He tips my chin so I’m looking at him. “I’ll make us dinner soon, but I just wanted to hold you for a little while.”
“That sounds perfect,” I admit as I snuggle closer. “I’ve been thinking about clearing out some space in my closet this weekend so you don’t have to keep going back and forth with your clothes. But only if you want that, of course.” The last part comes out in a whisper.
This is all new territory for me, and being vulnerable has never been my strong suit. I haven’t made things easy for Heath, and sleeping together again doesn’t automatically mean he’s ready to bring more of his things here.
Heath leans in, his breath teasing my lips. “Finally asking me to move in for good, hellcat?”
“Yeah, I think I am,” I reply, closing the distance to kiss him.
Lunch And Longing
Iwake slowly, groaning at the bright sunshine already streaming into the room. I slide my hand across the bed to Heath’s side, momentarily confused to find it empty and cold. Then I remember he had to leave early for the ranch this morning, but not before burying his face between my thighs and giving me another orgasm that had me screaming his name so loudly, I’m pretty sure the whole town heard.
I push myself upright and grab my insulin pump from the nightstand. The screen lights up with a reading of 218. A little high for first thing in the morning, but manageable. I make a small adjustment to my basal rate before clipping the pump onto the waistband of my shorts.
I ease out of bed and stretch my arms overhead, keenly aware of how deliciously sore I am. Heath didn’t take it easy on me last night, bending me in positions I’d forgotten existed. As my belly gets bigger, the fewer we’ll be able to do, so I’m glad we’re taking full advantage while we can.
I’m freshening up in the bathroom when my phone lights up with a text.
Heath: Morning, hellcat.
Charlie: Morning, baby daddy.
Heath: How are you feeling?
Charlie: Like I was thoroughly fucked last night.
Heath: Means I did my job right.
Charlie: I see humility isn’t your strong suit.
Heath: Never claimed it was.
I let out an amused laugh, shaking my head. I’ll never get tired of our flirty banter. Even before we slept together, the sexual tension had always been there, simmering just beneath the surface and growing stronger with every jab, every playful insult, and every stolen glance.
Heath: Looks like your glucose is a little high. There’s an avocado and smoked salmon omelet waiting for you in the fridge.
Charlie: Keep spoiling me and I’ll never let you leave. *wink emoji
Heath: I’m not going anywhere.
I crave his reassurances more than he knows. I might sound like an insecure broken record, but whenever he offers them, it feels like a soothing balm. A way to distract from the reminder that even the sweetest promises can be broken.
I shove aside my negative thoughts, not willing to let anything ruin the incredible night Heath and I just shared.
I check the fridge, and true to his word, there’s an omelet on the top shelf, neatly wrapped in plastic. Beside it is another plate labeled “Lunch” in Heath’s handwriting, holding a chicken salad sandwich and a side salad.
As I reach for my breakfast, I notice Heath’s lunchbox on the bottom shelf. He’d been so focused on preparing my food that he must have forgotten his own.
It makes me realize how little I’ve done for him since we found out about the baby, and how rarely I’ve shown my appreciation. I’ve mostly just grumbled at every thoughtful gesture, constantly pushing back against his efforts instead of meeting him halfway.
I might be tired and queasy most days, but my shop is right downstairs and during slow periods I get to nap on my favorite couch. All things considered, I’m lucky to have that kind of flexibility while growing a whole human. Meanwhile, Heath runs one of the most successful ranches in the state—all while patiently dealing with my intense mood swings and nonstop complaining.
He’s quickly become the person I go to when I’m having a bad day or need someone to talk to, but it occurs to me that I’mnot sure he has anyone he can lean on in return. I don’t even know how he’s managing things now that Walker left to become sheriff, or who’s been helping him. We weren’t exactly on good terms before, but I should have asked him about it since then instead of being so consumed with my own problems.
That ends now.
If we’re ever going to have a real chance at making this work, it can’t be one-sided. I have to step up and put in the effort, or one day I’ll wake up, and this could all be gone, and I’d only have myself to blame. I’m not willing to let something this good slip through my fingers, and that starts with showing Heath I’m just as invested in him as he is in me.
