Page 35 of Mending Scars

I feigned offense. “Hey, you’re the one who wouldn’t leave me alone.” I playfully yanked my hand from him, but he pulled me into him and closed his huge arms around me, trapping my body against his.

“I’m glad I didn’t.” Our eyes met as he looked down at me. He reached his hand up and brushed his knuckles down my cheek, making my knees weak and causing my face to instantly heat.

Ryker’s proximity always made my heart race. My voice was unsteady as I spoke. “Oh, yeah? Why?”

The right corner of his mouth curved up in a sexy grin as he leaned, barely brushing those heavenly lips against mine. “Because I wouldn’t have found my family if I hadn’t.”

My heart fluttered from his words.Family.The only family I’d ever truly had was Kamden, and to hear Ryker say that I was his family made me feel… amazing.

His hand pressed against my stomach as he closed the sliver of a gap between our mouths and kissed me. The elevator sounded, and Ryker pushed me through the doors and against the wall.

I didn’t know if anyone was in there, and frankly, I didn’t care. When Ryker’s lips were on mine, all I was concerned about was consuming as much of him as I possibly could. The building could catch on fire and I’d be oblivious to it.

My hands framed his face as his tongue slipped past my lips. His fingers threaded through my hair until he reached the back of my head and gripped tightly, devouring me right there in the elevator. And I loved every second of it.

When the elevator sounded again, Ryker broke away from me, leaving me breathless and flushed. My lips tingled when I gave him a flirty smile as we exited.

I called Nori as soon as we got in the truck. The excitement was evident in her voice as she answered the phone. “So? What’s the verdict?”

I paused for dramatic effect. “They said I’m about twelve weeks pregnant. I’m due August 2.”

Nori squealed like a five year old into the phone, “Shut up! Oh my God, I’m so happy for you, Ky!”

Ryker started driving, then placed his hand on my leg and rubbed it affectionately. “Thank you. I think I’m still in shock.”

“How did Ryker take it? Is he excited?”

I grinned as I looked over at him. “Very. The smile still hasn’t come off his face.”

“Aww, that’s so sweet.” She paused before squealing again. “I’m going to be an auntie!”

We chatted for a few minutes about my appointment hanging up.

“She’s excited, huh?” Ryker asked as he turned at a stoplight.

“Yeah, she is. Already planning a baby shower and everything.” I chuckled.

“How do you think Kamden will react?”

Shit.

I hadn’t thought about that. Given his current state, I couldn’t even speculate what his response to the news would be. “I don’t know. I think he’ll be happy, but I’m not positive.”

Ryker squeezed my thigh. “I’m sure he will be. Don’t worry about it, Warrior.”

I looked out the window and sighed. I hoped that he was right.

Kaiya was nervous about telling Kamden about the baby the whole drive home. She was worried he would blow up at her for being irresponsible, and to be honest, I was concerned about how he would react, too. He had become pretty hot-headed since the shooting.

When we walked in, the smell of fresh, baked bread greeted us. Kaiya gave me a confused look as she tossed her keys on the table and took off her coat. “Kam?”

“In here,” he yelled back.

I followed Kaiya into the kitchen, where Kamden was cooking. He turned his head toward us and smiled as he stirred a pot on the stove. “Hey.”

“Hey, yourself,” Kaiya replied as she quirked up an eyebrow. “What are you doing?”

He set the spoon he was stirring with on the counter before facing us. “I know I haven’t been the easiest person to deal with lately.” He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly as he looked at Ky. “I wanted to start making up for how I’ve been acting. I shouldn’t have taken my issues out on you, and I’m sorry.”

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