Page 89 of The Duke's Virgin
“Nothing to say now, Luka?” The humorless smile on his face took on a mean slant, and he shook his head. “Oddly enough, I’m not surprised.”
I still couldn’t find the words and stood there mutely as he cut around me.
“You think she needs money. But crazier still is that you think she’s the kind who’dlieandusesomebody like that. It’s weird. I never would have taken you for being stupid.” He glanced back at me, expression cold, mouth tight. “I meant what I said. Stay away from her.”
Thirty-One
Stacia
“Enjoying this heat?”
The soft voice, thick with a southern accent, roused me, and I looked up to see Ellen Finch, Emmett’s mom, pause on the steps of the shaded gazebo where I’d been sitting, taking in the view. Well, Ihadbeen taking in the view. Then I’d fallen asleep.
“I’m sorry, honey.” She winced. “I woke you, didn’t I?”
“It’s fine.” I waved for her to join me. “I don’t need to be sleeping anyway.”
“Honey, you’re pregnant.” She put a tray down on the table between us. “If you’re sleeping, it’s because your body is telling you that you need sleep.”
I grimaced. “But then I won’t sleep tonight. I can’t get my body on any kind of regular schedule these days.”
“Hormones and pregnancy can do that.” She looked like she wanted to say something else but gestured to the tray instead. “I thought you might be hungry and thirsty.”
“I wasn’t, but I am now.”
She smiled at me, and before I could, poured us both some of the water from the pitcher. It was one of those designed to be an infuser, and I could see strawberries, kiwis, and other assorted fruit floating around inside. There was also a plate filled with more fruit, plus cheese and veggies.
“This looks delicious. You ought to be catering parties or something.”
She beamed. “You’re so sweet. I do love throwing a party. Never used to have the time or the money for it, but then…well. Emmett and all his races. He’s telling me he’s going to turn my backyard into some sort of mini waterpark oasis. I told him I didn’t need all of that. I’d be happy with a nice little pool and a jacuzzi I can use in the winter. But that boy doesn’t listen.”
“He loves you,” I told her.
Her face softened. “I know.”
“He’s told me a lot about how much you all sacrificed for him so he could chase his dreams.” Picking up a piece of cheddar, I took a bite, looking out over the water. “He wants to pay you back.”
“Silly boy.” She sighed, but the pride in her voice was obvious. “It’s not really a sacrifice, or it doesn’t feel like it at the time when it’s your child. You want the best for them, you know? I’m sure your parents did the same for you. Oh, there’s that son of mine now.”
Her distraction made it easier for me to compose my face at the mention of my parents.
No, they hadn’t been big on sacrifice.
Since I’d left New York City, neither of them had tried to reach me. Well, if they had, they hadn’t tried hard. I’d turned my phone off after texting Emmett to let him know the plane had landed in Lexington, and I hadn’t turned it on since.
But they had my email.
Neither of them had reached out.
Plenty of other people had—people who were acting under the guise of friendship, although we rarely spoke unless it was at a gathering orchestrated by my parents, or friends of theirs.
And that was why I was hearing from the people contacting me.
They were either younger acquaintances or the sons and daughters of people my mom or dad knew.
Subtle but friendly probes…
Hey,I haven’t seen you around lately. Want to get together for lunch?
