Ryley's Revenge (Gloves Off #2)(32)
Placing my hands on top of his, I nodded my head. “I promise. But now there’s something I need to tell you.” He let me go and sat beside me on the towel, keeping his attention on me. My hands started to shake so I busied them in the sand, looking out at the horizon.
“What’s wrong?” he asked softly.
I shrugged and laughed through my tears. “I don’t even know where to begin. I’m scared to tell you because I’m afraid you’ll hate me.”
“I could never hate you, Ashleigh. Even when you left, I wanted to hate you but I couldn’t. I don’t think it’s possible. You have to have faith in me. I know that might be hard to do, considering my past, but I love you.”
“And I love you too. I understand your reasoning for not telling me about your exploits with girls. With that being said, I’m hoping you understand why I didn’t tell you about the following . . . I didn’t keep you in the dark for malicious reasons or anything like that. I did it because I wanted to wait until the right time.”
He froze, his eyes widening with uncertainty.
Taking a deep breath, I let it out slowly and focused on my hands. I was too afraid to look at him. “I’m pregnant, Ryley. We’re going to have a baby.”
His breath hitched and I was preparing for him to storm away. But then, his hands gently grasped my face and his lips touched mine. “Holy f*ck, this is insane—our lives will be altered forever,” he murmured. “I don’t know whether to be happy or angry right now. Is this why you left Colin?” He pulled back, but kept his hands on my face.
“Yes,” I whispered. “Deep down, I knew I was pregnant. I was in love with you but I knew it was too late, you had moved on. I didn’t know what else to do but leave and pretend everything was okay. Staying away only made it worse for me. That’s why I had to come back and make things right.”
I stared at him, trying to decipher his expression. So many emotions swirled through his crystal blue eyes. At least he hadn’t stormed off. Taking this as a good sign, I continued. “For the last month, I didn’t know for sure if I was pregnant or not. I was too afraid to take a test. I took one just a week ago and confirmed my suspicion. Please tell me you understand,” I begged. “I didn’t want to tell you and have you be with me out of obligation. I had to know you still loved me for me.”
“And what if I didn’t?” he countered. “Would you have told me then?”
The tears ran hot down my cheeks because I honestly didn’t know the answer to that question. “I don’t know, Ryley. I’m sure I would have approached you at some point.”
“Does Colin know?”
Swallowing hard, I nodded once and hung my head. “Yes, which is why he won’t leave me alone. I originally told him in hopes he would give up on me, but instead, it fueled him even more. He’s determined the baby is his. I know it’s not.”
Without looking at him, I could feel his tension crushing me, smothering me. “How do you know it’s not?” he asked in a low, cautious voice.
I opened my eyes and took his hand, placing it over my heart. “Contrary to what you might think, I didn’t run into his arms and f*ck him as soon as I left you. There’s a time difference there. I go the doctor next week to find out when I’m due. If you want to come with me, you can, but I understand if you don’t.”
My stomach was in knots. I just gave him an out and if he took it, my heart would split in two. He released a heavy sigh and got to his feet. I was about to burst into tears and then his hands grasped under my arms and lifted me up. Eyes wide, I bit my lip to keep it from trembling.
“I’m not going anywhere, angel. Whatever happens with the baby, I’m going to be by your side every step of the way.” Wrapping his arms around my waist, he looked down at me and smiled. “In fact, I have a few extra rooms in my house we need to figure out what to do with.”
“Is Camden gone?” I asked. “Because I refuse to let my baby live anywhere with him.”
“Correction . . . our baby. And yes, he’s gone. He moved everything out today.”
Lifting up on my tiptoes, I stared into his gorgeous blue eyes. “So what are you saying?”
He trailed his fingers up and down my back and smiled. “I want you to move in with me. I know it’s early, but it’s bound to happen anyway when the baby comes. Besides, I like the idea of having you to myself every single day.”
It was crazy, but I didn’t have to think twice. “I must seriously be insane. When do you want me to move in?” I didn’t want to leave Gabriella, but he was right, it was going to happen eventually.
“Today, angel. I want you there now. Besides, I’m going to need your help picking out the furniture. We can go to your apartment and get some of your things if you want.”
“I can’t believe we’re doing this,” I remarked excitedly, letting him go to pick up my towel. He grabbed my bag and shoes while I dusted off. “How did you know I would be here anyway?” We started up the beach toward the steps leading to the parking lot. Our secrets were out and I felt amazingly light and free.
Putting his arm around my shoulders, he dug in his pocket and pulled out the small sand dollar I’d given him when we walked along the beach together almost two months ago. “I saw this and knew.”