Series: The Laws of Opposite Attract Series by Vi Keeland
Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 105253 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 526(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 351(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105253 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 526(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 351(@300wpm)
“What’s going on? Why are you talking to her stomach?”
Owen jumped back. Holden had appeared in the doorway, with Lala right behind him.
We hadn’t noticed them walk in from their date, and I must’ve not fully closed the door behind me when I entered the apartment, because there was no warning.
Shit!
Owen stood to greet them.
Holden smacked Owen’s shoulder. “Something you’re not telling me, man?”
I’d never seen Owen turn so red. I didn’t want him to have to lie to his friend. And I suspected he was about to—for my sake. So I intervened.
I got up off the couch. “I’m pregnant, actually...”
Lala gasped.
Holden’s jaw dropped. “What? I was only kidding.” He turned to Owen. “Holy crap.”
I handed a sleeping Hope to Lala. “Before you say anything else, I need to explain that the reason we haven’t said anything is because there’s a chance Owen’s not the father.”
Owen shut his eyes momentarily, then wrapped his arm around me in solidarity.
“We’re awaiting DNA test results,” I added, “and we’re going to tell everyone once we know for sure.”
“It hasn’t been easy keeping it from you guys, but that was the best decision, given the circumstances,” Owen said.
“I need to put her down for this. Hang on.” Lala disappeared into the nursery while the three of us stood in awkward silence.
Holden’s mouth was hanging open.
Lala returned and patted my arm. “Are you okay?”
“Not really.” I smiled slightly. “But I will be.”
“May I ask who the other potential father is?” Holden asked.
“Robert Valentino.”
His eyes widened. “The actor?”
Lala gaped.
I nodded. “He and I have dated on and off for years. It started before he was famous. He’s never been my boyfriend. But we slept together shortly before I came to New York.”
“And then she met me...” Owen shrugged.
I nodded. “Thus, the situation we’re in. This wasn’t something I wanted. I don’t understand how it happened because I was careful. But nothing is foolproof.”
“I get it.” Holden held out his palms. “You don’t owe me any explanations. It was only by the grace of God that I got lucky over the years and never had an accident myself. You can only be so careful, and shit happens.” He shook his head. “Not that the pregnancy is shit. It’s…wonderful. I mean, congratulations.”
“Thanks.” I chuckled. “I think.”
Holden turned to Owen. “I can’t believe you’ve been holding on to this.”
“I was hoping I’d be able to give you guys good news. You know, joining your ranks and all. But I don’t know if it’s gonna turn out that way.” He pulled me closer. “I’ve made it clear to Devyn that I’m all in regardless.”
After a moment, I tried to make light of the situation. “Well, you and Lala certainly got more than you bargained for tonight.”
Lala sighed. “I can’t believe this.”
“You’re telling me.” Holden laughed. “Owen is the last of the guys I ever thought would have a kid.”
Owen chuckled. “Believe me, no one is more surprised about this than me, man.”
“I won’t say anything to the guys,” Holden promised.
“Thanks. We’ll be getting the results in a few days. So it won’t be a secret for much longer.”
“Billie knows, though,” I said.
Holden raised his forehead. “No shit?”
“Billie’s the best secret keeper.” Lala elbowed her husband. “Unlike some people.”
“Not true,” Holden said. “I hid the fact very well that you and I were messing around back in the day.” He looked over at Owen, and his eyes began to water. Then he sniffled. “Fuck…”
I looked at Holden in shock.
“Are you crying?” Lala laughed a little.
“I’m getting emotional.” He wiped his eyes. “I never thought Owen would be a father. I know we don’t know for sure, but damn, I’m about to lose it anyway.”
Owen smacked him on the back. “You and me both, dude.”
***
The following day Owen and I were supposed to go out to dinner after he got off work, but he took a detour.
He parked in front of a beautiful brownstone downtown in Gramercy Park. We got out and stood in front.
I looked around at the upscale neighborhood. “What are we doing here?”
He gestured toward the stairs. “I thought you might want to take a look. It’s coming on the market and hasn’t been formally posted yet. A friend of mine is the listing agent. Four bedrooms.”
“Why would I be interested in looking at this?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” He nudged his head. “Come on. He let me borrow the key.”
The house was beautiful inside: high ceilings, gorgeous crown molding, a dark wood staircase, and beautiful architecture. I followed Owen through the space in a daze.
We stopped in the kitchen, and I had to ask, “Are you doing this because of what Robert pulled? Saying he was looking for a place here?”
“Of course not.” Owen crossed his arms. “This has nothing to do with him, Devyn. This is about us. We need more space. And even if you decide you want to move back to California, we could be bicoastal. We’ll need a bigger place here no matter what.”