“Forgot it today.”
As soon as we’re both in the car, he turns to me. “You forgot your coat and you were gonna turn down a ride? Why?”
There’s that dad tone again. I try to hide my smile, and I can tell the moment he realizes that. His brows draw together in a frown. “What?”
“Nothing.”
“No, you’re looking at me strangely. What is it?”
I can’t hold it in any longer.
“You just sound like a dad, that’s all.”
His expression relaxes as he leans his head back against the seat and lets out a soft chuckle. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be, it’s cute.”
There’s a lot about Brady that’s cute, if I’m being honest with myself.
“But you really didn’t have to give up your evening just to drive me home.”
Brady’s head turns, and he stares at me for a second, unblinking. “Sage. There’s nothing more important to me than you and our baby. Got it? Please believe me when I tell you, I just want what’s best for the two of you. I swear.”
I’m not sure what surprises me more. His heartfelt statement, or the fact that I actually do believe every single word of it.
“How do you always say the right thing? Like, are you for real?”
“I’m saying what I mean. What I feel.”
He moves slowly, giving me plenty of time to stop him, but I don’t. His strong hand lands on my thigh, its presence a warm, comforting weight.
“You thought I was a good enough guy to go home with all those months ago. Your gut told you I was safe. So what’s your gut telling you about me now?”
My lips curve up into a rueful smile. “That I’m being a stubborn idiot.”
His eyebrows lift slightly. “Well, okay, maybe don’t listen to that.”
I look down to where his hand is still resting on my leg. “I’ve spent the last several years going where the wind takes me. Never staying in one spot for long, just constantly exploring. This baby changes everything for me. It’s not just letting you in that scares me, it’s…”
“It’s your entire life being turned upside down,” he finishes for me quietly. “Believe me, I know how that feels. Your plans change in an instant, and you’re forced to sink or swim.” He squeezes my leg. “All I’m saying is, I’ll be your life preserver if you’ll let me.”
I lift my head, my gaze meeting his warm one. I don’t know how to respond, so I simply nod. Warmth, and something like gratitude, flash across his face, then he removes his hand, replacing it on the steering wheel.
I immediately miss the feel of it.
“Now, where’s your place?”
“The Cedar Creek Inn. It’s just a few blocks away.”
His brow furrows in confusion. “The inn?”
“Yeah.”
My gaze darts down to the steering wheel as he pulls out of the parking space. He’s gripping it tightly. Is he upset that I’m staying in a hotel? I don’t know why that would matter to him, but it’s clear it does.
And he proves me right when he asks, “Can I ask why a hotel? I figured you’d rent an apartment or something.”
“Oh, I am looking for a short-term rental, but there’s not a lot of options for month-to-month.”
