Claim My Baby (Crescent Cove 2)

“When was that, exactly? I don’t really remember.” Small town or not, our families hadn’t exactly run in the same circles. “You’ve just always been around.”

Last week, I would’ve added like a fungus. Amazing what bed-rocking intercourse could do to a previously tumultuous relationship.

Oliver sliced neatly into a piece of flank steak. “I’d come back from prep school in May, and my father didn’t feel comfortable having the friend I’d brought with me staying at the house. So, we came to the bed-and-breakfast to arrange her room. You were behind the counter in cutoffs and a tank top, and you were smiling and waving at everyone so much, I was sure you must be on speed.”

It was possibly the most words I’d ever heard Oliver say at one time. And so many of them were fascinating.

“You remember my outfit?”

He nodded. “Pink tank with stripes, denim shorts. You were sunburned too. Told me you’d fallen asleep reading a book by the lake the day before.”

“What was your friend wearing?”

He shrugged and reached for his water. “Don’t remember. She was a friend from our sister school. We weren’t that close, but I hated the idea of leaving her behind for the holiday. Her parents had never been around much during breaks.”

Hmm.

I wished Ally was here to tell me what this meant. If it meant anything at all. But then I couldn’t ask her, because she would immediately say I was a fool for sleeping with Oliver in the first place, never mind wondering what it said that he remembered my outfit from a lifetime ago.

“Why wouldn’t your father let her stay at the house?”

“She was underage.”

“Pervert.” My pleasure at his memory of our first encounter disappeared with my recollection of his friend. It was hazy at best, since I didn’t have Hamilton-level powers of total recall, but I thought I remembered shiny auburn hair, mile-long legs, and a Cover Girl smile.

I also recalled Oliver driving that damn silver Porsche he still drove now, and the crinkles around his eyes as he smiled at me. Briefly, as if he couldn’t spare the wattage on just anyone. But he’d offered her plenty.

“Jennifer,” I said, half to myself.

“Yes. You do remember.”

“Bits and pieces. Did you pork her?”

That damnable black brow winged up. “If you’re referring to sex, no. As I said, we weren’t that close, and that includes our body parts. If you’re referring to bringing her to a luau, perhaps due to my shirt, definitely not.”

I laughed and picked up my cell as it buzzed. I’d only turned it on a little while ago to take pictures and it was notoriously slow about gathering missed texts, so I’d planned on checking my messages after lunch.

Texts from Ally flooded my screen just as the buzzing from the incoming call cut off.

How was the goddess? Did she sing “Where Does My Heart Beat Now?” Lost classic!

I’m hoping the reason u haven’t replied is because she slayed you & u needed time 2 recover!

Ok, I’m just a crazy pregnant lady, so that’s why I

’m worried. Hope u are ok. Really don’t want 2 have 2 text Oliver.

I stopped reading there because my phone started buzzing again. Seth? What the hell?

I answered and exhaled. “Is it the baby? I haven’t read all her texts yet. Sorry, my phone was off. Is she okay? Is she having contractions?”

“Are you all right?” Before I could answer, he lowered his voice. “Whatever happened, we will always be your friends.”

What the actual fuck? I didn’t even have time to mess with the swear gallon right now.

“I’m perfectly fine. Better than fine. I have no idea what you mean, Hamilton, but you better spill.”

Across the table, Oliver let out a sigh. “Let me talk to the ingrate.”