Page 14

CHAPTER SEVEN

GIA

As soon as Bryce closes the door behind him, I turn my attention back to Reed. His handsome face is pale, pained even, and his chest heaves like he’s seconds away from a panic attack.

I know the kids can be a little much with excitement, and clearly, Chester ruffled his feathers, but God, the man needs to take a chill pill.

“Reed? I think you should sit down.”

He nods absently but doesn’t move, his green eyes wide as they meet mine. “I think I’m having a heart attack.”

A choked laugh escapes me, and I roll my eyes at his dramatics, but with the look of hysteria on his sharp features, I take a deep breath and walk over to the sideboard where I keep the only whiskey I have in the house.

I unscrew the cap and ignore the pang of guilt at opening my husband’s bottle, then pour Reed a drink. He needs it more than my need to preserve it.

“Here.” I push it into his hand, and he throws it back, then winces.

“Thank you.” His ass finds my couch, and I sit beside him and bite into my lip while contemplating what to say. Slowly, the rise in his chest becomes steadier, and I can’t help but sympathize with the asshole.

“Was it the dog or the kids?”

He swallows, then his green eyes meet mine. They shine with sincerity, along with a hint of embarrassment. “Honestly?”

I nod.

“All of it. Even the fucking house.”

My protective instincts kick in and irritation slices through me. I’ve been more than accommodating so far, understanding even, but if he’s going to come in here and start demoralizing my accomplishments, he can go to hell.

“I’m sorry.” He’s quick to respond, as if sensing the change in me. “I didn’t mean to offend you.” Searching my face, he tugs on his hair. “Fuck. I-I’m sure you’re an amazing mom, Gia.” My shoulders relax, and my face softens; he’s trying. “But this”—he waves his hand toward the door—“is not something I’m good at.” He stands and shoves his hands in his pockets. “I’m a lawyer.”

I nod, because I already know this. I’m one too, despite the fact he hasn’t recognized that, nor the vitriol that spewed from his lips at the community center.

“I like control.”

I chew on my bottom lip, knowing how much he likes control. Don’t think about it, Gia. Don’t. I’ve spent months trying not to think about the way he makes not only my body, but my mind feel too.

“I don’t do domesticated.” His gaze locks with mine, holding me captive.

He doesn’t want this baby.

He doesn’t want to be a father.

As much as it pains me to do this alone again, I’d already resigned myself to doing it when I couldn’t locate the man I had one crazy night of passion with.

“The last thing I want is to become a father to a dozen kids.”

I open my mouth to correct him, but Bryce throws open the door, making me grit my teeth. “Mom, there’s a man at the door!”

Dear God, I want to scream. “If I have to tell him one more time.”

“It’s probably the doctor,” Reed says.

Confusion hits me.

“I had him on standby.” He smiles at me, as if proud, and I want to castrate the asshole. Still, I grind my teeth and deliver him a tight smile back.

“Excellent. Let’s get this over with, then you can leave.”