Page 28 of Masked Indulgence
I nodded and took my seat again. “I am dead serious. Now playnice.”
Shanna took her seat and looked apologetic. “Well, seems he’s got a protective instinct for you, Katana. I’m sorry. I’ve known this man since we were little kids. He and I were in the same classes all through our school years. I lived three houses down from his, and we walked to school together every day for thirteen years. He’s beaten up my jackass boyfriends when they hurt me, and he’s let me cry on his shoulder about them too. He’s a rare man, and I count myself lucky to be able to call him a friend, let alone my bestfriend.”
Katana finished up her sandwich and then took a long drink of her milk before saying anything else. “Sorry, I didn’t realize just how hungry I was until I took that first bite.” She patted my leg underneath the table. “Thanks, sweetie.” Then she turned her attention to Shanna. “I think it’s admirable of you to want to watch out for Nix. He’s lucky to have a friend like you who cares so much. I’d like to set the record straight, though. I am not a money-grubbingbitch.”
“She isn’t,” I agreed. “I have told you thatbefore.”
Katana smiled at me and ran her hand over my bearded cheek. “Aw, you stood up for me before? That’s so sweet ofyou.”
“Yeah, he’s a real sweetheart,” Shanna said then shook her head. “Not. At least, not usually.” She narrowed her eyes at me, looking like she was trying to solve a puzzle. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you make anything for anybody in my entire life, Nixon. And I’ve never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you, Katana. But I want to warn you both: you don’t know one another. Try your best not to rush into things more than you alreadyhave.”
But it felt like life was rushing ahead for us—and at a staggeringpace.
* * *
PartFour
Chapter18
Katana
After several days had passed,I began to feel more settled. Nix and I had chosen an obstetrician and had an appointment set up for the late afternoon. Nerves were getting the best of me, and I ended up puking three times before he arrived at three to pick meup.
Holding my hand on the console between the seats, his thumb ran back and forth over the top of my hand. “You look pretty in that pink dress.” He pulled my hand up and kissed it. “Can I assume that means you’re hoping for agirl?”
I shook my head. “I’m hoping for a healthy baby—the sex doesn’t matter to me.” I looked out the window. “I don’t know how to take care of either,anyway.”
Nix told me he wanted to wait to be sure I stayed pregnant before he told his family about our situation, but once we were past the critical three-month mark, he’d tell them abouteverything.
“You know I told you my mother would help you with all that. I don’t want you to worry even a little bit about that—you’ll be a great mother. I know you will.” He kissed my hand again, and I couldn’t help butsmile.
I don’t know how he made me feel so much better just by being with me, but he did. “I know you’ll be a greatfather.”
“I’m going to try.” He chuckled. “I had to lie to my mother a whileago.”
“Why?” I asked, surprised he’d have to lie aboutanything.
“She wanted me to come for Christmas, and I told her I’d made plans with my business partners for that day so I couldn’t come this year.” He shook his head. “I don’t lie often. It felt pretty unnatural doing it, but I don’t want to jump the gun with ournews.”
Thinking about losing the baby made my stomach roll, and I swallowed as saliva suddenly began to produce rapidly. I saw a stoplight ahead and prayed he’d make it to that before I had to open the door and hurl. I couldn’t even say a word as I felt sure I’d projectile vomit all over his expensivecar.
When Nix stopped at the light, I opened the door and let it all out. “Baby?” he calledout.
It took no time to expel the little that was left in my stomach, and I closed the door and leaned my head back on the headrest when I was done. “God, I hatethat.”
He handed me a tissue as he shook his head. “Damn, I hate that foryou.”
By the time we got to the doctor’s office, the butterflies in my tummy had turned into pterodactyls, and I had to cling to Nix for support. I’d never really leaned on anyone in my life. It felt odd—and even a little dangerous—but I couldn’t helpit.
The waiting room was full of expecting mothers in various stages of pregnancy. A few small kids were playing with some toys in one corner, and I noticed only a handful of fathers there with the women. I squeezed Nix’s arm, which I had wrapped mine around. “Thank you,Nix.”
“For?” he asked as he grinned atme.
“Being here with me. For me.” I kissed his cheek. “You’re myrock.”
He kissed mine right back. “I am that. And I wouldn’t miss this foranything.”
When my name was called, we got up. He wrapped his arm around me, supporting me, and I knew he could feel my body shaking. “I’m soscared.”
