Devoted - The Complete Series: A BWWM Romance Boxset by Sadie Black Page B

mark with her highly arched eyebrow and her mouth open in an ‘O’. “Joseph, what does he have to do with anything?”
     
    Wipe my hands over my face, my fingers are coated in tears. I just leave my hands against my cheeks as a shield from Kendra’s enquiring eyes. “He, uh, well… I never told you this, but he got me pregnant senior year. When I decided to keep it, and he ran out. That’s why I went to live with my aunt. Dad kicked me out of the house when he found out. Then, two weeks later I had a miscarriage anyway, so it was a ton of drama for nothing.”
     
    Kendra’s eyes are round with surprise, and she exhales like I just kicked her in the stomach. “Why didn’t you tell me?” Her quiet voice trembles. Her chin quivers a little, and her eyes fill up. “I hate that you went through that all alone! I could’ve helped you.”
     
    “Shame,” I confess to my rug. “I fucked up, tore my family apart, I thought I ruined my life and then just as I was getting used to the idea-- I lost the baby. I just,” tears stream down over my cheeks, “I didn’t want you to think less of me too.”
     
    Kendra throws her arms around me as we mourn the past. Crying into her shoulder, I wonder how much of this history is going to repeat itself. She waits patiently until my sobs subside and places one hand on each of my shoulders, looking me in my puffy eyes. “No matter what happens this time, I’ll be right by your side, ok? You can do this, and I’ll help you. Besides,” she adds cheerfully, ‘’how amazing is it that we’re going to have our babies around the same time? They’re going to be best friends just like their Mamas,” she gives my shoulder a little squeeze, smiling.
     
    I smile weakly. I couldn’t ask for a better friend. There’s no doubt in my mind that she’ll do what she can to be there for me. The question is: will Bradley?
     

     
    Every time the bus stops, my anxiety climbs. When I called Bradley and told him I needed to see him, he offered to pick me up and take me to dinner, but I turned him down on both counts. I knew the second I sat in his car with him that I’d blurt everything out. If I did somehow make it all the way to the restaurant first, the last thing I want is to discuss such a serious issue while waiters interrupt us with water refills and spouting off dinner specials. No. The best plan is to tell him in the privacy of his place. That way, if I do need to leave, it can be done with my head held high. Not after waiting through awkward silence for a check to arrive.
     
    Stop expecting the worst. Bradley Sheppard isn’t like Joseph White in any way. For one, Joe was only seventeen when I broke the news to him. Obviously, Bradley is more mature, not to mention sweet, generous and loving. Yet, we’ve only known each other for a month and a half. I knew Joseph for two years, and that history didn’t mean anything as he ran out the door without looking back. Even though that was another man, and I use that term loosely, and another time, I still can’t shake my doubts that this time will be much better.
     
    As the bus pulls up to my stop, I briefly consider staying in my seat and just riding to the end of the route. The thought is powerful but fleeting. I push my shoulders back and hold my chin high as I walk off the bus toward my fate.
     

     
    “Come in! Let me get your jacket.” Bradley holds out his hands ready to hang up my coat.
     
    “Um, no. I have a bit of a chill. I’ll just keep it on for now, thanks,” I lie, following him into his apartment. I want to wait and see how this is going to go before I start getting too comfortable.
     
    “Uh, sure. No problem.” He frowns at the floor. “Can I get you a drink? A glass of wine?”
     
    “No!” I don’t mean to be so emphatic; I’m just nervous. Inside voice Brianna, calm down. “A water would be great though.”
     
    Bradley motions to take a seat in his living room. “You’re right, it’s too