Page 53 of Ready or Not

Time passes exceptionally slowly.

Like ridiculously slow.

We have soup and salad while waiting for our entrées. It doesn’t take me long to realize I’m going to need a bathroom break.

Mercy leans close to one of his fathers discussing something in hushed tones. I hate to bother him, but I don’t want to disappear without warning. I wait until there’s a pause in the conversation and pat his thigh while smiling at his father.

“I need the bathroom. I’m going to ask Cooper to go with me.”

“I can?—”

“No, please don’t worry about it. Catch up with your family. I’ll be right back.” I give his knee a reassuring squeeze and move to scoot closer to Cooper. He’s got an arm tossed over the back of the booth. A wide smile crosses his face as he sees me moving closer. His blond hair falls over his forehead, and those gray eyes of his twinkle in the low light as he grins. He’s grown out the stubble he had when we first met, and his facial hair definitely qualifies as a beard now.

He really is a beautiful man.

Mercy’s mom, Sofia, watches me with a look that scares me a little. It feels like she’s trying to determine if I have a preference for one of the two men at the table. My impulses are almost sure that’s what she’s trying to do, but they could be massively off base. It just feels like she’s extremely suspicious, which she probably has every right to be.

Mercy said he mentioned meeting an omega several times over the last three or four months, but I’m nine months pregnant. I’m sure she’s only trying to look out for her child, so I do my best not to let it ruffle my feathers.

“I need the restroom,” I whisper, stretching to get close to Cooper’s ear. My hand lands against his side to give me leverage, and I can feel the lump of a weapon, despite the suit coat covering it.

Cooper pulls his other hand over, patting mine as it rests over the gun. He likely wants to keep me from making a scene, but I wasn’t about to. I grew up in a questionable neighborhood and lived in an even rougher area as an adult. I know better than to make a big deal about weapons, especially since he’s armed to keep us safe. “I’ve got you, dollface.” He chuckles, winking at Mercy’s mom. “I’m actually surprised you made it this long.” He scoots toward the edge and pulls me along with him. Mercy’s mom stares at us intently, but I force a polite smile and allow Cooper to pull me from the booth. “I’m sure you remember what it was like. You did it three times.” He gives Sofia a dazzling smile.

“Yes, of course,” she says in her British accent. It’s thicker than Mercy’s and has a different inflection. “I still can’t believe my son is going to be a father.” She chuckles, shaking her head.

“He’s going to be a great dad,” I assure her. “He worries about getting everything right…” I laugh as Cooper pulls me into his chest. “But I’m sure we’ll all make a few mistakes along the way.”

“Indeed,” Sofia says, nodding toward the hallway where the restrooms are located. “You better handle that. The main course should be here soon.”

I give another polite smile and let Cooper drag me toward the bathroom. He gets close to my ear and whispers, “No wonder Mercy ordered Scotch. I might have to get a different refill the next time the server passes by.”

I laugh. I wouldn’t say it’s been exceptionally painful, but mildly uncomfortable would describe the evening perfectly.

“I’ve just got to say.” Cooper gets very close to my ear. “That dress is absolutely stunning.” His electric scent hits my nose as his hand tightens on my hip. “I’ve never seen a woman waddle so sexily.”

I try to hold back the smile, but he laughs against my neck, and it makes me shiver. “Thanks, maybe.”

“Not even joking. The pregnant belly makes my cock rock hard. Why do you think I’ve got you walking in front of me?”

I snort. He’s always been incredibly playful in a way that I don’t seem to know how to resist.

Mercy is studious, smart, and incredibly thoughtful.

Bishop is loyal, easy to talk to, and insanely protective.

Holt is honorable, focused on the big picture, and super intense.

I’m just getting to know Cooper again, but I’ve always loved the way he made me laugh and managed to lighten the mood.

“I’m not afraid to prove the effect you have on my body,” he growls, grinding against my ass right as we make it to the women’s room door.

I let out an embarrassing squeak, pushing through the door to the bathroom. It’s much easier to escape than to face my torn feelings about my daughter’s father.

I make quick work of using the toilet, wash my hands, and head out of the bathroom.

Cooper is leaning against the far wall. His blond hair falls over his forehead as he smirks. My mind flashes back to the night we went out to eat after my shift. He waited for me outside the employee’s lounge with his foot up against the wall, exactly how he is now.

Dammit.