Page 20 of Forbidden Desires

No matter what happens between us, I'll keep my pregnancy to myself for now. I want to figure things out without the pressure of their expectations—or the risk of complicating everything before it even begins.

I also want to know that they're sticking around forme.

I unlock my door and step inside, the familiar scent of my new home welcoming me. The apartment feels too quiet after the confrontation, the silence pressing down on me. I wanted this. Space and time to think, but now that I have it, it almost feels overwhelming. I lean against the door and close my eyes, trying to ground myself. They're giving me a month. One month to figure out if I can open my heart again. After that month I'll make my choice and then tell them about our baby.

I push off the door, heading towards the kitchen to grab some water. As I drink, I try to shake off the anxiety wrapping tight around my chest. I've been working hard at being more independent. Of being my own person. And now that I'm finally getting my footing, all of this has to happen.

My hand drifts to my stomach. I catch myself and pull it away, like touching it too much might reveal my secret to the world.

Ugh! This is too freaking much, and I hate being all over the place like this. Taking my phone out of my back pocket, I realize I'd hung up on my friend.

She answers after the first ring. "What happened?"

"They told me they want to date. Like we're in high school or something." I throw myself down on the couch and put my feet up on the coffee table.

"What did you say?" Annie's cautious tone fills my ears. She soothes me in a way that very few people can.

"I told them I'll think about it. There's so much to consider, Annie. And I'm not sure I can take it if Pete breaks my heart again." My fingers rub at my temple, trying to massage away the headache that's been steadily building since I woke up on the hot shop floor. My gut clenches with guilt at not telling Annie about my secret. It's one thing keeping it from the men, and a completely different kettle of fish all together when it comes to my best friend.

"I think you should go for it," Annie responds, confident and positive. "If it doesn't work, then you know for sure. If you send them away now, you never will."

I bite my lower lip, weighing up all the pros and cons. "Annie, babe. I'm still not over him."

"Oh baby, I wish I was there so I could give you a cuddle," she coos at me. "I know you're not. And I know what a big risk you'd be taking, but it would be so worth it if it all worked out."

"Fine," I push out. "I'll text them once we're done on the call."

Annie squeals in excitement, but instead of cutting our call short, like I'd expected her to, she instead settles in and catches me up on all her news before asking me about my latest project.

This is what I needed. A moment of normalcy with my best friend.

And when we finally hang up and say goodnight?

I unblock Pete and text him.

Pick me up tomorrow at 6. Nothing too fancy. I'm tired after work.

Pete's quick to respond and let me know that they'll be there.

I already regret sending the message. Just one month, I remind myself. I can handle a month. And if at any point it becomes too much I'll tell them I'm done and send them back home.

Now I just need to hope I can get some sleep tonight, so Bobby doesn't just send me straight home in the morning.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Suzie

I smooth my hands over my jeans and glance out the window. It's just past six, and I can already feel the nerves crawling up my spine. My phone buzzes, and when I check the screen it's a message from Pete. Is he canceling already?

I frown at the screen when I see what he sent.

Pete:

Have fun tonight. You'll be in good hands.

What does he mean? Before I can respond, there's a knock on my door. Taking a deep breath, I tuck some hair behind my ears and pull open the front door.

Dexter stands there, alone, looking more nervous than I've ever seen him look. "Hey there," he says, sending a shy smile my way. "Hope you don't mind, it's just me. But we thought that you might like to get to know me a bit better?"

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