“I’m four and a half months. It takes a while to show, especially for a first pregnancy. The extra weight on me will make it take longer. I just look like I’m indulging in too manyholiday sweets and getting chubbier. When I had my ultrasound a few days ago, they said I might feel movement any time in the next few weeks.”
His eyebrows pinch, and he shakes his head. “Don’t talk about yourself like that. You’re perfect just the way you are. So what if you carry extra weight? It doesn’t do a thing to detract from your beauty or, more importantly, the amazing person you are.”
My eyes widen at his tirade. This time the flutters in my belly are all from him.
Chapter Six
Brooks
Finding out Everlee is pregnant was a bit of a shock. There was a moment of panic she already belonged to another man, but it was quickly replaced with fury at the asshole who left her high and dry. I’m pissed as hell any woman would be treated that way, but Everlee especially.
The woman is sweet as sugar. The thought that someone would be so callous in their treatment of her has me wanting to put my fist through the wall. She deserves to be cherished like a queen, not thrown away like yesterday’s trash—left to deal with pregnancy and raising a child alone.
But I also have to acknowledge the relief I feel at her being unattached, even though she is pregnant. For a minute I thought it might be cosmic payback that I finally found the woman I want to marry and she wouldn’t be available.
The pregnancy doesn’t change a damn thing I feel about her, except perhaps jealousy it’s not my baby growing in her belly.You can damn well guarantee the next one will be, and I will love this one just as much because it’s a part of her. I know I sound crazy, but I can’t stop my grin as I tromp through the snow to get to the barn.
The snow is only intermittent now. It seems the worst of the blizzard is over, but the temperature is well below freezing, making conditions treacherous as everything ices over. The power is still out, and I don’t anticipate it will be back on anytime soon.
It takes me extra time feeding the horses in the barn because I have to break through the frozen waters. Normally they’re heated but they don’t work without power. I’ll also have to plow my way out to the field where the cattle are and break through their water trough as well. Fortunately, I don’t have to worry about feeding them. The big round bales I filled their feeders with before the storm should last a few days.
I feel like a popsicle by the time I finish and slog back to the house. My winter gear is substantial, but it only goes so far in these extreme conditions. I’m just thankful none of the animals seem to be in distress. The horses are snug in the barn, and the cattle are huddled together, sharing body heat.
It sounds like the perfect idea to me as I hurry back to the house to do the same with the woman who has become my obsession in the blink of an eye. I left her in front of the fire to keep warm, and it sounds like heaven to snuggle up with her there.
Removing my outdoor gear, I hang it up in the mudroom to dry off for the evening feeding. Looking at the clock, I realize taking care of the animals took longer than I thought. Dealing with the abundance of snow and ice slowed me down significantly.
I find Everlee bundled up on the couch, reading one of Kayla’s romance novels she left lying around.
“Which one is that?” I ask, pointing to the book as I flop down on the couch next to her.
She startles as if she hadn’t heard me come in. Her cheeks pinken as she flips the book so she can look at the cover, which has a bare-chested man on it. “Oh, uh, it’s a collection of short romances.”
I can’t help but grin, even if my dick is quickly coming to life knowing what she’s been reading about. “Kayla said those are extra steamy. Apparently, she likes to read them to Austin to spice things up—or so she says. Not that I need to know that, but sometimes she forgets she’s married to my brother, and I don’t need all the details of their relationship. We’re still finding our footing in the new dynamic of our relationship. But if they’re both happy, I’ll deal with it.”
Her cheeks turn pink as she buries her face in the blanket. “I didn’t realize you knew so much about the book.”
My grin widens, and I wink at her. “Actually, I’ve read it.”
Her mouth gapes open before snapping closed. “Seriously?”
I shrug. “Well, I had to know what all the fuss was about. It was interesting insight into a woman’s mind when it comes to sex. I can see how it would spice things up in the bedroom.”
She inhales sharply, snapping the book closed as her body quakes beneath the blanket. “I think that’s enough of that conversation.”
I tilt my head to the side, taking note of her shallow breathing. I should be a gentleman and follow her lead when she obviously doesn’t want to continue talking about it, but I can’t help but poke. Especially considering the way she’s shifting around as if trying to ease the ache of desire. I’m positive if I were to peel back that blanket I’d find hard nipples poking out at me and if I were lucky enough to slide my hand into her panties, they’d be soaked through. My dick’s rock hard just thinking about it andremembering how silky her skin was beneath my hand for the brief moment I got to touch it this morning.
“Why’s that?” I challenge with a raised brow.
Chapter Seven
Everlee
His gaze holds me captive, only serving to ramp up my out of control hormones even further. As embarrassed as I am at being caught reading the steamy book, I’m also thrilled he’s pushing me. The kiss from earlier has been playing in my mind on repeat since and, combined with the spicy stories, I’m hornier than I’ve ever been.
I’m positive it would take only the lightest touch to send me into oblivion. The way Brooks is devouring me with his eyes says he would be happy to do it for me. I can’t quite believe he wants to be with me even knowing I’m carrying another man’s baby, but at this moment I can’t find it in me to care if he’s on board.
My nipples are so hard they ache, and rubbing my thick thighs together does nothing to alleviate the unrelenting pulsing of my pussy. I’m perched on the precipice already, and it appears I only have to say the word and Brooks will be more than happy to take me over the edge.
