I let out a short laugh. “And you’re a kiss-ass.”
That earns me another kiss on my neck and a light slap on my ass. Then he steps back, taking his warmth with him. “Ten minutes.” He throws over his shoulder as he strides out of the room.
As I load the dishwasher, I reminisce about my past. I find myself doing it a lot recently. Even in my wildest dreams I couldn’t have imagined that Hayden Hale would ever notice me, never mind thatthere would ever be a day when I would call him mine. Yet, that’s my reality.
Hade is loving and caring, and he’s not afraid to show his feelings for me, regardless of who’s around. Last week, when he told me I know more about him than even Piper, my little heart pitter pattered and the butterflies in my stomach totally lost their minds.
I blink, returning to reality, and load another plate into the dishwasher. What I know for certain is that he keeps his promises. So I put the last glass on the top rack, close the dishwasher, and hurry out of the kitchen.
I find Hade in nothing but a towel wrapped around his hips. Fresh out of the shower, droplets of water still running down his torso. It’s like he’s taunting me on purpose.
Trying to ignore the growing warmth in my lower abdomen, I snag a set of PJs from the dresser and head to the bathroom.
“You barely made it before your ten minutes were up,” he teases as I walk past him.
“But I did.” I pause at the threshold. “While you took a shower without waiting for me to keep you company.”
His jaw unhinges and his towel slips lower, so it barely covers his groin.
It takes all my willpower to proceed with my plan to go to the bathroom. The damn man is enticing. “Well, I need ten more minutes,” I say and close the door.
The booming laughter that follows puts a smile on my face.
I love this man.
As I step out of the bathroom, I find Hayden tucked under the blanket with a book open in front of him and a serious expression on his face. I slip under the covers and wiggle, searching for a comfortable position. Without taking his eyes off the book,The Empire of the Wolves—a recommendation from me—he snakes his arm around my shoulder and pulls me close.
Am I that predictable?
“You were right. This book is more than just interesting,” he murmurs, glancing down at me. “Though, it’s also very dark.”
“I read it twice. I’m glad you decided to give it a try. Maybe I’ll eventually talk you into reading other books I love too.” I snuggle closer, closing my eyes. Mmm, he smells delicious.
“Maybe,” he says. “You want me to turn the lamp off? It’s been a long day. You must be tired.”
“Lately I can barely make it past nine, and it’s almost ten.” I yawn. “You can keep reading if you want. You’re not bothering me.”
He chuckles, closing the book. “I love falling asleep holding you in my arms. No matter how much I like the storyline, I will always choose you.” He tips to one side, setting the book on the nightstand, and turns the lights off. Then he holds me tight, his warmth lulling me to sleep.
I’m on the border of losing consciousness when a sudden thought rears its head.
“Hade?”
“Yeah?” His raspy voice in my ear sends shivers down my spine.
“Ines mentioned something today that made me think about us. So there’s something I wanted to ask you.” I stammer a little, my heart rate spiking.
He hums, shifting so we’re eye to eye. “Why do you seem so apprehensive to ask?”
I take in a shaky breath. “It’s just maybe I’m getting ahead of myself. Maybe it’s too early.”
“Let me be the judge here, okay? I’m listening.”
“I’m due in March.” I blurt out.
He snorts. “Dr. Bell mentioned that.”
“Ines told me how much it meant to her to have Owen there when she had Santi. How much it helped to have his support.” I worry my bottom lip and peer at him through the dark. “So I was wondering…would you be there with me?”
