Page 54 of Press Your Luck

Immediately, his demeanor changed from okay to sullen. “Whatever.”

“They're our friends, and they want to get to know you too."

"Fine," he mumbled, not meeting my gaze.

The drive to Bo and Ruby's house was tense, with only the sound of the radio filling the silence between us. I guess it was true about two steps forward and two steps back.

24

Naomi

Itook a deep breath as I stepped into Bo and Ruby's living room. Anxiety filled me at the prospect of seeing Pierce again. I hadn't told him about the baby growing inside me, and the weight of the secret bore down on me.

"Naomi. You made it." Ruby greeted me with a warm hug.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world.” Okay, so I'd tried to come up with a few excuses not to come, but only because I knew Pierce would be there and I wasn’t ready to face him yet. I scanned the room, searching for him, but I didn’t see him.

I felt relief, but strangely, disappointment too. I was sure that after all these weeks, the attraction would have cooled by now, although my dreams, filled with his strong arms and heated kisses, suggested otherwise. They’d intensified even upon learning I was pregnant.

Analyn joined us, giving me a hug as well. "Come on, let's get you a drink."

“Just seltzer and juice,” I said.

“Teetotalling?” Analyn asked.

“I figured Ruby needed a non-alcoholic drinking partner,” I said, hoping they didn’t guess at my condition. While a part of me wanted to confide in them and get their advice, they were both friends with Pierce, and it wouldn’t have been right to put them in a difficult situation between us two.

I settled into the evening, deciding Pierce likely wasn’t coming. I’d overheard Bo expressing concern because Pierce had to pick up Porter from school for fighting. Who was Porter? Did Pierce have a team member still in high school or something?

Not long after, the doorbell rang, and Pierce entered with a boy. Pierce profusely apologized to Ruby and Bo for being late. They said it was okay and got Pierce a drink while the boy ran off.

Pierce’s gaze scanned the room, and the moment our eyes met, my stomach flipped. Nope. The attraction was still electric.

"Hey, are you okay?" Ruby asked gently, pulling me out of my thoughts. I gave a small nod, unable to tear my gaze away from Pierce. His eyes lingered on mine for a few seconds before returning to his conversation.

"Naomi, come chat with Betts too.” Analyn led me to where Betts and another person were talking. I followed her, but my thoughts were preoccupied by Pierce. How could I tell him he was going to be a father? I couldn’t do it here.

"Naomi.” His voice was low and husky. "How have you been?"

"Good, thank you." I forced a smile.

“I see we’re both invited to the Pacific Coast Tournament in San Diego.”

I nodded. God, this was awkward. The weight of my secret was making it impossible for me to relax around him. The truth was, I wanted to sink into him. Feel his arms around me. Have him tell me that having a baby now would work out fine for us and my career. But that was all fictional fairy tales and rainbows.

"Excuse me, Pierce... I see someone I need to talk to.” As I walked away, I could feel his eyes on me. Did he know I was hiding something?

I went to the kitchen for a respite, as if I could wash away my guilt and yearning.

"Naomi." Ruby entered the kitchen. “Can you help me? We need to make sure Porter doesn't try to mash up the cake he's been threatening to destroy."

"Sure." I was glad for the diversion. “Who’s Porter?”

Ruby lowered her voice, her expression turning serious. "Pierce recently found out he has a son, one he's never met.”

It took a minute for the words to sink in. “What?” Good God, how many unplanned pregnancies was Pierce responsible for?

She glanced out to the living area. “I feel for the guy. It’s not easy missing so many years of your child’s life. I didn't tell Bo about his daughter for a decade, and I regret it every day."

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