Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82279 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82279 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
He leans against the doorway with his arms crossed.
"Okay, how about we compromise at half-caf? That way, you’ll get a little boost, but it's healthier for the baby."
I shoot him a murderous glare as I slide out of bed. "How about you drink decaf and I drink regular, then together, it'll be like half-caf."
One side of his lips tilts up. "That's not how it works."
I roll my eyes, digging in my dresser for clothes.
"I gave up briefs and added weird nuts to my diet, so I think you can manage to go without it for a while."
"Have you ever seen me without caffeine?"
"Oh, Kate. I've seen you plenty of ways."
I smack his bare six-pack abs when I walk past him toward the bathroom. Why does the man have to be so goddamn tempting when I'm still imagining his mouth on mine? Though I'm used to seeing him walk around half-naked, it doesn't help when he’s reactivated my sex drive.
Then a thought hits me.
I should try kissing him the next time we have sex.
Assuming there is a next time.
That way, I can gauge his reaction, and if it's a negative one, I'll say I got caught up in the moment and promise it won't happen again. Then at least I'll know.
My gut tells me he wouldn't stop me, but it’s obvious he won't make the first move when it comes to that. Kissing makes it intimate and real.
"Have you gotten your period yet?" He follows me.
"No, but I've also been late the past two months, so I'm not gettin' my hopes up," I admit.
He chuckles when we enter the kitchen. "I think maybe you should take one."
"Why? Because I'm having vivid dreams that make me shout in my sleep?"
"Your boobs look bigger too."
"Payton!" I instinctively cover my chest as he laughs.
"Nothin' I haven't seen, darlin'."
I open the fridge and grab my creamer, ignoring Payton's eyes burning a hole in my head as he watches me pour a cup of coffee.
"Trust me, you want me caffeinated."
I take a sip, and my mood instantly lifts. Payton shrugs with a smirk, then sets a pan on the burner.
"This better not be the fake shit, or I swear, I will hurt you."
He stays silent while taking the eggs and bacon from the fridge. I watch as he prepares our food and suspiciously drink my coffee.
"Here. Go take this while I finish up." He digs into his pocket, then removes a pregnancy test.
There's a sparkle of hope in his eyes, and I hate to disappoint him for the third month in a row.
"I haven't felt any symptoms," I explain.
Aside from the constant sex dreams.
"Not all women do right away," he confirms. "Based on what I read, only fifty percent of women have early symptoms." Then he hands me the pee cup.
Him and his research.
Inhaling sharply, I take it all to the bathroom.
After I stick the test in the urine, I set it down and wash my hands. Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I study my breasts.
Are they really bigger? Or is he messing with me?
I cup them, trying to decide if they feel heavier or not.
"This is crazy," I mutter. My boobs are the same.
Getting things ready for the horse rescue has occupied my spare time, so maybe I wouldn't notice the signs. Maybe I'm one of the lucky ones who won't get morning sickness all day.
Leaving the test on the counter, I walk to the kitchen and grab my coffee.
"Breakfast's ready." He sets the plate in front of me, and I sit on the stool.
"Thank you." I smile wide when he hands me a fork. Payton's made it a habit of feeding me before work.
"Don't forget your vitamins when you get to your office."
"I won't," I promise, then take a bite of my food. He's seasoned it with salt and pepper, just how I like it.
"I told Zach he could come with me to the rescue tonight. He wanted to try to save Fancy's mane, but I explained that it's too tangled and we needed to cut it."
"He already loves her so much."
"Mm-hmm. He's a Bishop through and through. I told him we could try to bathe her. Depends on her mood, though."
"Yeah, she might not take it well," Payton agrees.
He finally sits next to me and digs in.
"You gonna check the test?"
I sigh, finishing my bacon and last bite of eggs. "Yeah."
"You don't sound excited."
"I'm tired of gettin' my hopes up," I admit, putting my dishes in the sink. I don't know how women deal with this for years.
Payton stands and rounds the breakfast bar, then grabs my shoulders. "Don't get discouraged."
"I'm worried I won't ever become a mom. That there might be something wrong with me."
"Besides your caffeine addiction, you're perfect."
I stick out my lip, narrowing my eyes. "That was...almost a compliment."