Page 45 of Moonlighter
“Just put on some shorts.”
“Women are usually trying to get me to takeoffmy clothes. Do you really want to be the one exception?”
“It’s not like I don’t appreciate the view.” Unless I’m crazy, her cheeks turn pink.
God, that blush. Unbelievably, I feel my blood stir again. And the urge to kiss her is strong.
I don’t, though. I duck into the bathroom for a very fast shower and then find some boxers to wear. Once I’m suitably covered, I go into the living room, turn that fucking pillow around, arm the door alarm, and then pour two drinks.
By the time I’m back, Alex is sitting up in bed, wearing a nightgown and flipping through channels on the TV.
As she settles on a cooking show, I climb into bed beside her and hand her a glass of seltzer.
“Thank you,” she says sweetly.
“You’re very welcome.” The domesticity of this moment feels entirely unfamiliar to me. I offer my glass to Alex. “You wanted a sip?”
She takes it in hand and inhales the yeasty scent of my ale. “I miss grownup drinks. I really do.” She takes the world’s daintiest sip and hands it back to me.
“How many more months?”
“My due date is in January. But if I breastfeed, I won’t really drink, then, either.”
“Oh.” I knownothingabout babies or childbirth. “Is it too soon to name this baby? I’d like to put in an early vote for Eric.”
“You are such an egomaniac.” She gives me a little poke on my bare belly.
“It’s a good name! We can’t all be named Alexandra.”
“Sure we can. There’s always Alexander if it’s a boy.”
“You know…” I take a sip of beer. “I’m not at all surprised that you’re named after a great conquerer.”
“Why? Should I take that as a compliment?”
“Maybe. You’ve been bossing me around since the day I met you.”
I get another poke. “What does Eric mean? Is it…German?”
“Norse.”
“Does it mean ‘man with great big hockey stick?’”
I snort with laughter. “Yeah, baby.”
“What does Eric really mean?”
“It meansalone. The first syllable, anyway. But together it’s supposed to mean sole ruler. Or autocrat.”
“Of course it does. Now who’s bossy?”
“Are you going to let me check the baseball game?”
She holds on tightly to the remote. “Maybe. Doescheckimply an hour of baseball watching?”
“Depends on if it’s a close game.”
“Then, no. There’s always your phone.”
