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Claire laughs quietly. "I hope she will. Just putting it out in the universe."
I sigh, looking down at the contract. Yeah, I wanted to fuck her, and I would love to get her pregnant...but I can't help but feel like a piece of meat. Not that I want her to know that. She's been through enough.
"As long as you're comfortable with it," I say, "I assume you know best."
Claire nods, and we work through the rest of the contract, making a few adjustments. Like...I don't want to sign away my rights completely, if she decides she hates my guts. I want to be able to see the kid, even if I won't be able to sue for custody. We agree that I can start a savings account for our child. It's weird hashing all of this out in such strict legalese, though, especially when I'm already falling for her.
As we go, I can't help but feel a sense of connection to her. It's not just about sex--there's a child involved now, and that changes everything.
When I sign on the dotted line, it feels like I'm doing way more than offering to have sex with this gorgeous woman. I'm starting a life with her.
And even though I've only known her for a few days, I'm confident it's gonna be a great life.
Once we've finished, Claire stands up from the table and stretches, her t-shirt riding up to reveal a sliver of her round stomach. I can't help but stare, imagining the curve of her belly as she carries my child.
"What are you thinking about?" she asks, catching me in the act.
I look up at her, my heart racing. "Just...thinking about the baby."
She smiles, her eyes softening. "You seem awfully confident."
"I am," I tell her. "In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if you were already pregnant."
Claire bites her lip and laughs. "I mean...it was only once."
"And that's all it takes," I say. I stand up and slide my hand around the small of her back. "So now that all the legal stuff is done, can I kiss you again?"
She nods.
"Yeah," she says. "You can kiss me as many times as you want."
Chapter ten
Claire
It'shardtofocuson anything but Gray while we both get to work on the house.
I'm busy painting, he's busy fixing the porch. He's shirtless--because of course he is--and I watch through the window as I paint the master bedroom a bright yellow. As I admire his muscles and broad shoulders, Gray suddenly turns and catches me staring. My cheeks flush with embarrassment and I quickly turn back to my painting, trying to hide my arousal.
But Gray doesn't seem to mind. In fact, he walks over to the window and leans in, his gaze fixed on me. "You know, you're a distraction," he says with a smirk.
I can't help but laugh nervously. "Sorry, I'll try to focus on my painting."
Gray shakes his head. "No need to apologize. I like being the center of your attention."
My heart races as he leans closer, his heat emanating off his body, the window ledge between us. I can smell his musky scent and it sends shivers down my spine. I know I should focus on getting the house livable--at least during the day--but I want to get to the babymaking already.
Jesus...I can't believe I just thought that.
Suddenly, Gray takes the paintbrush from my hand and holds it out behind him, luring me closer with a lazy grin. "What color are you gonna paint the nursery?" he asks.
My smile fades, remembering how I used to ask these same questions with Harvey. That didn't work out well--and Gray sees my hesitation.
"Claire," he says, "you're allowed to dream."
I sigh. "I know. It's just that I've been through so much the past few months with trying to conceive, with Harvey, with Grandpa..."
Gray's expression softens, and he takes my hand. "I know it's been tough, but I've got you, darlin'. And we're going to have a baby together. Then, we--" he pauses, swallowing hard "--you can make new memories with your daughter."
