Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 87940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
“But… why?”
Bain stares at me as if he can’t believe I’d ask such a question. “Because you’re carrying their grandchild.”
“Well, yeah… but it’s not like you and I are a couple. I’m more like an oven for her grandkid.”
Setting his slice on the plate, he locks eyes with mine. “Maybe we should be a couple.”
I set my pizza down only because my hands shake slightly and I’m afraid it will drop. “What would that even mean?”
Bain shrugs. “We make it what we want. I imagine it’s not much different from what we’re doing now. We’re already monogamous. The last few weeks we’ve spent all our free time together, so it’s not like we felt our freedom was being impinged. We’d be open and public about our relationship.”
“That seems… logical.” And why am I so sad that there’s no warmth to his words or a declaration that he cares for me? I’m a very logical person, so why does that seem wrong?
Bain shakes his head and looks a little exasperated. “I probably didn’t say that right.” He leans over, takes my hand. “We’re in a place we never wanted to be or thought we’d be. I never thought I’d want to settle down with one woman, but here I am, completely happy to be in your bed and no others. And if I’m honest, I felt that way before we found out you were pregnant. I guess it’s time to put it all on the table. I care about you, Kiera. When I saw how upset you were earlier today, it fucking broke my heart and I wanted to fix it. I’ve never felt that before nor have I wanted to be responsible for another’s happiness, but I found myself wanting to soothe you. I wanted to see you smile, not cry. I don’t know what you call that, but I can tell you, I’ve surpassed our friends-with-benefits deal we had going. There’s nothing casual about the way I’m feeling now.”
Maybe it’s the hormones, but I have to blink against the prick of tears. Gripping his hand tight, I push out of my chair and drape myself across his lap. My arms loop around his neck and I brush a soft kiss over his mouth.
I press my forehead to his. “I care about you too. There’s nothing casual about my feelings either.” I think about all my fears around falling for someone and the walls I’ve built up so that I’d never fall prey to a man like Peter again, and they all come tumbling down. “You make me so happy and I feel so secure and safe with you. I never thought I’d be able to say that about a man, and yet I know, to the depths of my soul, that you would never hurt me. You’re kind of it for me.”
Bain’s arms come around me and he squeezes, then tilts his head to kiss my neck. “Think you can handle cold pizza?”
Leaning back, I frown at him. “Cold pizza. Why?”
“Because I’d really like to fuck you now. Apparently, sweet words make me horny.”
As if to punctuate his sentiment, he rotates his hips and I feel the growing length of him under my butt.
Grinning, I wiggle against him. “Yeah… cold pizza is just fine.”
CHAPTER 21
Bain
Most of the team has boarded the plane that will take us back to Pittsburgh. It’s quiet as we load due solely to the fact the Cold Fury kicked our asses big-time. I’m pissed about the game and my nasty feelings following a defeat usually plague me all night. But while I’m still angry about the loss, I can’t deny the pleasure within me that I’ll be heading back to Pittsburgh.
To Kiera.
I decline the attendant’s offer of a drink before takeoff, instead pulling my phone out and texting Kiera. I know she was up as of an hour ago as she texted me after the game. I’m sorry about the loss. I think you played amazing.
Christ, that felt good to hear, even if I’m not happy with my performance.
It was so energizing to know that I had someone watching the game just for me, cheering me on. Well, someone who wasn’t my family.
I got more of the same encouragement at our away game in Boston day before yesterday. Pregame texts of support and a call after when we talked for almost an hour once I got to the hotel.
Hell, ever since Kiera and I committed to each other—not just because of the pregnancy, but to pursue the growing feelings we’ve both acknowledged—I can’t seem to get enough of her.
I shoot her a quick text. On the plane. Be home soon.
Funny… how it doesn’t even feel the tiniest bit weird that I think of Kiera and home synonymously.
I’m naked, she texts back.
I groan, imagining her splayed out on her bed. Hand between her legs, back arched in pleasure… a private show just for me. I don’t know what it is about her being pregnant, but it somehow makes her sexier. There’s not a single, discernible change to her body yet, but somehow… I want her more and that’s about near to impossible.