There was more blood flowing to my nether regions, setting off a cataclysmic orgasm. It wasn't the situation. Or even Cooper for that matter. It was biology.
He thrust one more time, lodging himself inside me, covering my body and nipping my shoulder. I savored the sting, needing the reminder to stay in the present. There wouldn't be a house of our very own in our future.
We were co-parenting and enjoying our physical proximity. This wasn't the start of a new relationship.
He carefully eased out, and I felt his semen dripping down my leg. Sex was messy without a condom. Not that I'd ever attempted it.
It had the added impact of being more intimate when he grabbed a paper towel, wetted it at the sink, and cleaned me. It was a sweet move, one no man had ever dared perform for me before. I usually gave off a keep-your-distance vibe. But that mode must have been faulty, because Cooper had no problems infiltrating it.
He helped me to stand, turning me so that I was pressed against his naked body, my nipples still pebbled. If we stayed like this, I'd want another round, and that was unacceptable. I couldn't start craving this man who was the father of my child. Distance was more necessary than ever before.
I needed to pull away and fast before he had more of me than I wanted to give. I pressed out of his hold, hurrying to grab my clothes. "I forgot I'm taking my siblings out for dinner tonight."
"Do you mind if I join you?" Cooper's request was sweet, and if I was into relationships, I would have taken him up on the offer.
"That's not necessary." Not if I wanted to protect my heart.
Cooper remained silent as I gathered my clothes, throwing them on to cover myself. I felt like I was hiding more than my body. He'd gotten a glimpse into my soul, one that I never gave freely. I felt vulnerable, splayed open for him to take advantage of.
I wouldn't meet his gaze. I had a feeling it would be tender, and that would gut me. This was different from how it was supposed to be. A physical outlet had been an attractive idea, especially since my sex drive was heightened with the pregnancy, but I couldn't allow this to happen again.
I kept my distance from him so he couldn't draw me in for one more kiss.
He watched me, not even bothering to grab his clothes.
"You'll lock up?" I felt flustered, my stomach in knots, the urge to flee overwhelming.
He nodded. "You can count on me."
I ducked out of the house, my self-respect in shreds. How could I keep going like this and not fall for the incredible man he was turning out to be?
Chapter Twelve
Cooper
The waiting room of the doctor's office was white and sterile. Ivy's knee bounced on the chair next to mine. I reached over and touched her thigh, only temporarily stopping the motion.
I wasn't sure if she was nervous because of the exam or if she was worried about people finding out about the pregnancy. She'd chosen a doctor's office outside of town, and so far, I didn't see anyone we knew.
Ivy was a butterfly I'd never catch. She was beautiful but elusive. The only thing that tied us together was this baby I'd come to want more with each passing day.
Over the last few weeks, we'd had sex when I saw her at the inspections. I wanted more, but I knew enough not to push her.
I was biding my time, infiltrating into her life even as I gave her space. If I pushed too hard, she'd run away, and I'd never catch her. I was always cognizant that she could bolt at any second.
I wanted to make her feel good. So far, she was more tired than usual and horny. She hadn't said anything about feeling nauseous, which relieved me. I didn't want her to suffer because she was carrying my baby.
I wanted to take care of her, so I showed up at her condo with dinner from time to time, and even ice cream for dessert. I always left after giving her an orgasm. I never asked if I could stay. I kept the visits short.
"Ivy Buckley," the nurse called from the front counter where she held a clipboard, presumably with Ivy's information on it.
We stood and followed her to an exam room where she weighed Ivy and checked her blood pressure.
The nurse handed Ivy a paper gown. "Go ahead and change. You can keep your bra on, but take everything else off. The doctor will be with you shortly."
The woman left, and Ivy quickly shucked her clothes and slid into the gown. She sat on the exam table, the paper crinkling as she moved.
"Are you scared about the baby?" I asked her.