Page 43 of Broken By Her Mate

“It’s a morning for you to change your mind, it seems,” he grumbled.

“It’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind, Tolliver,” she snapped and walked through the door. She instantly felt bad for her tone. He had done nothing to deserve her attitude. Inhaling deeply, she turned to him as he joined her outside and locked the door. “Tolliver, I’m sorry for snapping like that. I’m just… in a strange mood this morning.”

As his eyes moved over her face, she didn’t miss the softness and affection in them. She might be hesitant to jump back into a relationship with him, but he didn’t hide the fact that he wanted her. Maybe she should tell him about the baby…

No. She should confirm the pregnancy first and get advice from someone who knew Tolliver even more than she did—someone who was a mother. Confiding in Tolliver’s sister might be weird, but Elena was her only friend in Bellefleur.

“It’s okay,” he said. “We’ve both been on edge.” He gestured for her to move down the porch steps.

They walked to the car in silence, but Laila could feel Tolliver’s eyes boring into the side of her face. She didn’t dare look his way, fearing he’d see right through her and know she was hiding something. She avoided all communication with him until they were in town. Tolliver parked in front of Elena’s shop,which was thankfully open. He moved to open his door, and she asked, “Where are you going?”

“I’m walking with you inside.”

“There’s no need.”

“Laila…”

“The town is already busy. I know everyone here. I’m not likely to get snatched walking a few feet from your car to Elena’s shop.”

He swallowed his protest because she was right. His overprotective streak got the better of him sometimes. “All right. I’ll be right down the block at HQ. If you want to come by later, feel free. Ryder and Zach would love to see you.”

Laila ducked her head. Hanging out with Tolliver’s friends might dredge up too many memories, so she might skip the offer. “Maybe,” she murmured.

“If you’re leaving the shop, let Elena walk with you.”

She rolled her eyes. “I’m not five.” That got her a pointed look from him, and she sighed. “Fine, I’ll have her walk with me.”

“Good.”

She knew his eyes were on her as she got out of the car and walked away because she could practically feel their intensity on her back. As soon as she stepped into the shop, she spotted Elena behind the counter. She had her head down, and her auburn mane hid her face.

“Elena.”

She looked up, and instantly, her face lit up with a megawatt smile. “Laila! This is an unexpected surprise. I thought my brother had you locked up at the mansion.”

Rolling her eyes, Laila walked to the counter as Elena stepped around it. After they shared a hug, she said, “He tried, and he failed. I’m very stubborn.”

“Good, my brother needs your brand of trouble. He’s way too uptight.”

A genuine, soft smile spread across Laila’s face for a moment. She and Tolliver were polar opposites, and she supposed that was why they worked so well together… back then. As soon as the stark reality of her current situation seeped back in, she glanced over her shoulder and through the big glass window of the shop.

Tolliver watched them for a moment until he waved. When they waved back, he drove off, and Laila let out a long breath and turned back to Elena. “Elena, I’m deep shit.”

“Ah, ah, language,” Elena whispered, hiking a thumb over her shoulder.

Laila’s gaze landed on an adorable little girl with curly hair slightly lighter than Elena’s sitting in a playpen. That was the only thing she’d inherited from her mother. Her facial structure and hazel eyes screamed Ryder Pierce. She was like a mini female version of Tolliver’s best friend.

“Oh my, gosh.” Laila covered her mouth. “I had no idea she was here.”

“She’s like a parrot,” Elena said. “We have to watch what we say around her.”

“Elena, she’s so adorable.”

“Thanks. You finally get to meet Elise. She’s two already. Can you believe it?” Elena looked at her daughter with stars in her eyes. “She’s such a daddy’s girl. She’s got Ryder wrappedaround her little finger. Tolliver, too.” She chuckled. “Her uncle spoils her rotten.”

At the mention of Tolliver, Laila’s chest tightened. She could imagine how much he doted on his niece, just as he’d always doted on Elena. He was a good man, and deep down, she knew he’d be a great father, but she couldn’t shake the fear she had of starting a family with him.

“Laila, are you alright?” Elena asked, gazing at her with furrowed eyebrows. “You seemed miles away just now.”