Page 93 of Unexpected

I closed her door softly, pausing at the top of the stairs for a moment as I struggled to catch my breath. I used my fingertips to wipe away the tears and walked back downstairs to discover Lauren had returned and was drinking a glass of wine.

“No more excuses.” She shoved a box of pregnancy tests at me. “Do you know how many different pregnancy tests there are—digital, smiley face, two lines, one line, blue line?”

I laughed. “Yes. There are a lot of options, but they’re all pretty much the same.”

“Thanks. A. Lot,” she said. “I just spent ten minutes staring at the boxes, trying to decide which one you would choose.”

“Aww.” I teared up. “You’re such a good friend.”

“That’s right. You have no idea what I went through to get you those tests,” she huffed.

I frowned. “What you went through?” I wasn’t sure I followed.

“Funny thing,” she said, and she seemed flustered. Which was weird because Lauren never got flustered. “I was on the ‘family planning aisle’ at Target, staring at the tests when a super tall, super hot guy passes by. He paused, clearly checking me out. Or at least, that’s what I thought he was doing. And what did I do?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. What did you do?”

“I held up two boxes of pregnancy tests and told him they were for a friend.” She groaned.

I laughed. “That’s what everyone says.”

“But they reallywerefor a friend—for you,” she huffed, her cheeks turning pink. “I made a damn fool of myself. So now, you really do have to take the test.”

My stomach churned. “I don’t know…”

“Exactly,” she said. “You don’t know if you’re pregnant. You might not be. And if you’re not, we’ll drink some wine.”

“I just… I’m not ready for this.”

“Ready or not.” She pursed her lips.

“Fine,” I huffed. “You’re right. I know you’re right.”

I tore open the box, and several tests went flying across the floor in the process. I grabbed one and tried to rip it open, but my hands were shaking so badly, I couldn’t.

“Here,” Lauren said, taking it from me. “Let me.”

“Do you want to take the test for me too?” I teased.

She wrapped her arm around me. “I can only imagine what you’re thinking and feeling right now. But I’m here for you. Okay?”

I nodded. “Thank you.”

She gave me a squeeze before releasing me. “Now, go pee on a stick. You got this.”

I laughed and headed for the bathroom, feeling like I might throw up.You got this. You got this,I chanted to myself.

When I was done, I set the test on the counter and washed my hands. I didn’t know what the results would show: one line or two. But as I waited for them to appear, I knew one thing for certain. Pregnant or not, I wanted Preston back in my life. I wanted us to be a family.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Idrove up the winding road, impressed by the other homes in the neighborhood. Most of the houses had been redone, but some were more modern than others. I was curious to see what style Hunter was interested in. And I was still trying to wrap my head around that fact that he wanted to buy a house. He’d told me it was because it was a good investment, but I sensed there was more to it.

I reached the top of the drive and confirmed it was the address he’d given me. The exterior was a bit modern for my taste, and it was all very…white. Still, it was a nice house, and the location couldn’t be beat—just minutes from the Sunset Strip, but still far enough away from the hustle and bustle. And I could only assume there would be some amazing views off the back.

The gate was open, and I let myself in, wondering if I was the first to arrive. I rapped my knuckles on the door, and it opened slightly.

“Hello,” I called, peeking my head around the door. “Hello?” I stepped farther inside, closing it behind me.