spent the last few days, but Spike doesn’t seem eager to share. There’s no way I’ll push, which leaves me full of doubt.
Days pass. We spend those days wrapped in each other’s arms, enjoying the feeling of being together. But every time we slip away, I can’t help but wish we didn’t have to hide what we’re becoming.
When I see Ash fold Skye into his arms, my heart hurts. When Noodles and Mitzy head out for sunset meditation, jealousy stirs within me. That’s not something Spike and I can do together. There is no us, at least as far as the gang at Insanity is concerned.
Evenings down on the beach, when those of us that are home gather to sit around the fire, listen to the waves, and stare at the stars, I ache to sit beside Spike. Everyone separates into their individual pairs, while Spike and I sit alone, and apart.
It kills me, but it is what it is. At least for now.
A couple of weeks later, Spike and I enjoy yet another perfect California day at our house. I stand outside, enjoying the breeze, while he’s inside fixing lunch. Spike’s no gourmet chef, but he can make a mean sandwich.
I turn around and watch, loving the way the muscles in his back bunch. He wears headphones, dancing to music piped in through his phone, swaying his hips and shaking his ass. A smile fills my face.
That man is all mine.
Needing to feel his skin upon mine, I slip inside. Opening the sliding glass door quietly, I want to surprise him. Halfway across the room, the robe I wore is now on the floor. Naked underneath, I’m thinking lunch can wait.
I tense as Spike stops the swaying of his hips, thinking he hears me, but he says something to someone on the phone.
“Hey, babe.” Light and bright, I’ve only ever heard that tone when he speaks to me. “What’s up?”
“You’re kidding?” Excitement runs through him. I watch the change in his body as my heart stutters and trips. “Yes! Definitely! I want to be there.”
He listens for some time while I slowly take a step back. Quietly, I bend down and gather the robe. I slip it on while he talks animatedly into the phone.
“I thought the baby wasn’t due for another few weeks?”
Baby?
I stop and listen, not proud of snooping, but what the fuck?
“Hey, yeah. I just got something to take care of here first, but then I’ll be right there… I’m so excited. I’ll be there as soon as I can… Love you, Lucy. Miss you. Can’t wait to see you… Bye, luv.”
I back away as jealousy rips through me. Who the fuck is Lucy? Why does he love her? And where is he going? We’re supposed to spend the rest of the day together. Hadn’t planned on getting back until just before dinner.
I trip over the sill of the sliding door and rush back outside, leaving it gaping. Tears prick at my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall. A roaring sound fills my ears as my heart accelerates, chasing jealousy and betrayal.
“Hey, Angel?” Spike calls out from the door.
I furiously wipe at my eyes and blink. Holding back the tears is harder than it should be.
Without turning around, I grip the rail in front of me, needing the support of the banister. “What’s up?”
“Well, actually—something’s come up. I need to leave.”
“Leave? We just got here.” We fucked less than an hour ago.
“Sorry, but it’s… I gotta be somewhere.”
“Where?” I push for more information. Maybe I’m overreacting? Leaping to conclusions that aren’t real.
“Just a quick trip. I should be back by morning.”
Morning? This is an overnight thing?
Pain spears through my heart as I gulp past his betrayal.
“Um—I need to shower first.”
“Do you mind showering at Insanity? I can drop you off, and…”
“Fine.” I spin around with a false smile planted on my face. “Let me get dressed.” A glance over his shoulder shows me he didn’t finish making the sandwiches.
He’s in that much of a rush?
I don’t even want to know. I breeze past him, keeping my smile in check, and disappear into the bedroom. Shoving my feet into my pants, I fight against tears. He could’ve told me where he was going, but evaded instead. There is only one reason to do that.
Spike doesn’t want me to know where he’s going, let alone who he’s going to be with. Evidently, it’s a girl named Lucy, and she’s having a baby.
His baby?
The ride back to