Page 51 of Bound By Love

I yawned and leaned forward on my desk, putting my head on my bent arms like I remembered doing in kindergarten when it was rest time. Just a quick nap before I went to lunch with Brea. A ten-minute power nap to replenish my energy so I could make it through the rest of the day.

I closed my eyes, inhaled a deep breath, and exhaled as sleep washed over me.

“Excuse me?”

My head popped up at the sound of a deep, masculine voice. Instantly, I stood as I would to greet a new client, but it was not a new client.

Derek was standing in the doorway.

“Derek, what are you doing here?” I smiled, happy to see him.

“Hey, beautiful.” He placed a soft kiss on my cheek. When he walked me out to my car Sunday night, he had only kissed me on the cheek. We’d had dinner together at my house every evening this week and held hands often, but that was it. We were in the “getting to know you stage,” as Derek had called it.

I straightened my V-neck blouse, noticing it pulled tight to the side to accommodate my fuller breasts. I made a mental note to never wear this top again. What was I thinking? Nevertheless, my cleavage showed, and my cheeks were warm and probably red.

The half-grin on Derek’s face as he eyed my clumsy attempt to look presentable showed he enjoyed the show tremendously.

Little stinker.

“I didn’t mean to wake you from your afternoon nap while you’reat work,” he teased.Big stinker.“But I was told I could walk right in.”

“I wasn’t napping,” I said in denial, rather pathetically, and grabbed my earring. Before I was pregnant, I would have never fallen asleep at work. Ever.

“Weren’t you though? I’m pretty sure I heard snoring. Am I keeping you up too late on the phone?”

“I don’t snore. And I wasn’t napping. I was resting my eyes.” I ran my fingers through my hair.

Derek chuckled, taking my hand. “Whatever you say, Anna. Either way, you looked cute with drool hanging off your lower lip.” He reached out with his thumb and swiped it across my chin.

I jerked my head back, even though I enjoyed his touch.

He laughed a bit louder this time, at my expense no less.

“I don’t drool, snore, or nap at work. Stop teasing me.” I couldn’t help but giggle; he was too cute. “What are you doing here? This is my place of work, you know?”I’m so happy to see you!I stared into his mischievous eyes.

“Guess I missed you, sweetheart. Come here”—he opened his arms to me—“please.”

Lord help me, he saidpleasein his deep, throaty voice. I liked his voice a lot. “Okay, Derek. Just mind your manners.” I stepped closer and was wrapped in his muscular arms. I inhaled his scent, musk and the outdoors, and melted into him. He hugged me often when we were together. I hadn’t realized how much I needed affection since the last time I was with Will. Derek gave it abundantly.

“Brea told me about the nursery,” he whispered with his lips on my temples. I heard him sniffing my hair.

“She did?” I had mentioned wanting to paint the baby’s room, change the dull dome ceiling light to something pretty. Basically, I wanted to do a bunch of stuff to the nursery before setting up the furniture and decorations. It might seem fast. I’d only been here a little over two weeks, but I needed projects to keep my mind occupied.

“Yeah, she did. I want to help you. Whatever you want, I’ll make it happen.” This man, he amazed me. His heart was pure and kind. He’d already helped me quite a bit since we started… hanging out? Dating?

What were we doing?

As I pondered my own question, it occurred to me, Derek was doing all the things my dad did at home. Yard work, fixing a leaky faucet, and he changed lightbulbs and made sure my fire alarms worked properly. Derek was kind and reliable, a terrific man.

“You think I can’t decorate a baby’s room? I’m quite capable.”

“And feisty, which I like.” He kissed the top of my head. “I know you’re capable, but I sure love helping you… and spending time with you.” He snaked his hands around my waist. My heart cheered. “I won’t take up any more of your nap time,” he said, teasing me again.

“Seriously?” I rolled my eyes as I let him tug me closer. I hoped he would finally kiss me on the lips. Wishful thinking for sure; he would never kiss me at work. I knew him that well already. Derek knew to be discreet. Hell, he didn’t even kiss me in the privacy of our homes.

“I know you were napping, and it’s okay, really. You need your rest… in your condition.”

“My condition?” I pulled back, putting my hands on my hips. Derek rarely said baby. I figured he was still getting used to the idea. I mean, it wasn’t like it was noticeable. My clothing hid it well, but in the nude, my little baby bump was visible. Not that Derek had seen me naked or touched my body enough to feel it beneath my clothes. He hadn’t, but I might be okay with it if he did. I craved his touch, his mouth, his body. I would bet my life that he felt the same about me.

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