Page 10 of Big Tex

But never in a million years would I have imagined Colt would pull me into his lap, cradle me in his big, strong arms, and press a soft kiss to my lips, before looking me deep in the eyes.

“Is that why you passed you?”

Not exactly sure how to interpret his reaction, I answer honestly, “partially. I’m also genuinely tired from work.”

He nods.

“Do you have a regular doctor? A gyneco?”

His face is serene, with just a ghost of a smile playing on his lips.What the hell?!I thought he’d be dragging me out of his house by this point of our conversation.

“Yeah, I do. But Colt, we need to talk.”

He nods, still looking like some fucking zen master cowboy.

“I agree, but first I’d like to make sure you’re okay. Both of you.”

My heart. My poor, neglected heart flutters and swells. My eyes welling with tears I know are in a large part due to the insane influx of hormones in my body, but I’m also just touched. By this big, sexy giant’s attentiveness.

I clear my throat, batting my lashes to push the tears away before responding.

“I think… I think that would be a great idea.”

Colt’s grin broadens and the effect on my heart and panties is fucking devastating. He’s so handsome, so kind, and so goddamn hot! I really hope this won’t turn into one of those platonic parenting situations.

* * *

COLT

We’re sitting inside one of Layla’s ob-gyn’s exam rooms, staring at each other with wonder in our eyes. It’s real, this is happening. We’re having a baby together.

That first day at the ranch, after Layla rested, we made appointments with her doctors. Her generalist confirmed Dr Asshat Carmichael’s exhaustion diagnosis, checked that my girl was in good health other than that, and added more tests to the ones ran at the university ’s health center. And I was over the moon to hear confirmation that Layla is in great shape.

The appointment with her gynecologist-obstetrician just ended. And I might never recover from listening to the sound of our baby’s steady heartbeat. I want to hop in my truck and drive us down to El Paso so that Layla can meet my entire family and share our amazing news with them. I want to stop by the closest luxury jewelry and buy her all the diamonds they have. I want to kiss and worship her extraordinary body for the miracle it’s making. I want to call Zach and come clean to him. I want to kiss, hold, and fuck my woman. I want, I want, I want… I feeldizzy with excitement. But before anything or anyone, Layla and I need to talk.

* * *

LAYLA

I school my expression to keep my emotions hidden. There’s not much I can do about the way I feel, but at least I can keep some semblance of dignity by not exposing myself as the heartbroken woman I’ve turned into.

I fight to keep my eyes strictly on his. No looking at his gorgeous features, or letting my gaze travel the length of his tall, muscular body.

This is not just about me. Things will never again only be about me. That’s what I need to keep in mind. I reflexively rest my hand on my stomach and take a deep inhale.

God help me, a beaming smile on his full, sensual lips, Colt comes to sit next to me on the examination table, taking my hands in his, and giving me that look. The one that says I’m precious, special, and his. The one that has to be a boatload of crap.But he looks so sincere,my treacherous heart whispers. Nope, been there, done that. No interest in getting a repeat, especially now that I have to take care of myself for another precious being.

“Colt, all I wanted was for you to know I’m expecting, and to offer you to be a part of your child’s life.”

His strong, square jaw ticks, he slides closer, and I scoot away, ending up backing myself against the wall. Colt’s eyes turn burning and the side of his mouth crooks up.

“I have no intention of leaving. Not now. Not ever. I’m not leaving you or our baby. And you’re staying with me at the ranch till we figure shit out.”

“Colt…”

He interrupts me.

“I knew you should have stayed that morning in Vegas.”

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