Fat Cat Liar

My heart does a little flip, and I bite my bottom lip to keep from grinning. “You think?”

“No doubt, Enrique is going to be displeased with me being in the mix. If I’m going to deal with his death glares, I’m going to need some motivation.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“Kiss me.”

“I think that can be arranged.” I lean into him, brushing my lips against his briefly.

He grips firmer when I try to pull back, turning so I’m trapped under him. He takes over, tracing my lips with his own then deepening the kiss until I’m breathless. When he breaks away, his mouth splits into a wide grin.

My cheeks, lips, and chin tingle, and I can only imagine the pink marks he’s left. I should scold him for his territorial ways, but instead, I return his smile.

Because maybe, deep down inside, I’m a tad bit territorial, too.

Chapter 26

Lawson

“I’m not comfortable leaving you here with him.” Enrique’s angry bark travels out from somewhere close, stopping me dead in my tracks.

“You have no choice, and I hate to repeat myself, but you also don’t have a say in this matter. This is my decision,” Greer argues with him.

“I can’t understand why you’d let him back into your life after what he’s done. Is it because of the baby? Because, if that’s the reason, I’ve already told you, you don’t need him. We’ll all help you. There is no shame in being a single mother, and the baby will be much better off without Lawson Hall’s influence in its life.”

My hands ball into fists and rage boils inside. I start toward the sound of their voices at the end of the hallway.

“Stop! My relationship with Lawson is not open for discussion. You’ve made it perfectly clear how you feel repeatedly.”

“I’m not going to apologize for caring about you, Greer. Have you forgotten what he did? How he lied, deceived, and manipulated you into his bed for the sole purpose of advancing his career? How can you overlook these things?”

“I didn’t overlook them! I left him! I made the decision to walk away and leave my heart in tatters as I moved on. You of all people know that. But things change, Enrique. He’s changed.”

There’s an audible snarl following her statement.

“I can’t expect you to understand, but these last few days have been more than you’ll ever understand. We’ve talked, really talked. I made him tell me everything, regardless of the pain it inflicted on us both. The time alone, dredging it all up was excruciating, but he did it for me. It hasn’t been easy, but we’re working through. He’s resentful, humble, and apologetic. I will never condone his actions, never be able to explain the devastation he inflicted, but I had to make a choice. That choice was to follow my heart. He’s suffered more than you can imagine.”

Pain scores through my blood at hearing her. It isn’t her job or responsibility to defend my actions.

“Why can’t you trust me to handle this on my own?”

“Trust you? I trust you; it’s him I don’t trust. And to be quite honest, I think your emotions are unstable right now. Being pregnant can mess with your psyche. Ask Jenny if you want. You’re not mentally in a position to make decisions right now. Your hormones are out of sync and your body is dealing with a lot of foreign feelings. Letting him back into your life is a mistake, and if you were thinking clearly, you’d see that.”

I freeze right as Greer comes into view, and I watch as her hand swings out. The loud sound of a slap rips through the air. Enrique’s face whips to the side, and he staggers back on one foot. His look of shock is enough to tame a bit of my own rage.

Greer’s cheeks flame red, and she steps into his space, pointing at him with a visibly shaking hand. “You JERK! How dare you insinuate I’ve lost my ability to make rational decisions because of my pregnancy? You may think you understand everything about biology, but you have no clue what’s going on with my body and mind right now. I can assure you, my mind and body are perfectly in sync. So is my fucking heart! I love him, Enrique. There is nothing you can say or do to change that. Did he hurt me? Hell yes! For days, I couldn’t get out of bed because of the heartache and betrayal. But I was able to haul myself out of that pit of despair and find my footing. This baby was a huge surprise to me, and I understand it’s a huge shock to you as well. There’s no telling how Lawson’s going to take the news. However, that’s for him and me. You do not factor into this equation.”

My heart slams into my chest. It never occurred to me that she may have doubts about my reaction to her pregnancy. All those times I told her I was going to take care of her, it was always with the long-term plan to build a family.

“Fine, Greer. You want me to stay out of this and keep my mouth shut, I will. But I hope to God you know what you’re doing.”

Her face relaxes, the anger fading as she withdraws her finger from his face and places her hand on his chest. “You’re one of the best friends a girl could ask for. I understand it’s in your nature to protect me, but give me a chance to work this out on my own. If Lawson doesn’t want me and this baby, I hope you will still stand by my side.”

His hand covers hers, and he wraps his arm around her back, hauling her into a hug. “Always by your side,” he says into her hair.

It’s time to shut this down. I knock loudly, stepping into the room and drawing their attention to me.

“Baby, I brought down the girls’ luggage and put it by the front door. I think they are looking for you.”