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“Hey, it’s a real word. Look it up.”

“I believe you. Hell, you’ve done more research about baby stuff than I have. Unfortunately, school has been my priority.”

“It’s fine. But back to the topic at hand, I think we should get away. Just the two of us,” I continue, moving my thumb along the curve of her jaw and then up to her bottom lip, toying with it.

“I like that idea very much,” she replies before her eyes widen. “And apparently so does this little girl.” Lennon drops her hand down to her stomach. “That was the biggest kick she’s given me yet.”

Instinctively, I move my hand right next to Lennon’s, waiting to see if I can feel movement this time. I’m dying to know what it feels like.

And five seconds later, I get my wish.

Lennon’s eyes meet mine at the same time. “Holy shit.”

She laughs. “Did you feel it?”

“I did.” I press my hand more firmly against her, desperate to feel another kick but careful not to hurt her. Another thump reverberates against my palm. “Thank you,” I whisper before kissing her again.

“What are you thanking me for?”

“For letting me be part of this. For trusting me enough.”

She wraps her arms around my neck. “I’m the one who should be thanking you, Easton. You took responsibility for something that wasn’t yours to begin with.”

“That guy is a fool for not wanting you, Lennon. Or this little girl.”

Something passes over her gaze, but I can’t quite name it. Whatever it is, it passes quickly and then she’s smiling up at me again. “Well, luckily, I think I figured out where I’m supposed to be as a result.”

If only those words were all the reassurance I would need.

Because that doubt and fear that’s been lurking under the surface? Turns out it was there for a reason.

And there was nothing I could do to prepare me for what was about to happen next.

Chapter 25

Lennon

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

Ginny blows out a breath as we exit the classroom. “Jesus. That was tough. How do you think you did?”

We just finished one of our exams and have a few hours before our clinical rotation at the hospital. “There were only two questions I wasn’t one hundred percent confident about. Other than that, it was a piece of cake.”

“Damn. I wish I had your confidence.” She bumps her hip against mine as we continue walking around the lake in the center of the college campus, heading toward the food hall. “Maybe all of that hands-on anatomy experience with Easton is helping you with the program after all.”

I can’t help but laugh. “Actually, he’s been more of a distraction.” We keep heading in the opposite direction of our class. “When I’m studying and then look across the room at him, all I can think about is throwing my books to the side and riding him instead.”

She covers her chest with her hand. “Ugh. Lucky bitch.”

“It’s a little annoying. I can’t think about anything but sex, Ginny. I know it’s partly hormones, but it’s also Easton. The man knows how to command my body in a way no other man has.”

And it’s the truth. Maybe it’s our history, or maybe it’s something else. But Easton touches me and my entire body lights up. His hands know exactly where to go to set me off in record time, and the way he touches me is unlike anything I’ve ever felt.

It’s like a force I can’t deny, and at this point, I’m powerless to stop it. Nor would I want to.

Ginny groans. “I’m happy for you, but I’m also insanely jealous. Seriously, Lennon. I can’t remember the last time I got laid.”

“I’m sorry,” I reply. “Maybe it’s time for you to make another trip to The Charming Bull then.”