“What?”
“Just trying to tell myself I didn’t mess everything up. I still feel horrible about your work trip. And now you’re worried even more about the baby.”
“The baby, andyou.” Hawk sat down on the couch with her still in his arms. “You didn’t mess anything up. I was trying to step up for Seb when I accepted the project, but I really did plan on coming home as early as I could. I don’t want to miss a minute of this.”
Jess nodded, closing her eyes as she slipped off his lap and landed with her back against the sofa.
“You want me to bring you to the bedroom? You can take a nap while I work on dinner,” he asked.
“No,” she answered, not opening her eyes. “I’m not sleepy.”
Hawk chuckled as his hands moved up from her hips, gently tipping her shoulders and guiding her until she was laying down. Cozy warmth wrapped all around her, and she forced one eye open. Hawk had draped her favorite blanket over her body.
“Rest. Fall asleep… or don’t. I’ll be in the kitchen, rounding up the team to figure out who the hell was in that car. Call me if you need anything.”
“Mmm,” she responded, knowing full well she’d be getting up on her own accord, and without his help. But in that moment, she accepted her sleepy fate.
“Hey, Pretty Girl. Dinner’s almost done. Do you want to wake up and eat? Or sleep some more?”
Hawk voice pulled her to the surface. It was hard to tell how long she’d been asleep, but if dinner was almost ready, it was likely she slept for a few hours. Jessie had never been a nap person before, but she had a feeling that was going to be her new normal for the next few years. First, because pregnancy was kicking her ass. Then, because she had this nagging feeling that the baby was going to be a busy bee, always wanting to be awake, taking in the world around them. She would gladly listen to all the women in her life telling her tonap when the baby naps.
“What do you think, Bee?” Jessie forced her eyes to stay closed as his lips pressed against her belly. “Do you have a strong kick in there for your daddy? I know we are a few weeks out from probably feeling you, but you can’t blame me for trying. Or are you pulling a fast one on me and pretending to sleep like your mama right now?”
Jessie picked her hand up, letting it rest in Hawk’s hair. “I wasn’t pretending. You just woke me up.”
“I know,” he chuckled as she opened her eyes. “So, what’ll it be? Dinner, or bed?”
Jessie yawned, and her mouth flooded with saliva at the way the apartment smelled. “Dinner. It smells so good.”
Hawk pressed one more kiss to her stomach, then stood, holding out his hands. Jessie accepted, the smallest bout of dizziness washing through her as he helped her sit up. “I made Italian wedding soup. My mom would make it for me and Mae growing up when we were sick. I know you’ve been good with chicken, so I adjusted the recipe and made chicken meatballs. And I made your cornbread dressing, too.”
God. He was so thoughtful. When was the last time she’d even done something nice for him? “I swear you are too good to be true. Thank you.”
“You don’t have to always thank me for taking care of you. It’s the best thing I’ll ever get to do.”
Jessie shook her head.
“What?” Hawk asked, his brows pulling together as he looked at her.
You’re perfect. I’m falling in love with you and I’m freaking out about it. I don’t deserve you.
“Nothing.”
“It wasn’t nothing.”
“I just really want some of that dressing.”
Hawk smiled. “Your wish is my command, Pretty Girl. Let’s go. I already set the table,” he frowned, not moving. She had no space to stand.
“You have to move if you want me to make it to the table,” she laughed.
“I really want to carry you, but I feel like you’re going to get mad about it.”
“Hawk! Honestly. I need to walk around.” Her eyes went wide as she stood, her hands landing on his arms. “And if you don’t get out of the way, I’m going to pee on you.”
A brilliant smile filled his face as he bent towards her, his lips brushing against her ear. “And what if I told you I’m into that?”
Her hand landed against his chest as she pushed him away. “Go stir the soup. We can discuss your sexual fantasies after I’ve emptied my bladder. Bee’s pressing against it and I really don’t want to have to do laundry tonight.”
