Page 94 of A Touch of Rose

“I had a lot to drink.” I wave, rushing down the hall to escape his overly observant eye.

“No, you didn’t,” Ren says with a frown, and I scold him mentally for being such a stalker.

“Oh my god!” my mother gasps, and I spin just in time to see her cover her mouth as tears fill her eyes. I’m halfway down the hall, but the look on her face has me stepping toward her.

“Mom,” I hold my hands up, shaking my head. “I’m not.” I try to deny it, but she’s not buying it.

“How late are you?” she ignores me, walking over to look me up and down like she’s got x-ray eyes.

“Three weeks,” I murmur, not bothering to keep up the lie. Ren goes still on the couch, and Nash jumps to his feet.

“You’re pregnant?” he asks, looking at me with wide eyes.

“Yeah,” I whisper, tears filling my eyes as my mom squeals, hugs me, and then shoves me toward Nash. He lifts me in his arms, and spins me around, grinning like a fool as I squeal.

“Yeah?” he asks softly, putting me back down, and I nod, biting my lip.

“Holy shit,” Ren curses, still sitting on the couch, and I snort a laugh.

“Language,” I say, not really meaning it, though.

“Holden’s going to lose it.” Nash grins, and I nibble my lip nervously.

“He won’t be upset?” I whisper.

“No, Rose, Holden won’t be mad. Maybe a little scared, but we both know he’ll be an amazing father.” Nash pulls me into his arms, and I melt against him.

“You all will.”

* * *

NINETEEN YEARS LATER

“I’m just saying, he’s been watching you.” I shrug, taking a sip of something called The Coffin. For the last ten years, we’ve been coming to this lovely little town called Sweet Flower for the summer.

This is the last summer before Nix and the twins head for college. I’m feeling overly emotional about that.

Milly scoffs, “That boy is what, twenty?” she tries to whisper, but the girl's voice carries.

“Twenty-six.” The man says, walking over to our booth at the coffee shop. “Old enough to know what I like, and what I want.” The eye contact he holds with Milly is off-the-charts hot. “And my name is Tristan.”

“This is Milly,” I offer, but he nods.

“I know who she is.” He’s staring at her, and my eyes go wide.

“He knows who you are,” I whisper, and get kicked under the table for my troubles.

“I am forty years old. To me, you are a boy. My son is less than ten years younger than you!” Milly growls at the guy, making me cackle.

“I’m aware.” Tristan nods.

“No. No! I am almost old enough to be your mother.” Milly waves her hands in the air, looking away from the gorgeous guy.

“A sexy mama, but not my mother. She’s sixty-five.” Tristan says it calmly, but I see the smirk he’s holding back.

“So is mine! Now shoo, before my son sees you. He’s wildly protective.” Milly covers her face as if that’ll make Tristan magically disappear.

“No, he’s not.” I scoff, “If anything, Nix would tell you to go for it!” And she kicked me again. Rude. I’m just trying to get her laid!

---