Quickdraw Slow Burn (Battle of the Bulls #3) - T. S. Joyce Page 0,26

call the shots.”

“Nah. I’m queen bee with me and Two Shots. And sometimes I can get the boys to do their interviews without throwing punches or showing up six beers deep. You’re queen to Quickdraw. I can tell these things.”

Heat crept into her cheeks. “I really like him.”

“I know, girl. I saw your eyes on him last night. I’ve been there.”

“It’s scary diving in.”

Cheyenne sat on the couch beside her and nodded. “Terrifying. Two Shots killed my late husband. He was a rider who drew Two Shots, and Two Shots crushed him.”

“Oh, my God,” Annabelle whispered.

“Yeah. It was an accident, but still…what right did I have to move on with the man who killed my late husband? What right?”

“Every right if the both of you are happy.”

Cheyenne smiled. “Exactly. The things you see tonight? The attention, the camera flashes, the video, and him up on the big screens, that’s just his job. The real Quickdraw would rather be here, relaxing in his little space, living a simple life. Hell, the man won’t even post on his social media. I have to do it all for him.”

Annabelle huffed a laugh. Sounded about right.

“He’s a good guy,” Cheyenne said. “I mean, he’s a pain in my ass and fights way too damn much, about ninety percent of the time he’s terrifying, and I feel sorry for every rider who draws him. His manners could use a brush up, and he’s a monster to manage on interview day, but at his core…deeeeeep, deep down…he’s good.”

“I think I’m pregnant.” Annabelle clapped her hand over her mouth and muttered behind the fleshy barrier, “I don’t know why I just said that.”

Cheyenne sat there frozen. “Oh, my gosh,” she whispered. “Pregnant?”

“I mean, probably not, but maybe. I can’t change. My damn eyes just stay blue, and I’m late on my period. I really like Quickdraw, but he doesn’t want kids ever, or commitment, and I don’t know what I’m doing.” Tears burned her eyes as she raggedly admitted that last part again. “Cheyenne, I don’t know what I’m doing.”

“Holy shit.” Cheyenne’s pretty eyes were round as saucers. “Do you know who the dad is?” she asked carefully.

“Of course, I do.” Oh God. “I haven’t slept with anyone since my ex, and he was a seven-year relationship. After him? There’s only been Quickdraw.”

Cheyenne rolled her eyes closed and let off a sigh.

“I was with him one night. When I came to see Raven buck. One night, and…” She gulped. “Well, can you say something? I feel like you’re disappointed or something.”

“Not at all in any way. Just surprised.” Cheyenne squared her shoulders and grabbed Annabelle’s hands. “Are you happy?”

“Honestly, I don’t know what I am. It might not even be a thing, you know.”

“You haven’t taken a test?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because then it will be real.” There it was. The real reason why she was putting this off. “I thought if I came here, I would figure my life out, you know? But now I’m just more confused.”

“You haven’t told Quickdraw?”

Pursing her lips, Annabelle shook her head. “He doesn’t want kids, Cheyenne. He was open about that. He doesn’t want them ever.”

“Ooooh nooo. Okay, what does Raven say?”

“I haven’t told anyone. Only my maker because he guessed I might be.”

Cheyenne released her hands and scrubbed her face. “Okay. Okay! Even if you are, this is amazing. It’s amazing, Annabelle. Do you know how many things have to go right in the body for a miracle like this to happen? A million. If you are pregnant, there’s a reason for it. I truly believe that. There’s a reason for everything.”

“What should I do?” Annabelle whispered, because it felt so damn good to tell someone. Someone safe, who didn’t have a stake in this either way. Someone who was neutral.

“You should take a test. Then you’ll know for sure and you can start preparing either way. I can be there if you want. It’s a simple test, pee on a stick, and then we know if the herd is growing or not.”

“The herd,” she whispered.

“Yeah, Annabelle. No matter what Quickdraw’s feelings are, that bull calf, or wolf pup, is going to be his. By default, by blood, your baby will be a part of this herd. He’s gonna have backup, okay? You’re going to have backup.”

“Yeah.” Annabelle nodded and swallowed hard. Backup sounded good. “Yeah, okay. I’ll take a test. Maybe not right this second because we have interviews to get to. Maybe tonight.” She grinned but was pretty sure it