Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Splashing water on my face, I then take a deep, calming breath. I can do this. I’m going to go out there and tell Gilbert and his sweet little grandmother I need to go home.
I nod at my reflection and turn to do just that. However, that’s not what happens at all. I step out of the bathroom, and they are both standing there, looking concerned.
Suddenly, Mrs. Manning’s eyes light up. She pulls me into a surprisingly strong hug. I return the embrace as I look up at Gilbert with wide eyes. He looks back at me pleadingly as he mouths, please.
“Oh, this is wonderful news. You’re expecting, aren’t you? Gilbert has a little one of his own on the way. When are you due, dear?”
“Uh, um. July, ma’am. The baby is due in July,” I reply, too shocked to say anything else.
“None of this ma’am business. You will call me Grandmother Christen or Grandma Christen. You are family now.”
Gilbert gets this grin on his face. “We were waiting to say anything about the baby. Zah plans to finish up her work here and we’ll be able to finalize our plans stateside when she returns home.”
“Oh, we have so much planning to do. An engagement party, a baby shower, I think a year is a long enough time to plan a proper wedding. Depending on whether we can get a suitable venue. No worries, dear. We’ll take care of everything,” she chortles.
Gilbert wraps an arm around me and tugs me into his side. Then he places a kiss on my forehead. I try my best not to cringe.
“Thank you,” he whispers in my ear. “I take it the father and your mother aren’t aware of any of this? There isn’t anyone who could expose us?”
I shake my head. Then I pause. “Erica,” I breathe.
He nods slightly. “Will she talk? Do you think she will take a million for her silence?” he murmurs.
“She won’t say anything.”
“Is it Coswell?”
I remain silent. Who the father is is my business. He doesn’t need to know.
“Your silence is answer enough. I will be here for whatever you need. Ask and it’s yours. Thank you for doing this. You’re a great friend.”
I relax just a little. I’m doing this for a friend. As we sit down and his grandmother begins to speak excitedly, I can’t bring myself to tear this hope away from her. I also feel guilty as hell for lying.
What am I doing?
CHAPTER 31
Heads-up
Bentley
A month later …
I’m jogging to blow off some steam. My team has been playing like shit in OTAs. The rookies are trash, and the vets act like they don’t care.
I’m ready to go. As the QB, it’s my job to motivate my team, but I don’t want to be here. My heart is already gone.
That’s a first for me. However, I just have this feeling, like this isn’t where I need to be. One more season.
I’ve been in talks to go home. They want me bad enough. I think this deal is in the bag.
The problem is, I don’t know how Zah is going to feel. I don’t even know where in the world she is.
My phone rings, pulling me out of my thoughts. I look to see it’s Fred and pick up right away. My heart is racing.
I told him not to call unless Zah needs me. The thought of something happening to her leaves a sour taste in my mouth. I’m already planning how to get to her.
“Is she in danger?”
“I don’t know his endgame, but Manning is up to something.”
“What do you mean?” I bite out.
“I know you don’t want to know where she is, fine, but he does, and he’s conveniently placed his ass right into her life. They’ve been hanging out.
“Nothing wrong with that, but he’s a different guy when she’s not around. He’s a church boy tending to his dear old grandma during the day and a wild animal at night.
“I’m still digging into what his intentions are here. He shouldn’t have been here as long as he has.”
“What’s making you call me now?”
“I got a hit for a plane ticket booked in her name. It seems she’s going home. They’re engaged.”
I stumble to a stop. My ears are ringing. He couldn’t have just said what I think he did.
“What? Come again. What did you say?” I grind out.
I feel sick to my stomach. I have to drop to my ass to catch my bearings. Did I hurt my girl that badly? What the fuck is she thinking?
“They’re engaged. I couldn’t believe it myself.”
“That’s bullshit. She would never.”
“I’m only telling you what I know. No disrespect. She’s a damn pretty woman.
“He’s not the best-looking guy. Why the hell would he be engaged to her and out fucking everything that breathes every chance he gets?
“My gut is telling me some bullshit is going down. I’m going to keep on it. Something is bound to come up.”