Dare Me Tonight (The Knight Brothers 3)

“Okay?” They had issues they’d need to work out after the baby was born but nothing she could think of before then.

“First, have you had a doctor’s appointment yet? For the baby?” he asked.

Her mouth grew dry as she shook her head. “No. It’s tomorrow.”

“What time? I’ll take you,” he said, not asked.

She narrowed her gaze. “Why?”

An amused smile lifted his lips. His sexy lips. Why was he suddenly so relaxed and at ease?

She was anything but.

“Because I want to be with you throughout this process.” He glanced at her as if the answer was obvious, and she couldn’t tear her gaze from his handsome face, hint of stubble, and full lips.

That nausea began to return. “Umm, okay, but it’s really not necessary to come with me.”

“Oh, but it is.” His gaze darkened, his eyes narrowing, letting her know he meant it.

She blew out a breath. “Okay, tomorrow, ten a.m.” If she wanted to ditch him, she could skip work and go straight from home.

It’s not like he knew who her doctor was or where she was located. She just didn’t see the need for him to be there.

“Are you going from the office or straight from your place?” he asked.

She pursed her lips, annoyed he’d out-thought her. “From home.”

“Great.” He smiled, obviously pleased. “I’ll pick you up. How’s nine thirty? Enough time?”

She nodded, knowing when to give in but not happy about his sudden need to join her.

“Don’t look so annoyed. You need to get used to having me around. Now, about us.”

This time the breath left her lungs. “What about us?” she managed to ask.

“I’d like to talk.” He met her stare, his expression serious. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me, things that will explain my past behavior. Things you need to know.”

At the thought of learning more about this enigmatic, sexy man, her heart beat hard in her chest, even as she warned herself discovering his secrets didn’t mean anything between them had changed.

She slicked her tongue over her lower lip, aware that his gaze followed the movement, and a glance down at his waist showed her his body had reacted to her inadvertent gesture. Well, sexual desire had never been their issue.

“You can come by my place tonight,” she said, ignoring the shakiness in her voice. “We can talk then.” She hesitated, then decided to be both bold and honest. “But that’s all we’re going to do. There won’t be a repeat of the other night.” Her fingers curled into fists at her sides, her body aching for the repeat she was denying them. The hot sex he performed so well, the way their bodies danced in unison, so perfect as he slid into her.

“Message received,” he said, disappointment in his eyes but understanding in his tone.

And she wasn’t finished despite her traitorous body.

Straightening her shoulders, she dove into more dangerous territory. “And I meant what I said. I don’t expect anything from you, so there’s no need to come to doctor’s appointments or hold my hand during this pregnancy. I’ll give you access to the baby no matter what. I want my child to know you.”

He leaned in so close his scent enveloped her and she became aware of his body heat. “Our child. And what if I want you to expect things from me?”

She shook her head hard, knowing better than to trust this sudden turnaround. He couldn’t have gone from wanting to hide their relationship to wanting to flaunt it… unless it was all about the baby. Disappointment churned in her stomach at the thought, but this wasn’t the time or the place to express her feelings or reveal her crazy emotions and hormones, which suddenly had her almost crying.

His lips were close to hers, his expression sad. “I didn’t do right by you before. But I’m going to now.” Reaching out, he fingered a strand of her long hair, and as impossible as it seemed, she felt that touch deep in her core.

Her pulse thundered and she wished he’d close the gap between them and kiss her, then berated herself for wanting something that was only going to mess with her heart even more.

The pad of his thumb stroked her cheek. “I’m going out to pick up lunch. Can I bring you back something?”

Food. He was offering her food. But his mouth was still so near and his breath was warm. She squirmed in her seat, unable to pull away.

“What are you getting to eat?” she asked, her voice suddenly hoarse.

“How about burgers? And milkshakes?”

Her gaze fell to the sexy shape of his lips, and she was tempted to initiate the kiss herself, but her stomach chose that moment to growl in reaction.

“Sounds like that’s my cue.” He laughed as he stood, breaking the intense connection between them.

She did her best not to blush, but she knew better than to think she could control the flush now staining her cheeks red with embarrassment.