Briar
Rhett swore softly when a knock on the door prevented him from responding. I’d come here with the intention of pouring my heart out after I told him about the baby. I knew I had to be fearless in a way I never had before. I had to don my big girl panties and figure out how to be a mama. To put my baby first. To restructure my life to revolve around another person, or two people, if I was lucky enough to get another shot with Rhett.
I watched him walk to the door, thinking how blessed I was that he was going to be there to help me through this. Even if he decided he couldn’t trust me with his heart I knew he’d be the best daddy any kid could ever ask for. He was fiercely protective of those he loved. Honest. Trustworthy. Reliable. Successful. Intelligent. Handsome… not that that would make him a better father, but it sure as hell would make it hard for me to keep my hands off him, if that was my only choice.
Rhett exchanged a few words with the man at the door before inviting him in. I crossed my arms, cursing myself for not taking the time to put a bra on, but in all honesty, I’d been hoping Rhett would be more likely to accept my apology if I appealed to his baser instincts.
“Bri, come here a minute. There’s someone here I want you to meet.”
I faked a smile as I made my way to the door, feeling mortified by my state of undress, while reasoning that his visitor was likely a local used to seeing women roaming the beaches wearing skimpy bikinis.
“Briar, this is Diego,” Rhett said. “He and his wife live in the cottage out back with their kids. They look after the place when I’m not here.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I said, offering my hand while curling my other arm around my mid-section, trying not to feel self-conscious.
“You too.” He was just a little taller than me with dark skin and eyes, and a wide smile that split his face. Thankfully his gaze never left my face.
“I’m trying to talk Briar into spending a few days with me,” Rhett said to Diego. “But she’s a bit of a workaholic,” he leaned in, lowering his voice. “So, it might be a tough sell.”
“I don’t think so,” I said, rolling my eyes at Rhett. “This place is Paradise from what I can tell. The hard part might be getting me to leave when you’re ready to be rid of me.”
“Don’t count on that, sweetheart.”
His words melted me, making me wish we hadn’t been interrupted. I wanted to know if he had a few confessions of his own to share.
“I’m sorry to interrupt,” Diego said, gesturing to his boss. “But I thought you might want to have a look at that fence damage I mentioned yesterday. It can wait if you—”
“No problem, Diego,” Rhett said. “I can look at it now.” He smiled at me. “I’ll be back in a bit, okay?”
“Sure, I’ll just grab a shower while you’re gone.”
He opened his mouth before snapping it shut and I was dying to know what he would have said if we’d been alone.
“Bye, Diego,” I said, giving him a little smile. “I hope I’ll get to meet your wife and kids before I leave.”
“We’d love to have you over for dinner. Maybe tomorrow night?”
I didn’t know how long Rhett wanted me to stay and didn’t want to be presumptuous. “Thank you so much for the invitation. I’d love that… if I’m still here.”
Rhett shot a curious look over his shoulder before he led Diego outside.
After cleaning up the breakfast dishes I slipped into the guest bedroom to make my bed and check my phone. My mother, brother, and Gia had all checked in to make sure I arrived safely. I’d texted my mom and Drew on my way to the airport because I didn’t know if cell service would be sketchy at Rhett’s place and didn’t want them to worry if they couldn’t reach me for a while.
I made my way into the bathroom and slipped my clothes off before turning on the spray and waiting for the water to heat before stepping in. The shower was a large glass enclosure with a window that overlooked a grassy area surrounded by colorful blooms.
Rhett’s vacation home was incredible. Not that I was surprised. The man didn’t do anything in half measures. It was open and spacious with windows lining the walls, high ceilings, and a light neutral color palette with splashes of color to enhance the beachy vibe. No doubt a team of the best professionals had been involved in the build, from architects to contractors to interior designers, just like his custom home in Oregon. He liked nice things and had earned them, but I loved that he was still the same down-to-earth guy he’d been as a teenager.
I soaped up and my hand slipped over my belly. I was still having trouble believing it… we’d made ababy.
I squealed when I felt the draft of cool air hitting my backside.
Rhett. Naked. With a predatory look in his eye. I was pretty sure I was dreaming, but I’d bite the head off of anyone who tried to wake me.
“Hey,” I whispered, taking a step back to make room for him. “This is a nice surprise.”
He grinned before wrapping his arms around my waist and backing me into the cool tile wall, taking the brunt of the water pelting his back. “We didn’t get a chance to finish our conversation earlier. I couldn’t wait.”
My words came flooding back.I did meet someone I’m willing to take a chance on, Rhett. You.The fact that he’d taken the initiative to share a shower with me had to be a good sign, but I needed words right now.
