Page 92 of Beautiful Storm

“A little. It’s such a crazy idea that I don’t want people assuming I agreed for the wrong reasons.”

“Like what?”

“Money.”Oh God.My mind flashes back to when I first told him I was pregnant and the way he freaked out. Maybe we should have done a prenup? I don’t want his money when we divorce. I don’t want that hanging over my head.

“Are you okay?” Thomas asks, concerned.

“Yeah, I just have a lot to process.”

He nods, smiling sympathetically. “I’m here to talk if you need it and so is Lainey. She may be Luke’s sister and he may be my friend and brother-in-law, but we’ve got your back. We’re family. You’re carrying around our future niece or nephew. And well, Luke is Luke.” He grimaces comically and I burst out laughing.

“Thank you, Thomas. I really appreciate that.”

“Anytime and…” he trails off a little distractedly before his gaze moves back to mine. “I’m in trouble. I promised Lainey I’d wait for her before talking to you and here she comes.”

I turn to see Lainey walking our way with her lips pursed. “Thomas Kelly, I hope you didn’t forget about me.”

“Never.” He grimaces. “Lainey, this is Amelia…in person.”

“Hi Amelia. It’s great to finally meet you.In person.”

“Likewise. Maybe we should have done itbeforethe wedding.” I smile shyly while they both laugh.

“Yeah, but that’s Luke for you. He’s the smartest guy I know, but sometimes he doesn’t apply that to everyday life. You’re a godsend for putting up with him.”

“I don’t really have much choice.” I gesture to my growing stomach and laugh.

“I can’t believe I’m going to be an auntie.” She whispers the last part. “I hope you know that Thomas and I have your back. One hundred percent. I mean, I love Luke, but I’m willing to fight him if I need to.”

My eyes flash to Thomas’s as I laugh. “Thomas reflected the same sentiment.” And while I know they’re both joking—the warmth in their eyes when they speak about Luke gives them away—it’s still nice to know they care.

We don’t get to talk for much longer before Lainey has to take a call and Thomas gets called to join the guys. I try to find someone new to chat with, but the laughter coming from the game draws my attention so I make my way over—cautiously scanning for flying footballs as I go.

When I’m close enough that I can see, but far enough away for safety, I search for Luke among the players, and find him at the same moment he lifts his tee to wipe sweat from his brow, revealing his toned stomach and that V that makes me want to reach out and touch him. He laughs at something one of the guys says before spinning his cap backward and throwing his hands in the air, showing the guys he’s ready. My heart pounds, my eyes glued to his every move, and I swear it all happens in slow motion. The way his eyes light up with his smile, and the sliver of skin that stays visible as his muscles flex. I—

“Nope,” Hayley says as she spins me around, breaking whatever spell I was under. “I’m all for you fantasizing about that gorgeous man, but let’s keep it to a private setting.”

“Jesus.” I glance around to see who else saw me, but everyone’s in their own world.

“No one saw, except maybe that girl over there talking on her phone.”

“Goddammit. That’s Luke’s sister. I was just talking to her.”

“Ohhh. That’s less than ideal.”

“You think? She knows it’s fake. I can’t have her thinking I’m crushing on Luke.”

Hayley’s eyes widen before she smiles. “Is that what this is? I thought it was the pregnancy hormones.”

“I’m not crushing on Luke, but I don’t want his sister to think I am.”

“Best you don’t look at him now then, becausedamn.” She bounces her eyebrows as she stares over my shoulder, and it takes everything in my power not to turn around. “Actually, scrap that. Luke is good-looking and all—I don’t need to tell you that—but Mr. Reed Coombs just took off his hoodie, and I don’t think I’ve spent enough time studying that man’s body. Or any of these guys. Can I be your assistant at the next game?”

“After that comment? No.”

“Even though I just saved you from—”

“Even so.”

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