Total pages in book: 34
Estimated words: 31414 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 157(@200wpm)___ 126(@250wpm)___ 105(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 31414 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 157(@200wpm)___ 126(@250wpm)___ 105(@300wpm)
“I’m sure you would.” He drags a clawed hand through his hair. “But this isn’t about what kind of mom you would be, Emma. It’s about this being…crazy. I mean, I can’t even get my head around it.”
I swallow past the lump rising in my throat. “That’s the first time you’ve ever said my name.”
“Yeah, well, I’m sorry about that.” He sounds truly apologetic. “I’m sorry I’ve been giving you shit and being an asshole.”
“Thanks,” I say, tears rising in my eyes no matter how hard I try to fight them.
“Seriously, it was nothing personal, I just… Oh God, don’t cry.” He reaches out, laying a warm hand on my shoulder. “Please, don’t cry. There’s no reason to cry.”
I nod, but my face crumples anyway. “Sorry. I’m just so embarrassed. That was a hard question to ask.”
“I know. I mean, I can imagine. Hell, come here.” He pulls me in for a hug, and I bury my face in his sweet-smelling flannel while he runs a soothing hand up and down my back.
It feels so nice it makes me cry even harder.
It’s been so long since someone touched me in a way that feels nice. I’ve been so lonely since Jeremy and I broke up. Since months before, really, when he started pulling away, distancing himself from our relationship as he started investing heavily in the bank of Jeremy and Veronica.
“It’s fine,” Dylan murmurs as I continue to sniffle. “You don’t have to be embarrassed. We can pretend this never happened.”
“Really?” I squeak.
“Absolutely. I’m good at keeping promises, too. And if I promise to forget this conversation, then it’s forgotten. Word of honor. Okay?”
“Okay.” I regain control as his hand shifts to a circling motion between my shoulder blades. “But I still won’t be able to look you in the eye for at least six months. Maybe a year.”
“Well…what if I tell you something embarrassing?” he asks after a beat. “Or at least something I would prefer you didn’t know?”
I nod with my cheek still pressed against his chest, relishing the powerful feel of his body through the soft fabric, taking my comfort where I can get it since I know it will probably be a long time before I get a hug from anyone else. “Yes, please.”
His hand goes still as he says, “Every time I run into you when you’re wearing your glasses, I have to spend a good ten minutes fighting off inappropriate thoughts.”
Surprised, I look up, but all I can see is the bottom of his chin. “What kind of inappropriate thoughts?”
He glances down. “Thoughts about how much I’d like for you to shush me at the library, then take me back to your librarian’s office and let me apologize in private for being too loud.”
My eyes widen, shock banishing the last of my sniffles. “You have dirty librarian fantasies about me?”
His grin is strained, embarrassed, and one of the most charming things I’ve ever seen. “I do. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry,” I say, lips curving as I confess, “I’ve noticed how nice you look in jeans. Even before I considered the…other thing.”
“Yeah, the other thing.” His focus shifts from my eyes to my mouth. “You don’t want me for that job, anyway. I’m way too grouchy.”
“You’re grouchy during sex?”
His eyes darken. “No. Just in general. Could be something that’s passed down in the DNA, and you don’t want a grouchy kid.”
“I’m okay with grouchy,” I say, a ribbon of hope threading through me. “Everyone’s grouchy sometimes. I just want a baby, Dylan. Grouchy or sweet, short or tall, boy or girl, I don’t care.” I lean into him, pulse leaping as my breasts press against his chest, and his jaw clenches in response. “I know it’s a lot to ask, but it wouldn’t have to be weird unless we let it be weird. And I’m perfectly willing to play librarian, if that’s something you’re interested in.”
“Now you’re playing dirty, Blondie,” he says, but the nickname doesn’t sound teasing this time.
It sounds like a warning, a promise that if I keep pushing, something is going to give.
But that’s just what I want.
So I smile and say, “No, not playing dirty yet, but that can be arranged.”
Dylan pulls in a breath and lets it out long and slow, eyes blazing into mine. I can almost see the devil and angel going at it on his shoulders, each one giving their case everything they’ve got.
Now all I have to do is make sure the angel is the one that wins. Because this truly would be a mission of mercy, a priceless gift I would be oh-so-thankful for.
I press onto tiptoe, bringing my mouth closer to Dylan’s as I say, “Don’t answer now. Take your time, think it over, and make the decision that feels right. But just know that I would be so very grateful for your help.”