Seducing Simon(39)

When she was ready to leave, Sarah pulled her aside. “First of all, I wanted to offer my congratulations on the baby.”

“Thanks, Sarah. I appreciate it.” Sarah was a down to earth woman in her thirties. She had a no-nonsense approach to everything, and next to Lonnie, she called the shots around dispatch.

“Secondly, Lonnie figured you’d pick things back up quickly so he left a tentative schedule for you. Look over it and see what you think. If it’s okay, we’ll jot you down for those days.” Toni took the sheet from her and glanced over it. She worked both days of the upcoming weekend, plus one weeknight in between. The rest of the month consisted of at least one weekend day and two to three weeknights. Not overwhelming, but it sure wouldn’t leave much time at home. It was perfect.

“These are fine,” she said handing back the schedule to Sarah.

“You sure it won’t be too much with you being pregnant?”

“I’ll be fine. I can always sit with my feet up.”

“That’s true,” Sarah said with a grin. “I’ll make sure Lonnie gets you a nice cushion. You could probably ask for just about anything at this point. He’s so grateful he’d likely give it to you.” Toni laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Well, you get on home. I’ll see you Thursday.” Toni waved and headed out to her Jeep. When she got home and let herself in the house, she nearly groaned aloud. Matt, A.J. and Simon were all sitting on the couch obviously waiting for her.

Ignoring them, she set about making a sandwich.

“It’s not going to work,” Matt announced.

She turned around and raised her brow.

“You’re ignoring us.”

“I’m eating,” she pointed out.

“Well, that’s something, at least. You haven’t been doing enough of that lately.”

“Don’t lecture,” she said with a frown. She turned back to her sandwich, but she felt their stares. If she were really brave, she’d go to her room and bar the door. But that would immediately send the signal she was indeed avoiding them. Better to sit here and eat then go to bed.

“We want to talk to you, Toni,” Matt persisted.

With a sigh she turned back around. “Can a girl eat in peace?”

“By all means finish, but when you’re done, we’re going to have a little talk.”

She rolled her eyes. “There’s nothing to talk about.”

“I think there is,” Simon spoke up, his voice strained.

Panic assailed her. Surely he wouldn’t bring up what happened in front of the guys. Her food coiled in a knot in her throat then hit her stomach like a ton of bricks. Her stomach lurched in protest.

Not bothering to explain, she bolted for the bathroom. Her stomach emptied in short order. She leaned heavily against the toilet, anxiety eating a hole in her gut.

“Toni, open the damn door,” Matt demanded.

Well, at least it wasn’t Simon. Weakly, she flipped the bolt then returned to her stance of hanging her head over the bowl.

“Are you okay?” he asked as he shoved into the small bathroom with her.

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

He grabbed a washcloth from the closet and ran cold water over it.

“Here,” he said offering it to her.

“Thanks.” She rose slowly, wiping her forehead with the cloth.

“Now suppose you tell me what the hell is going on with you.” She flushed the toilet then lowered the seat so she could sit. “Nothing is going on. This is normal pregnancy stuff.”

“I see. You getting a second job is normal pregnancy stuff. And not saying anything to me about it is normal pregnancy stuff.” He crossed his arms over his chest and stared hard at her.

She let out a frustrated sigh. “It’s no big deal. I wanted the extra money for when the baby comes. Lonnie’s offered me a job before. I thought it would be a great job. You worked on Sunday so I didn’t see you.”

“You used to come around the station,” he pointed out. “And in the past you would have come right over to share any news.”

“I just don’t feel comfortable coming around right now,” she hedged.

It wasn’t a complete lie. She was uncomfortable, but her pregnancy had nothing to do with it.

“Is my asking Stephanie to marry me bothering you? You know I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, Toni. If you want to stay here, just say so. I don’t want you killing yourself at a second job in order to afford to move out.”

She stared at him in shock. “No. God, no. That isn’t it at all, Matt. I’m thrilled for you. Stephanie is a wonderful girl and you deserve to be happy. I’m angry at myself for being such a screwup. You shouldn’t have to plan your life around me and my stupidity.” He frowned hard at her. “I don’t want to ever hear you talking like that. Stephanie and I could never be happy knowing it was at your expense. And you aren’t stupid. No one thinks that.”

“So you don’t think it’s stupid I got myself knocked up and have no man in the wings?” she asked dryly. She immediately regretted her snappy question when Matt jumped on it with both feet.

“I have to admit I’m curious,” he said quietly. “You’ve never talked about the father. I’ve respected your privacy, but I’m a little hurt you feel you can’t confide in me.”