In The Spur of Heath (The Spur Series Book 1) (32 page)

After our bath, we both lay down on the bed – I clad in his t-shirt and one of the VS panties he bought as he rubbed his hand over my stomach. This bed was better than the one he had. I felt like I was lying on a cloud. The thick comforter clumped around us. I snuggled up to him, feeling cosier than ever as we talked about our future, and how much we loved and missed each other.

Our phones were ringing nonstop as we slept peacefully, his hand on my stomach as we spooned. He began to stir awake at the sound of his phone. Removing himself gently from the bed as to not wake me. He picked up his phone and of course, it was Kin. He crept outside into the living room. He pressed his head against the floor-to-ceiling window as the sun’s rays gleamed onto the pool. “Kin, good morning. I’m sorry about last night. I ended up drinking too much and slept at Kai’s. Yep. I’ll see you soon.” He hung up, and walked out onto the balcony, sitting at the round table near the pool.

He looked out over the view of the surrounding buildings and the birds flying around. The air was cool and the sun was warm. He weaved his hand through his hair as he contemplated upon life.

He then got up and walked to the end of the balcony where his bedroom was located, slipping through the sliding glass door on that side. He crept back into bed, staring at me lovingly as I slept. He made his way to my stomach and whispered, “I love you,” pressing his lips against it gently.

My phone began to ring again and Jake growled, taking it into his hand and sucking at his teeth upon seeing Heath’s name on the Caller ID.

I began to stir awake and finally fluttered my eyes open, seeing Jake’s angelic face. “Morning.” He smiled.

“Morning.” I stretched and raised into a seated position.

“How are you two feeling?” He smiled, staring at my stomach. To be honest, it was a little bloated than usual, but nothing significant enough to make me go buying tests and worrying about a pregnancy, but I learnt my lesson for sure.

“We’re great.” I beamed. “Even greater here with you.”  I then turned my head toward the glass window, gasping at the view. “Wow.” I whispered. “This is beautiful.”

“I got this apartment with you in mind. I knew how much you loved sunsets and pretty views.” I looked at him quizzically.

“You did?” I breathed and he nodded. A sort of shyness crept over his face. “That’s really sweet.”

“You know I had this crazy idea.” He smirked and bent his head.

“What?” I asked trying to meet his gaze.

“Let’s get the fuck out of Dillcaster – just run. Fuck Kin. Fuck Heath. Start our new lives elsewhere.” I widened my eyes in disbelief. “Start it – here!”

“You’d be willing to do that?” I asked.

“Hell yeah, anything for my family.” He then laid back onto the bed and I hovered over him.

“You know I can’t just abandon school, and what about crazy pants – she’s in your home.”

“Fuck the house – I’d disappear on her in a hot second. I know you won’t leave school, but it was a pretty awesome thought.” He said sulkily, looking into my eyes.

I loved how passionate and optimistic he was about our family. My ideal man and here I was, in this fucked up place, unable to completely enjoy this bliss.

My phone began to ring again and Jake handed it over to me.
Of course, Heath.
I had sixteen messages and forty-three missed calls.
I didn’t know how to explain my way out of this one
. He must have been out of his mind with worry.

I looked at Jake and he raised his brows defencelessly. I didn’t know what lie to feed Heath. What could I possibly say that could excuse me disappearing for the night? He flipped out the night I first went out with Jake and we weren’t even together then. I couldn’t even imagine what would happen now. I also had not a single alibi. I wasn’t close enough with anyone else to ask them to cover for me.
What to do!
That’s it – I’m going with Jake’s drunk excuse.

I got up off the bed and made my way out onto the balcony, squinting my eyes at the now much brighter sun shining down on me. “Heath?”

“Reese, oh God, thank goodness. Where on God’s green earth are you?” He shouted.

“I’m sorry, I…”

“Sorry? Sorry? Reese, I’ve been going out of my bloody mind! This is absolute bullshit. How dare you put me through this? Not cool, Pieces.”

“I am stressed Heath. I went to get some drinks at Grunge’s and I had one too many and decided to sleep it off in the nearby Motel.”

“What? Are you flipping mad? Why didn’t you call me, or call a cab? What ludicrousness? I don’t accept this excuse.”

“I’m sorry…”

“Reese, you are way better than that. Sorry isn’t good enough. I am ashamed. I am livid. I…When are you coming home?”

“I just woke up. After I bathe and eat some breakfast, I’ll come.”

“Don’t bother to rush on home, I have to head to San Francisco now.” He replied harshly.

“I’m sor…” He hung up on me. Jake crept up slowly behind me and as I was about to turn around, I felt his arms slip around my waist, pulling me closer into him. He kissed the nape of my neck, raising my pores as usual. “I’m sorry, Reese.” He whispered in my ear.

“It’s okay.” I sighed and then turned toward him, meeting his eyes. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.” He smirked and then continued in a faux-baby tone, “And you too.” He rubbed my stomach and sent air kisses.

“You’re so gay.” I rolled my eyes and shoved him playfully.

“Yep, and that’s why I love you Reese Singh.”

Time felt long and drawn out since I told Jake about our baby-to-be. Ever since then, I’ve done nothing but pretend. Pretend to be in love with Heath, pretend to be alright, pretend to not be pregnant. It was all an illusion; a façade of happiness and a future that will never be. It was hard to hide my pregnancy, I was already beginning to put on the weight. My cravings increased and all I wanted was Jake to be by my side. Instead, I was with Heath and Jake was with the crazy bitch. I needed us to be together finally. But of course, things weren’t so simple. Jake had to orchestrate the perfect plan to get rid of Kin once and for all without arising any suspicions from her family, or starting an investigation around him by the authorities, as it would uncover a lot of untruths about his life and past life, as well as destroy his company’s reputation.

It was the first day back at school, my final year and I was ready to get it over with, as well as welcome my baby girl, Amara Charlotte Cavanaugh. Yes, we already knew the sex and the name we wanted to give her.

I sat on the passenger seat in Heath’s car as we made our way to school. My unusual taste in clothing as of late seemed rather peculiar to him. I began to wear skater dresses with matching cardigans, along with my signature combat boots and beanie. I wasn’t much of a casual dress wearer. I only wore dresses when it was time to party or something so yeah, it raised cause for concern, along with my unusual diet, apparent weight gain and constant complaints of aches, pains and nausea. It was only a matter of time ‘til Heath uncovered the truth.

I jumped out of the car as soon as Heath found a park. “Pieces, go ahead and get breakfast, I’ve got to go.” He said as he grabbed his bag out of the backseat, smoothing down his wild hair.

I paused in thought, “Oh right, Mr. Sampson and his colleagues. Well go, I’ll meet you in class.” I nodded as I readjusted the straps of my messenger bag. He gave me a hug and a peck on the lips before taking off.

I paused in the lot, looking around for Jake’s Prius. “Reese, right?” I heard a vaguely familiar voice ask behind me. I spun around and saw the handsome dark skinned guy I met at the mall the day I confirmed my pregnancy. “M-M-Malcolm?” I stuttered with a bright smile. For some odd reason, he had a really nice effect on me. He made me smile.

“Ahh, she remembers me.” He smirked.

“Well, it’s not every day I strike up conversation with a random guy at the mall. Plus you’re Dean Greyman’s nephew, it’s kind of hard not to remember you.” He began to laugh.

“Man, you wouldn’t let me live that down, will you?”

I scrunched up my nose and shook my head. “Nope, not all.” I giggled. “Hey, I was just about to have breakfast, you wanna join me?” I asked him.

“Thank God, yes. I’d love to.” He smiled. I then led him inside Tang. We sat down at my usual table. He decided to order for the both of us and while he was waiting in the line, Jake entered Tang. His briefcase in hand, newspaper clamped under his arm and his well-defined suit neatly pressed and snug on his body. His hair was longer and a little tussled. He rarely had his hair in that tussled manner at work, but I had to admit, it was absolutely cute on him.

We made brief eye contact as he passed by my table, heading toward his own. I looked up at Malcolm and signalled him that I’d be back and he nodded. I went up to Jake. The waitress brought his usual cup of coffee and bagel as he placed his belongings on the table. His face lit up as I approached him. He tried helplessly to hide his enthusiasm at my slight baby bump. I sat opposite him. “Reese.” He breathed. “Wow you look…”

“Fat?” I interrupted.

“I was going to say gorgeous. How are you two doing?” He asked, taking a sip of his coffee.

“Babe, it’s only been a week since you saw me.” I whispered.

The way we looked into each other’s eyes, you would know instantly that we were in love. It was so evident, as much as we tried not to show it, it was there. That energy, that magnetic pulse between us. There was no hiding it.

“It doesn’t take from the fact that I missed you both and want to know how you’re doing?”

“We’re fine.” I wanted to hug him, kiss him and run my fingers through his messy hair.

“You need anything? I have some money for you. It’s a large sum. I would have deposited it into your account but I don’t want to leave a paper trail, you know.”

“Jake, you gave me a lot of money last week. I’m fine you know.” I whispered.

“It’s never enough. I need to make sure you’re well taken care of.”

I exhaled and paused, just staring at him. “You’re sweet, you know. I’ll meet you later at the apartment. Five o’ clock.”

“Great.” He smirked and took another sip of his coffee and winked at me.

Malcolm was at the table with our breakfast, looking on at Jake and me. I strolled up to him and sat down in the chair.

“Isn’t that the guy you were talking to at the mall?” Malcolm asked referencing Jake.
Shit he doesn’t miss a beat, does he?

“Yeah, he’s my teacher.” I answered shakily.

“Seems like a lot more than that.” He peered at me. I shot a look at him, surprise evident on my face. “It’s alright, you know. I wouldn’t say anything.”

“Yeah, there was more, once upon a time.” I croaked.

“That explains the weird exit at the mall. You just ran off.”

“I’m sorry” I cracked a small smile.

“It’s alright. But you guys seem really in love though. I’m good at observing human behaviour, body language.”
Oh God, I wish he would drop this convo.
“I’m sorry.” He stated, observing my uncomfortable facial expression.

“It’s alright.” I replied. “Do you think so?”

“Think what?” He asked taking a bite into his sandwich.

“That we’re in love?”

“Definitely, and forgive me if I am wrong, but I also think you’re still together.”

My jaw literally dropped to the floor.
What. The. Fuck.
“Excuse me?”

“I’m sorry, don’t mean to pry.”

“How do you know these things?” I asked.

“I studied human behaviour at my last school before deciding to move onto Film. I’m really good at it. Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me.” He smiled and took another bite.

“So, did your girlfriend ever come over?” I asked breaking off bits of my sandwich and sticking them into my mouth.

“We broke up. She wasn’t who I thought she was. Screw it. I’m better off anyway.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. Now I can meet some hot Californian girls.” He raised his brows seductively. I giggled. “You are too much for me.” I smiled.

“Well, if you are ever not busy, I’d like you to take me out and about. Introduce me to some people. Help me connect.”

“Me? I’m the last person you’d ever want to do that?”

“Why?”

“I suffer from anti-social personality disorder.” I grinned.

“Bullshit. You are too candid to be ASPD. People like you, I can tell.”

“Fine. When I get chance. Not this evening though.”

“Yeah, you got a date this evening.” He winked.

“Um, it’s… Look, my relationship is really complicated right now.”

“Yeah, I looked you up on Facebook and Heath Andrews is your fiancé, so I know.”

“Are you stalking me?”

“Slightly.” He deadpanned and we both burst out into laughter.

“Okay, I like you.” I grinned.

Malcolm and I continued conversation with the rest of our breakfast. He was odd but I really liked his vibe – as a friend, of course – he was cool. He was easy to talk to and super funny and sarcastic.

After breakfast, I directed him to his class and then headed to Mr. Sampson’s class where I met Heath.

The day was long and drawn out. I guess that tends to happen when you’re counting down the minutes ‘till you see the man you love. I just couldn’t wait until school was over.

Finally, two o’ clock rolled around and I headed home with Heath. I was excited about meeting Jake, making love to him and holding him after a whole freaking week.

I jumped in the shower and began to organise myself to leave.

“Where are you going?” Heath asked with folded arms.

Shit! I didn’t even think about Heath, what is wrong with me?

“Um, you remember my friend Malcolm?” I panicked –
damn it!

“Yeah?” Heath raised a brow.

“Well, I’m going to show him around. He wanted me to introduce him to some of the girls and help him… connect.” I stammered.

“Connect?”

“Yeah, connect. Am I not able to help people connect?” I deadpanned.

“Okay, Pieces. Have fun.” He answered, giving me a side-eye.
Phew! That was close. Damn having an alibi is awesome. At least Malcolm knows about both of them, so he’s the perfect alibi. I just have to make it up to him for real some other time
.

I jumped in my BMW and made my way to Jake’s apartment in Pasadena. He gave me an extra set of keys and the passcode to access it at any time. He wanted to put it in my name, but of course the paper trail was risky, in case Kin decided to play snoopy.

I parked in the underground garage and made my way to the elevator and got on. When the elevator dinged and opened up to the Penthouse Suite, I got off. Making headway toward the door.

As I got my keys out to open the door, Jake swung it open with a huge smile spread across his lips, dressed in nothing but pajama pants and damp tussled hair.

He grabbed me and pulled me into a hug. “Well someone’s happy to see me.” I joked.

“Yes I freaking am!” He said as he kissed me about the neck and lips.

I followed him to the bedroom. I pulled off my cardigan, my bump now a little more visible. He sat on the edge of the bed smiling at it. “It’s so cute.” He quipped.

“You are so gay.” I rolled my eyes at him.

“Strictly for you though.” He retorted. And we both laughed. He grabbed onto my wrist and pulled me into him, craning his neck up at me. I looked down into his eyes, clasping his face. Our gazes locked for a moment. I then leaned into him and he closed his eyes as our lips touched.

“Seeing you today after an entire week - fuck!” He whispered against my lips. I knew exactly what he meant because I felt the same way too. “Are you hungry?” He asked and stood up.

“Starving, for you.” I joked.

“Really?” His brow arched and a corner of his mouth turned up. Mischief evident on his face. And I nodded coquettishly. “Aww. Then what would I do with the Pizza I bought? I know you said you’ve been craving it all week long.”

“Provolone cheese?” I asked elatedly with rounded eyes.

“Yep and mozzarella, jalapenos, mushrooms, pineapple, chicken and sweet peppers.” He grinned. I whizzed past him and made way to the kitchen. He had already set the breakfast bar with cups and plates, the pizza box sitting at the side.

“Dude, I love you.” I exhaled as I sat down at the breakfast bar. He sat beside me and opened the pizza box. Gosh, it was still piping hot. I broke off a slice pulling the strings of gooey melted cheese with it. I scarfed down slice after slice, almost rabidly, and Jake kept laughing at me.

He was in such awe of me in my pregnant state. I took comfort in knowing that, and how supportive he had been. The time was near for us to put things in place for Kin and I couldn’t wait. I wanted my little family together. I hardly paid attention to Heath. He was starting to become a bit possessive and controlling, although, I don’t blame him. It’s only a natural reaction to my actions. I’ve been AWOL a lot and very secretive. He just didn’t know how to deal with it.

I was hoping to subtly be as horrible a girlfriend as possible so he would breakup with me, whilst preserving our friendship, but he’s been clinging on to dear life.

“I can’t wait for our little family.” Jake said with a bright smile. “It’s going to be great. You, me and Amara.”

“Mmhmmm.” I smiled with a stuffed mouth.

After dinner, Jake and I sat around the edge of the pool outside on the balcony, our feet soaking in the glowing water as we looked at the sunset. He placed an arm around me and the other on my stomach, feeling as the baby kicked up a storm. I was so overwhelmed. I was in love with him and our baby girl, and this moment was everything to me – to us. He looked into my eyes. “I bought you something.” He whispered. I raised a brow, anticipating what it was. “I’ll be right back.” He pulled his feet from out of the pool and walked towards the glass door leading to his bedroom. He returned shortly with something in his hand and I looked at him in uncertainty, trying to figure out what it was. He then sat beside me again, rolling up his pajama pants before sticking his foot back into the water. “Open it.” He whispered as he handed a tiny jewellery box over to me. I hesitated for a moment, then opened it and gasped upon the sight.

“What?” I whispered, feeling confused.