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Although I probably shouldn’t go in that direction, I welcome the unexpected change of topic. It yanks my emotions from the deep hole they scattered into.
He scratches his neck. “Sorry, forget what I said.”
“No, no. You’re right. Nature is bigger than us in every possible way, and I don’t think we even understand a small portion of it. There’s a lot of ugliness, but it’s also full of miracles.”
My hand goes to my belly on its own accord as I say the last few words. It’s been happening several times every day.
His eyes zoom in on my movement, and we’re quiet until he clears his throat. “Are you having any pregnancy symptoms yet?”
I shake my head. “Not much. Just a little nauseated sometimes and tired. I can’t remember ever having been this tired before. I could literally lie down right this second and pass out.”
“Please make sure to get some extra rest then.”
“Yes, Daddy.” The second the words are out of my mouth, my face turns hot. Like really hot. And Ryan bites his lip, the corners of his mouth twitching.
Oh. My. Goodness.
Somebody save me.
How embarrassing.
“I . . . I don’t know why I said that. That just slipped out.”
He nods and chuckles. “All good.”
“I mean you’re older but not that old.”
He drags his bottom lip into his mouth. “Please, tell me how you really feel.”
I scratch my forehead, trying to hide some of the blush that must be lighting up my face like a red security alarm. “Can we forget I just said that? I’m mortified.”
Ryan’s fingers go under my chin, pushing it up. “Don’t be. What you said isn’t wrong. I am older than you by quite a bit. But I have to say I really like it when you blush.”
I dip my chin and swallow.
Did he just say he likes it when I blush?
No, I must be imagining that.
He drops his hand, and I immediately miss his warm touch.
What are you doing to me, Ryan?
Those same tingles I felt the first time I met him are coming back, and I’m not sure how to feel about that. How am I supposed to handle that in the situation we’re in?
It’s all a lot to take in, especially with how good—how right—it just felt to be held by him.
I need a distraction, a change of topic as soon as possible.
Clearing my throat, I rub my hands together like the weirdo I am. “Let’s talk about you and your life? You’re probably crazy busy with swimming, right?”
Very subtle, Harper.
You’re totally bringing your A game.
Since we’re still away from the heaters, the cold gets to me, and a shiver runs through my body. I shove my hands back into the sleeves of the sweatshirt, trying to keep them warm at least.
Ryan points toward the house. “Do you want to go back inside?”
