“Laugh it up, but that was some disgusting shit. I really wanted to beat the living hell out of him for that.”
“He’s a coward, but you already knew that. He just showed what a loser he really is. I thought Hilary was going to cry for a moment, but she was fine. I know it was killing you not to look at her.” We walk out of the dressing room.
“Yeah, b
ut I knew he’d notice her if I looked her way,” I say. “I couldn’t do that to her.”
“I get it, man. Oh fuck.” He seethes, glaring straight ahead.
I spot Raegan standing firmly in front of Hilary, pointing and yelling something at Travis. Garrett and I take off in a sprint before Raegan tries to do something she shouldn’t. Hilary is crying, and as much as I want to hold her, I have to settle this with Travis.
“Get the fuck away from her,” I yell. He turns to face me, letting out a sinister laugh.
“Nope. I’m taking what’s mine. No one asked if I wanted a baby. You’re not getting away with this.”
“What the fuck do you know about a baby?”
“I-It slipped out.” Hilary is crying. “He tried to grab my arm but I jerked away, and I said something about hurting the baby. I’m sorry.”
Raegan nods, confirming the story.
“Don’t you ever be sorry, Hilary. You have nothing to be sorry about,” I tell her. I turn back to face Travis. “You aren’t allowed to put your hands on her again, do you hear me?”
“You think I give a fuck? You think I want a baby? If it were up to me, that baby would be taken care of in an abortion clinic. She wants to keep it, though, the stupid bitch. Don’t fucking think about asking me for child support. You won’t see a dime from me.”
Garrett grabs Raegan and pulls her away before she can get involved. Her face is crimson, and she’s liable to blow. Raegan grabs hold of Hilary’s arm and drags her with them, which is probably the safest option right now. I know I need to walk away before something worse starts. I should have learned my lesson from the last time Travis popped up after a fight, but I’m a glutton for punishment.
“No one wants your fucking money, Travis. You shouldn’t have been fucking her if you didn’t want to think about having a baby. Maybe it’s time for you to start stepping up and taking responsibility for your actions. Be a fucking man. I’m stepping up and taking care of your child. That makes me a man, and you are nothing more than a big piece of shit.”
Before he can say another word, I leave him in the hallway. Part of me is waiting for him to come up behind me and start a fight, but he doesn’t. I walk outside and find Garrett, Raegan, and Hilary standing beside my truck.
“You didn’t get yourself in trouble, did you?” Raegan asks. “I was ready to beat his ass.”
“Easy, killer, everything is fine. No, I’m not in trouble. He’s not worth me losing everything.”
“Well, I’m getting my firecracker here off to bed. You two have a good night.” Garrett pulls Raegan’s hand into his. I wave goodbye to them, and turn to face Hilary.
“I’m so sorry he said those things to you in there,” I tell her, pressing my forehead against hers.
“I didn’t mean to slip out about the baby.”
“It doesn’t matter. What matters is you’re safe, and I’m here to take care of you and the baby. He doesn’t deserve to be a father. Not after what he said.”
“You’re too good to me. I don’t deserve you.”
“You’re wrong. You do deserve me, and you’ll see it one day. I never thought I could be the guy to make someone’s dreams come true, but with you, I want to give you everything I can. I don’t know too much about you, but I love you, Hilary.”
Silence fills the air around us. I can’t believe I just told her I love her. I bet even God is silent right now. I didn’t think there would ever be a day I’d tell a girl I love her.
“You love me?” she whispers.
“I do. Somehow you stole my heart, and it’s okay because I don’t want it back. I trust you with it.”
“I love you too, Lance.” She presses her lips against mine. I pick her up by the backs of her thighs, and hold her against me. I wish we were anywhere but in a parking lot right now.
“Spend the night with me?” I ask, breaking the kiss. My breathing is uneven, but I don’t care right now. I just need to hear her say yes.
Her eyes are filled with lust when she nods. I’m trying to keep her from noticing my hard-on, but the moan that escapes her throat tells me she is fully aware. It’s time for a change of scenery. We head for a hotel.