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Chapter Twenty-Six
Phoebe
I tried to stay calm. Even in my erratic state, I remembered a nugget of wisdom from my therapy days. The mind controlled the body. Peacefulness enlightened compliance.
Then it hit again.
Screw enlightenment.
Ryker’s eyes raised in shock as he pushed the door open. I held onto the bedrails, beads of sweat rolling down my face. As it slowly subsided, I begged him for the answer I needed to hear.
“Is he coming?”
Nervously turning his eyes away from my heated stare, he closed the door behind him. “Yeah, Pheebs. He should be here real soon.”
I exhaled in relief. “Oh, thank god. I don’t know how much longer I can hold off.”
He crossed his arms. “It’s Julian. He’s a superhero. I’m sure he can press a button on his jeans and a rocket will shoot out of his ass, propelling him here in ten minutes or less.”
I started laughing hysterically. I didn’t know if I was truly that amused at his lame joke or if I’d crossed over the line into boiling bunnies and ice pick homicide. “Now I know why female fans take pictures of his ass. They’re trying to get a shot of his rocket booster.” One look between us and we burst out laughing.
Ryker raised a hand up in protest. “God, shut up. I don’t want to hear about my brother’s rocket.” A lazy smile lifted the corner of his mouth. “Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you blush before.”
I slapped his arm in embarrassment. “I’m not blushing. I’m in labor. Big difference.”
“Uh-huh, whatever you say, rosy cheeks.”
Reaching over to the side table, I picked up a water bottle, unscrewed the cap, and pointed it at him. “I don’t get embarrassed. I’m not blushing. I’m pissed at you.”
Ryker held up his hand to my face. “You wouldn’t dare.” On impulse, he grabbed the small pitcher of water that a nurse had brought into the room. Cocking one eyebrow, he held the pitcher high up over my head. “Game on, rosy, hit me with your best shot.”
Poised and ready, our eyes narrowed as if we were in a wild west duel. With the tip of the water bottle aimed at his face, my lips curled into a devious smile. “I have to warn you, Ry, I’m fantastic at paint ball. My accuracy is legendary.”
“Yeah? Well, I can outrun you, because you’re hooked up to jumper cables and a car battery.” He emphasized his point by motioning with his other hand to the fetal and blood pressure monitors. Taking advantage of the momentary distraction, I shot the cold water directly in his eye. With a yelp, he jumped backward, trying unsuccessfully to block the stream of water with his palm. “That was a sneak attack! I win by default.”
“You lose by having the attention span of a five-year-old.” I smirked.
“Oh, five-year-old? Well, since I’m so childish, then I can’t be held responsible for doing this.” Flipping the lid of the water pitcher, he lifted it over my head and dumped its entire contents. The frigid water ran down my face and soaked my hospital gown.
“You little shit!” I screamed through dripping hair. “You’re so dead.”
He sneered indignantly. “Right. By the time you get out of bed, I’ll be in Mexico drinking tequila shots out of some chick’s bra.”
“I’m sure she’ll ask for it back after you’re done wearing it.”
He clutched his heart in mock pain. “Ouch, that’s cold.”
“So is the ice chunk that just slid down the front of my gown.” Grabbing a wad of napkins, I dabbed the water snaking down my neck. I watched him fail miserably at hiding a satisfactory smile.
Then it hit me.
Julian’s name hadn’t been mentioned in ten minutes. It was the first time that’d happened since arriving. The whole argument had been carefully orchestrated to occupy my mind.
“Well played, Bale.” He faced me and stared as water dripped down his nose. Something had to be behind that blank stare. “Why are you staring at me like that?”
“I forgot to tell you something.” He scratched the bottom of his chin where his light beard grew. “He told me to tell you that he loves you and he’s on his way.” He shoved his hands into his pockets and looked down at his feet.
“Thanks, Ry. I needed to hear that.”
