Page 146 of His Big Bad Stick

“Just exhaustion,” I say. “That’s all. I swear on my life, Colver.”

He looks down at me. “I can’t have anything happen to you or the baby.”

Those words make my entire body freeze, defrost, and melt, all in the same breath.

Now that’s the most romantic thing Colver has ever said to me.

There’s silence in the room as Colver and I stare at each other.

Until finally, Dr. Whitney says, “I’ll print some new pictures for you. Since this little one is growing so fast.”

I manage to peel my gaze from Colver’s.

It is crazy how things have changed already.

Dr. Whitney did laugh a little when I told her about my baby bump issue.

Speaking of that… it sounds so dumb to say, but… it feels like it’s bigger each day that goes by. Bigger. Harder. Gently nudging out some more, but I don’t need new clothes yet.

After printing out a whole bunch of ultrasound pictures, Dr. Whitney gives me privacy to get dressed.

Colver doesn’t leave the room.

He helps me get dressed.

Which is so fucking hot. I don’t care. It’s sexy.

The way he’s right there next to me. Helping me. Touching me.

The way he’s worried with his easily ignited anger, wanting to protect me and the baby.

“You sure you don’t want to come to the game?” Colver asks. “I can get you in a fancy suite. All the food you can eat. Tons of pizza…”

“Tempting,” I say. I touch his huge, muscular chest. “I’d rather be curled up on the couch, watching the game, waiting for you to come home.”

“So you’re going to watch the game?”

“Of course,” I say. “I have to support my man. And the baby wants to watch his or her daddy play hockey.”

I feel heat tickle my cheeks, not sure if what I just said went too far or not.

Colver doesn’t back away. He doesn’t get mad.

Instead, he cups my face and lowers his lips to my forehead.

I smell his neck.

That musky, manly combination of his soap, sleep, and a splash of cologne.

I kind of want to blame all of this on the hormones, but I can’t.

I’ve wanted Colver for such a long time. Even when he was sort of my stepbrother. That flirty and naughty, slightly taboo fantasy…

“Are you okay, kitten?” Colver whispers. “You’re kind of shivering.”

“I’m perfect,” I respond.

When I’m with you, Colver, I’m fucking perfect.

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