Amber gasped. “What? Julian got you pregnant?”
“Yes. I can’t believe it. I took the test a couple of weeks, and then I went to the doctor to confirm it. I’m not far along, but it’s official. I’m going to be a mommy.”
They all cheered. “That better not be alcohol,” Amber said, pointing to the drink in front of her.
“No, it’s not. Julian didn’t want me coming today. I promised him I’d be good. I’d never risk this baby. I can’t believe I’m going to be a mommy.”
Heather looked so happy. Laughing, Amber found herself looking for Elijah. He was sat at the bar watching her. A gentle hum settled over her. She kept her gaze on Elijah, knowing she wanted a future with him. She’d do everything in her power to make him happy. In the last few weeks he’d really showed her what their life could be together.
“I’m going to the ladies’ room with Connie to prepare her,” Heather said.
Amber watched her friends go. Ashley slid closer to her.
“Are you going to give me any juicy details?” she asked.
“About what?”
“About the hot guy staring at you all the time. I never thought Elijah was capable of being a stalker. I think he should win awards for the change inside him.”
Amber laughed. “He’s not that bad.”
“No? Then why have you both kept it a secret all these years?”
There was no answer to that question at all.
“I don’t know what to say,” Amber said, staring down at her hands.
“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to burst your bubble. I know you’ve got your reasons, and I’m sure he’s got his.” Ashley moved away.
“What’s going on with you?” Amber asked. “We rarely see each other anymore. How’s the bar work going?”
“Fine. Everything is fine in my life.”Ashley stood. “I’m sorry to bail. I need to get out of here.”
Amber tried to get her friend to sit, but Ashley wouldn’t listen.
“Tell Heather congratulations and I’m sorry for leaving. I just need to go.”
Watching her go, Amber felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. Turning around she saw Elijah stood at the bar. She smiled, but his attention was focused on something in front of him.
The crowd blocking the person moved, and she saw the blonde from Club Kink.
Great, just great.
****
“What are you doing here?” Elijah asked. The woman in front of him looked down at her feet.
“I’m sorry. I don’t come to Wade’s often. I couldn’t believe it was you, and I had to come and say hello.”
Glancing at the table where Amber was, he saw her talking with Ashley. Shit, he couldn’t remember her name. Her name had completely vanished from his head. He and Amber were doing so well. This could spoil it if he didn’t get rid of her.
“You can’t remember my name, can you?” she asked.
“No.”
“It’s Erika.”
“Hi, Erika.” Now he remembered her name again. Running his fingers through his hair, he looked at Amber. She was staring at the woman beside him. “Shit.”
Erika turned in her direction. “Oh, you and Amber were an actual couple?”
“Yes, we’re a couple, and I need you to leave.” He gritted the words out.
“Okay, erm, I’m so sorry.”
“The rules of the club state you’re not to make anyone uncomfortable outside the club,” he said. Tyler was strict about his club and his rules. If people wanted to meet outside of the club that was down to them. This was not one of those situations. He didn’t want to know her.
“I know. I shouldn’t have come over. The last time we were together I thought there was something between us.”
He shook his head. “No, there’s nothing between us. Nothing ever will be between us. This is my fault. I shouldn’t have brought you into my mess.”
“Mess? You consider us a mess?” Amber asked, standing behind him.
Turning around he saw the sadness in her eyes. She looked behind him at Erika.
“Amber,” he said.
“Elijah.” She stared at him with tears glistening in her eyes. “I should have known this was a big mistake.”
She turned away and started toward the door.
Throwing his hands up in frustration, he threw some notes down on the bar. “Don’t approach me in a bar again. There is nothing between us, Erika, and you know I’m not the man for you.”
He charged after Amber. She was storming down the street as he got outside.
“Amber.” He shouted her name.
She wouldn’t stop walking away from him.
Running down the street Elijah called her name several more times.