Page 17

“Can we get some to-go containers?” Micah snaps impatiently at the server, and irritation flickers across his face. His tone is rude and dismissive.
How he treats others, those he believes he’s better than, isn’t okay. It only adds to my growing disgust with him.
“Sure. And would you also like the check?” she asks politely, clearly sensing the tension at our table.
“What do you think?” Micah says sarcastically with an eye roll as he slides beside me on my side of the booth.
His arm wraps around me, and my body stiffens, though I force myself to remain outwardly calm. One thing I learned while growing up under constant scrutiny: never ever let your enemy predict your next move and keep your cards close to your chest.
Micah has no idea Brody is here. And he will come for me. Brody never breaks his promises.
My gaze drifts down to the engagement ring glittering mockingly on my finger. The diamond feels like it’s burning straight through my skin.
“I need some fresh air before I embarrass myself,” I whisper, wanting to put distance between us before completely losing my composure.
The humiliation feels like it’ll cling to me forever. I just hope Billie will forgive me for what I’ve done.
“Okay, I’ll meet you at the car,” Micah says, standing to let me out.
As I walk away, I glance back to find him watching me, like he’s trying to decipher my thoughts. I plaster a smile, hiding the shiver crawling up my spine. I’ll never be able to look at Micah the same way again.
When I step outside, the sunshine hits my skin, and I close my eyes, drawing in a deep, steadying breath. The warmth does little to ease the chill settling within me. My eyes sweep up and down the sidewalk, searching for Brody—my unwanted shadow—because I know he’s nearby. I can feel him.
I scan the street and storefronts, playing my own private game of Where’s Waldo, the Brody Calloway edition. His presence is as familiar as it is irritating. I don’t always appreciate his blunt honesty, but today, his words were a bitter pill I needed to swallow.
“Have some fucking self-respect.”
A wave of hot, angry tears threatens to spill over, but I clench my jaw, refusing to let them fall.
“Hey,” Micah says from behind me, startling me, and I jump. “Are you good?”
“Mmhmm. Thank you.” I smile casually as I turn to face him, hoping the rage inside me isn’t written on my face. “My stomach’s uneasy. I think the smell of the food got to me.” It’s the best excuse I have.
His fingertip traces a path down my cheek, but it’s invasive. “Do you think you’re pregnant?”
I laugh lightly, shaking my head. “No. I’m on birth control.”
We’ve talked about this several times.
Before we got serious, we discussed having children and agreed we wanted to wait at least a few years. We were on the same page—at least, I thought we were. The man standing before me isn’t the man I thought I knew. The mask has slipped and revealed someone I don’t know.
He looks at me, his eyes serious. “I’d prefer if you took a test.Today,” he stresses in a tone that leaves no room for argument.
“You’re serious.” A laugh escapes me, but it’s strained.
“I am.” His voice holds no warmth, and he reaches past me and opens the car door.
I slide inside as my chest tightens.
Micah leans in, reaching across me, and buckles the seat belt, pulling it tighter than necessary. Before, I found this protective, even sweet, but now it feels like he’s making sure I don’t bolt the second he closes the door.
Micah walks around the car, climbing into the driver’s seat. Without hesitation, he leans over, brushing his lips against mine. I force myself to react normally, returning the kiss mechanically.
“I love you,” he says, pulling away to meet my eyes.
“Love you,” I whisper back, words that now taste bitter on my tongue.
A wide grin spreads across his face. “How about we get married tomorrow?”