Page 92

So I just got off a call with Mom, and then I picked myself up off the floor. She just told me you’re pregnant with Jensen Jones’ twins and that he came over to the house and insulted their integrity.

Fuck!

This is not how I wanted my brother to find out. I’ve had my head so far up my ass I didn’t think about my mom spilling everything to him.

Think again, Kate.

Sitting at my desk, I hit dial on his international number and head for the kitchenette.

“Hi.” His tone is clipped.

“Hey. Look, I’m really sorry you found out this way. I wanted to wait until after I hit twelve weeks, and I needed to figure out what I was going to say. Then she goes and blurts it all out anyway,” I rush out in a panic.

“How did Mom and Dad find out? Did you tell them?”

“There was a picture posted online. It didn’t get far. Jensen’s agent had it taken down quickly. We were getting close, and his hand was over my stomach. It was questionable at best. Next thing I know, I’ve got a barrage of texts from Violet telling me mycareer is over and I’m ‘cheap.’ Jensen was pissed and had it out with them.”

“Wow.”

“Yeah.”

“Was this planned? I saw you only weeks before, and you didn’t talk about him.”

I lean back against the kitchen counter. Propping my phone between my ear and shoulder, I undo the button on my pants using both hands and instantly feel the relief. I’m going to need new clothes.

“No,” I laugh. “Back in June, I hated him. It was a one-night-to-see-what-happens kind of thing.” I donotneed to tell my brother it was also hate sex.

“Yeah,” he drawls. “Mom would love that.” There’s no judgment to his voice, but he totally gets why she’d go crazy.

“I thought he’d run, but I misjudged him, East. He’s…” My body tingles as I recall last night. “He’s nothing like I thought he was.”

“So you guys are dating?”

“No. We’re just friends. He wants more. I know he does, but I don’t think I can give anyone that.” He’s wearing me down, though; I know he is.

Silence.

“East?”

“Yeah, I’m still here.”

“Oh, okay,” I chuckle. “I thought the call had been cut.”

“How much does he know about our home life, you know, about when we were kids?”

“He’s met our parents, so I’d say a pretty good idea.”

“Did you tell him about the lock on your door?”

An ice-cold trickle runs down my spine. “No.”

“Kate, do you like this guy?” he asks, his voice soft.

My stomach knots. “Yes, I do. But you know how much I struggle.”

He sighs. “For once, just let him in and talk to him. Give him a chance. He sounds like he’s good for you.”

I scoff. “How do you know that? Just because he’s the goalie for the Scorpions.”