Page 99 of Made for Wilde

“And Koda? Still building furniture for the nursery every spare minute?”

“He finished the changing table last week. Hand-carved to match the crib.” I can’t keep the smile out of my voice. “Sometimes I catch him just standing in the doorway of the nursery, staring at everything with this look on his face like he can’t believe it’s real.”

“That’s so sweet.” Sarah’s expression softens. “You two are going to be amazing parents.”

The spa’s peaceful atmosphere wraps around us like a warm blanket. Other women chat quietly in nearby chairs, the sound mixing with soft instrumental music and the gentle hum of the pedicure jets. I let myself sink deeper into the chair, feeling more relaxed than I have in weeks.

“Have you thought any more about telling your dad?” Sarah asks quietly.

My contentment dims slightly.

“Actually, we decided to tell him after my showcase next weekend. We’re going to take him out to lunch.”

“That’s good timing. Neutral location, other people around.” Sarah nods approvingly. “How are you feeling about it?”

“Terrified,” I admit. “But also relieved. I’m so tired of lying to him, Sarah. I hate that I’m keeping something this huge from him.”

My phone buzzes with an incoming call, interrupting our conversation. Adrian’s name flashes on the screen, and my stomach instantly knots with dread.

I haven’t spoken to Adrian since I found out about what happened between him and Koda during their “sparring” session.

“Seriously?” Sarah’s eyebrows shoot up as she sees the caller ID. “What does *he* want?”

I hesitate, my finger hovering over the screen. “I should just get it over with. Maybe he’ll finally take the hint and leave me alone.”

Sarah’s expression darkens. “I’ll be right here if you need backup.”

I swipe to answer and put on my most neutral tone. “Hello?”

“Charlotte, hey.” Adrian’s voice sounds deliberately relaxed. “Long time no talk. How have you been?”

“What do you want, Adrian?”

“I was calling to say congratulations.” There’s a pause that feels calculated. “I heard through the grapevine that you’re expecting. That’s wonderful news.”

“I... where did you hear that?”

“Oh, you know how it is in a small town like Cooper Heights. Word gets around.” His tone is light, but there’s an edge underneath. “People talk. The street has eyes and ears everywhere.”

“Even if I am pregnant, that’s none of your business.”

“Come on, don’t be like that,” Adrian replies. “I think it’s great news. Really. I was thinking we could grab lunch or dinnerto celebrate. Maybe that Italian place you mentioned liking? My treat.”

“No thanks. I don’t want to hang out with you anymore.”

“Is this about Koda? The whole sparring thing?” Adrian’s voice takes on an even sharper edge. “You know that wasn’t my fault, right? He’s the one who got aggressive.”

I snort. “That’s not how I heard it went down.”

“Well, I’m sure Koda had his own version of events.” There’s a bitterness in his tone now. “I’m worried about you, Charlotte. Koda’s twice your age. Now you’re having his baby? This whole situation seems really intense. If you ever need someone to talk to?—”

“I don’t.” I cut him off firmly. “I have plenty of people to talk to. People I actually trust.”

“So that’s it then?” There’s an anger simmering beneath his words now. “You’re just going to shut me out completely? All because of him?”

“I need to go.” I keep my voice level despite my racing heart. “Don’t call me again.”

“Wait, Charlotte?—”