HARPER
I can’t tellat all what Ryan’s thinking. It could be anything from Harper is a total nutcase and I’m going to kick her out of the house now, to a simple wow, she’s a lot younger than me.
Thinking about coming here and telling Ryan we made a baby and going over every possible reaction in your head is one thing, actually doing it and sitting across from him is a totally different scenario.
Even though I can’t deny he’s still as handsome as when I first met him. If we’re having a boy, I hope he looks just like him. The genetics seem to run strong in his family, at least if his brother is any indication. He’s like a younger version of Ryan.
My nose twitches and traitorous tears well up in my eyes. Looking at my lap, I try to shut down the waterworks. I already know that these damn hormones are going to have a field day with me. It’s still a lifetime away, but just thinking about actually seeing and holding my baby gets me emotional every time.
A tissue appears in my field of vision, and the couch dips next to me.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound like an ass.”
A huff slips out between my sniffles, and it has an immediate effect on the small weight that has taken up permanent residence on my chest ever since my pregnancy discovery.
After I blow my nose in a very unladylike way, I get my breathing and sniffles under control and glance at Ryan. He’s close, close enough for me to smell his intoxicating scent that I immediately recognize from the last time we were together. From the night that caused this chaos. The same night he gave me orgasms I thought only existed in romance novels, and afterward, he held me close to his chest while still being buried deep inside me.
Soft light shines through the window, enhancing the laugh lines and wrinkles around his eyes. Although I didn’t know how old he was, seeing him in the brighter light doesn’t change anything. He’s still ridiculously hot and all man.
Why do so many guys get hotter as they age?
Despite a million things floating around in my mind, the sigh that leaves my mouth feels a little lighter. “You didn’t sound like an ass, I promise. It’s just these crazy hormones that make me look like a basket case. If it makes you feel any better, I didn’t realize you were that much older either until I saw your age.”
The corners of his mouth twitch and he settles on the couch. He’s quiet, and I give him the time he needs. This isn’t something you just throw at someone and they go on their merry way. I feel like there’s a twenty-step acceptance process for a surprise pregnancy with a stranger, or something insane like that.
He exhales loudly and rubs his hands over his face. “We’re really going to have a baby?”
I mimic his position, folding my hands in my lap. “Yup.”
He’s probably going through the same phase I went through: the this-can’t-be-real phase. Granted, I’m not sure I’m completely out of it yet either.
He shifts next to me. “That will take some getting used to.”
I huff and rest my head on the cushion. “Good thing we have almost eight months to get used to it.”
His gaze is on me, and I glance at him for a brief moment. He’s close, too close.
“You said you followed me here after swim practice, but how did you actually find me? And how did you know where I practice? We didn’t exchange names or numbers or anything.” His voice is deep and oddly soothing.
Flames shoot through my body and straight into my cheeks. I was hoping he wouldn’t come back to that little tidbit from our first night. How embarrassing. “I’m really sorry about all of that. Mmm . . . that was my first one-night stand, and I panicked the next morning and took off without thinking things through.”
“I really wanted to see you again.”
This time, I tilt my head and stare straight at him. “You did?”
He nods, his face only inches away. “I had a really good time.”
The corners of my mouth tilt up and more heat floods my face. “Me too. I was thinking about coming back later, but I was too embarrassed.”
“Well, you’re here now.”
“I am.”
There’s a moment of silence and he swallows. “So how did you find me? I’m curious.”
I snort. “It was fate.”
He raises an eyebrow. “Oh yeah?”