Page 8 of Against the Odds
He says it like my time off is for leisure. “I think I’ll be a little busy. It isn’t as if I’m taking a trip to Scotland. Unlike some people.”
Connor and Felicity are escaping to Edinburgh following the wedding. Ten days exploring castles and the small villages of Scotland is a dream of mine, so to say I’m jealous would be one hundred percent accurate.
My friend laughs and shrugs as to say, “it’s a rough life.” Wait a minute. My mind is a little slower this late in my workday but I don’t usually hear things incorrectly.
“Did you say, we?” There is nobody with him and unless he’s carrying a mouse I must really need to go home and rest.
“Yeah, I ran to the airport. Casanova has finally graced us with his presence.”
Oh joy, the best man, who is apparently like the prodigal son coming home, is here. A ladies’ man with a moniker bestowed upon him that says everything I never want to know.Casanova. Sure, it’s a little judgmental of me to assume he’s a player and probably wears his shirts unbuttoned down to mid-chest level. What can I say? I read books that play off stereotypes from time to time. Besides, the only stories Connor has shared include this Casanova character and a different woman.
“Here’s the man now. Katy, this is my friend and best man.”
I stand from my desk, my hands going to my back in a stretch as the man enters the office.
Dark eyes.
Hair just a little too long on the sides.
A smile I’ve dreamt about for months.
My hand falls to my stomach protectively as I gasp.
“Ian?”
“Do you guys know each other?”
You could say that.
ChapterSeven
IAN
For months I have thought of her. The way she arched her back as I kissed every inch of her body. How her voice calmed me as we talked in the dark. We didn’t exchange personal information. No last names. No telephone numbers. Hell, I didn’t know if her name was short for Katherine or stood on its own.
Never did I expect traveling to Texas to stand up for one of my closest friends would bring her back into my life. Connor has mentioned the maid of honor and other members of the bridal party but he never said her name. Had he, I would have probably joked if she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.
“What are—” I begin as she says, “I can explain.”
It’s when she moves her hands to rest on her stomach that her current status hits me like a freight train. Her swollen stomach.She’s pregnant.I won’t lie, the realization brings disappointment. Obviously in a relationship, I doubt her boyfriend would appreciate us grabbing a coffee or dinner. Although, we are paired up for the wedding, so at least I will have some time with her.
“Congratulations,” I say through a forced smile as I look to her obvious baby bump.
Katy’s expression is hard to read. She’s obviously shocked to see me.Join the club. But the way her head is tilted and her brows furrowed, she also seems confused. I’m in shock but I’m not an asshole. Of course I would congratulate her on the obvious change in her life.
“Y’all, this is so weird. Lis is going to flip. Speaking of, if I don’t get home to help with those centerpieces, she’s going to string me up by my nuts.”
Katy laughs and accepts the large pillow from Connor. She hugs it to her and sighs. Seems strange we had to bring her this thing but apparently it was of the highest importance.
“Thank you for bringing this to me. Hopefully it helps. I told Lis I would come over tonight but she insisted I stay home. The doctor said rest for an hour not eternity but you know how she gets.”
Connor slaps my shoulder and says, “Do I ever. I love Felicity but she is a little bossy sometimes. I can’t wait for her to boss around Ian.” Katy snickers and I cringe. I’m not partial to being told what to do. “Don’t push yourself, okay? We’d much rather have you at the wedding than all the prep.”
Katy smiles and a piece of me cracks. Her kindness and sincerity are shown through that simple lift of her lips. Each night she infiltrated my dreams, it was with a smile and gentle touch to my cheek. Her words were barely a whisper but I could hear each one as if she were lying next to me.
“I won’t push myself. I’m not ready for this one,” she says, pointing at her belly, “to make an early appearance. Umm, Ian?”
My eyes lift from where her child is to her face. The smile has fallen and her bottom lip is between her teeth. Katy looks nervous as she sighs and places the pillow in front of her again.