Pit Stop: Baby! (Crescent Cove 4)

Her dark eyes lifted to mine again.

“I want to be in my baby’s life. Just know I want the mom too.”

She lifted her chin. “And if there’s no baby?”

“Maybe you’ll want one with me someday.”

Her eyes shimmered. “You don’t even know me.”

“You’re worth getting to know. I’ve survived this long by following my instincts.” I lowered my mouth to hers. “So, maybe don’t give up on me yet,” I whispered against her mouth before giving her the kind of kiss she wouldn’t soon forget.

If she wanted to push me away again, I’d let her this time. Because in the kiss was a touch of salt and it broke me in a way I didn’t know what to do with.

“Ah, babe.” I pressed my forehead to hers. “We’ll figure it out together.”

“Okay.”

I didn’t realize I was holding my breath until she said that single word. “How about we go see if we have anything to worry about?”

She nodded. “Yeah.”

I framed her face with my hands. “Just one question.”

Her lashes were starred with tears, but they weren’t running down her face. Small mercies. “Yes?”

“If there is a baby, do you want it?”

“Yes.”

I closed my eyes. No hesitation. I swallowed down the lump that had been climbing up with each minute since she’d dropped the bomb on me. I opened my eyes when she wrapped her fingers around my wrists. “Good.”

“Just let me go wash my face and get my purse.”

I nodded. “I’ll be here.” Letting her go alone was a lesson in patience and I really sucked at that particular virtue.

“Not bad, ace.”

I glanced over at Macy. She was leaning against the half wall sectioning off the café with the couches and comfortable reading nook she’d created. “Thanks, I think.”

“I was mostly kidding when I mentioned it to her, but then a few things started adding up.” She chewed on the inside of her cheek.

“Got something else to say?”

“Just go easy on her. I like her.” She drummed her fingers on the half wall. “I don’t like too many people. So, just remember I’ve got a really big baseball bat and lots and lots of—”

“Solvents. Yes, I’m aware.”

“I like a guy who listens.” She headed back to her counter. “I made you a coffee and her a hot chocolate.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Just in case.”

I had to laugh. Damned if I didn’t like Macy too.

By the time I got back to the reading nook with our drinks, Rylee was back. She had on a different shirt and a little makeup. I passed her the hot cocoa, then held out my hand for her. She hesitated for only a moment before wrapping her fingers around mine.

“I’m assuming you want to go out of town.”

“God, yes.”

“I figured.” I took a quick sip of my coffee. Still glorious.