Page 104 of Beautiful Storm

“We didn’t skip practice; it was a voluntary team workout. We both worked out before anyone else arrived.”

I ponder that but he’s right. We have a bye this weekend. Well, ain’t that lucky.

“You’re a good guy, East. Have I ever told you that?”

Easton huffs out a laugh before shaking his head. “And we’ve made it.”

“Made it to what?” I stare at him confused until he shakes his head with a laugh.

“What’s going on in your life, Luke? Anything you want to get off your chest?”

“Ahhh. I see what this is. You’re trying to get me drunk so I’ll spill all my secrets.”

He raises his hands in the air. “You caught me. So spill.”

I stare at him deadpan, but when he stares right back, I can’t stop myself from laughing. “Okay, you win. But first, I don’t think I’ve ever heard you laugh before. It’s nice; you’ve got a good laugh. I feel special having heard it. And second,”—I wave my hand in the air before flashing him a smirk—“you’ve been played.” I point at his chest. “I don’t have any problems.”

“You don’t?”

“Nope. I’m fine. So what if I’m falling for the mother of my child? What does it matter if barely two months ago I thought I hated her? Life is still good.”

Easton's lips almost form a smile until his eyes widen. “Your child?”

“What child?”

“I don’t know, man. You mentioned the mother of your child.”

“Oh. Yep.” I chuckle. “I’m going to be a dad.” His jaw drops a little, making me laugh. “Come on. You all knew this was going to happen one day. You had bets going.”

“I didn’t. Having kids is nothing to joke about.”

My face drops. “I know. Sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. Do you want to talk about it?”

“I wouldn’t know where to begin.” I grab his shoulder but he shakes me off. “I’ve known Amelia forever.” I pick up my drink and raise it to my lips before putting it back down. “It’s not like I had a random hookup and the condom broke. Although, that’s exactly what happened but it’s different. Because it’sher.”

“Okay. If I’m understanding correctly… Amelia’s the mother of yourunbornchild?” He says unborn slowly, almost like it’s a question.

“Yes. And before you ask, it’s the same Amelia.”

“I wasn’t going to ask.”

“You know, Director Amelia.”

“Yep, I got that. I even knew she was pregnant, but I didn’t know it was yours. I should have guessed though with the way you defended her.”

“You defended her too, and you don’t like the crew.”

Easton’s nose flares and he sits tall. “That guy was a fucking asshole and needed to be put in his place.”

I’m not going to argue there. “I’m curious, what did you do?”

“Nothing.” He shakes his head. “I just stood my ground and followed him out of the building.”

“Well, thanks.”

“I didn’t do it for you.” Easton takes a sip of his drink, rolling his eyes as I smile.

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