobby when Chloe and Lucas arrive.”

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