Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 96833 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96833 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
“I haven’t given him an answer about going out on a date again.” Here it comes. The words barreled out of me, and I couldn’t stop them. “Part of that hesitation is you.”
He rolled his eyes. “You care too much what I think.”
“It’s not that.”
“What are you referring to, then?”
“I think you know.”
“Tell me anyway.”
Here goes. “I have these weird feelings for you that I can’t shake.” I moved a bit closer. “After this baby comes, I’ll be gone. You’ve made it clear to me and half the women in Britain that you don’t want much. You might never. You had your one great love, and no one should expect more from you. I don’t plan on sticking around or complicating your life. Once I’m back in the US, all of this will be out of sight, out of mind.” I took a few more steps forward until we were only inches apart. “But as long as I’m here…I don’t want to be alone. And if you continue sticking your head in the sand, I’m going to go out with Sean—especially now that he knows the truth.”
“Is that a threat?”
I put the ball back in his court. “Is it? Does the idea of him threaten you? Because your attitude today certainly gave me that impression—that you were jealous. I’m gonna be honest and tell you that when I walked in tonight and saw what’s her name—Rose—I was very jealous.” I blew out a breath. “You say you appreciate my honesty, but it would be nice to get a little in return.”
Sig stared at me for a long while. “The reason is you, actually.”
“What do you mean?”
“The reason I can’t take anything to completion with anyone.” He leaned in. “You’re the reason. You’re distracting me. I don’t want them. I only seem to want you. And it’s a problem.”
My body buzzed. “You look at me a lot, when you don’t think I notice. Then I catch you, and you look away. I was never certain it meant much—until now.”
“I’m extremely attracted to you. That’s never been up for debate. All my life, I’ve had this problem of wanting things I can’t have.” He shook his head. “But that’s just it. I can’t have you, Abby.”
“I get it.” I nodded, feeling ready to burst. “But I need to let you know, if you really don’t think anything can happen between us, I’m going to move on with Sean.”
His gaze lifted. “You’re gonna fuck him? Is that what you’re trying to say?”
“Well, I wouldn’t say it as crudely as that…”
“How would you say it?” I felt his breath on my face.
“I would say if I can’t have a true relationship while I’m here, since I’ll be leaving anyway, at the very least I need someone to…keep me company.” I licked my lips. “I may be your surrogate, but I’m also a woman with needs.” What the hell has gotten into me tonight? It was like I had no filter. Is this what they’re referring to when they say pregnancy brain? I needed to escape before saying something I’d regret. “Can I take a shower?” I asked.
“Of course.”
“Thanks. I’m just gonna do that and go straight to the guest room.”
I practically ran away, disappearing into the bathroom. I ripped off my clothes and turned on the water. As I got in and let the water rain down on me, I swore at myself for being so candid.
But he’d admitted I was the reason he couldn’t be with anyone else. Holy shit. He wanted me, too. I’d always known there was something between us, but I never imagined he felt the way I did about him.
After the shower, I wrapped myself in a towel and went into the guest room. He’d placed one of his T-shirts on the bed. I’d been so worked up that I’d forgotten to ask for one. But he had me covered. I slipped it over my head, intoxicated by the masculine smell. Had he worn this recently? My body buzzed with arousal. Did he give this one to me on purpose to drive me mad? I didn’t want to go out there and say goodnight, afraid of what I might say or do that I would regret tomorrow.
Instead, I lay down on the bed, debating whether to take things into my own hands and relieve the tension that had been building from the moment I arrived here tonight. A knock on the door startled me.
His voice was low. “May I come in?”
“Yes.” I got up from the bed and cleared my throat.
He’d put on a fitted white T-shirt with the gray sweatpants from earlier that hugged his bottom half so damn nicely. He stood there in all his gorgeous glory, not saying a word.
“Can I help you?” I swallowed.
His eyes held a certain playfulness I hadn’t witnessed before.