Page 77 of Irreplaceable

I shook my head. “I think it’s biology.”

“You had threefailed procedures before you met me. And while I’d like to claim it’s all down to my superior sperm, I believe there’s a reason you and I are having this baby together.”

“Maybe,” I said on a yawn.

“Definitely,” he said with such conviction that I turned to face him.

I took a deep breath. “Enzo, I told you—”

“Hush, uccellina.” He placed his hand on my stomach, the tattoos so striking.“Let’s just enjoy being here together—the three of us.”

I melted a little at his words. At the way he was already thinking of and referring to our baby while gently touching my stomach. It was everything I’d always wanted.

But it was a lie.

Enzo and I weren’t a couple. And when my brother had mentioned our kids growing up together… Well, his comment had reminded me of just how complicated my life had become.

I’d always planned to move home to raise my child, but now there was more than just the baby and me to think about. Enzo was involved. What if he wanted to move back to Italy? What if he met someone else? What if they had kids together? My chest felt tight.

“Why do you look like you’re freaking out right now?”

“Because…” I sucked in a jagged breath. “Just forget about it.”

“Harper, I’m not going to forget about it. Even if I wanted to, I can feel the energy and anxiety rolling through you. I don’t want that for you or the baby.”

He pushed himself up on one side, took my hand in his, and started massaging. It felt freaking amazing. Perhaps even better than the daily massages we’d gotten when we were in Bali.

“Have you ever heard the phrase, Non tutte le ciambelle riescono col buco?”

“Not all donuts…” I furrowed my brow, but I was so distracted by what he was doing to my hand that I didn’t have the brainpower to translate the rest.

“Have a hole,” he finished for me. “It means that things don’t always turn out as planned.”

“Now I’m hungry,” I said, half teasing.

He slowly removed his hands from my skin and stood. “What would you like?”

I blinked a few times. Was he serious? I wasn’t sure I’d ever been with anyone who wanted to take care of me. Not like Enzo. And while I could take care of myself, it was nice. I’d thought it was just him trying to impress me in Bali, but I now realized it was part of who he was. Someone who liked to serve others. Who enjoyed being part of something bigger than himself.

“You really don’t have to do that,” I said.

“I’d like to. Now, tell me what you want.”

“I’d kill for a muffin.” I batted my eyes at him. “I’m guessing my mom has some on a cake stand in the kitchen. If not, there’s likely a stash in the freezer.”

He nodded quickly then disappeared into the hallway. When he returned, he bore a proud smile and produced a muffin from behind his back.

“Thank you.” I reached for it, my stomach already growling. I removed the wrapper and promptly devoured the treat.

Enzo chuckled and joined me on the bed. “Hungry, huh?”

I nodded.

“You want another one?”

I shook my head. “I’m good. Thanks.”

“Now you’re making me hungry.” His eyes were hooded when he rubbed his thumb over my lips, parting them slightly, slowly.

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