Page 98 of Power Play Daddies

CHAPTER THIRTY

Daisy

I keep my face neutral,doing my best not to let on how much Mason’s mom is affecting me.

I can tell how much he cares about her, and I’m not about to make this awkward by rehashing that conversation we had earlier.

I really thought his mom was sweet. She smiled at me when I first sat down, and I tried to relax, but then Mason walked away to take that call.

The moment he was out of earshot, she changed. It was like a switch.

“You know, I can’t believe my son’s getting involved with someone right now,” she had said in this low, almost mocking voice. I had frozen, looking at her, unsure if I was hearing things.

She had leaned in closer, eyes narrowing. “He needs to focus on his career. I told him that. I think you guys should take it slow, you know? Maybe take a break for a while until the season is over.”

I had opened my mouth, ready to defend myself, but she had simply cut me off. “I mean, how horrible would it be if you got pregnant right now? That would be a major distraction for him, and probably not great for you, what with your connection to theteam. How can you publish articles about the team when you’re fraternizing with my son?”

I felt like I’d been punched in the stomach.

“You okay, babe?” Mason says, bringing me back to the present.

“Uh-huh.” I nod. My hand moves to my belly before I can stop it, rubbing the spot where the baby is growing, even though his mom has no idea. Shit.

What the hell would she say if she knew? I want to scream. I want to tell her that I’m not here to trap Mason. I don’t care about his money.

I want him to take his career seriously. I want him to get to do everything he wants to do when it comes to hockey.

Heck, I wasn’t ready for this pregnancy, either, but we’re all making things work.

But now that she’s said all that, I’m starting to question everything.

I bite the inside of my cheek and look down at the table, trying to breathe through the nausea.

“Don’t worry. You’ll see the truth of my advice.” Her words ring in my head.

God, she was so smug.

He cups my cheek, his thumb brushing lightly over my skin. “You sure you’re okay?” His voice is soft, concerned, but he has no idea what just went down.

“Yeah,” I lie, forcing a smile. “Just a little tired.”

He looks at me for a second, like he’s not buying it, but he doesn’t press me. “You want me to drive you home?”

I shake my head. “No. You should stay. Spend time with your mom.”

He looks like he’s about to argue, but I give him a look that says I’m fine, really. “I’ll be okay. You don’t need to worry.”

He hesitates but then nods. “All right. If you’re sure.” He stands up and leans over to kiss me, quick but tender.

I nod again, squeezing his hand before he lets go. “I’ll see you later.”

I stand up, grabbing my purse, but not before turning to Mason’s mom.

“It was nice meeting you,” I say, my voice a little shaky, but I keep my composure.

She just nods at me, not saying anything, like she’s already dismissed me.

As I step out the door, I can’t shake off the sick feeling in my stomach. It’s like her words are eating away at me, and I can’t get them out of my head.