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Her voice goes up like it does when she’s trying to cover something up. “She knows a lot about babies?”
Ashely’s been freaking out so much I haven’t been able to get a word in edgewise. I didn’t even question the why of her wanting Rhett here, I just made it happen. Now that I’ve fulfilled Ashely’s wish and I’ve got Rhett on the way, it’s time for my sister to tell me why.
“You have a hospital full of professionals and you need a girl who has never had a baby to walk you through giving birth?” My brows rise sky high. “The doctor just told me you’re not even in real labor yet.”
Ashely looks down at her lap, flipping the edge of the silk comforter back and forth. “I mean… I am having this baby. It’s just not like active, active labor yet.”
“Tell me, Sis. Why is Rhett on the way here right now?”
Boston gives her hand a squeeze. “Just tell him the truth, Ashe.”
I eye him. What are they holding back from me? “Guys…”
Before I can get my answer, as if sent by God himself, Rhett’s beautiful face appears in the doorway of the room. “Hey, you guys. I heard you were looking for me.” She hovers, waiting to be invited in.
I just sit there, staring at her. Seeing her in person for the first time in six months, it’s like my heart drops out of my chest into my sneakers. My throat closes up.
I’m speechless.
Rhett’s unsure gaze flutters from me to Ashely.
Ashely’s pale pink fingernails waggle in the air, as she calls to Rhett. “Come. Come on in! I’m so glad you’re here!”
I stand. Do I greet her with a hug? A kiss on the cheek?
My arms want to reach out, to take her in them, to pull her against my body and hold her. A moment passes between us, our eyes locked. All the energy, the tension, the feelings we’ve shared hover in the air between us. An invisible force I can feel as if it’s completely tangible.
Wordlessly, I move from where I stand by the side of the bed to an open armchair in the corner of the room.
Ashely pats the open space I leave behind, giving Rhett a bright, inviting smile. “Come. Sit here by me. Thank you for coming on such short notice. Was Hank pissed?”
“How do you know of Hank?” I ask.
“Her boss?” Ashely looks at me like I’ve been out of the loop. “I’ve known about him for like five months now.”
I know of Hank because I keep tabs on Rhett. I didn’t know Ashely does too. “Wait—you guys talk?”
“We text a little.” Ashely gives an innocent enough shrug.
Rhett looks at me, her attention staying on my face for longer than a friend’s would. She doesn’t say anything to me. She gives me a soft smile.
And it hits me right in the fucking heart.
God. Why did Ashely have to bring her here? I still don’t know.
Boston stands, stretching his long limbs upward. “If you guys are good, I’m going to go grab a coffee. Get some caffeine before the real action starts.”
“We’re good. You go. Take your time.” Ashely leans up for a goodbye kiss.
He brushes a kiss over her lips. “Anyone want anything?”
Rhett smiles. “I’m good.”
Rhett and Ashely catch up, Rhett talking about her new apartment, her new job, her new friends at work. I hang on every word, wanting to hear everything about her life. Even though I’ve already seen it all on paper, I’m enjoying hearing it from her.
I have a tracker on her Honda. I’d prefer she drive the Honda NSX I’d outfitted with BachTech, but she sent it back. I have a hidden security camera outside her apartment door with twenty-four seven surveillance. I pride myself on my restraint—I didn’t have any cameras installed inside her house.
But I might have done a background check on Hank.
