Page 88 of Sugarloaf Ridge Lies

“Liv,” he breathes. “Don’t.”

“You did nothing wrong, Jerry.”

His arms tighten around my middle. “Huh?”

“The only reason I broke up with you was because of the pregnancy.”

“Really?” He sweeps his fingers through my hair, the simple gesture sincere and comforting.

“You sound surprised.”

His chest rises and falls dramatically with a heavy sigh. “I have a way of fuckin’ things up. Thought maybe I came on too strong.”

“No. You didn’t do anything wrong. It’s just... everything’s different now.”

“It doesn’t change how I feel about you. If anything, seeing you with child, I’d do anything for you, Liv.”

“Anything?”

“Yes.”

“Right now, I need a friend. I have to work out my next steps... like a place to live, and furniture and, oh God, bottles and a crib.” I sweep my hand over my face. “There’s so much to do.”

“Hey, hey,” he soothes. “Don’t get overwhelmed. I know it’s a lot. It’s not much, but you have a roof over your head and a cosy bed here for as long as you need it. There’s no time limit. Seriously. And a warm pair of arms to wrap around you whenever you need.”

My body stiffens in his embrace. He needs to know I can’t commit to anything. Not until I sort my life out. My goddamn train wreck of a life.

“As a friend,” he adds, as if sensing my trepidation.

“Yeah.” I sigh. “If that’s alright?” It’s not fair to pick up where we left off. Not when I don’t know where I’m going.

“Of course.” Jerry holds me, his warmth settling deep in my bones, drying up my tears.

I take a few deep breaths and turn in his arms.

“You okay?” he asks.

“I will be. If it’s not asking too much, could you stay for a bit longer? Until I fall asleep?”

He presses a kiss to my forehead, the heat of his mouth lingering. “You got it.”

***

My bladder is set toburst, I’m sure of it. Jerry is dead to the world spooning me, his heavy arm holding me to him. The sun peeks through the gap in the curtains, the storm now a distant memory.

“Jerry,” I whisper.

“Hmm,” he mutters, his lips to my ear.

It sends a hit of goosebumps charging over my skin, but it’s the morning wood perched against my butt that floods between my legs with heat.

“Jerry,” I say, louder now.

He stretches, pushing his hardness against me. His body jerks as he mumbles and scrambles with the sheets, clawing himself backwards until he’s out the other side.

“Sorry,” he mutters then scrapes his fingers through his thoroughly mussed hair. “I’ll put the kettle on.” Bare feet pound against the floorboards as he strides from the room, practically moving into a sprint. He couldn’t leave quick enough.

I bury myself under the covers and groan. This is what I was worried about—getting too cosy. I’ve barely been here a week, and it’s clear we still have feelings for each other. It’s in the way he looks at me, in his touch. It’s not fair to lead him on when who knows what the future holds.

My only family is Aunt Jean, and if I want her support, I’ll have to go to her. She can’t leave Sydney because of Jay. She finally found a high school with teaching staff to support him the way he needs. She won’t risk turning his life upside down, even if it’s for me. And I wouldn’t expect her to.

I can do this, but I need a game plan.

---