Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 87990 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87990 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
“No, because Xander is gay.”
“You men are so—I’m sorry, he’s what now?”
“Xander is gay.”
I blinked, my brain a little slow on the computing part. “It sounded like you said he was gay.”
“Exactly.”
“How do you know?”
“Because he told me.”
“He told you he’s gay? When? How?”
“We were having a drink, and the other guys weren’t around, so he told me.”
“He just blurted out, ‘I’m gay’?”
“Pretty much.”
I thought about Tyler, who had a million different opportunities to come out to me, but never did. “Well, I guess you just get everything then, don’t you?”
“I’m sorry. Are you upset that he’s not hitting on you?”
“No. I’m just...” I didn’t know what I was, so I threw up my hands in frustration. “This pregnancy has my instincts all messed up.” Then it finally occurred to me. “Oh my God, wait! He’s into you!” I knew I sensed a red flag! I was just reading it wrong.
Hale shrugged. “Maybe, but he realizes I’m straight and happily married.”
“He gives me Hand That Rocks The Cradle Vibes.” I protectively rubbed my belly. “I don’t trust him.”
“Xander’s a good guy, Rayne. He’s not trying to steal me or our baby from you. We’re working on a few business ideas together. That’s all.”
Another red flag. “Hale, you can’t.”
“Sure, I can. His company’s in trouble and I can help.”
“But the only reason you know his company’s in trouble is because I told you.”
“It’s not like you had confidential information, Rayne. I asked, and he confirmed. He’s never going to sell to my dad.”
“Why not?”
“Because he’s a prick.”
“Which one?”
Hale laughed.
“It’s not funny, Hale. I work for your dad. You might think you’re screwing him over, but I’m a part of this.”
“Baby, Xander already told my father he’s not interested. Their meeting’s been postponed indefinitely.”
“I can’t believe you.”
“Rayne, there is nothing underhanded here. This is how these things work out.”
“Don’t patronize me, Hale. You used Thanksgiving to schmooze a business deal, because it was one more way to stick it to your dad. I thought we were past this.”
“Rayne—”
“No.” I evaded his touch when he reached for me. “You know you did something wrong, and you did it knowing I was involved. I’m mad at you and you gave him my fries.” I pulled open the door to walk out on him then immediately closed it, deciding to stay in the kitchen a while longer.
“What’s the matter?”
“They’re making out.”
I Hate Goodbyes
“What do we do?” I pressed my back to the kitchen door and looked up at Hale.
Holy shit, they move fast. One second Tyler’s on the couch and Xander’s on the love seat. Next minute they’re sitting together, groping man chest, with their tongues down each other’s throats. He really was gay!
I was more shocked about Xander than Tyler. I always suspected Ty liked men, but he never came out and said it.
“Oh, my God.” I covered my mouth. “Ty has a girlfriend!”
Hale’s face was comical as he blew out a breath. “We could make popcorn.”
“Huh?”
“Popcorn has a strong smell and it’s noisy. It’ll remind them we’re here.”
I cracked the door and squeaked, quickly shutting it. “They are all over each other!”
Hale went to the cabinet and pulled out a pot. Then he loudly dumped kernels into it and turned on the burner. “That should only take a minute.”
“They’re on my blanket.” I cracked the door again and gasped. “Hale, look at this!”
“I’m good.”
“You’re missing out. They’re really going to town. Guys just get right to it, don’t they?”
He peeked over my head. “So much for Ty’s girlfriend.”
“I know!” I let the door close. “This means he’ll finally come out of the closet. Thank God, because the secrecy was killing me.”
“It was his secret, Rayne.”
“Yes, but I’ve felt the weight of it since tenth grade. This is huge!”
The kernels started to pop and the scent of buttery popcorn soon filled the air. Once we had it in a bowl and ready to go, we carried everything to the door, making as much noise as possible.
“Act casual,” I said, looking back at Hale. I pushed open the door and yelled behind me, “Babe, grab me a water.”
Tyler sat stiffly on the couch and Xander paced as he fumbled with his shirt as if trying to hide whatever was going on in his pants. I hid a smile because this was so much better than the creepy vibes I’d been getting all week from him.
“Did you figure out something to watch?” I asked Tyler as I plopped onto the sofa next to him.
He cleared his throat. “That Will Ferrell movie looks okay.”
I looked at Xander, but he still wasn’t facing us. Hale came out with a few bottles of water.
I put the popcorn on the coffee table. “Oh, shoot,” I said unconvincingly. “I forgot my ginger ale. Tyler, will you come help me find it.”
He frowned. “You need help finding your—ah!” I pinched him and he got my message. Rubbing his arm, he scowled. “Let’s go find your ginger ale, you maniac.”