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“That’s really not fair.”
He shrugged. “Just keeping it real, seeing as you want to lie about it.”
She looked down at her lap.
Jared had wanted to take her out, but not because he couldn’t stand spending time with her in their apartment, but because he wanted to treat her. She’d never been treated well. Her ex had pretty much gotten everything he ever wanted and Rose, she’d always been left wanting. Never asking for anything. He knew this and didn’t want her to go without.
“You looked beautiful in the red dress.”
“Why is it you don’t comment on my red hair?” she asked, frowning.
“Are you trying to change the subject?”
“Yes, no, I don’t think so. I’m a little confused.”
He laughed. “I see no reason in commenting what I already think is beautiful and besides, my cock didn’t get hard for your hair.”
She burst out laughing.
Jared closed the distance and put his hands on top of her thighs. “Now, will you tell me what you want to watch so I can get it set up, get out of these clothes, and we can relax?”
“You really want to be here with me?”
“I don’t see a reason for us not to be.” He reached out, touching her stomach. Not a moment went by that he didn’t want to touch her, running his hands down and over her.
“I’m sorry for throwing up on you.”
“I’m not.” He stood up. “What will it be?”
“If I say romance will you walk right out that door?” she asked. Her teeth nibbled on her bottom lip, driving him crazy.
“No, I won’t.”
“Then something really romantic, please.”
He moved toward his collection of movies, found an appropriate one, and slid it inside the DVD player. He hadn’t watched it. Rarely did he get the time to enjoy any kinds of movies like these. Leaving it to load up, he headed into the bathroom, took one of the fastest showers on record, and threw his clothes into the laundry basket. On his way back to the living room, he pulled on a pair of pajama pants, took a pitstop for popcorn and soda, and joined her just as the advertisements ended and the movie began.
“No shirt?”
“I want you to ogle me, not the screen.”
She giggled.
He looked at her.
“You just said ogle. It seems weird. Sorry.” She pressed her lips together.
Watching the movie for several minutes, Jared was very much aware of the distance between him and his woman. He didn’t like it. He’d never been the kind of person to snuggle. Glancing over at her, he wanted her close to him. He held out his arm and pointed at where she belonged.
“You want me closer?”
“Yes.”
“You’re not worried I’m going to vomit?”
“Not at all. I’ll clean it up.”
She looked at the space beneath his arm, likely debating it.
Slowly, she crawled closer to him and the weight and feel of her were exactly what he wanted. Resting the popcorn on his lap, he held her close. Watching the movie, he was more conscious of her close and how good it felt.
“You’re a mystery, Jared,” she said.
Rose nibbled on his popcorn and took a few swigs of soda. They finished one movie, and he had no choice but to move her to be able to put in the next.
This time it was one with a little more action. Rose stayed exactly where she was supposed to be.
He had to leave to grab more popcorn and soda. By the time the third movie was on, Rose was exhausted. She made it about twenty minutes before she finally fell asleep. He smiled, watching her. She really was beautiful.
Jared was no longer interested in the movie with Rose asleep at his side. He watched her. She looked so relaxed in his arms. This was where she was meant to be.
He understood so much now. More than he ever had before.
Love.
So many people mocked the emotion, seeing it as weak. To a point, he completely understood. Love did make people weak. Only when you fought it, when you denied it. Of course, there was always the danger of someone using that love against you, but for Jared, it had made him more determined than ever to keep her safe.
All of these feelings from one picture.
He didn’t need Rose. It hadn’t been some kind of manipulation to get a wife, or even to stop Sean Miles from owning anything. She wasn’t here because of blackmail.
He’d wanted Rose from a picture and that feeling had only solidified when he’d actually met her.
She was beautiful. So fucking sweet and nice. She didn’t annoy or irritate him.
Waking up with her in his arms was a dream he didn’t realize he wanted.
Love.
He’d never thought for a single moment he’d find someone he actually had feelings for, but here she was, asleep against him, pregnant with his kid. Damn, she’d even thrown up on him and that hadn’t been a pretty sight, not even a little bit, but still, he wanted to be around her.
