Page 124 of Zimyra

It takes me a minute to comprehend what he means. My cheeks redden when I finally understand. I ask, “Why’s that a weird feeling for you?”

“I’m usually protected. I’ve never done that before—never given a woman that much of myself.”

“No?”

“No, and while I love everything about giving it to you, I’m not ready to share you with anyone—not even our own children.”

“No?” I ask.

“No,” he responds.

“Then perhaps you shouldn’t be throwing me across the kitchen table and having your way with me.”

His grin turns into a smile that grows on his handsome face.

I say, “I’ve been on birth control for years. They help regulate my cycle. I won’t get pregnant unless I stop them. Does that put your mind at ease aboutgiving me your babies?”

“Very much so.”

I eat a piece of bacon and say, “I want children.”

“I know you do. I remember our discussions. I want them, too—just not right now. I selfishly want you all to myself.”

“Even more so than last night and this morning?”

“Yes. Even more so than last night and this morning, Zimyra.”

He cuts into a stack of pancakes, dips it in syrup, and consumes the helping like a starved lion. “You made me work up an appetite.”

Amused, I say, “Imade you work up an appetite? Little ol’ me?”

“Little ol’ you got something that’s not so little between your thighs.”

“Ax!”

“It’s the truth. And you know what—we should probably stop talking about it before I throw it up on this plate. You need a break.”

“What makes you think I need a break?”

He frowns, and was that a growl I heard?

“Stop,” he says.

“What?” I ask, smiling, fully aware of what I’m doing.

“I’m giving you a rest. Trust me when I say you’ll need it.”

I eat a little more of my food and then say, “Tell me more about yourrealjob.”

He clears his throat, takes a sip of coffee, and says, “I handle all matters concerning the operations of the company. I’m second in command behind my stepfather.”

“Peter Bayne is your stepfather?”

“Yes.”

“Wow.” I drink coffee, and then say, “Here’s a thought. Why didn’t you two just come down here and be straight with me from the beginning?”

“I didn’t want to.”

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