Ryley's Revenge (Gloves Off #2)(12)

Gabriella: Don’t do the test without me! I want to be there.

Me: I won’t. I’m just staring at it right now.

Me: I have to pee, so hurry.

Gabriella: Be there in 10.



I knew she had to finish her training, but I’d been sitting in our kitchen staring at the test. Even though my nerves were shot and I’d probably throw up everything I ate, I fixed a peanut butter sandwich and drank a bottle of water. So far, it all stayed down, but I was pretty sure it wouldn’t be like that for long.

About ten minutes later, Gabriella opened the front door carrying a grocery bag filled with pints of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. When she noticed me looking at the bag, she smiled and shrugged her shoulders. “I figured we’d need it tonight. Ben and Jerry know how to make things so much better.”

“I wish that were true in this case,” I mumbled.

Opening the freezer, she started putting the pints away. “All right, babe, while I put away the ice cream go take a piss on the stick. I’ll check it when you’re done.”

Holding the box in my hand, I started off down the hall toward my room. “Nothing like déjà vu, huh?”

Gabriella chuckled, “That’s exactly what I was thinking.”

Once I got into my room, I went straight to my bathroom and turned on the water. Even though I had to pee like crazy, there was nothing scarier than waiting on that little test to show the answer. Taking a deep breath, I took the cap off of the test and peed on it quickly before capping it and setting it on the counter. Keeping my eyes on the mirror, I washed my hands and opened the bathroom door. Gabriella was there waiting on me.

“Are you ready to find out?” she asked.

I was almost positive I already knew the answer. Positive . . . oh, the irony. When I nodded my head, she squeezed my arm and walked by me into the bathroom. This time, I didn’t have Ryley to hold me in his arms as we waited. I was all alone sitting on my bed. After one long agonizing minute, I could see Gabriella in my bathroom with her hands on the counter looking down at the test.

“Gabby, what’s wrong?” The second I heard her sniffling I had my answer. Gabriella never cried and when she turned to me with tears streaming down her cheeks, I closed my eyes and hung my head. I couldn’t live in denial any longer . . . it was time to face the consequences.

Kneeling in front of me, Gabriella tilted up my chin and took my hands in hers. “You’re going to get through this, Ash. I’m right here with you and I know Ryley will be too.”

“How do you know? He walked away from me, Gabby. I don’t think he’s coming back.”

She furrowed her brows. “You’re not giving up on him, are you?”

“No,” I stated adamantly. “He’s not getting rid of me that fast.”

Sighing in relief, Gabby helped me to my feet and folded me in her arms. “Good, because I know he’ll come back. Just trust me and give him some time. Now let’s call Colin and get this over with.”

Nodding, I pulled away and grabbed my phone off the nightstand. Instead of texting, I dialed his number and waited on him to pick up. When his voice came on the line, I took a deep breath and cleared my throat. “Hey, Colin. Are you busy right now?”

“I just got through with baseball practice and about to head home. Are you okay? What’s wrong? You don’t sound good. I was worried you were coming down with something the other night.”

“No, I’m not sick, but I’m also not okay. I need to tell you something in person, it’s important.”

“All right, I’ll be there as fast as I can. I just need to go home and take a quick shower.”

“Okay,” I whispered, my throat closing tight. “See you soon.” I hung up the phone and collapsed onto my bed. I honestly didn’t know what was going to be harder, telling Ryley or telling Colin.





I didn’t realize I had passed out, until I felt warm fingers brushing across my cheek. Instantly, I sat up and looked over at the clock. Thirty minutes had passed since my call to Colin and now he was with me, sitting on my bed. “I can’t believe I fell asleep,” I said, rubbing my eyes. “How long have you been here?”

Smirking, Colin smoothed the hair away from my face and moved closer. His blond hair was gelled in perfect spikes and he was wearing a light green button down and jeans, always so perfect. “Not long. I talked to Gabby for a few minutes before coming in here. I think her and Bradley are about to get something to eat. Do you want to go with them?”

Sitting up, I grabbed my pillow and clutched it to my chest. “I would, but I don’t think it’s a good idea right now. I need to tell you something and I’m not sure how you’re going to take it.”

His brows furrowed and he pursed his lips. “I know what you’re going to say and I’m fine with it. As much as you want to push me away I’m not going to let you. I love you, and I will wait on you for as long as necessary.”

Shaking my head, I laughed once and then the tears started to flow. Damn pregnancy hormones. “If only it were that simple.”

“Why isn’t it?”

“Because I’m pregnant, Colin.” There, I finally said it. Part of the weight lifted, but it was only a temporary relief considering I still had to tell Ryley. Colin’s eyes went wide and he turned his head, clearly in shock.