Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 104766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
He’s acting like it’s no big deal, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
My brother hit him.
“I know what you’re thinking, and for the record, this isn’t the first time Grady has walloped me.”
“It’s not?”
“No.” He laughs. “He loves a scuffle—should have been a wrestler, not a football player.”
“I had no idea he liked to fight.”
Drew shrugs. “Eh. You know how guys are.”
“Um. That’s no excuse for being an asshole and seriously no excuse for hitting people.”
He concedes with a terse nod, running a hand through his hair.
"I've been thinking a lot about everything," he starts, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "About us and the baby."
I can’t help but notice that he hasn’t shaved in days, and his hair is too long. He looks tired, as if he hasn’t slept.
I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. "Drew, I need you to know that I didn't want any of this to happen the way it did. I didn't want Grady to go to the press, and I certainly didn't want to keep the truth from you."
He sighs, his gaze dropping to his hands. "I know, Tess, but…I was really blindsided."
"I understand," I say softly. "I should've been upfront with you from the start. But please, don't let Grady's actions define what we do next."
He reaches out, hand brushing against mine, and I feel a spark of chemistry. "We have a lot to figure out. We live so far apart, which sucks, because I don’t want you going through this alone.”
“Uh, yeah—I don’t want to go through this alone, either.” I laugh. “It’s scaring the shit out of me.”
He nods, his grip on my hand tightening ever so slightly. “I know. I’m freaking the fuck out, too.”
As we sit there, our hands intertwined, a sense of cautious optimism washes over me.
CHAPTER 41
DREW
DATE SOMEONE YOU THINK YOU MIGHT WANT TO ANNOY FOREVER…
Now is not the time to tell her your family wants her to take a paternity test.
Don’t do it.
Not now.
That shit can come later.
Things have been tense since I got here and her brother sucker punched me in the freaking face.
I won’t tell Drake—at least, not yet—but my twin already knows something went down.
Drake: Are you alright?
Drew: Yeah, why?
Drake: Don’t know, I feel weird.
Drew: Maybe coz you ARE weird?
We can’t fake the connection between us or the spidey senses we have when something is wrong or not right.
He had to have felt it in his face when I got hit in mine.
That’s just how this shit works.
Crazy, right?
After I shower and get ready for bed, I lie in it, staring up at the ceiling, the soft glow of the moonlight filtering through the curtains. It's bedtime, but sleep feels like a distant companion tonight—there’s no way I’m falling asleep any time soon.
My mind is restless, consumed by thoughts of Tess, as it’s been for the past two weeks.
Earlier, as we chatted in the living room, I stole glances at her. I watched her talk—apologizing repeatedly for how her brother has behaved, none of which is her fault. I get that. I know that. I mean, try telling that to my family, but I know in my heart that Grady’s issues are his issues and have nothing to do with Tess.
He seems to have lost his damn mind, but that’s a him problem.
Tess looks different; she’s glowing. I don’t necessarily think it’s because she’s overcome with joy, but maybe it’s just the hormones?
How can she possibly be happy with all this drama?
It can’t be healthy, yeah?
Dammit.
What a mess.
I visualize her small pregnant belly. It’s barely noticeable under her shirt, but it couldn’t have been more evident.
I close my eyes for a moment. Her image burned into my mind.
It's not that Tess wasn't attractive to me before. She's always had a magnetic charm that drew me in. But now, this bond between us will never be broken, making her all the more beautiful to me.
It’s weird.
She and I barely know each other—we still don’t—but somehow, we do?
Or don’t.
Only time will tell, but she’s stuck with me.
The way she laughed at my jokes and gently touched her belly absentmindedly made me ache with a desire I hadn't expected. It's not just about physical attraction, though that's definitely part of it. It's the way I want to be there for her, support her through this journey, and share in the anticipation and joy.
Drake would be gagging right now if he heard my thoughts.
A faint smile tugs at my lips as I imagine her in the other bedroom. The thought of being close to her, holding her, and feeling her body's warmth against mine ignites a fire within me. I want to kiss away any worries she might have, to make her feel cherished and desired ’cause I’ve done a shitty job of it so far.