Page 242 of Ignite

After four more tests, I can officially say I’m pregnant.

And now I need to rip the band-aid off and actually speak to Conan.

After everything, I deserve this—at least to close the door on that part of my life for good.

My Shelby roars to life as I back out of the driveway.

I need a drive first to clear my head. Then I’ll head to his garage.

I’m nervous. But I’m also still angry. And pissed off at myself for being cruel to him.

The one thing Conan has proved in these weeks is that he is remorseful. And he cares. Probably more than he should.

As I merge onto the highway, I put my foot down and open the windows, letting the breeze whip through my hair.

It’s quiet out here for this time of night.

A little glimmer of light is starting to appear in my life.

A baby is a huge deal. I’ve always wanted to be a mom. A real one. Not like mine.

I want to give my baby everything.

As I switch lanes, I glance in the rearview mirror. The black BMW behind me follows.

I keep going, slowing down near the next exit. I don’t indicate—I just shoot off.

But when I check the mirror again, the BMW is still right behind me.

Something gnaws at me. Or maybe I’m just anxious and overthinking—today’s been a lot.

I pull up the GPS on the screen. Fifteen minutes until Conan.

I ease onto the brakes to slow myself down, but instead of overtaking, the car slows too.

I don’t like this.

It’s probably nothing. But I need to hear his voice before I have a meltdown.

I hit his number on the screen. As always, he answers fast.

“Hallie.”

His voice is low, steady. My safe place.

“Conan. Umm…”

I take a left when the GPS tells me to. No blinker. My heart sinks when the BMW sticks to my tail.

“Hallie, what is it? Talk to me.”

“I think someone’s following me, Con.”

I push my foot to the floor, my car rocketing ahead.

“Where are you?” His voice doesn’t waver.

“I’m eleven minutes from your garage. Just turning right onto…”

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