Page 13 of Captive Desire

She gives me a little smile at that.

“I do love baking, there’s no denying that. However, with the baby coming, I won’t be able to see her very much even if I have a bunch of people willing to come here. She’s got this place to run and I’ll have birthing classes to start attending.” She pauses. “We are attending those, by the way. That isn’t up for discussion.”

I love it when she’s easily able to put her foot down. At first, she seemed to second-guess giving me an order. After spending so much time together, it’s good to see her have more confidence to demand things.

My future wife is going to be one to reckon with. If my men cower at the thought of upsetting me, then they’ll outright fear this woman.

“Stop smiling,” she scoffs as she looks away. The color of her cheeks gives away her flush.

“We’ll do the classes,” I agree, “if that’s what you want.”

Surprised by my words, she nods and turns back away. “Good. You’ll get to watch birthing videos so you don’t pass out during the real thing. I’m expecting you to be in the room.”

“Angel, if you think you’re going to scare me away with a little blood, I assure you, I will be fine.” Not able to help myself, I wrap an arm around her frame and tug her close to my body. When I press a kiss on the top of her head, she tries to swat me away. It’s cute how embarrassed she gets by a little display of public affection. “Throw whatever you want in my direction and I’ll be ready. We both will be for our son.”

“You are too much,” she grumbles. Despite her words, she doesn’t try to pull away. Not until the owner approaches the counter.

She looks at us in surprise before turning her attention to Charity. Unfortunately, I don’t think I have much choice but to let her go.

“Charity.” She strolls around the counter and pulls her into a hug. Sounding relieved to see that she’s fine, I can’t help but wonder if she ever told this woman about her situation.

A little family trouble doesn’t bring on such relief.

This blonde stares at me, squinting. She’s a small thing, trying her best to come off as threatening. She reminds me of a chihuahua. All bark and no bite. Unfortunately, she doesn’t have to be able to hurt me physically to be a problem.

Pulling away from the hug, she nears my side once more. Charity tangles her fingers together. She looks so nervous.

“This is Romeo.” She sends me a short-lasting glance and forces a smile as one of her hands cradles her stomach. “This is the guy.”

Eloise looks confused for only a moment before her brows lift. “The guy?”

Well, now I don’t know if I should be worried or not. Feeling clueless, the best I can do is offer a smile. “I hope you only said good things about me.”

“Only about our one night stand and a little bit of the feelings that came after,” Charity admits. “Mostly good.”

“And it seems you’ve found him again,” Eloise murmurs.

I think I’m starting to understand now. Like Charity, this woman must think I abandoned her from the very beginning. There’s no point in explaining myself. The only thing that matters is the fact that I don’t plan on leaving her side again.

“So, good news. You can tell Jake that he will no longer have to pay for my place. I’m going to move in with Romeo and we’re going to raise the baby together.”

Surprised by the sound of hope in her voice, I can’t be bothered by Eloise’s doubt. It might be my imagination, but it sounds like Charity wants to stay.

Forcing my grin away, I can’t help but resume my touch. Needing to keep an arm around her body, she doesn’t bother with pushing me away this time.

She tells Eloise about quitting because of the move. When she tries to apologize, Eloise stops her.

“I want you to be happy.” Her smile looks more natural when we’re together. “If this is what you want, then I am all for it. However, you better not disappear on me.” She looks my way. “Please don’t be greedy and try to keep her all to yourself.”

Charity gives me a look that says I better agree and say nothing else.

I guess I can’t tell this woman that I’m the greediest man she’ll ever meet.

“Of course.” Simply agreeing, I watch as Charity pulls away.

“I’ll come visit again soon. Preferably when you’re not on the clock.” Hugging her as tightly as she can, she squeezes her hands next. “Thank you for everything.”

When they separate, her hand slides into mine and she’s ready to go back. Ready to leave just as much, I find the other two waiting with their purchases in hand.

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