When Rivals Love (Bayshore Rivals 3)

“Fuck, Harlow,” he croaks into my hair. His arms come around me, enclosing me in a cocoon. “We need to get out of here.”

I pull away from him, even though my body objects, wanting to stay here with him. Just like this, in a perfect little bubble where no one can hurt us.

Taking my hand in his, Sullivan starts to pull me away, but before we even make the first step, a car comes barreling toward us. Tires squeal against the asphalt as it comes to a sudden halt. My gaze widens when I spot Oliver in the front seat. My eyes catching sight of Banks running toward us from the other side of the road.

Sullivan pulls the door open, helping me into the back seat, just as Banks approaches from the other side, climbing into the passenger seat up front.

As soon as we are all in the car, Oliver presses his foot to the pedal, and we speed off. The acceleration pushes me into the leather seats as relief, and endless happiness engulfs me. I’m safe now.

“Are you okay?” Banks asks, turning around in his seat.

Sullivan hasn’t stopped touching me. Running his hands all over me as if he was checking for any wounds.

“I’m okay, just so glad to see you. How… how did you find me?”

“Matt called us when he left the hospital,” Oliver explains. “He told us where you were and that you were probably going to make a run for it.”

“He did?” I ask, instantly, worry starts coating my insides. If anyone finds out what he did, my father will crucify him.

“We got here as fast as we could,” Banks says breathlessly. “We’ve been so fucking worried; we’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

“I promise, I’m fine. I just can’t believe I’m finally out of that hospital, and I can’t believe Matt called you. But, of course, I’m glad he did. I’m just worried about at what cost.” Pushing the thought away, I ask something else that’s on my mind. “Did he tell you anything else?”

“That’s all he said when he called,” Sullivan confirms before questioning me frantically. “What is it? Are you hurt? Did someone hurt you?”

“No, no. I told you, I’m fine. It’s nothing bad. I mean, at least I hope you don’t feel like it’s a bad thing. I don’t think it’s a bad thing. I guess we never talked about it…” I keep rambling on nervously.

“Harlow,” Banks cuts me off. “Out with it.”

Clearing my throat, I say, “I’m pregnant.”

Dead silence fills the car, and as it stretches on, I start to get seriously worried. Maybe they are not as happy as I am about a baby? Glancing over to Sullivan, I find him staring at me, his eye impossibly wide, his face pale, and his lips slightly parted.

“Say something,” I whisper.

Sullivan blinks, almost like my voice has snapped him out of some trance. “You’re pregnant?” he finally asks. “Like you are having, kind of, a baby, pregnant?”

“Erm, is there another kind of pregnant?”

Banks turns once more, so I can see his face again. To my relief, there is a huge grin spread across his lips. “We’re having a baby?” he asks, his voice filled with happiness and excitement.

“Yeah, we are.”

When I glance back over to Sullivan, he seems to have composed himself as well. The shock has left his face, and the corners of his lips tug upward into a dazzling smile.

Two down, one to go.

“Oliver?” I ask tentatively. “How do you feel about this?”

“I-I’m just shocked. I mean, I thought you were on the pill?” Oliver starts but stopping himself right away. “Shit, that came out wrong. Sorry, I’m not saying it’s your fault or anything. Not saying it’s anyone’s fault…Ugh, that came out wrong too.”

“Dude, just stop talking,” Banks scolds his brother. “For now, just shove your foot in your mouth, will you?”

I try my best not to frown. For some reason, I thought Oliver would be the happiest with having a baby, considering he is the oldest. Apparently, I was wrong. I’m not angry or anything, and I know this was unplanned and not ideal, but this is what happens when people have sex.

Sometimes they get pregnant even while on the pill. Everybody knows this, so why is he acting like this now? Why is he so unhappy?

The whirlwind of emotions leaves me utterly confused. I’m happy to be out of the hospital and away from my parents. I’m relieved to see the guys, but I’m heartbroken and scared seeing Oliver’s reaction. Does he really not want this baby? I can’t imagine he would ever tell me to get rid of it, but his response isn’t anything like I thought it would be.

“Hey,” Sullivan reaches over and cradles my face with his hand. His touch is warm, and instantly, I lean into his touch like a kitten who wants to be petted. “Everything is going to be okay. We’re not going anywhere.”