Page 36 of Not Ready

“If everything in this store cost exactly the same, extremely reasonable amount, then what would you choose for yourself?” Mercer’s eyes sparkle as his lips tip up at the edges. “Let’s play that game.”

Good God, the thing his jawline does when he’s happy is extremely bad for my self-control.

Since getting pregnant, most of my impulses, outside of nesting, have been fairly easy to manage. So, why now, of all times, when I’m as big as a house, does my system suddenly seem dead set on embarrassing me?

“Remember, Vale, all of this falls under our agreement. And truthfully, even if it didn’t, I wouldn’t feel comfortable with you being this close to the end of your pregnancy without being fully prepared.” His forehead wrinkles as he leans back. “I’m sure there are better ways I could have stated that. I’m sorry. I’ve always been a bit tactless.”

“I think you’re harder on yourself than you need to be. All right, let’s shop.” I give him an encouraging smile.

We browse for a while, and Mercer is good company, even if he’s a little fanatical about studying each information sheet. Weight and height limits aren’t something I think I’ll have to worry about for a while, especially when it comes to a crib.

“I was thinking,” he says conversationally. “My family will be in town soon, and it might seem strange if we don’t have the nursery set up. Don’t you think so?”

I chuckle. “You’re not very covert.”

“I wasn’t technically trying to be.” He gestures to the sleigh crib and furniture set that I’ve been eyeing. “This is my personal favorite. Don’t you agree that it’s the sturdiest? And we can add on the matching glider and footrest. Unless you’d rather have a rocking chair?”

A boyish smile crosses his face, and it makes my stomach feel strangely melty.

“So, you’re saying all this is so your family won’t be suspicious?”

“Exactly.”

“You’re a terrible fibber.” I laugh, shaking my head.

“Come along. Let’s check out the car seats before we head out.” Mercer’s hand comes to rest on my lower back.

I glance at him over my shoulder. He smiles back, leaning to cuddle his cheek to mine. He’s extremely tall, but it’s more the way the move seems to comfort my system that throws me off in a big way.

My phone rings as Mercer and I wait near the checkout counter for the store owner to check some of the inventory. I’ve done my best not to obsess about the prices, but as he points out, it’s much better to support small businesses rather than a huge corporation.

My phone vibrates, and I pull it out to see it’s Kate.

I flash the screen at Mercer. “Is it okay if I step outside to take this? Do you need me for anything?”

“No, I can handle this. Just do me the favor of staying within sight of the door.”

“I will,” I agree, answering the call. “Hey.”

“Oh my God, Vale. I’m going to lose my damn mind. These guys are the worst,” Kate hisses. “One of them is always around. They follow me to and from class. They’re like the world’s most annoying permanent cock-block, and it’s only been days.”

“I’m so sorry,” I say, staring at the shops across the street. “Please don’t hate me.”

“Ugh, I don’t. I could never, but these bossy alphas have to go.”

“Yikes.” I hold my phone with my shoulder and start to button my new coat. It’s nice and toasty, but I got a little too warm in the store. “What, exactly, are they doing that bothers you?”

“They are existing in my space. Lisa and Katrina from the club popped up to check on you last night. They were worried you went into labor early. You really should’ve called them.”

I frown, scuffing the toe of my shoe against the concrete. She’s probably right. “Yeah, I should have.”

“Anyway, they know you’re okay. They invited me out to have a drink. I went, but my new buddies followed me. They glared at anyone who came over to talk to me. They quite literally cock-blocked the hell out of me all night!”

She sounds so indignant that I have to hold back a laugh.

“I’m really sorry my stuff is interfering with your life,” I tell her sincerely. Honestly, she’s always been a great roommate and friend. I don’t know many women in their early twenties who wouldn’t have batted an eye at having to live with a single mom and a baby, but she’s been completely supportive since the day I told her.

A chill runs down my spine, and I glance around. That wasn’t from the biting wind, either.

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