Page 5 of My Bossy Valentine

She’s pulling out a photo, gripping it hard as her mouth moves. “Pregnant?”

“With a boy,” Wynter beams. “At least look at the onesie we had custom-made before you freak out.”

My breath catches as I watch my mother shrill with happiness. She’s hugging Wynter, and tears are already prickling in her eyes. Even my father is swelling up as he stares at the sonogram.

“Willow, you’re going to be an aunt! Isn’t that so exciting?” My mother bubbles as she looks at me, her eyes shining.

I feel like I’m going to be sick.

A smile forms on my lips as soon as I feel Chris squeeze my shoulder. It’s a grounding squeeze, hard enough to bring me back to. “That is amazing!”

I’m not as good of an actor as Chris, so my voice wavers, much to my dismay.

Wynter is pregnant, and I should be happy for her. Instead, all I can think about is that, once more, she has something I’ve always wanted.

First, a husband who loves her unconditionally. Now, a child to make their family complete. Despite being only nineteen, she has everything I’ve dreamed of having.

Luckily, I’m not dragged into the conversation any more than the short giving of my congratulations. Watching my mother already suggesting baby names makes my stomach clench.

“I think we’re going to call it early.” Chris’ hand slides from my shoulder as he moves to stand. “Jet lag and all that—we’re exhausted.” He looks at my sister and her husband, giving them a nod. “Congratulations on the baby.”

My body moves on its own, following his lead. “Thank you for dinner. It was delicious.” My words come out rough, just like the motion of my steps.

Chris carries my plate to the sink and helps wash up before allowing me to lead him to the room we’ll be sleeping in for the next couple of days. Once Chris shuts the door, he shows no signs of exhaustion. “What happened?”

I look at him, my eyes wide. His confusion falters for a moment before he takes two steps toward me. Like he realizes what he’s doing, he stops as he catches himself.

“It’s the same thing it always is when it comes to her.” Running a hand through my hair, I groan inwardly.”It’s stupid,”I tell him as I pace a line against the carpet. “She got married first and had this big, beautiful wedding. Then I bring you here, feel like I’m on top for just a moment, just a sliver of a second, and now she’s having a baby before me.” I pause and grimace. “Instead of being happy for my sister, I’m jealous.Jealous. I’m sorry you have to see me like this. Please, I’ll just need a minute to get over this.”

More than a minute. What I need is a good output to get these feelings out. He agreed to be my boyfriend, not my therapist. Maybe if I slip away and let a few tears fall, I’ll feel better and move on from this.

Chris should agree with me about how terrible I am. Instead, he moves in front of me and catches my arms. His touch is so warm, so inviting. For a split second, I’m distracted. “It’s not stupid.”

For a man who knows the definition of stupidity, he should have no problem calling me out on it.

“Do you want a baby, Willow?” He squeezes my arms and asks me again when I don’t answer him.

“Of course I do, sir. I want a family as much as anyone else my age.” My brows lower, and I count the threads on his shirt instead of looking him in the eyes. “I’m getting older every day, and nothing has changed because–” I pause, catching myself.

Because I’m pining over a man who only touches me when he’s playing a part.

Because I’m overworked by the same man, spending most of my time with him at the office instead of going out and meeting a man who can come second best.

“Willow.” His impatience seeps through when I don’t look at him. He releases one of my arms and uses his finger to tilt my chin up. Making me look at him, at those dark eyes that always bring goosebumps to my skin, his smile is nowhere to be seen. “Becausewhy?”

My chest feels tight enough that I can’t breathe. I’ve held onto this answer for the entire length of my employment with him. If I tell him the truth, I know it’ll be like a weight rolling off my shoulders. With all the other emotions I’ve been feeling today, the wall I put up to contain my feelings is currently crumbling. It’s the reason why my lips tremble and my hand moves to cover his.

There’s no going back now. At this point, I don’t think I can make myself feel any worse.

“Because ofyou, sir.”

4

Chris

It takes far too many seconds to wrap my mind around her words.

She doesn’t have a husband, and she doesn’t have kids because ofme?

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