Page 38 of Unexpected Forever
Maybe I did better when I couldn’t form a full sentence.
She rubs her eyes with the heel of her hands. “Apparently the antibiotics I took for my sinus infection rendered the pill ineffective.”
When I shoot to my feet too quickly, I’m left momentarily lightheaded. “I need a minute.”
Without waiting for her response, I barrel out the front door and pace the length of her front yard like an agitated tiger in a cage, my hands tunneling through my hair.
How the fuckwings around in my head. A light sheen of sweat pops on my skin as denial fights for a place amidst my thoughts ofhowandwhat now.
I’m not the playboy type the media likes to portray me as, but I’ve had my share of women over the years. And outside of one lying, money-grabbing groupie, I’ve never even had a close call.
The one time I take a risk, it backfires on me. In a life-altering, permanent way.
I’ve never been one to do anything half-assed, but this is the one time my competitive streak could have taken the night off.
I stop pacing and blow out a breath, pinching the bridge of my nose.
As much as I want to rage at the situation, I know I can’t.
It was a mutual decision to go without the condom. And while I don’t know Charley well, I know by the look on her face and her posture that she’s not lying or trying to trap me.
It makes me like her even more than I already do.
Now it’s time for me to man up and face the music.
When I get back inside, she’s standing on the other side of the coffee table, wringing her hands, and watching me like a wary, wounded animal.
“Sorry, I just need some time to process this.”
She nods. “I understand. I cried for ten minutes straight when I found out.”
It’s a gut punch to hear that. I clear my throat. “How far along are you?”
“About ten weeks. I figure my due date is some time in late December.”
“And you’re okay?”
“Other than morning sickness and fatigue, I’m fine.”
“Good.” I rub the back of my neck, my mind racing of what to do now. “I’m going to go.”
Her eyes widen. “You’re leaving? Right now? Are you serious?”
Fuck me. This isn’t going well. “I’ll be back, but I need to think.”
“Think about what?”
“There’s a ton of things to think about, Charley. You’ve had days to process and think about all the ramifications of this, but I’ve had five minutes.”
She crosses her arms over her chest and blows out a breath, studying me. “You’ll be back?”
“Yes. I promise.”
The frown marring her lips deepens but she nods. “Fine.”
Her tone tells me it’s anything but fine.
TEN
