Page 48 of Unsure in Love

I immediately jumped on the opportunity to have her close for a while longer. “Don’t worry about expenses. I’ll take care of everything.”

Cass tugged her hand from mine, and I stifled my groan. I should have known there would be resistance.

“No way. I can't accept money from you.”

I lifted one eyebrow. “So, you’re planning to shoulder all the expenses for our child then?”

She glared. “That’s different and you know it. The kid isn’t here yet, so keep your money to yourself, Damian,” she snapped.

“I want you to stay.”

My honesty had the desired effect. Cass deflated. She sat back and exhaled. “Oh.”

Silence stretched between us until I admitted, “The few days you planned to be here aren’t enough. I want to get to know the woman carrying my child. I want to spend time with you and talk with you. Plan on how we’re going to work together to raise a kid.” I couldn’t hold back the little smile that surfaced. “We didn’t get around to that the other night.”

Cass’ face flushed, and I had to work overtime to hold back my growing smirk.

“Since I want you to stick around—if it isn’t too much trouble for you, of course—I’ll take care of everything. If your father reaches out while you’re still here, that’s a bonus. What do you have to lose?”

The puff of breath she released ruffled her hair. “Things will be fine with my shop because I have someone who works for me on occasion. I can let her know I’m extending my trip.”

It satisfied me that she hadn’t instantly shut down the idea.

“But I have appointments scheduled,” she added. “One is in a few days — with my obstetrician.”

My gaze lowered to her barely-there baby bump, and I felt a pang of annoyance that I’d missed out on four months of the process. “Can’t you see one here?”

“I suppose…”

“Good. I’ll take care of that too.”

“Damian…”

The protest was clear in her tone, so I quickly added, “Please, Cass. I want a fair shot with you and our child. Our distance is hard enough. All I’m asking for is a few extra days with you so we can figure some things out.”

Her hand rested on her stomach, and she sighed. “Okay, I owe you that much.”

Relieved, I smiled. “Thank you.”

19

CASS

If anyone told me I’d be shacking up—temporarily—with the guy I had a one-night stand with, whom I'm pregnant for, I would have laughed in their face and called them insane. I didn’t find myself in crazy situations like these… until I met Damian Alaverz and my life turned upside down. I was completely off-kilter, yet I didn’t hate it.

How could I when Damian was so… Damian? Two days after I’d agreed to extend my stay in New York, I was cozied up in his penthouse. I thought, if he was taking care of everything, then I didn’t want to cause too much trouble by having him pay for my hotel stay too.

He’d insisted on getting me a suite at the Four Seasons. I couldn’t let him fork out a small fortune for that. Although, I suspected it wouldn’t be a problem since he lived in a luxurious penthouse. Still, I decided against the hotel and chose a guest room at his place. He’d been an absolute gentleman, respecting my space and privacy.

Damian swooped in and made things better for me, and I was appreciative… and hungry. It was barely seven a.m and the little bun in my oven demanded I get a snack. Sticking my head around my door, I listened to hear if Damian was up and moving about yet. Although we’d slept together on several occasions, I couldn’t help being a little shy about being in his personal space.

The place was quiet, so I wrapped my robe tighter and slipped out into the hallway. As I padded through the living room, I admired the terrace and the private pool. I’d love to take a swim.

“Omph.” I hit something hard and warm.

Damian’s low chuckle almost made my insides catch fire as he steadied me with strong hands. “Are you okay?”

“Fine,” I breathed, gazing up at him hot-faced. “I’m sorry for almost mowing you over.”

---