Back Road Chances (Roughneck #2) by Nicole Hart Page A

from her cheek.
    “Ya think?” I said, and patted her back.
    “I’m just glad y’all are getting your shit together,” Lainey said with a giggle, but tears were still falling from her eyes. Damn, this pregnancy shit was no joke.
    “Ok, you’re fucking freaking me out a little. Do you need to eat or something?” I said.
    “Yes.” Lainey said. “Food makes everything better these days.”
    “Well, let’s get that shit started,” I said, as I stood up and grabbed Lainey’s hand then pulled her towards the kitchen.
     
    The week had finally gone by and Moon would be coming home tomorrow. I was trying to stay busy with work and spent a lot of time shopping for baby stuff with Lainey. But I was so ready for Moon to get back in town. It’s like he knew I was thinking about him, because my phone rang and it was him.
    “Hello,” I said.
    “Hey darlin,” Moon said with that sweet country twang of his. Damn, I missed him. But there was something else in his voice, I sensed it immediately.
    “What’s wrong?” I asked, but hoping I was just being paranoid.
    He let out a loud exhale but didn’t say anything.
    “Moon,” I said.
    “I’ve got bad news.”
    “What is it?” My stomach was in knots.
    “The dumb fuck on the other side got popped with a drug test and the idiot failed it. So I’m stuck here until they can find someone else. But I don’t think they’re trying too hard so it looks like I’ll be here awhile.”
    “How long?” I asked quietly.
    “Pusher said expect a month, his hitch and then my normal one. Sorry darlin.”
    “It’s not your fault, but this fucking sucks,” I said, trying to hold back tears. Fucking tears. Seriously.
    “I know,” he said, his voice full of disappointment.
    “Jase won’t split it with you?” I knew it sounded selfish, but I had to ask.
    “He said he would if Lainey wasn’t pregnant. I can’t blame him I guess.” Moon said.
    “Yeah, I know.”
    “I miss you,” Moon said, and I couldn’t fight the tears back anymore. I can’t believe I was being such a fucking tit bag.
    “Me too.” I whispered through the lump in my throat.
    “I’m sorry.” Moon said quietly.
    “Don’t apologize. It’s not your fault.” I fucking hated the oilfield right now.
    “Sam?” Moon said.
    “Yeah?” I said after I cleared my throat.
    “I love you.”
    “I love you, too.” I said, but it was so quiet, I don’t even know if he heard me.
    “I gotta go, ok?” I said.
    “Ok.” He said.
    “I’ll call you back in a little bit.” I said. I had to hang up. I was about to lose it.
    “Ok, darlin.” He said, and I ended the call abruptly.
    Chapter 10
     
    Moon
     
    This. Fucking. Sucked.
    I was pissed and sad which was a fucked up combination. I wasn’t going to see her for a month. A whole fucking month. And I knew she was upset which made it so much worse. I hated how hurt she sounded. She almost sounded like she was crying, but I wasn’t sure. And she hung up so quickly, I think she was trying to hide it.
    “Son of a bitch!” I mumbled, as I threw my hard hat across the room. We were finally getting somewhere. And now I was going to be without her for a fucking month.
    But I knew I couldn’t be a puss about this. I had to fucking suck it up. This was my job. I knew this shit happened. This wasn’t even the first time, but this would definitely be the hardest.
    Once I grabbed my hard hat off the floor, I made my way to the doghouse, all while trying to change my pissy attitude. When I walked in Jase was finishing his books and about to head out.
    “Hey dude!” He said, as he was gathering his stuff.
    “Hey.” I said, trying not to sound like a whine bag.
    “Hey man, I feel bad for not splitting this hitch with you, but I just can’t leave Lainey by herself more than I have to.”
    “Aw, it’s fine man,” I said, trying to mean it. “I don’t blame ya.” That part was true.
    “Alright then, I’m heading out. Just a heads up though, I heard