Page 29 of Utah

“Will is covering for me until four.”

Hearing her coworker’s name instantly irritated me. “I’m sure he was only too happy to do you a favor.” I failed to hold back the contempt in my voice.

“What does that mean?”

“It means he’s gonna want you to repay these favors he keeps doing for you.”

“Again, what does that mean?”

Her hand found a place on her hip, and if I wasn’t so annoyed right now, I could appreciate how sexy she looked, even while she scowled at me.

“He’s gonna try and collect one day.” Her silence prompted me to add, “Sex, Ria. He’s gonna want sex.”

“Stop it. Not every guy is like that. We’re friendly because we work together. He’s nice and has never said or done anything inappropriate.”

“Yet,” I added. “And yes, every guy is the same. You pay us a tiny bit of attention, and we think you want to fuck us.”

“That’s gross.”

“It’s the truth whether you like it or not. We’re not complicated.”

“So, you’re sayingyou’reeasy.” The corners of her lips rose, and the memory of our kiss the other day rushed forward.

“Yup.”

“Pig.”

“I’m okay with that.”

Her light chuckle eased some of the tension of our conversation.

Focus, man. Today is about Crash. You don’t have the energy to hate her coworker right now. Priorities.

“No tie?” Ria looked me up and down, pursing her lips.

“I’m not a tie kind of guy.”

I’d chosen a long-sleeved button-down under my cut, rolling the cuffs to my elbows because it was warm outside. I wanted to dress up a bit. Crash deserved a little out of the norm from me.

“Do you need help putting on your boots?”

I shoved aside the image of her on her knees. I didn’t have time right now to fantasize about all the things I wanted to do to her.

“Are you gonna get dressed first? Aren’t you worried about losing your towel?”

“Not unless you yank on it. But just in case….” She gave me her back, opened her towel, and readjusted the material before turning around to face me again. “All secure. Now, do you need help with your boots or not?”

I wanted to say no, but I could use her assistance. There would be less bending and pressure on my stomach if I let her help me.

“I do.”

I stared at the top of her blonde head when she kneeled to help me slip on my boots. After she tied the laces, she moved to stand but stopped, grunting in the process.

“Damn,” she said, expelling a breath.

“Are you okay?” She didn’t respond, and I became worried. “Is it the baby?” Ria shook her head. Then it dawned on me. “Nausea?”

She threw her thumb in the air while continuing to breathe through her mouth. I hated feeling helpless. Here she was, growing a human inside her, and the little thing was wreakinghavoc. Was this a precursor for what was to come once he or she was born?

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