Page 44 of River Wild

Getting my key, I unlock my front door and walk inside. I left the lights on, so it wouldn’t be dark, coming home.

I really don’t like walking into a dark room.

Buddy gives a little wriggle in my arms, so I put him down to the floor.

“Welcome to your new home, Buddy.” I watch him as he goes off, exploring the living room.

When I turn to River, I find him standing just inside the doorway, filling it out, watching me. Those dark brows of his are lowered over his eyes, concealing whatever is in them.

“Where do you want me to put this junk?” He lifts Buddy’s things in gesture.

I ignore the junk comment and say, “On the coffee table will be fine, thanks.”

I shut the door while River puts Buddy’s things on the table.

He looks huge in my small living room.

After he puts the items down, he pauses, staring at the fireplace. Then, he turns abruptly. “Are you pregnant?” His eyes drop to my flat stomach.

Ah, he saw my ultrasound picture.

“Yes, I am. Seven weeks—that’s why I’m not showing yet.” I press my hand to my stomach.

“Where’s the father?”

My lips part in surprise.

I stare at him—not wanting to answer, but unsure of what to say.

“I shouldn’t have asked that. It’s none of my business.”

I fold my arms over my chest. “No, it’s not.”

Surprise flickers in his expression along with what I think is admiration. But I can’t be sure with him.

“So, you’re alone.”

His words needle at me.

I narrow my gaze. “Clearly.”

“Why didn’t you say that you were pregnant?”

My brows furrow with confusion and annoyance. “I didn’t know I had to announce it.”

“Well, I wouldn’t have let you carry that mutt around if I’d known you were pregnant.” He throws his hands in the air, seeming irritated. Though I’m not really sure what he has to be irritated about.

“I’m pregnant, not ill. And please stop calling Buddy a mutt.”

He grunts. “He looks like a mutt. An ugly little gremlin. Make sure you don’t feed him after midnight.”

“Did you just make a joke?” My lips spread into a smile even though he did just indirectly insult Buddy. “I didn’t know you were capable of it.”

His brows lower over his dark eyes. A shiver rakes down my spine.

“You’d be surprised at what I’m capable of.”

I think his words are meant to scare me, but they don’t.