“I won’t, but I have to see this guy.” He hadn’t felt this angry since he’d been picked on in middle school.
“What are you going to do?”
“I don’t know.” Blood pulsed inside his head, so loud he could barely think straight. “I’ll think of something.”
Brooke’s stomach turned over as Cole stomped to the doorway and disappeared inside. It wasn’t the normal pregnancy stomach upset. This was cold fear. What if Cole picked a fight with Nathan, trying to defend her honor? Cole seemed to be in great physical condition, but he was no match for Nathan, who worked out with weights almost every day and bragged about how much he could bench press.
She only knew one thing… if Cole got hurt, it would be her fault. She wiped her face with her fingers and squared her shoulders. Nathan had taken so much from her, but there was one thing he couldn’t take—her baby. No one was going to take her baby.
Before she could lose her courage, she jogged to the entrance and tugged the door open. She stepped inside the waiting room, facing the back of several lines. Under a hanging sign labeled Marriage License Applications, Cole’s broad-shouldered form blocked her view of Nathan and Wendy.
She crept up behind Cole, listening to his conversation.
“Thanks for the pen,” said Cole.
“No problem. It’s awesome to meet you, Mr. Miller,” Nathan gushed. “The guys aren’t going to believe this. Could I maybe take a selfie with you?”
“Have you forgotten about me?” Wendy grouched. “I’d like to be in the picture.”
“I don’t do selfies.” Cole’s voice was stiff.
“I’m a big fan, Cole.” Wendy’s voice went velvety. “I’ve done some modeling, you know. I’d love to be on the Millionaire Matchup with you. I’ll have this baby in June and be back to my pre-pregnancy weight by the time the next season starts.”
Brooke couldn’t believe Wendy was flirting right in front of Nathan. She almost felt sorry for him. Almost.
“You’ll already be married,” Nathan muttered.
“Not if you keep taking away my credit cards,” she whined. “How am I supposed to pay for my hair appointment tomorrow?”
“Seems like the two of you fight a lot,” said Cole. “Are you sure you want to get married?”
Brooke could sense Cole getting riled up. She needed to get him out before he made Nathan angry.
“Cole, let’s go,” she whispered. But Cole didn’t respond. Had he even heard her?
“I gotta make an honest woman out of her,” said Nathan. Brooke could picture her ex hooking his thumbs behind his suspenders and puffing out his chest. “That’s my son she’s carrying.”
“Are you sure it’s your son?” asked Cole.
“Hey!” Wendy protested.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Nathan’s tone was accusing.
“Only that a woman who comes on to another man that easily might be accustomed to it. I’d recommend a blood test when the baby comes.”
Without seeing it, Brooke knew Nathan’s face was deep red, by now. He would explode any second. Swallowing a gulp of air, she grasped the back of Cole’s belt and tugged once… twice… with no response, not even a flinch of surprise.
“Come on, Cole. Let’s go.” She mumbled the words just loud enough for him to hear. Even after a third tug, he didn’t budge.
“Next,” called the lady at the desk, tapping a small bell.
“Forget him,” Wendy said. “It’s our turn.”
“I think you just insulted my fiancée,” Nathan snarled. “Do you want to take this outside?”
“No, he doesn’t.” Brooke shoved her way through to stand in front of Cole.
Nathan’s mouth fell open, his eyes blinking. “Brooke? What are you doing here?”
“She’s my fiancée,” said Cole through gritted teeth.
His arm snaked around her waist and cinched her against him, like a caveman claiming his woman.
Ding, ding, ding! The woman at the desk slammed the palm of her hand on the bell three times “Sir, are you coming?”
But Nathan was still glaring at Cole, who relaxed his hold on Brooke’s side, only to twist her around, his hands rising to cup her face. Her heart thrummed against her ribs like a wild animal trying to escape its cage. She braced herself for a repeat of last night, which had left her senses reeling. His lips moved toward hers, once again landing at the corner of her mouth.
That was all she could take. He’d better not move to her neck.
He didn’t.
Those devastating lips edged their way over until he was kissing her full on the mouth.
CHAPTER 8
