He steps out, giving me a bit of privacy and flipping on the light. I place my hands on the vanity and hang my head, taking several deep, calming breaths. When I look up, I stare at my ashen face, my forehead a little sweaty still and my hair hanging limp and lifeless against my shoulders.
First things first, I head for my bedroom and move to my bathroom, where I grab my toothbrush and coat the bristles withtoothpaste. Once my teeth and tongue are clean, I use the toilet and wash my hands. Finally, when I have everything done, I turn off the light and exit the space.
Quinn is there, waiting, with a glass of water and a plate of crackers with peanut butter smeared on top. “You’re out of the little packages of crackers,” he says, setting the plate on the nightstand.
“Oh. Yeah, I have to get more at the store today.”
“I’ll get them,” he insists, reaching for the comforter and tossing it back for me. “Get in.”
I roll my eyes at his bossiness and climb into bed. He hands over the glass, and I take a few slow sips of cool water. I’m unable to set the glass down on the table myself, because he’s right there, taking it from my hand and extending the plate of crackers. “You’re really fucking annoying; you know that, right?”
He chuckles and flashes a cheeky grin. “So you keep reminding me.”
I eat a cracker, licking a bit of peanut butter smudge off my finger, and slip into my bed. “Thank you,” I whisper, adjusting my pillow.
“You’re welcome. Happy to help.”
I sigh. “Happy you’re here,” I reply honestly, even though showing some vulnerability isn’t my strong suit. “Wish you wouldn’t have seen me throw up though.”
He snorts. “Me too, honestly,” he says, sticking out his tongue in disgust. Bending over, he presses a kiss to my forehead.
I don’t hate it.
“Sleep well, Charli.”
“You too,” I murmur, closing my eyes.
I expect him to leave at that, but I feel his hand brush across my forehead once more as he whispers, “Sleeping with you in my arms is always the best sleep I’ve ever had.”
He’s not just referring to last night, but our camping trip two weekends ago when we shared a sleeping bag.
“Same.”
With a small smile, he stands up to his full height and exits my bedroom. I hear the front door open and close, and I’m left alone once more. I replay everything, from painting at the bar to confronting Gabby as she hit on Quinn right in front of me. Then to him showing up at my condo and needing to explain what happened while there.
Finally, to the events of this morning and the way he took care of me.
I wish I didn’t like it so much, because it would be so much easier to continue not to like him. Or at least pretend I didn’t, because at the end of the day, while Quinn and Camden annoyed me, I never didn’t like him.
Now, he’s showing me this softer, more intimate side, and it’s reaching into my soul.
I’m starting to think we might actually be able to do this—whatever this is.
Co-parent?
Absolutely.
More?
Well, the jury’s still out on that one.
I’ve been crabby lately, thanks to cutting caffeine from my diet. I miss my iced coffee drink and the occasional Mountain Dew or energy drink. I know I can have some of that stuff in moderation, but I decided to cut it out now to ensure I’m healthier, as is the baby.
But I admit, giving up my cup of Joe has been more difficult than I expected.
Pair the headaches with the morning sickness, and I’ve been a bucket of fun the last couple of weeks. The only thing getting me through is knowing I’ll be able to see the baby soon.
Our first OB appointment is Monday, and to say I’m excited would be an understatement. And not just me, but Quinn is growing more anxious as the days roll on and our eight-week appointment approaches. Not only am I ready to see the baby, but I’m ready to tell my family. It’s been increasingly more difficult to keep this secret from them, but it feels like the right step. Let’s make sure everything is good with the baby, and then we can tell them.
