Page 55 of Draft Pick

“Or it sounds like an adventure worth telling our grandkids about someday,” I countered, daring to reach for her.

“But—”

I couldn’t wait any longer. I silenced her with a hungry kiss, our lips coming together in a feverish clash that unlocked our secret needs.

There was something about knowing Starlie was carrying my kid, hearing the proof of life on her phone, that ignited a fire inside me that threatened to burn everything to the ground.

My ambition, my apprehension about my parents’ reaction, the inevitable talk around campus — none of that fucking mattered at this moment.

I wanted Starlie.

And I was going to do whatever possible to get her.

My traitorous heartthundered in my chest as Cason's lips moved over mine. Good grief, what was wrong with me? I didn't come here to fall into his bed, but my willpower was suspiciously absent as I leaned into him. His arms curved around me, holding me tight, and I never felt safer, even though I shouldn't.

Cason Alexander had knocked me up and then ghosted me. Not a great start. So why did I want to jump his bones this very second? As if none of that mattered? As if my dignity and self-esteem were nothing but wispy afterthoughts drifting on a stiff wind. Damn, baby hormones were in control now, and I was a hostage to the chemical coercion.

But even as I wanted to sink into his arms and forget everything that hurt my heart and sense of self, I couldn't just yet.

We had too much to try and figure out between us before we started getting naked with each other. Besides, if I was being honest, being naked with Cason filled me with anxiety.

Our little nugget was already making subtle changes to my body, and I was scared that Cason might take one look and bail again.

Cason loved my curves before, but what about now or later? What if I zoomed past his "acceptable curve" limit as this baby grew inside me, and he bailed again?

Oh God, that would be so much worse. I smothered a shudder and ended the kiss with a rueful chuckle to hide my nerves. "Slow down my guy, the steak wasn't that good."

"Guess I better up my culinary game, then," he teased, brushing another soft kiss across my swollen lips before announcing, "Okay, I guess it's time for dessert then. Stay right where you are. You're gonna love what comes next."

"You didn't have to make dessert," I tried telling him, but he'd already disappeared into the kitchen happily humming as if he were about to serve the queen of England.

It was hard not to feel pampered. No one had ever gone to such lengths to impress me before, and even admitting that in the privacy of my mind made me distinctly aware of how low I'd put the bar in the past.

Curiosity and apprehension warred within me. What exactly did he have planned for dessert? Knowing Cason, it could be anything from literal cake to whipped cream bikinis.

He returned with two bowls of ice cream - one mint chip and one cookie dough. The fancy kind from the local creamery, not the cheap cartons I usually bought.

"Ta-da! Your favorite, right?" he said, setting the bowls down with a flourish.

I blinked in surprise. "You remembered my favorite ice cream flavor?"

Cason looked almost shy. "I remember a lot of little things about you, Starlie."

My heart did that fluttery thing again. I took a bite of the mint chip to cover my reaction. Rich, creamy, with chunks of chocolate — it was heavenly.

He admitted around a bite. "I gotta be honest though, it was easy to remember because it's my favorite, too." Watching for my reaction, he prompted, "Good?"

"So good," I mumbled through another mouthful.

We ate in contented silence for a few minutes. Cason didn't push or pry, seemingly happy to share this quiet moment.

And I felt myself relaxing, walls lowering, as I remembered what I'd liked about him in the first place. He was charming, thoughtful, and smarter than he wanted people to know.

I was almost disappointed when the last bite disappeared. But Cason took my empty bowl and set it aside, turning to face me with an earnest expression that tugged at my heart.

Cason took my hand, his hazel eyes solemn. "Starlie, I know I've got a lot to prove, but I meant what I said - I'm committed to figuring this out, no matter what it takes. You and our little chicken nugget are my top priority now."

I blinked. "Chicken nugget?"

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