“I’m, um, good. I was wondering if you could meet me near the gazebo at Woodland Park. I need to talk to you and it’s really important.”
I hear the nervousness in her voice and will be the first to admit that even though she always has my interest, I’m more than curious now.
“I can do that. Can you give me an hour?”
“That’s fine. I’ll see you then.” She hangs up without a goodbye and I realize that she must still be pissed with me.
I let my hand drop to the floor with my phone wondering how the hell I’m going to be up and looking human within an hour.
***
After parking, I climb out of my SUV and make sure my shades are in place. It’s hot as hell out today, which isn’t helping with the throb in my head. It could be worse I suppose. Thanks to a concoction that Ruben invented, I’m feeling a hell of a lot better than I did when I woke up. The park is busy with families out enjoying the sun and all the facilities the area has to offer.
Walking over the grass towards the gazebo, I can’t help glancing over to the skate park. My brothers and I used to spend many a Sunday afternoon on there with our skateboards that we’d gotten for Christmas. In fact, if I remember rightly, it wasn’t long after that when Sebastian broke his wrist. He’d been showing off to some girls with a stunt he’d only ever seen done on television. Regardless of that we’d had some fun here in the past.
My mind wanders back to my woman. My woman. I clench my fists wishing like hell that I’d been dealt a different set of cards. A set that didn’t have the car bursting into flames six years ago.
On a heavy sigh, I look towards the gazebo, and there she is. Standing in the shade of a large maple tree looking as beautiful as ever. She takes my breath away and always has—since the first time I set eyes on her.
As I observe her now, she looks nervous. Her fingers play a pattern of nerves across her body, starting with brushing the hair back from her face and ending with her fidgeting with the white cardigan she’s wearing. What could she be nervous about? I sigh. I’m stupid. She’s obviously nervous about meeting with me. Every time we’ve been together, I always end up hurting her in some way, whether it’s intentional or not, it happens. So I guess it’s no wonder she looks ready to run.
I pause to take her in and then get my feet moving forward. The space between us seems larger than it is but I take my time so I can drink her in. She is breath taking with a light pink sundress that caresses her breasts and flares at the hips. The soft fabric comes to a stop just above her knees and it gives me a view of her deliciously tanned legs that go on for miles. She makes my mouth water. The thought of anyone but me getting beneath that dress and between her legs has me clenching my teeth with jealousy.
Within a few feet of her, she turns and freezes. “Lucien,” whispers between her lips.
“Sabrina.”
Will I always want to touch this woman?
Clearing my throat, I invite, “Let’s sit,” as I move and park my ass on the bench a few feet away from where she’s standing.
I give her a quizzical look and pat the seat beside me when I notice she hasn’t moved from her spot under the tree.
“Sabrina, please come and sit with me and tell me what you need to. You’ll feel better when you’ve gotten it out.”
At least I hope she will.
She moves and sits beside me, not as close as I would have liked, but I guess that’s to be expected.
She doesn’t stop fidgeting.
I let the silence settle around us before asking, “What’s going on with you? I know I’ve hurt you Sabrina, but you don’t need to be nervous about telling me anything. Anything at all.”
“I’m nearly three months pregnant,” she blurts.
I laugh. “Is it mine?”
The minute the words leave my mouth, I never wished for anything to be unsaid as much as I do at this moment.
What the hell am I thinking asking her that? Of course the baby is mine.
Baby! I’m going to be a dad.
I stand and look anywhere but at Sabrina. I sure as hell don’t want her to see how her words have affected me. I can’t think properly. I’ve always wanted children of my own, but back then I imagined having their mother by my side. Now I’m not too sure it’s going to work out that way.
A baby.