Chapter 23
Roxy
The cotton softness caresses my cheek, and I smile while I linger between sleep and wakefulness.
As my mind sharpens, pushing yesterday’s events to the forefront, my eyes snap open.
The room is dark, but the blinds are open. Is it night? I snuggle into the luxurious sheets and relish the feeling of being rested. At least physically.
Emotionally, it will take time to recover. To adjust to my new reality.
The space beside me is empty. Liam didn’t stay. I guess that’s a good thing. If it’s a good thing, why do I miss his closeness, his warmth, his scent? His presence.
I get out of bed and use the bathroom. I groan when I glimpse myself in the mirror. I don’t bother looking for my phone to find outwhat time it is.
Instead I start the shower and let the hot water restore me. As much as possible. When I step out, I turn to the side and study my silhouette.
Nothing’s changed. My body looks the same. And yet… everything has changed. I wish I could call Tee and tell her about the baby.
I wish I had someone in my life who would remind me that this is a joyous occasion. I should try to find the father. It might not be easy, but it’s doable.
I’m good at digging out information, and someone at that club must be able to point me in the right direction.
The thought re-energizes me. I need to get my laptop. Or at least my phone. Wrapping myself in a plush white robe I found in the bathroom, I step out of my room.
The light tells me Liam is not sleeping. I take a deep breath in and straighten my spine. As I turn the corner, I stop in my tracks.
Liam is wearing a pair of sweatpants and a black T-shirt that stretches across his broad shoulders. The triangle of his torso is mouthwatering.
With his back to me, he seems to be mixing something on the stove. I linger behind him and let myself get lost in the fantasy of this domestic picture.
Regardless of everything that has transpired, I can’tdeny the one unfortunate fact. I’m attracted to this man.
Remembering his embrace last night and how safe I felt with him, I almost run back to my room.
Somewhere between meeting this man and getting pregnant, I apparently lost my mind, my courage, and my dignity.
Jesus.
Liam turns, and our gazes lock. Dark circles dip under his eyes. He’s pale, and that perfect face of his has gained a few lines overnight, it seems.
He takes me in, and his gaze softens. “Hi,” he rasps.
“Hi.” I swallow, wishing the unresolved things between us had disappeared.
“How are you feeling?” Turning away, he puts the pan back on the stove and leans down to open the oven.
I use the moment to gather my wits—not very successfully. Crossing the floor, I climb onto the stool at the breakfast counter.
The succulent aroma of fried bacon makes me swallow. I wait for a wave of nausea, but instead my stomach growls. “I’m better. I think.”
He takes a dish out of the oven. “You slept for almost twenty-four hours.”
“What? What time is it?”
“It’s seven in the evening.”
He takes the pan and sprinkles whatever is in the dish with the bacon bits.
