Page 34 of Between Secrets and Obsession

By five, I’m anxious as hell to see Lennon, so I’m relieved when Sophie’s car rounds the corner.

“Get in, loser, we’re having a baby,” she says out the window, coming to a stop.

“You know you’re not cool enough to say that,” I tell her, hopping in the back since Liam’s in the passenger side, which is surprising, considering he’s been so reclusive lately.

“I beg to differ,” she says as she drives back on the road. “I’m way cool.”

“Well, then my super cool sister won’t mind taking me to get some food first and pay for it?” I grin, batting my eyelashes when she looks at me through the rearview mirror.

“That might work on Liam, but it doesn’t work on me.”

“That’s only because Liam is always hungry,” I counter.

“Liam’s right here,” he says, looking over his shoulder and scanning his eyes down my body before his gaze meets mine. I arch a brow, and he flashes a cocky grin, then shrugs. I’m still in my leotard and tights, looking like I’ve been working out all day, and I kinda have.

He’s the most confusing man alive.

“Well, Liam isn’t driving, and Lennon’s about to have the baby,” Sophie says, unaware of how he’s staring at me.

I make a big show of rolling my eyes, but she ignores me, and I try to ignore him. Things between Liam and me have been weird and rocky over the past few years, to say the least.One minute, we’rejustfriends, and the next, he’s kissing me on my twenty-first birthday. Of course, we don’t discuss it. That’d require emotions and sharing feelings, and Liam doesn’t do either. But it’s a kiss I can’t stop thinking about, and I wonder if he ever does.

Sophie drives like she’s on a racetrack, and we arrive at the hospital just as Lennon starts pushing. Liam and I sit next to each other in the waiting room while Sophie goes into the delivery room with Hunter. I witnessed Alison popping out, and that was enough to traumatize me for life. Watching that was the only birth control I’ll ever need. I’ll gladly go in as soon as the baby boy is here.

“So why’d you come anyway?” I ask as he scrolls on his phone. “Didn’t think babies were your thing?”

“My thing?” he muses. “Their first kid is pretty cool. This one will be too.”

“Alison,” I correct. “And since when do you like children?”

He finally looks over at me, a smirk painted on his lips. “Well, you were seventeen when I met you so…a few years, I guess.”

I scowl, confused and annoyed by his odd comment. “That’s ridiculous! I was almost eighteen, thank you very much.”

Wait. Did he say he liked me? I’m not sure how to take his little statement.

“Oh, I’m sorry.Adultchild,” he corrects.

I jab my elbow in his ribs, and he yelps. “You’re the only adult child in this room.”

“You excited to be an aunt again?” He abruptly changes the subject, giving me whiplash.

“Of course. Waiting for Sophie’s announcement soon,” I say, chuckling.

“My money’s on a honeymoon baby. Hundred bucks she’s knocked up by Christmas.”

“That’s a nine-month window.” I cross my arms and legs. “I’m not making that bet.”

“Chicken,” he quips.

“Asshole.”

Another hour passes and Sophie finally comes out with a big smile on her face. “He’s here! Come on, Mads. Lennon wants you to meet him.”

“Is he cleaned up?” I stand, walking toward her.

She rolls her eyes and grabs my elbow. “Stop being a coward. He’s adorable either way.”

Giggling, I follow her while Liam waits. As soon as I see Lennon and Hunter, I beam and rush over.