“But that was the plan, remember?”
“Was it?” Her bottom lip trembles violently. “I don’t remember agreeing to that suggestion.”
Her emotions are wild and out of control. From what the internet says, it’s only exasperated by pregnancy hormones. Rogue hops onto the couch and tries to wedge himself between us. Runaway joins a second later. They’re her Velcro animals and can always sense when she’s not doing well.
“We don’t have to figure all that out right now,” I say softly. “Today has been a long, hard day for you. Why don’t you take a nap, honey?”
She nods. “Okay. Can you stay with me?”
As if I’m going to leave her in this state.
“I wasn’t planning on going anywhere.”
Her smile is sweet and it makes my chest ache. “Thank you.”
Since her back is still hurt, I assist her up the stairs. The entire time, my phone buzzes in my pocket. Once I get her to her room, I excuse myself to the nursery to see who’s blowing me up.
Angela: Daddy said you got the perfect ring for me.
Angela: He won’t give me any details. So annoying.
Angela: I can see your location. I hope this means you’re planning the most epic proposal with Riko rather than avoiding me. LOL.
My stomach twists.
Me: Yup. Talk soon.
Angela: Love you.
Me: Yep.
I kick off my shoes, drop my phone beside them, and make my way to Abby’s room so I can comfort her without distraction. When I enter, I stop dead in my tracks. She’s changing out of her clothes and into an oversized T-shirt. I stare at her smooth, naked back. No bra. Her purple panties are tight on her growing bottom showing off a lot of cheek. My cock twitches.
Not helpful, dude.
I clear my throat. She quickly yanks on the shirt and then whirls around to look at me. Since she’s getting comfortable, I decide to do the same and shed my shirt. A flicker of pride races through me when her heated gaze skims over my chest. I’ve been working my ass off at the gym to keep up with the other athletes. Guess it’s paying off.
Abby crawls into bed and I follow. Once I’m on my back, she curls around me and her palm rests on the center of my chest. My heart hammers beneath her fingertips, sending blood straight to my cock.
“Sorry I freaked out earlier,” she whispers, hot breath tickling over my skin. “I feel so out of control lately.”
“It’s okay.”
She scoffs. “No, it’s not, Rhett. You’ve been doing so much for me. At first, I was pissed at you when I got pregnant, but I’m so grateful for you. This would be a nightmare with anyone else, but with you, it’s not.”
I hug her to me and kiss her hair. “I’m a step above a nightmare. Winning over here.”
“Just a tiny step. Don’t let it go to your head.”
She tilts her head up and when I look down at her, our mouths are close. Too close. Her tongue sweeps across her bottom lip and it transfixes me. I find myself leaning a little closer, aching to lick it too.
Dude. No.
What the fuck.
A small sigh escapes her as she closes her eyes. Her lips part as though she’s waiting for the kiss that will never come. I’ve already screwed up royally. I have more self-control than that, so I remain still, not meeting her for the kiss.
“I’m with Angela,” I remind us both.
