Reece
The bedroom door closes softly, and Ethan pads down the hall. I know it’s him by his long, assured stride.
He enters the kitchen, and on his way to the coffeemaker, his gaze lands on the blanket and pillow on the couch. “Was it that bad?” He smirks and pours himself a cup.
“Not terrible.” Seated at the breakfast table, I sip my coffee and skim through my phone. “I’m a light sleeper. I’m usually up all night.”
The dark calls to me, and I wake often. There’s something about solitude in the dead of the night. I can’t explain it, but time moves more slowly. It’s tranquil, meditating.
He takes a seat across from me, blowing the steam from his mug. “That’ll be convenient when the baby comes.”
I wince, a knee-jerk response to the thought of caring for what’s his. I don’t know how they share everything, and I don’t know why it bothers me.
Not only that, but the last time I was around a baby—my nephew when he was a year old—his cries evoked an agitation that made me want to put my fist through a wall.
Ethan quickly corrects himself. “While we’re away…or we could hire a nanny.” His cheeks flush. “I didn’t mean it was your responsibility. Sorry.”
He’s talking as if I belong, as if I’m one of them. Isn’t that what I’d hoped for?
“No, it’s fine. She won’t want a nanny.”
He makes a sound of agreement. “How would you like to do this? I know your dynamic differs from ours, and you want to work security.” He swallows a hefty dose of caffeine and gets straight to the point. “I need her to live in New York. She can’t stay here.”
Of course, I’ll go with her, but… “Permanently?”
He shrugs, but his gaze gravitates to the ceiling. He’s worried about the cameras and Jax’s reaction.
“What about her doctor? Her grandmother? The baby?”
“We’ll figure it out. Obviously, I’ll need your help.” He shoves his fingers through his unruly hair. “If she stays, it’s only a matter of time before it’s her they come after—again. The twins won’t allow Lucas to return, I guarantee it, and I’d much prefer she were with my family and safe.”
I doubt Jackson will finish his contract in LA while Aurora lives in New York, even if he is in love with Ethan. He’ll either quit or have an absolute meltdown.
“I’ll go anywhere with her, but she’s six months pregnant. She and the baby need stability. She’s going to be worried sick again.”
“She has you; you’re her stability as well.”
Panic sets in. I almost lost my partner. I’m struggling to care for myself right now. I don’t know if I can care for heranda baby.
“Once you’re healed,” he continues, “she can travel with us, and we’ll stay in New York when we’re not playing. I’ll talkto her, ensure she has everything she needs. Just help me get through this season. It’s what’s best for her.”
“I don’t disagree, but she’ll have doctor’s appointments. She’ll want a nursery.” I gesture with my hand. “You’re missing out.She’smissing out.”
He narrows his eyes. “What is she missing out on? There are three of us, and she can pick whatever nursery she wishes. I’ll pack up and ship this one if that’s what she wants. I’m trying to keep her safe.”
Frustrated, I shake my head, a dull ache forming at the base of my skull. “She’s missingyou—the father of her child.”
His scowl deepens, a puzzled expression on his face. “I’m not leaving forever.”
I grip the edge of the table, and sharp pain shoots through my neck, adding to my annoyance. I need to go back to bed. Aurora was right—I shouldn’t have slept on the couch. “The baby isn’t mine! It’s not the same.”
He raises a challenging brow. “You can’t love and care for someone who’s not yours?” He holds my gaze, knowing he got me there. “It’s not Jackson’s either, but he’s over the moon with excitement.”
“That’s because it belongs to you.”
“Nope. His life changed the moment he discovered she was pregnant. He didn’t know I was the father.”
“He wants a baby.”
