Maybe there had been something going on from the very beginning and this whole Milly drugging thing was a smokescreen.
He shook his head.
No, he didn’t believe that.
Robin would never do anything like that.
He climbed into the bed, and she stayed perfectly still.
“I’m not going to hurt you.”
“I’m not worried about me or my baby, Bishop. I don’t want you to be upset.”
He rolled closer and lifted his hand. He hesitated to touch her stomach, but knew he had to do this. Putting his palm flat against her stomach, he smiled at her.
“See, no big deal.”
“No big deal,” she said.
“Do you like it?” he asked.
“Being pregnant?”
“Yeah.”
“It’s new. It’s scary. Exciting. I’ve missed you though. I know this has been hard for you to deal with.”
“But you’re my best friend. I promised to be there for you, and I’ve been doing my own thing.”
“I don’t mind, Bishop, really, I don’t.”
“I mind. I want to be there for you, always, and I messed up.”
She touched his cheek. “You will always be my best friend.”
“It’s not too late for us?” He leaned in close and brushed his lips across hers.
She didn’t kiss him back, and when he pulled away, he saw there were tears in her eyes. “Have I missed my chance?”
“What? No, of course not. I’m just … I missed you, and I’m not wanting to ruin the moment.”
“You can’t ruin anything, Robin. I love you, and I vow to you, I will be different. I promise.”
Chapter Thirteen
With Preacher gone, Bishop was way more attentive than Robin could ever remember him being.
She nibbled her lip as she walked down the long street heading toward the library. Bishop had to make a quick run back to the clubhouse. Preacher had wanted him to drop off some money at the bank, and Bishop had forgotten to do it. Instead of being trapped in a car all day, she’d opted to go to the library to get more studying in.
Just as she entered the library, her cell phone went off.
Preacher: How’s your day?
She smiled. He always asked her about her day.
Thinking about Bishop, she felt a little guilt swirl its way inside her. She hadn’t told him about the conversations she had with Preacher daily.
Bishop had been there for her more than ever before and he was really trying, but she … couldn’t bring herself to open up to him. She kept expecting him to yell at her, or scream.
Robin: Good. You?
Preacher: It could be better.
Robin: How?
Preacher: I could be seeing you in the morning rather than a bunch of ugly ass bikers.
Robin: Is my dad with you?
Preacher: Why do you think I said ugly ass?
She laughed, putting her bag on the table. She waved at one of the women, who smiled at her but quickly turned her back. She was used to the lack of warmth coming from people. Ever since she’d gotten pregnant, she’d noticed people often avoided her, or crossed the street so as not to be near her.
Preacher: What are you doing now? Watching some lame ass romantic comedy?
Robin: Without you? Nah, I wouldn’t dream of doing that.
Preacher: Don’t keep me in suspense, what are you doing? Are you taking it easy? Randall told me you need to take it easy.
This made her pause.
Had Randall told him everything about her trip with him? The wet dreams were getting more frequent, not to mention her fantasies. She’d not told Randall who starred in them, only that they were becoming a bit of a problem to her. Not for any other reason than she wasn’t used to feeling this way about anyone, least of all, Preacher.
She jumped as her cell phone started to ring.
Quickly accepting the call, she placed the phone to her ear. “What?”
“What? I thought you had manners?” Preacher asked.
“I’m sorry. Why are you calling?”
“You didn’t respond, and I got suspicious.”
“I’m resting.”
“Where’s Bishop?”
“He’s … running an errand.”
There was a long pause. She nibbled her lip waiting for him to answer her.
“You’re alone right now?”
“Yes, I am, but I was the one who told him to do what you asked. He’s only following your orders.”
“I gave him strict instructions to be by your side, and he’s currently off doing shit I’ve not told him to do.”
“Don’t be angry. I wanted to be at the library. Honestly, Bishop hasn’t left my side once. He’s been very attentive.”
“I gave him a direct order.”
“And he’s been following them. Don’t take out my need for space on him. Please.”
There was another silence.
“If you’re sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine. Honestly, more than fine. You’ve got nothing to worry about, I promise.” She smiled, but he wouldn’t be able to see it.
“How is our girl?”
“She’s doing okay. She likes to have a kick around a few times but nothing I can’t handle.” She put her hand on her stomach. “How’s work?”