“Fair enough.” Jake seemed to let it go, but knowing my brother, he would re-visit it at some point in time. “I’m gonna hit the sack. I have a late run up the Hume Highway to Sydney tomorrow. If I get my shut-eye now, I will be able to do the round trip without stopping.”
“Drive safely, okay? I hate when you do long trips.” I gave my brother a big hug.
“Of course, this little tacker in here...” he gently placed his hand on my tummy, “must be dying to meet its uncle. I have no choice but to stay safe, wouldn’t want to disappoint the little rugrat when it’s born.” He removed his hand and shook Bryce’s. “Congratulations, Mate.”
“You are so full of yourself, you know that right?” I teased.
“Yep, full of shit hotness! Don’t forget it.”
“Ewww. Go. Go to bed.” I nudged him toward the door.
“Night,” he called behind him.
“Night,” we replied.
The kids had already taken themselves to bed. Mum, Dad, Jen and Steve all followed shortly after, leaving only Live Trepidation, the girls and their husbands and kids—who were beginning to turn feral—and of course, Carls. Carls, who was on a war path, heading directly for me.
“Shit! I think I’ll take you up on the security guard offer,” I said quickly as I wrapped myself in Bryce’s arms for protection.
He seemed a little concerned. “What? Why?”
“It looks like Carls wants my head on a platter.”
She stormed right up to me, her face desperately trying to hold tight. “You are hilarious,” she said sarcastically.
“I know,” I answered honestly.
“No. That wasn’t funny. I was so fucking embarrassed.”
“Relax. He had no idea.”
“Who had no idea?” Bryce asked.
“Derek,” we both answered.
Bryce looked over at his lead singer, slightly confused. “What does he have no idea about?”
I jumped in before Carls had a chance. “He has no idea Carly has a burnt burger.” I cracked up laughing.
“You’re a bitch, Alexis Summers.”
“No, I’m not, Carly Henkley. Your burger is burnt and you need it thawed out, I was simply trying to begin that process.”
“I can thaw out my own burger, thanks,” she hissed under her breath.
Bryce took a step back. “I’m not fucking sure if you are talking about a BBQ or something entirely different. Either way, I don’t want to know about Carly’s burger, so please excuse me.” He headed toward the other men in the room.
“There is nothing wrong with my burger, Bryce,” she called out after him. “Just so you know, it’s a good burger.”
“Carly!” I playfully hit her on the arm. “Don’t offer your burger to my man.”
“Why? Is he a vegetarian?”
“No! God, no!” I laughed. “The man is a carnivore through and through.” I bit my lip as I remembered our encounter in the Crow.
“I hate you, you know,” she admitted, while taking in my hungry expression.
“You should. Every woman should. I’ve scored big time.”
“Good. I’m glad you know it, Hun.”
“Oh trust me, Carls. I know it alright.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
The next day our family and friends checked out of the hotel at staggered times of the day, most of them popping up to the penthouse to wish me a happy birthday and to thank us and say goodbye. Mum and Dad took Nate and Charli back to the farm with them as it was school holidays for another two weeks. The kids were so excited. They adored the farm and spending time with their grandparents.
Rick had arranged to be off work for the second week of the holidays, so that the kids could stay with him. I assumed that was still the case, but after last night’s heated exchange, I couldn’t exactly be sure. I would have to contact him sooner rather than later to find out. I was still kind of reeling from his outburst and accusation, feeling like I now had to prove my innocence—so to speak. That feeling really pissed me off; I did not have to prove anything to him. I did not have to prove my child was Bryce’s, and I did not have to prove that I had done nothing wrong.
Anger over the whole situation was simmering away deep within me, and I could feel myself begin to get worked up, so I thought I would take out my frustration and stress on the cross trainer. I quickly changed into a pair of knee-length gym pants, a singlet top and a pair of runners and made my way downstairs.
Bryce was sitting on the lounge with his guitar, strumming some chords and writing down what I assumed were notes. Fuck, he looks sexy holding a guitar. Too sexy for his own good. I almost changed my mind about taking my frustration out on the cross trainer, instead thinking I could take it out on him—sexually. He just looked so God damned tasty.