Page 90 of One Night Seduction

“No, it definitely does matter. She could be just trying to trap him. He needs to get a test before he does anything crazy.”

I shrug. “He said he was going to.”

“Okay.” Ty exhales in relief.

“He also said that if he is the father, he wouldn’t punish the kid. That he would be in their life.”

Ty stares at me for a second, tilting his head to the side like he’s confused.

“And that’s bad?”

“Ty!” I shout. “Yeah, it’s fucking bad.”

He rests his forearms onto the counter as he looks at me.

“So you’re upset with him because he’snota piece of shit? That he wouldn’t ignore a child he fathered just because the mother is batshit?”

Well, when he puts it like that.

“No. I’m mad that he stuck his dick in my fucking mother in the first place.”

Ty gives me a sympathetic look as he reaches out, covering my hand with his.

“I’m not saying this to be hurtful, babe, but you did tell him to do that. You pushed him away, and in a moment of weakness, he did what you said, what you told him you wanted.”

I shove away his hand. “Seriously? You’re siding with him?”

He stands up, holding his hands in the air in defense.

“I’m not on anyone’s side. I’m just trying to give you some perspective. Was it a massive mistake? Absolutely. Should he have never even thought about touching her? Of course. Did he regret it and hasn’t looked back since? You know the answer to that, Ari. He’s so fucking crazy about you, and you are crazy about him. If, and right now, that’s a big if, he is the father, you two will deal with it. Together.”

I shake my head.

“No. I’m out of this equation. Us being together was amistake to begin with. Besides, if the baby is his, do you really think there is a chance in hell my mother will ever let him go? She’ll demand they get married again, probably cut me out of his life forever. It’s just…fucked, but maybe for the best,” I shrug.

His lips tighten into a flat line.

“You don’t mean that, Ari?—”

“Yes, I do. I just…I don’t want to talk about him anymore, Ty. My friends are out of town, I don’t want to be alone. Can you just…can I have another drink?”

He tilts his head like he’s contemplating something before he lets out a heavy breath.

“Alright, only if you drink water first and have some fries.”

“Fine, whatever.”

Ty nods, moving to get me a cup of water before tapping something onto the computer. French fries come out a few minutes later, and Ty hands them to me with another shot of tequila. The bar starts to fill up as the happy hour rush comes in. Soon there is a line wrapping around the building, which is pretty crazy for a dive bar. Ty completely dominates behind the bar, charming everyone he comes into contact with while slinging drinks like a pro. His eyes manage to come to mine no less than three times every minute, as if to make sure I haven’t disappeared somewhere.

I’ve had a few more shots, and my head begins feeling light and floaty. Suddenly, I’m not nearly as stressed out or heartbroken over the fucked up situation that is my life. I feel myself begin to sway on the barstool to the music playing from the speakers before a body comes up beside me. The pungent smell of cheap cologne and cigarettes fills my nose, and I have to resist the gag building inside me as yellow teeth grin at me.

“What’s a pretty little thing like you drinking alone for?”

“You’re never alone when you’re with Christ,” I slur, letting out a raspy chuckle as I slump against the bar.

The man gives me a pitying laugh as he looks at my empty shot glass.

“You need another?”

---