Worth the Risk (Worth It 2)

The woman may have rubbed him the wrong way, but he wanted to do right by Gracie. And that meant doing right by her grandmother.

“I know you’re out there.” Her soft voice called to him. “What are you, too scared to see me?”

Chuckling, he walked inside the room, marveling at the difference compared to the rooms at the other hospital. Gracie’s private room was warm and cozy, a single lamp burning on the table next to her bed, casting her in a golden glow. The bandage on her head was smaller, the bruises on her face turning colors and she still had a horrible gash on her cheekbone.

Her hair was tamer, she wore a pale yellow robe and there was a light in her eyes he didn’t believe he’d ever seen before.

“Hi.” He stopped at the foot of her bed, wishing he had the courage to come closer to her.

“Hi.” She smiled and glanced around the room. “Nice digs, don’t you think?”

“You’re comfortable?”

“Oh yes, and the doctor is wonderful. And very handsome.” Her smile grew.

Hunter scowled. “What do you mean, handsome?”

“Dark hair, blue eyes.” She tapped her index finger against her pursed lips. “He reminds me of you, as a matter of fact.”

That did it. “I’ll request a female doctor for you first thing in the morning.”

“You definitely can’t take a joke.” She laughed. “Come sit down.”

He made to sit in the chair by the bed, but she patted the empty space next to her on the mattress, right by her hip. “Closer.”

Hesitantly he sat beside her, the warmth of her body seeping into him. Her scent, her smile, the brush of her arm against his sent his mind reeling.

He’d almost lost this. And he wasn’t about to let her go again.

“How did you know I was outside your room?”

“I could smell you.” Her smile gentled. “You have a very distinct scent, Hunter Worth.”

“So do you.” Arousal coursed through him, unbelievable as it was. She was recovering from surgery with bruises, scrapes and a broken wrist, yet he still wanted her more than anything. “I’ve missed it. I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too.” She dropped her gaze, staring at the blanket that was neatly tucked around her. “I have something to tell you.”

He knew what her confession was, but still, anticipation buzzed through him. “What is it?”

“I know you already know.” She plucked at an imaginary thread on the blanket. “My grandma said she told you.”

“I want to hear it from you.” He grabbed hold of her good hand, taking it in his. “Tell me, Gracie.”

She lifted her gaze and met his. “I’m pregnant. I—I don’t know exactly when it happened, but we’re going to have a baby together, Hunter.” She paused. “Are you okay with that?”

Reaching out with his other hand, he brushed a few stray hairs away from her forehead, so very thankful to be touching her like this once more. “Are you okay with it?”

“I asked you first.”

He smiled. “You want me to be honest?”

Her eyes went wide, luminous as she nodded furiously. “More than anything.”

“I’m more than okay with it.” Carefully he leaned in, brushed her lips with his once. Twice. “I’m happy. Fucking excited.”

She laughed and kissed him again. “You’ll need to learn to watch your language. You can’t say such things in front of your baby.”

“Are you excited, Gracie?”