Page 52 of Playing It Forward

She rolls her eyes. She doesn’t believe me. She thinks I’m only interested in her because she’s having my baby. She doesn’t realize how appealing she is to me.

“Where do you want to rest? On the couch or in bed?”

“What am I? A senior citizen? It’s still light out.”

“Couch it is.” I set her down on the couch and grab the throw blanket to cover her before making my way to the kitchen for a glass of water.

“Here.” I hand her the water. “Do you have a preference for dinner?”

She blinks up at me. “Dinner?”

“Yes. The meal usually eaten in the evening.”

“But you’re not staying.”

I growl. “Of course, I’m staying. The doctor said you need to monitor symptoms and someone should stay with you for a few hours.”

“I’ll be fine on my own.”

“You have two choices. I stay here, or I drive you to your dad’s house.” I cross my arms over my chest.

She gasps. “Dad doesn’t know I’m pregnant.”

“He’s going to find out eventually.”

“He’ll worry.”

I drop my arms and sit on the coffee table in front of her. “Of course, he will after he lost his wife.”

Her brow wrinkles. “Lost his wife? What do you… Oh. You don’t understand.”

“Understand what?”

“Dad isn’t my biological dad. He’s my foster dad. After Mom…” She swallows. I hate how her mom’s death still hurts her. “I was tossed around in foster homes until Dad took me in. He adopted me.”

“He must be a wonderful man.”

“Or a glutton for punishment, considering he adopted four of us.”

“I remember. You have two brothers and a sister.”

She groans. “Scott and Ricky are going to lose it when they find out I’m pregnant after a one-night stand.”

I growl. “I’m more than a one-night stand.”

I want to be a family. I want to live in this cute little cottage on the water.

She yawns and her jaw cracks. Shit. I’m an asshole. She’s hurt and tired, and I’m harassing her.

“I think it’s time for bed.”

She protests but I ignore her and lift her into my arms. “Which room is yours?” I ask once I’m in the hallway.

“Second door on the left.”

I smile when I notice the décor of the bedroom is nautical themed.

“I’m surprised there aren’t mermaids and pirates in here,” I say as I lay her on the bed.