But he’d told her to call.
A knock sounded on his door.
“Come in,” he barked, so not like him. He settled an apologetic smile on his face as the door swung inward.
Mallory stood there, a grin all over her face. She closed the door behind her.
“We’re good,” she said as she advanced. “Everything’s fine.”
Just when he was going to congratulate her he went weak for a second. He told himself it was because he’d pushed his muscles hard and probably needed a salty drink.
“They’re fine?” he asked, standing in place so he didn’t make an idiot of himself.
“Yep.” She was right up to him, standing there, looking all expectant.
“What?”
“You want to know what we’re having?”
What we’re having, he repeated to himself, making note of the word choice.
“You know the sexes?”
“It was an option on the test,” she told him.
“So?”
“Girls. We’re having two girls. And they’re pretty sure there’s only one sac which means they’re identical. They’ll be able to tell that more clearly later, and it’s still not for sure. They can do a DNA cheek swab after they’re born to be absolutely certain.”
Girls. Mallory was having two girls.
No boys who would need him.
It fit. It was right.
Pulling her to him, he held her tight.
Just so thankful that all was well.
* * *
She didn’t mean to kiss him. There was no place in Mallory’s plans for anything but the most platonic of friendships with Braden, but with her body pressed up against his, her breasts tingling from the contact with his chest, she didn’t think about plans. She didn’t think at all. Lifting up ever so slightly, she brought her lips closer to his. Watching them the space between his mouth and hers faded. The first touch was hello. The second... Mallory devoured the taste of Braden, the familiar touch of his tongue, the way his mouth said more to her in a kiss than it ever did with words.
She moaned, instantly needing more. Thinking about the quickest way to get her sweet spot free, about reaching for the zipper on his fly. Her entire being burned with that one touch
of their lips. Bringing out the wild woman he found in her.
She didn’t know who sprang back first, would like to think they’d both done so simultaneously.
“What was that?” she asked, out of breath, when he stood there looking almost pained.
“Yeah, I don’t know,” he tried for a chuckle.
Backing away, she moved toward the door. “I know you’re busy.” Half panting still, she was relieved one of them had stopped them before they’d made an irrevocable mistake. And was sad, too. “I just got a bit carried away there with the good news. Emotionally and all.”
“Yeah,” he said, standing right where she’d left him.
She was almost through the door when he called her back. “Mal?”