Chapter 31
Teagan
“Wanna tell me what happened back there?” Ian asks, his features harsh and skeptical.
It doesn’t faze me, though. I’ve been dealing with him my entire life. So I square my shoulders, and with an even tone, I reply, “What do you mean?”
“How do you know Laurent?”
“Who?”
“Quentin, the guy who defended you,” he explains.
“I just met the guy. He saw what happened and stepped in to help.”
I hate lying to my brother again and having to keep this pretense that I don’t know Quentin, but if Ian is this mad at me knowing Quentin, how will it be when I finally tell him the truth?
Ian stares at me as if he’s trying to see right through my brain and figure out what I’m really thinking.
Then he releases a sigh and says, “I’m sorry I overreacted.
I just don’t want anything to happen to you, you know?
” he admits, then takes a deep breath, seeming to center himself.
“Come out with the team tonight? We leave for back-to-back road trips and I won’t see you for two weeks. ”
I lean closer, lowering my voice. “Did you forget I’m pregnant?”
I’m using the fact that I can’t drink as an excuse, but to be honest, what I would love is to go back to Quentin’s house, watch trashy reality TV shows, and eat the chocolate-filled croissant things he made last night.
“You don’t need to drink to be in a bar. I don’t during the season.”
“Why are you even going out with the team?” I ask suspiciously. “You never do.”
“I don’t know.” He sighs. “Maybe your talk about wanting more in life yesterday got to me a little.”
Of course my good-natured sibling lecture is turning around on me.
“Well, you don’t need me to do that.” I try my best to get out of this situation.
“Come on, you could be like my wing woman. If you don’t go, then I’m not going,” he pleads, twisting my insides with guilt.
I told him he should want more out of life and here he is attempting to do that. He’s my brother, who has looked out for me all my life and has supported me no matter what. I need to do this for him.
“Fine,” I groan.
His face lights up, and it strikes me then how little I see that look on his face. “Perfect. Wait for me in the family lounge so we can head there together,” he says, then turns and heads down the hallway without giving me a chance to argue that I can meet him there.
I head in the opposite direction toward the family lounge when a hand wraps around my arm and gently pulls me into a storage room.
“You know, you’d never make a good criminal. You’re far too gentle,” I tease as I look up into Quentin’s hazel eyes. God, they’re pretty. I hope Blueberry gets his eyes.
Both of his hands land on either side of my small bump as he ignores my jab, and his eyes move down my body with careful precision.
I remain silent, save for my heavy breathing because we’re not supposed to be touching one another.
His thumbs move back and forth against my jersey as he hones in on my bump with a ragged sigh. “I’m sorry. I know we agreed no touching, but I, I need this.”
Slowly, his eyes make their way back up to me, and the way he’s looking at me makes me want to look away. Because the look on his face right now, it’s too much for me to handle. It’s a mixture of pain and worry, and if I had to guess, it’s because of what happened during the game.
“It’s fine,” I say hoarsely.
“Are you really okay?” he chokes out.
I clear the emotion in my throat with a cough. “I am. He didn’t hit my belly or anything, merely landed on my shoulder.”
Which is a bit sore, but it’s nothing I’m worried about, so I don’t want to stress him for no reason.
He drops his forehead to mine and breathes a sigh of relief. The warm air brushes against my lips, making them part.
“If he had hurt you or the baby…” he trails off, swallowing as he attempts to control himself.
“Don’t get yourself worked up about what-ifs. We’re all good here.” I try to sound like my joking self, but my voice falters at the end, my body still stunned by our proximity.
His forehead lifts off mine, but he remains close, our noses nearly touching as he stares at me. The hands on my belly drift to the hem of my jersey that he slowly begins to lift, then pauses, looking at me for consent.
“You can.” My voice is softer than it normally is as he lifts my jersey up so that my belly is exposed.
Quentin drops down to his knees, both of his hands on the outside of my small bump.
My breath hitches while my skin prickles at the contact. I haven’t felt his hands on my bare skin in what feels like forever, and the touch has my body swirling with desire already.
I know it’s wrong and there are a million reasons we can’t cross the line, but I never said I wouldn’t still be affected by his touch.
His eyes flick up to mine, letting me know he heard my breathy sigh. Briefly, his eyes shut, then he lowers my jersey back down and stands, not letting things go any further.
I swallow and do my best to shake off the feelings coursing through me.
“Are you going out with the team tonight?”
“Nope. I was actually looking forward to seeing what happens next on Singles in Saint Lucia,” he admits, looking bashful.
“Aha! I knew you were invested.” I gleam because every time I have it on, he’s nearby either cooking or baking, but I’d catch him distracted and watching.
“Yeah, yeah.” He laughs. “Why do you ask, though?”
“Ian invited me out. I told him yesterday he needs more than baseball in his life, so now he wants me to be his wing woman.”
“Then I’ll be there,” he gruffs, not seeming pleased about that.
“Quentin, you don’t have to go. You didn’t want to originally. Just because I am doesn’t mean that needs to change,” I explain, not wanting him to feel like he needs to watch over me.
“I know, but I’d feel a whole lot better if I’m there. Besides, it’ll be nice to see the guys. They’re always bugging me to come out with them.”
“You can go out with them whenever you’d like. I don’t care,” I say.
“I like being at home these days,” he replies, his eyes moving from mine down to my lips and back up again.
Suddenly, this room feels even smaller, and we need to get out of here before we both make a choice we will regret.
“I’m going to go wait in the lounge for Ian. He’s giving me a ride. So I’ll see you around,” I say as I walk backward and open the door, knocked off-kilter by our interaction.
It has to be baby hormones, that’s it. I smile as I convince myself that’s the reasoning for the conflicting feelings swirling in my gut, rather it being for a legit reason.
There are a few women standing around the lounge, along with a couple children running around between the couches. My head swivels, doing a double take as I realize that one of those kids is my student, Olivia. Quentin’s niece. Blueberry’s cousin.
I’m about to avert my gaze when she turns and looks at me, her mouth gaping open.
“Miss Teagan!” she squeals as she runs over to me. “What are you doing here?”
“Oh, I, uh, my brother is a pitcher for the team. I came to watch him,” I fumble over my words, feeling like I’m being put on trial even though I’m telling the truth. Maybe it’s the fact that she has no idea about the baby yet that makes me feel anxious.
“That’s cool. My dad plays too. What are we doing in class on Monday?”
She’s bouncing on the heels of her feet as she talks, clearly having had way too much sugar today.
“Liv,” a sweet voice chastises, and when I look, I see that it’s her mom, Camille. “Let class be a surprise. Also, your cousin is on the phone.” She holds her phone out to her, and Olivia’s eyes widen.
“Yes!” she exclaims as she takes the phone and puts it to her ear, walking away as she chats on the phone like a grown-up would.
Camille and I both laugh, our eyes catching as it fizzles out. I swallow, feeling a sense of nerves, because I don’t know what Quentin’s told her and I don’t know how she feels about it if she does know.
“I’m Camille, Quentin’s sister.” She holds out her hand to me, then retracts it. “I mean, we’ve met many times at drop-off and pick-up, but I figured with the…development,” she whispers, “I’d properly introduce myself.”
“It’s nice to properly meet you. I’m Teagan.” I extend my hand out, and she shakes it with a big smile on her face.
“I’m sorry I’ve been so busy lately. Otherwise, I would’ve popped over sooner. But you’re welcome to come over anytime, or I can come to Quentin’s. My daughter has my phone, but I’ll tell Que to give you my number and shoot me a text so we can hang out.”
Her openness and kindness shouldn’t surprise me, but it does.
She finds out her brother is having a baby after a one-night stand and she’s inviting me to her home to be friends?
I can’t say I’d do the same if the roles were reversed.
As much as my grandparents gave me a life surrounded with love, it didn’t lower the guard I’ve had up since my mom left us.
I’ve always been wary of people and I don’t think I would have been as trusting and open as Camille is right now.
There’s one thing I know for certain—this family is full of good people.
Tears pricks at my eyes at the thought that Blueberry will get to grow up surrounded by that when I didn’t get the chance to have the same.
“Thank you,” I manage to get out, trying my best to bat them away, but my voice comes out shakier than I want it to. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to get emotional.”
Suddenly, there are two arms wrapped around me, and I realize she’s hugging me.
“Everything’s going to be okay. We’re so happy for both of you, and this baby is already so loved. I know so much is unknown and scary, but it’s all going to work out. The hormones suck. Trust me, I cried all the time. Best thing to do is to let it happen,” she says into my hair.
I wrap my arms back around her, feeling oddly welcomed and safe with her. It’s not a feeling I’m used to with people I barely know, and yet here I am.
“Thank you so much,” I whisper, then pull away. “Are you going out with the team tonight too?” I ask, because it would be nice to have a girl to hang out with. I would have to lie to Ian about how I know her, but I’ll just tack it onto the list of things I’m not telling him.
“No, we’re doing a family night tonight since they’re going on the road. I used to travel with them, and Liv would too, but since she started gymnastics last year and with how important it is to her, I stay home so she doesn’t miss any classes.”
She’s an amazing mom, is my first thought.
To be so selfless and ensure Olivia’s needs are being met.
It should be the basics of being a parent, but in my case, I never grew up with that.
Don’t get me wrong, my grams and pops were great and took care of us, but it shouldn’t have had to be them. You know?
“That sounds like a great time. Ian wants to spend time with me before the away games. That’s why I’m going. And Quentin will be there,” I add, internally freaking out over that fact.
Three people in one space, with one big secret doesn’t sound like a great idea, if you ask me.
“Oh, I wouldn’t expect him to be anywhere else.” She smiles, a knowing look in her eye.
“I don’t know what you mean,” I respond, crossing my arms under my chest.
“My brother is a caretaker. Always has been, so I know he’s going to be wherever you are, taking care of you both.”
“He really is. Sometimes I have to remind him that I can take care of myself and Blueberry. I’m pregnant, not dying,” I say with a smile, a small laugh accompanying it.
She smirks. “I like you already.”
Olivia interrupts before I can respond, “Mom, can we visit Auntie Aurora and Uncle Cam and Vivi and Aiden tomorrow?”
Camille laughs, and in a gentle tone, says, “No, Livvy, we can’t. They live in Colorado, which is a bit far from us. And your dad is taking you out for the day to spend time with you.”
Olivia pouts, but nods in understanding. “Okay, but soon?”
“They’re coming to visit in two months. All of your aunts, uncles, and cousins.”
“Yay!” she exclaims, then tugs on her mom’s arm. “Can we go get Dad?”
“All right, I’m going to go find my husband. You okay here?” She looks back at me.
“Yes, it was nice to talk to you.” I give her a small smile, which she returns with a full one.
“Likewise,” she says with a wave before taking Olivia’s hand and walking away.
I notice a few women looking at me in curiosity, but I avoid their gazes, pulling out my phone to see my group chat with Kaya and Clara is going off.
Clara
Teags, can we throw you a baby shower?
Kaya
We know you don’t like big ordeals, so it would just be the three of us.
Clara
But if there’s anyone from Quentin’s side you’d like there, let me know. I was just thinking how we should celebrate you and Blueberry.
Kaya
Don’t let Clara influence you theme wise, do what you want.
Clara
Okay so I might have a few theme ideas picked out, but you know how I am, sue me.
Kaya
Your dad is a retired football legend. I wouldn’t dare dream of getting involved legally with you.
Clara
Is that why no good guys want to date me?
Kaya
Men suck anyways. Not worth it Clara.
I never really thought about having a baby shower, but I must admit the idea sounds nice. A day with the people who already love this baby as much as I do, as we celebrate and get ready for their arrival.
Me
Hi, I agree with Kaya, most men do suck. And you know what, I’d love to celebrate this baby with you two and Quentin’s sister and niece. Clara, pick whatever you think I’ll like.
Kaya
Do you know what beast you’ve just unlocked?
Clara
YAAAAAAY
I pocket my phone with a small smile on my lips, feeling good about things for the first time in a while. I only hope it sticks.