My heart hurt to push him away, and even if I dumped him weeks ago?It still fucking hurts as much as the day I gave him up.Then I found out I was pregnant.There’s no way I could get rid of the baby, which means I have to tell him.Especially since I kinda ignored all the signs because I felt like crap...in my mind due to heartache and all the shit going on with my brother.
Which leads me to now, a day after my doctor’s appointment where I found out I’m already in my second trimester.Four freaking months pregnant and a tiny baby bump to show the whole “joke is on the take one for the team” direct order between MCs.
A deep sigh rips from me and I hit the blinker to turn into the parking lot of the hotel.I’m drained, hungry, and ready for bed.Grabbing the bag I packed, I leave the car and head for the front desk of the hotel.
It’s a boutique hotel with fifteen rooms.A smaller one than Pax is staying at, but this place looked like it has a cozy, family atmosphere.You can say I needed the short getaway, and it’s also why I booked a room for five days.I’ll just meet Pax at his hotel, so he won’t know where I’m staying.
“Good evening,” I state when I step inside the lobby.
“You must be Lyla,” a woman states and rounds the desk.
If I’d have to guess, she’s about forty years old and has short blonde hair.A smile tugs at her lips as she comes my way with an outstretched hand.
“Sorry, we’re not as formal here.I’m only expecting one guest today and you mentioned when you called that you’d arrive around this time.I also recognized your voice.”She grins.“Do I sound creepy yet?”
I chuckle and actually feel at ease around her.
She grabs a card from the counter and holds it out for me.“You look like you’re about ready to fall over.Why don’t you head up to your room and we’ll do the formal check in tomorrow morning?”
Relief hits me and I take the room key.“Thank you.I’m definitely in need of a–”
The woman cuts me off by stating, “Hot bath and a good night’s sleep.”
I smile and nod while she adds, “You’re in room number eight.Try one of the pink bath bombs, it’s perfect to unwind.Oh, and I’m Della, Della Hallett, proud owner of this little hotel.”
“Nice to meet you,” I mumble with half a jaw.
“Yeah, you’re done, girl.Scoot, draw a bath and get your ass into it quickly so you can slide into the crispy fresh bed and get a good night’s sleep.Breakfast is between nine and ten, but I can make you something if you want to sleep in.”
“Thanks again.”I stifle another yawn.“I really appreciate it.”
She bobs her head and points me in the right direction of the room.There’s a smile on my face and I feel so much better than I did when I got into my car and drove here.Even if I still have to set up a meeting with Pax and tell him he’s going to be a dad.
Fuck.
I enter the room and love the soft carpet under my feet.A soft vanilla scent teases my nose and oh my freaking gosh, there is an overload of pillows on the bed.Yeah, I sure made the right decision to book myself a few days in this hotel.
First thing I do is draw a bath and then I get an oversized shirt out of my bag to use as my PJs.An hour later I’m in bed and feel way better, even if I’m still a bit tired.Grabbing my phone, I bite the bullet and unblock Pax’s number.It takes me at least fifteen minutes to write words, delete them, and finally find the most suitable message.
LYLA
I’m in town tomorrow and would like a few minutes to tell you something.
My heart is beating fast while I stare at my phone.The message isn’t seen right away and the doubt comes creeping in.Maybe he has a new number?Has he blocked me?My belly flops when the message is suddenly read and bouncing balls appear, indicating he’s typing a reply.
PAX
Not in town.I’ll text when I am.
Aggravation hits and before I can stop myself, I hit dial.He picks up on the second ring.
“I’m here in Wildwood, Pax,” I snap.
A low growl rumbles through the line.“Tell me you’re fucking bullshitting me.Why the hell would you be there of all places?How did you find me?Wait.Did Lynn put you up to this?It’s dangerous, dammit.This isn’t some game to be chasing after me while I’m working a case that could put you in some very fucking danger.You need to get back to your own town, Lyla.It isn’t safe here.”
Anger spikes my veins.Does he really think I’m playing a damn game to chase after him?As if I suddenly crave dick and want to swoon at his damn feet?What an asshole.I try to take a calming breath, getting angry won’t help and he needs to know I’m pregnant.
“I know you’re working a case, Pax.I’m not completely stupid and I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t important.”My eyes hit the ceiling and I’m feeling tired again.“I’m going home as soon as we’ve talked.I only need a couple of minutes, okay?”