Mr. Big Jerk: A Forbidden Second Chance Romance (Kinda Cocky Series Book 3), стр. 33
I blinked. “Since when did you get so smart on women?”
He chuckled. “Since Kelly. She’s taught me a lot.”
“She’s a good woman.”
“And so is Roxy. Just go talk to her, Clint. You won’t get any answers you’re looking for inside your own head. And, uh, I’ll email you the details on those properties by lunchtime.”
I nodded mindlessly. “Right. Thanks.”
My brother’s words hung with me all day. And when it came time for me to leave work, I took his advice. I ran by a florist and picked up a bouquet of lilies and roses. I stopped by her favorite bakery and got her two cheese danishes. And when I stood in front of her door with my offerings in my hand, I kicked her door softly with my foot.
“Who is it?” she asked.
She’s never done that before. “It’s me, Roxy. Clint.”
The doorknob didn’t move. “Is something wrong?”
“Could you let me in? I’d like to talk if that’s okay.”
The door still didn’t open immediately, but she did finally open it. It slowly swung open, revealing a disheveled Roxy with bags underneath her eyes. My brow stitched together tightly as she ushered me into her place. I handed her the flowers and the danishes, but she seemed less than pleased.
“I’m sorry, I’m just not feeling very well this evening. Thank you, though. These are beautiful,” she said.
“Do I need to get you to a doctor?” I asked.
She shook her head. “No, no. I’m fine. Just take a seat on the couch.”
I watched her walk into the kitchen, and there was something different about her walk. I couldn't put my finger on it, but something didn’t seem quite right. Still, I did as she asked. I wanted her to feel as comfortable as possible, so I sat down, giving her enough room on my other side to sit as far away from me as she wished.
Just like I figured, she sat as far away from me as possible.
“So, what brings you here?” she asked.
I cocked my body to face her. “Are you all right?”
She blinked. “Yeah, of course. Why?”
“You’ve been acting a bit off lately, and I’m wondering if it’s something I've done.”
She shook her head. “No. Just a bit tired recently.”
“Am I working you too hard at work?”
“Not at all.”
“Am I keeping you up too late when we’re out?”
“No.”
I scooted a bit closer to her. “Then, why do I get the feeling you’re pushing me away when all I want to do is be closer to you?”
Her brow ticked with confusion. “Closer to me?”
I took her hand in mine. “I like you, Roxy. A lot. And what I feel for you is more than sexual. I enjoy your company, and I look forward to our time together. It’s been a long time since I’ve enjoyed the company of a woman without there being sex, but I do enjoy sex with you.”
She pulled her hand away. “You’ve come over to beg for sex. Great.”
I scoffed. “I haven’t come over here to beg you for anything. I’ve come over here to talk with you. Something is wrong, and I’m concerned you aren’t as interested in me as I am in you at this point. And if that’s the case, it’s my right to know that.”
Her eyes found mine. “You think I don’t want you around?”
I shrugged. “What else is there to think? We had a silent dinner last night. You didn’t even want to cuddle on the couch. It’s almost like I intruded on a space where you didn’t want me, but you were too afraid to speak up about it.”
“Clint, you’ve got this all wrong.”
“Then, set it right for me. And if it’s something I can help with, then let me help.”
She shook her head. “You wouldn’t understand.”
“Am I pressuring you in any way?”
“No, you’re not.”
“And you’re still interested in getting together?”
“Yeah, I am.”
“Do I need to find another job at my company for you, so we don’t work as closely anymore?”
She shook her head. “No, no. Please, don’t do that. I’m going to need the benefits when--.”
Her lips sealed themselves tightly, and dread filled my gut.
“You’re sick, aren’t you?” I asked.
She shook her head quickly. “No, no. That’s not it.”
I closed the gap between us. “Now, look. Something is wrong. Something terrible has happened. And you’re going to tell me what the fuck is going on so I can help. Got it?”
Her eyes watered. “Clint, this isn’t--.”
I cupped her cheek. “Talk to me, Roxy. Whatever it is, you don’t have to do it alone. I promise you that.”
“Wait, what?”
My forehead fell against hers. “Whatever it is, I’m not going anywhere. You have my word.”
She sniffled. “Oh, God. I’m so sorry, Clint. I didn’t think two days would make such a difference.”
I pulled back a bit. “Two days? What are you talking about?”
Her watery eyes found mine. “I’m pregnant, Clint.”
My world careened to a screeching halt. “You’re what?”
“I’m so sorry. I missed my doctor’s appointment for my arm implant, and it took me two days to get another appointment. I didn’t think it would be this big of an issue, though. I swear, I didn’t do it on purpose. I’m always so careful, and I just--.”
“We’re pregnant?”
She paused. “Yes. We’re pregnant, Clint.”
My hand cupped the back of her head. “I want to kiss you right now. Is that okay?”
“Wait, you want to do what?”
“Let me kiss you, Roxy. Please.”
Her eyes widened. “Yeah, sure. Okay.”
When our lips finally connected for the first time in over a month, glorious happiness filled my veins. I pulled her into my lap and started envisioning my life as a father.
The one thing I’d wanted more than anything else in this world.
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