A Hollywood Deal(86)

“That’s the story of Lauren,” I say.

Paige’s voice is so soft I almost don’t hear her. “That’s terrible. No wonder you jumped to conclusions.” She lowers her gaze, then reaches over and holds my hand. “You should tell Anthony. He needs to know the truth and stop blaming you.”

I pull my hand out of hers. “It’s too late. We’ve said and done too many things over the years. And he crossed the line when he put his hands on you. Nothing I tell him is going to make things right between us.”

Her eyebrows are pinched together until they form a sharp V. “Not even punching each other out the way you both just did can change that?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Well…you know. That’s what happens in movies. Two dumb guys break each other’s noses and they’re best friends again.”

I can’t help but give a short laugh. “This isn’t a movie, Paige.”

She is silent for a moment, then suddenly gasps. It’s not a surprise gasp; it’s a pain gasp.

“Ryder.”

“What?”

“I think you need to…pull over.”

She turns bloodless and doubles over.

“Do you want to throw up?” She hasn’t shown any signs of morning sickness, but maybe it’s starting now.

“I don’t know. I don’t feel good.”

I pull over to the shoulder.

She opens the door and stumbles out of the car. Then I see it. The red stain on her skirt and the seat.

Panic bursts through my veins, and every hair on my body bristles as fear and adrenaline flood my bloodstream. What I don’t know about pregnancy could fill a data center, but I know bleeding is bad.

I rush out of the car, going around to reach Paige. She’s on her hands and knees on the sidewalk, panting. Sweat beads along her hairline.

She clutches her belly. “Ohmygod. It hurts.” She moans, then clenches her teeth.

“Okay. Hang in there.” I crouch and cradle her in my arms. Her skin feels cool and clammy against mine. Jesus.

I pull out my phone and dial.

“Nine-one-one. What’s your emergency?” comes a brisk voice.

“It’s my fiancée.” My hand shakes. “She’s bleeding.”