Natalie stood, picked up her ball, wiggled because she knew he watched her, and aimed for the middle pin. She really focused when she threw the ball, but it only knocked down four pins. She swallowed, returned to get her ball and tried again. This time she knocked down one more. She blew out a breath and returned to her seat as Galen’s name flashed on the monitor as the winner. “I thought you were supposed to let me win.”
He laughed and lifted his bottle. “When did you become that girl?”
She picked up her beer and took a small drink. “How do you know I’m joking?”
He patted her leg with confidence. “Because I know you.”
True. They rose in unison to give up their lane when Natalie glanced to her side. The dark-haired movie star captured every eye in a light blue designer mini-dress, probably tailored, as she sauntered toward them. Natalie tugged Galen’s arm. “Is that Jennifer Gonzales?”
Galen’s face darkened in anger. As the actress joined them she flipped her hair and Galen crossed his arms. “Jennifer, what are you doing here?”
Jennifer spoke to Natalie and then Galen as she said, “I’m confused. Clearly. You’re drinking beer with the girl who might be pregnant with Peter’s baby?”
Galen stepped in front of Natalie, his jaw tight. “And you’re here to talk to her and convince her to what? Give the baby to you?”
Her heart skipped a beat. If she was pregnant, which she wasn’t, then of course she’d take care of herself and she’d never give up her unborn. Natalie shook off the thought, her stomach clenched.
“What I want to talk to Natalie about isn’t your concern,” Jennifer said. “Are you two on a date?”
Galen widened his stance as if ready to protect her. “Yes. So what if we are?”
Jennifer tilted her head and smiled at Natalie. “So you took my advice. I’m happy for you.”
Galen turned around to Natalie. “Advice?”
Natalie, heart hammering, placed her hand on Galen’s arm to get him to lower his. “On the drive home from the clinic, Jennifer told me to stop hiding behind my wig, actually.”
Galen relaxed beneath her touch.
Jennifer then eyed her up and down. “I didn’t tell you to drink beer. It’s not good for the baby.”
This whole pregnancy situation was stupid. She shook her head and stepped forward, beside Galen. “I’m not pregnant—it’s highly unlikely the procedure will take. I’ve already talked to my doctor.”
Jennifer raised her eyebrow in challenge. “There is a small chance, though, so you should take precautions.”
No. This wasn’t going to happen. Jennifer shouldn’t think of pushing her around, so Natalie lifted her chin. “We wouldn’t be here if you’d just own up to your feelings for Peter Morgan and move on. You don’t need to scheme.”
Jennifer laughed like her words were hysterical and flipped her long, dark hair over her shoulder. “So don’t get a Morgan through deceit, like you did.”
Galen tensed beside her.
Natalie dropped her hands to her sides as she stared at Jennifer. “Why would you say that?”
Jennifer looked from Galen to Natalie and waved a slender arm. “Hey, I’m not judging. Galen has that cute little beauty mark on his butt, shaped like the letter t—have you seen it yet?”
Natalie’s entire body stilled.
Galen had slept with Jennifer. How else would she know that? Just like he had known that Jennifer would be at the clinic. Now she felt cold too and hugged her waist. They’d been together very recently.
Galen pointed toward the exit of the bowling alley. “Jennifer, it’s time to go.”
Jennifer left, her head held high. Natalie couldn’t move and took a few deep breaths, trying to understand. Galen and Jennifer and Peter. This was all a bad soap opera and she was now part of the drama.
She pressed her lips together as her nerves fired up throughout her body.
Galen brushed his hand against her arm and she tugged it back and stared up into his eyes. She’d been a fool. She swallowed and crossed her arms. “Wait. Jennifer Gonzales was… that’s how you knew she was in the clinic the next morning after your brother’s wedding and then you went out with me that same night. That is gross, Galen. Did she turn down your marriage proposal and I was next in line?”
Galen’s shoulders broadened, and he stood in front of her. “Natalie, I would never marry anyone like Jennifer.” He reached out and held her on both sides. “You’re the one I want.”
