“Deena,” he said in a choked voice.
“I know,” I replied.
He moved his hand from my stomach, taking mine with it. He pressed a long kiss to my fingers then squeezed my hand, swallowing convulsively. “I’m going to be a dad,” he whispered.
A trembling smile took hold of my mouth. “The best dad,” I whispered back.
He straightened. “Have you been to the doctor? We need to get scans. Are you supposed to be eating steak that isn’t fully cooked?” His eyes went panicked. “You’ve been drinking alcohol every time we’ve gone out.”
“Cal.” I put my hands on his shoulders, then slid them up to his cheeks. “The doctor said the risk is low as long as I don’t drink from now on.”
“I’ll get you in with my doctor. They can do a full bloodwork panel, make sure you’re not deficient in anything. You’ll move in with me. We can set up a nursery across the hall and hire a night nurse?—”
“Cal,” I repeated. Tears shimmered in my eyes, and I smiled through the emotion. He was spiraling, and it was adorable. “I like my doctor,” I said. “I’m going to stay with her.”
“But—”
“No buts,” I said. “This might be your baby as much as mine, but for the next several months, it’s still inside my body.”
“I’m coming to your appointments,” he said, brows slamming down.
“Fine,” I said, and smiled. “So…does this mean you’re happy? You…you want this?” My voice cracked on the last sentence, and the final few words came out hoarse.
Cal’s gaze refocused on me, and his expression softened. “I want you any way I can have you, Deena. And yes, I want this child.”
“It’s fast…”
“Any way I can have you,” he repeated.
I exhaled, the fears that had plagued me for days melting away. Cal must have sensed it, because he straightened enough that he could pull me forward for a kiss. He held me gently, like he was afraid of breaking me, and it made me feel cherished and loved in a way I’d never experienced before.
The future was terrifying. I knew I would need help; my usual independence would probably need to take a hit. Even Cal’s insistence that I move in with him sent alarm bells ringing in my head; it was my wiring. I was always going to resist giving up my freedom. But a baby changed things.
A baby would changeme.
Cal was happy, and as we sat back down to continue our meal, I began to imagine the months and years to come. Cal and me, together. A tiny human to keep us company. The joy of watching him or her grow. The joy of watching Cal come into his own as a father. The joy of transforming into a mother—a better mother than the one I had. A little life to cherish and nurture.
It was an immense responsibility. But as we ate our meal and stared at each other with glittering eyes, I felt ready to take it on with Cal by my side.
Cal heldme close as we made our way back to his penthouse. He stroked my shoulder, my side. He kissed my temple. He ran his fingers over my stomach and stroked me through my dress. When we got to his place, he brought me to his room and laid me down on his bed. I smiled as he took the heels off my feet and gave them a long, slow rub.
Tension unwound within me. The lights were dim, and it felt like we were in a little cocoon of bliss. It was so much better thaneven the best-case scenario I’d imagined would happen when I told him.
He stripped my dress off as I wiggled to help. His hands were warm as they skimmed my body, and I turned toward him to demand a kiss. We moved slowly, arms around each other, hands stroking.
“Cal,” I whispered against his lips. “Touch me.”
He was still fully clothed, and I was down to my underwear. My breasts were exposed to the warm air in his room, nipples peaked with arousal. His hand skimmed over my belly and down between my legs as he propped himself up on his elbow beside me.
He rubbed my clit, the fabric of my underwear deliciously rough against my skin. “Move in with me tomorrow,” he demanded.
I couldn’t help my smile. “Maybe we should have this conversation when your hand isn’t between my legs.”
The pressure of his touch increased, and I gasped. My back arched, pleasure sparking through me. His voice was low and commanding. “Move in with me, Deena,” he said. His lips brushed my earlobe, my neck. “Let me keep you close and take care of you the way you deserve.”
How could I resist him? “Okay,” I gasped.
His hand dipped beneath my underwear, and I moaned. With a few impatient tugs, he pulled them off my legs, and I found myself naked before him. He spread my knees with his shoulders and used his mouth to make me come. I clung to the fabric of his shirt, ripping at it until he straightened and tugged it off over his head. My fingers trailed over the hard pack of his chest and abs, hooking into the waistband of his pants.
