Hidden Under Her Heart (Chance For Love) by Rachelle Ayala

Author:Rachelle Ayala [Ayala, Rachelle]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Tags: romance, abortion, pregnancy, young adult, new adult, Christian, family, pro-life, FIC045000 FICTION / Family Life, FIC043000 FICTION / Coming of Age, FIC044000 FICTION / Contemporary Women, FIC027020 FICTION / Romance / Contemporary
Publisher: World Literary Press
Published: 2013-01-12T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 25

Maryanne’s heartbeat jittered, and she wouldn’t meet Lucas’ gaze. “I’m feeling sick. I needed to call Vera and my phone was in the bathroom.”

Lucas took his phone and pocketed it, his brow creased. “What is it? Nausea? Or did you exert yourself too much with the dancing?”

“Daria’s pregnant. How could you?” She dashed for the bedroom.

Lucas grabbed her. “Whoa, whoa. What the heck?”

“She texted you. You’re still involved with her.” The pain of a thousand bee stings jabbed Maryanne’s shoulders and chest.

“Sit down.” He tugged her to the sofa. “What are you accusing me of today?”

His face scrunched as he scrolled through his phone. “You texted her as me? Why didn’t you leave it alone?”

“She said she’s pregnant.” Maryanne’s voice hardened and she clipped her words. How dare he put on the angry and indignant act? That’s what all men did when caught.

“This isn’t your business,” Lucas raised his voice. “I never reply to her texts. Now she’s going to start calling.”

“Well, excuse me.” Maryanne poked his arm. “And when were you going to get around to telling me?”

Lucas dropped the phone on the sofa and slapped his knees. “When are you going to trust me? She’s pregnant by her husband. I told her to get help from a fertility clinic.”

“But she was with you ten weeks ago.”

Lucas blew out a harsh breath, his jaw shuddering. “Believe me, nothing happened. And I suppose Sandra couldn’t wait to tell you this, right?”

The air leaked out of Maryanne’s lungs. There she went again, assuming the worst. Lucas was different. If she could only truly believe it. She lowered her head to her hands. “I’m sorry for accusing you. Don’t be mad at me.”

“Hey.” He hugged her. “Let’s try and have a good day. I need to relax, stretch, eat, get a massage, meet with my volunteers and go to sleep early. No more drama, okay?”

“Am I disturbing your ritual?”

“You definitely are.” Lucas turned her face up and kissed the tip of her nose. “I haven’t even tweeted Pumpkingal. She’s my number one fan. Bet she misses me.”

“You really had no idea?”

He hummed and smiled. “I thought about it at first, but you acted like a preteen, asking me questions like where do you pee during the race.”

“What I’m really interested in…” Maryanne rubbed his biceps and scooted closer. He was such a nice guy and hadn’t made her feel bad like other men would have. “Who’s giving you the massage?”

His eyes half-closed and his grin widened. “Are you volunteering?”

“No, really. Who usually massages you before the race?” A prickle of jealousy nagged her below the ribs. Dammit, why couldn’t she relax?

“One of my volunteers. She’s a retired physical therapist.”

Maryanne feathered her fingers down the middle of his chest. “Can I be your volunteer tonight?”

“Tonight and every night.” He laid back on the sofa. “Think Pumpkingal will be jealous?”

“As green-eyed as you.” She straddled him.

~~~

Lucas shook his arms and blew into his hands. The race would start in twelve hours. He and Maryanne had visited the transition points and stowed his bike, clothes and gear.

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