Holiday Baby Scandal

“Relax,” she whispered, her eyes darting toward her brother.

Yeah. Relax.

Ryker took a step back and glanced down at her ankle. He needed to get a grip. Being cautious and protective was one thing, but acting like a hovering boyfriend was—

Seriously? How had that word even popped into his head? He wasn’t her damn boyfriend. This wasn’t junior high. But she was right. If he didn’t get a grip, Braden would wonder what was going on, and that wasn’t a topic he wanted to dive headfirst into right now.

“Here you go.” Zara came back in and placed an ice pack wrapped in a towel over Laney’s ankle. “Let’s put a pillow under you to keep it propped up.”

Ryker stayed back as Braden and Zara got Laney situated. He wanted to scoop her up and take her back to his house where he could take care of her. He w

anted her tucked away behind his state-of-the-art security system where she’d be safe at all times. But none of that was possible. She’d never be at his house on personal terms. He’d never see her in his bed.

Ryker reached into his pocket, his fingertips brushing over the penny. The reminder he wasn’t cut out for family life.

“Do you feel like working?” Braden asked. “I hate to ask, but time is of the essence.”

Laney shifted on the sofa. “I can work. My laptop is out in the car, though. I was walking to the passenger side to get it when I fell.”

“I’ll get it.”

Ryker needed more cool air. He needed to get his heart rate back to normal and to chill out. Laney had had to talk him down, and that had never happened. Damn it.

She may not want a doctor, but one thing was certain. When they left here, he’d be driving her. Whether they went to her house or his, that was her choice, but they’d be leaving together.

* * *

Laney concentrated on digging up the layout of the house Ryker needed to get into. Her ankle throbbed more than she wanted to admit, but she was absolutely certain nothing else was hurt. The baby was fine. If she even thought for a second that something could be wrong, she’d have a doctor here. But she honestly hadn’t fallen that hard, just turned her ankle on the sliver of ice she hadn’t seen.

Zara and Braden were in the study. Her brother had told her to yell when she found something because he was helping his wife work on finalizing the company party.

Laney’s sister-in-law was a top-notch events coordinator and in high demand. The way Braden supported her business was adorable. He was proud of his wife, and their love was evident whenever they were around each other.

The miscarriage they’d suffered a few months ago had only forged their bond even deeper. But Laney still couldn’t bring herself to tell them about her own condition.

“Will you stop brooding?” Laney’s fingers flew over the keys, but Ryker’s presence was wearing on her nerves.

“I’m waiting.”

She glanced over to him and raised her brows. “You’re leaning in the corner with your arms crossed, and you’ve been staring for twenty minutes. That’s brooding. I can actually hear your frustration.”

When he pushed from the wall and strode over to her, Laney realized she’d poked the bear. Fine. At least he was showing emotion.

Ryker loomed over her, hands on his narrow hips. “How much longer until you have something?”

“I’m downloading the blueprints now.”

“Good. Then we’re leaving.”

Laney jerked back. “Excuse me?”

He leaned down, pinning her with those coal-black eyes. “You heard me. I’m driving. The destination is up to you.”

O-kay. The clenched jaw and the no-nonsense tone told her he wasn’t giving her an option.

“Fine. We’re going to my house. I have things I need to get done.”

Ryker shoved his hands in his pockets. “Not with that ankle. You’re relaxing, and if I even think you’re trying to put weight on it, I’ll have the doctor at your house so fast you won’t know what hit you.”