Page 42 of Unsure in Love

I folded my arms over my chest. “Who decided? Because this is my show.”

Damian regarded me with a sheepish expression. “Cass, I’m sorry. I told Keneti I’d accompany you so he can stay put. It was all my idea.”

“I thought this was his area of the business. Why would you get involved? I don’t need a bodyguard to see my father.” Angling my chin upward, I looked away from him and grumbled, “This is really none of your business, Damian.”

His lips quirked into a little smile. He took a step closer, towering over me. I was tempted to take a step back. Not that I was intimidated, but because the proximity reminded me of our sexual encounters.

“Well, since I put a baby in you, Cassandra,” he drawled, “expect me to be all up in your business from now on.”

My lips parted on a small gasp. Every muscle in my lower body clenched. Even my toes curled in my flats as I stared up at him. His words dripped with sexual suggestions and made heat infuse my cheeks. The smoldering look he gave me almost had me melting at his gorgeous feet. Honestly, I couldn’t say I minded Damian being all up in my business that much.

Wearing the smallest smirk that would have easily been missed if I wasn’t staring at him, Damian opened the passenger’s door of the SUV and stepped aside. I gave him an exasperated look before I climbed in. However, when he closed the door, I smiled. I’d met my match and… I liked it.

* * *

Head rested on the window, I watched the scenery zip by. I’d never traveled beyond Nebraska and I should have been taking in my new experiences on this side of the country with gusto, but I couldn’t. My anxiety had me twisted up in knots.

We’d entered New Jersey, and by Damian’s calculation, I’d be face-to-face with my father within the next two hours. A fresh wave of anxiety rose along with nausea. I really didn’t want to embarrass myself and vomit all over the interior of Damian’s luxury vehicle.

Turning to him, I asked with urgency, “Can you pull over?”

With a concerned glance, he put on his indicator and swerved onto the shoulder. I jumped out and scurried away from the car and Damian because the last thing I wanted was for him to see me hurling up my guts.

I stopped at the entry to a forested area and bent over. Damian’s footsteps thudded behind me and I groaned, wishing he’d stay away.

“Cass, dulzura. Are you alright?”

I groaned again because of the endearment. I didn’t want to like it, but I did. Being referred to as his sweetness made me tingly. Since Damian said he’d be present for the pregnancy ride, I figured we’d be spending a lot of time together, so I started checking out Spanish lessons. I hadn’t started anything serious yet, but I got acquainted with a few of the terms and phrases Damian used in the throes of passion. If I didn’t feel so ill, I’d probably be turned on, thinking about the things he whispered in my ear.

“I’m fine,” I mumbled. Glancing at him over my shoulder, I waved a hand. “Just don’t come any closer.”

He rolled his eyes and disregarded my wish. Yet, I didn’t mind because his concern was evident. When his hand rested on my lower back and moved in a soothing motion, I closed my eyes and took deep breaths.

Damian murmured words I didn’t understand, but they sounded so sweet. He swept my hair out of my face and I looked up at him, my heart turning over. This man was making his way through my defenses with the finesse of a true Latin lover.

“I have no idea what you’re saying,” I told him with a little laugh.

“Sorry. My dad and aunt used to coo these things to me as a kid whenever I was sick.” He shrugged. “I always felt a little better after, so I thought I’d give it a try.”

“That’s sweet.” I studied him closely. I’d heard him mention his father and aunt with obvious affection, but he never mentioned his mother. I didn’t think it was my place to ask why, so I didn’t. “You’ll make a great dad.”

Our eyes locked. I pulled in a breath, a little embarrassed to have said that. But it was true. Damian seemed to be one of the good guys.

“I really hope so,” he muttered. “How are you feeling now?”

Straightening, I sighed. “My stomach has settled. False alarm. Then again, I didn’t eat anything this morning, so there’s nothing to come up.” He frowned, so I quickly added, “I know, I know. A healthy diet is important for the baby, but I couldn’t get anything down. I’m so anxious.”

His eyes moved over my face with affection that I didn’t even want to analyze too closely right now.

“Okay,” he said. “But we’re pulling off at the next exit. If you can’t eat, you have to at least drink something.”

“Sir, yes, sir.” I mock-saluted.

Damian lifted one eyebrow.

“What?” I shrugged. “Isn’t that what you soldiers do? And you sort of act like a drill sergeant sometimes. Always dishing out orders.”

His lips twitched. “Glad you’re feeling better and back to being a smart ass.”

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