Mason (Carter Brothers #2) - Lisa Helen Gray Page 0,7

the painting in the new house, then you can stay there,’’ Joan says and once again I’m completely frozen and left speechless. What are they on about? What house? What paint? I look at Mason for answers, but he’s looking at me like he’s trying to gauge my reaction.

“I’m sorry? I’m confused.’’

“Well you can’t live in a house full of boys with a new baby on the way silly girl. With Mark and Malik living with us now there is only Max, Maverick and Myles living there, but even still, you, Mason and the baby need your own space.’’

My head whips to Mason in shock. I’m getting whiplash with all this new information. Why didn’t know one tell me any of this? My eyes narrow at Mason while I try to process everything. This is not how I saw my welcoming home.

Am I hearing this right? Is she telling me I’m moving in with Mason? The same Mason who has done nothing but break my heart for the past few months? Does she really believe I could live with someone who will have a long line of women at his bedroom each night?

“I’m sorry, but I’m not staying long and definitely not with Mason. I’m going to crash at my brothers until the court case is over then I’m going back to live with my Nan.’’

Everyone goes quiet sneaking glances at Mason, like they’re waiting for him to contradict me or something. I do the same, wondering what the hell I’m missing, only to find him glaring down at me.

“Like fuck you are, Denny,’’ he snaps.

“Excuse me?’’ I snap back, placing my fists on my hips.

“Why? What did you do?’’ he snaps sarcastically.

“What the hell is your problem, Mason?’’

“You are. You’re not moving back to your Nan’s, Denny. We’re having a baby together for Christ sake.’’

“News flash Mason, I’m having a baby. Not you. You didn’t want anything to do with me before you found out. Now all of a sudden you expect me to come running back to you, obey your demands... yeah, I don’t bloody think so.’’

“Yes actually I do. Maybe if you had told me in the first place we wouldn’t be in this mess.’’

“Are you telling me I should have had an abortion?’’ I yell, feeling my stomach turn. This was one of my biggest fears when I realised I would need to tell him. “Get lost you prick. I’m not asking you to be a part of this baby’s life, or to be with me. I wouldn’t want to tie you down, or God forbid, make you do something you don’t want to do.’’

With that I grab my suitcase and carry on towards the taxi rank, ignoring his and everyone else’s shocked faces. Tears are streaming fluidly down my face, and my heart is pumping so hard I worry about passing out. I can’t believe he said that. I rub at my chest with my free hand trying to get rid of the dull ache when I hear the distinct sound of crunching of boots from behind me.

“Wait.’’ His voice sounds urgent and I pause not wanting to cause another scene in front of loads of people. He pauses for a second before walking up in front of me, his face full of sorrow and pain. “I’m sorry. I should have asked you about it first, and I know we have a lot to sort out, but I want to be with you.’’

“Why now? Because of the baby?’’ I croak out, and for the first time I’m jealous of my baby. How childish is that? The fact the love of my life wants me now has me wanting to laugh out loud in hysterics. Typical! Unlucky for him though because I’m not one of those girls who settle.

“What? Huh? No. That isn’t why... yes it’s a reason, but it’s not why. I wanted to be with you before you wanted to be with me, Denny. Look, we have loads to talk about and I have some explaining to do, but can we get you home first? It’s getting late and I bet you’re hungry.’’

As if the baby could understand his words my belly grumbles, loud enough for Mason to hear and send me a knowing smirk.

A lot doesn’t add up. He’s either playing me again or he generally means what he said. I just can’t trust him after everything he put me through.

“Yes to food, but no to staying with you guys, I promised my