Free The Ex Games 3 by J. S. Cooper, Helen Cooper Page A

morning.”
    “Uh huh.”
    “But don’t worry, it will be your face I picture when we get off the phone.”
    “What?” I squeaked out.
    “Nothing, beautiful Katie,” he sighed. “Get some sleep. I’ll be picking you up in a few hours.”
    “Okay ,” I sighed, not wanting to get off of the phone.
    “What’s wrong?” he questioned me and I was quiet. “Katie.”
    “Nothing.”
    “Do you want me to stay on the phone?” he whispered.
    “No ,” I lied.
    “I remember when we first started dating . You always wanted me to stay on the phone with you.” He laughed. “I’m not sure how either of us got anything done with all those marathon calls.”
    “We didn’t have that many ,” I giggled as I remembered those first days.
    “We spoke on the phone every night. You talked my ear off going on about books and TV shows.” He laughed. “But it was all worth it when I heard your sweet little snores as you fell asleep.”
    “I don’t snore.”
    “I’m afraid you do.”
    “No one has ever told me I snored ,” I protested.
    “How many men have you slept with?” His tone changed , and I could hear the jealousy. I felt all warm inside as he spoke and I knew that I was just as dysfunctional as him.
    “I’m not answering the question.”
    “I know the answer already,” he laughed.
    “You’re a creep.”
    “I didn’t stop you from dating anyone.”
    “I know ,” I sighed. “Do you ever think about the days before we broke up? The days before I moved in? The first days?”
    “All the time.”
    “They were good, weren’t they?”
    “The very best.”
    “Thank you for taking Harry,” I whispered.
    “I love you, Katie.” His voice was stronger this time. “And I love Harry more than life itself.”
    “You’re a good dad.”
    “I got one thing right.” He sighed. “Stay the night tomorrow.”
    “No.”
    “Think about it.”
    “Okay, I’ll think about it.”
    “Sweet dreams, Katie.”
    “Sweet dreams, Brandon.” I waited for him to hang up before I put down the phone. “You’re still there,” I whispered, and he laughed.
    “I’m hoping I get to hear the snores of an angel again.”
    “You want me to fall asleep on the phone?”
    “I want you to fall asleep in my arms, but the phone will have to do tonight.”
    “Night, Brandon.” I closed my eyes and snuggled into my pillow, the phone pressed against me ear. I lay there listening to the sound of his breathing and it comforted me. Before I knew it, I had fallen into a deep sleep and I had dreams filled with Brandon, me, and babies.

    ***
    “Don’t worry, Katie. It’ll be fine.” Brandon squeezed my hand as we walked up to the front door of his dad ’s house. “Just remember, don’t tell him you’re his mom, please. I don’t want to shock him.”
    “I won’t tell him.” I nodded. I felt hurt that Brandon didn’t want Harry to know right away, but I understood slightly. “Who does he think Maria is to him?” I frowned as we waited at the door.
    “He’s only known Maria for the last year or so. She moved in fairly recently.” Brandon sighed. “He thinks she is his babysitter.”
    “Oh.” I bit my lower lip to stop from saying anything else.
    “Hello,” a sweet older lady said when she answered the door. She had platinum blond hair and a big red smile. “Brandon, you’re here early.” She gave him a hug and then looked at me.
    “This is my friend, Katie, Verna.” He introduced us , and the lady known as Verna looked me over with knowing eyes.
    “Katie, this is my father ’s girlfriend, Verna.”
    “Nice to meet you.” I reached over to shake her hand, but she gave me a hug instead.
    “It’s wonderful to meet you, my girl.” She smiled at me happily. “You have such pretty brown eyes.”
    I smiled back at her, appreciating her warmth to me , and was about to speak when I saw a little boy darting to the door.
    “Daddy !” He ran into Brandon’s arms, grinning. “I’m having pancakes.”
    “I