by Shauna Allen
I softened like goo. “No. It’s not wrong. I’m just not used to it.”
“Well, get used to it.”
“What if you get sick of us and walk away?” I blurted the thought that had been tormenting me all day as I packed, unable to hold it back. Because, honestly, if there was even the smallest chance that he might have second thoughts and not want me and the baby, or decide he really wasn’t ready after all, then I’d rather get my heart broken now before I got any more invested. I’d gladly go to Aunt Linda in Montana and start a new life there with the memories of our perfect night together to keep me warm for the rest of my life.
He simply stared at me as if not comprehending my words for a moment. “Sick of you?” He finally said. “Where did that come from?”
“You said it yourself, Cody. You’re not sure you’re ready for this. I get that you want to try to be the father you never had, and I’d never dream of taking that from you or this baby, but . . .” I squeezed my eyes shut against a rush of hot tears, unable to look him in the eyes any longer.
“But, what?” His voice was low and fierce. “What, Carissa?”
My heart thundered when I glanced back up. “But if there is any chance you might break our hearts, do us all a favor and walk away now, Cody. To do it later would just be cruel.”
He blinked heavily. Once. Twice. Those damn stormy blue eyes, so full of . . . everything. “I’m a lot of things, baby, but I’m not cruel.”
Before I could form a cohesive response, I was in his arms, locked in his kiss.
How could we be this perfect together and it not be meant to be?
How could he make me forget everything? Feel everything? Want and wish and need every single thing that made him who he was, if he wasn’t made for me? These, and a million other emotion-soaked thoughts jumbled my brain as he ravaged me with his lips and tongue, showing me with his body just how much he still wanted me.
His hands were forked through my curls, cupping my head, when he finally drew back to catch his breath, but he kept his forehead pressed to mine.
I clutched his waist, holding him close and breathing him in. “I’ve known since the moment I laid eyes on you that you could break me, Cody Wilbanks,” I whispered. “Please don’t do it.”
He turned and brushed his lips over my temple, his response low and deep in my ear. “Ditto.”
Cody loaded up some of my boxes into his truck and took them to his condo that evening. I could tell he was disappointed I wouldn’t go with him, but I needed one more night to myself before I jumped into the abyss that was him.
Hell, who was I kidding? I’d already flung myself in feet first. I just wanted one last night alone. To think. Because when he was near, he tended to dominate every thought, doubt, insecurity. I believed him when he said he wanted to try, really try, to make this work. Even if it was only to be a father. I wasn’t sure my poor heart could take the beating, but I was willing to give it a try for my baby.
As it was, he was crazy excited to be picking me up from work tomorrow and taking me to my doctor’s appointment. His reaction when I told him we’d be hearing the baby’s heartbeat should’ve given me a clue . . . he was readier for this than he thought he was. He was just scared, and that I could totally understand.
I woke up the next morning before my alarm to my phone buzzing with a text. I rolled over to fumble for it, squinting to read in the dark.
Cody: Tito gave me the day off. Want me to drive you to work and hang out with you until time to go?
I couldn’t help but smile.
Me: Someone’s excited about going to the doctor?
Cody: YES!
Me: You’re weird *goofy face emoji*
Me: And it’s early *sleeping face emoji*
Cody: Shit, did I wake you up? I’m sorry *sad face emoji*
I rolled back to my side and tucked in deeper under the covers, my heart tumbling in my chest with feelings for this man. God, he made me feel so much. Too much.
Me: You did, but your excitement is cute. You’re forgiven.
Cody: Thank you. So . . . wanna ride? *praying hands emoji*
I laughed. Loudly.
Me: You’re forgiven but still weird. No need for a ride. You’d be bored there. Just do what you’d normally do on a day off then come pick me up for the appointment.
I edited the last bit to invite him to come early for lunch first then sent it, hoping he wouldn’t be offended. I honestly just didn’t want him to sit around at Maverick’s, bored, while I served. That was silly.
Cody: Fine. Then why don’t you leave your key where I can find it and I’ll finish moving your boxes?
My heart flipped again. I willed it to calm the heck down or I’d die of a heart attack . . . we were going to live together for goodness sake.
Me: OK. I’ll hide it under Fergie.
Cody: Fergie?
Me: My fern.
Cody: Now who’s weird?
Me: Shut up.
Cody: *laughing face with tears emoji*
Cody: See you later *kissy face emoji*
That kissy face emoji had me grinning the entire time I got ready for work and until I strolled into the café.
The restaurant was quiet, and there weren’t many customers in yet, just a couple of businessmen having a quiet conversation over breakfast in the far corner. The air smelled pleasantly of coffee and cinnamon. Sunshine gleamed off the pristine white countertops. You could see the rolling blue ocean through the nearly all-glass front wall. I loved it there. It was an amazing little place.
Rebekah glanced up at me from the cash register, where she was working on some receipts. “Good morning.”
“It certainly is.” I grinned.
She grinned back. “You look happy.”
I sailed behind the counter and found my apron. “I am.”
She straightened and looked me up and down. “Does this have anything to do with a certain Marine?”
“It might.”
She folded her arms across her chest, and her blue eyes gleamed knowingly. “So, are you gonna tell me, or do I have to beg?”
“Hmmm . . .” I pretended to consider it.
“Carissa!” she whined.
I laughed. “What do you want to know?”
“Everything! But let’s start with that little elephant in the room.” Her gaze dropped to my belly.
I cupped my stomach automatically. “Not planned.”
“I gathered,” she said. “But . . .”
“But we’re making the best of it that we can.”
“We?”
I lifted a brow sarcastically.
“Oh, come on! It’s Kid, right? I mean, I’ve kind of put the pieces together and made an educated guess, but you’ve kept a pretty tight lid on the whole deal.”
“Yes, yes, yes. Happy now?”
She nodded, her expression clearly indicating she was expecting more.
“I’ve had a thing for him, well, forever. He finally asked me out a few months ago, but the night didn’t go quite as planned . . .” I bit my lip, recalling the horrible evening.
“What does that mean?” Now she sounded concerned.
“Oh, no, nothing like that,” I hurried to reassure her. “Cody is a perfect gentleman. My uncle had died that day, and he consoled me, and one thing led to another and . . . well, here we are.”
“Oh. I’m so sorry.” She reached out and touched my hand.
We stood in silence a moment before she tilted her head and asked, “So, Cody, huh?”
“Yes. I just can’t think of him as Kid. Sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. I don’t call Tanner by his nickname, Maverick, like everyone else does either.”
“Right. Of course. It’s a team thing, I guess.”
“Mostly. At least not a girlfriend thing.”
I balked. “I’m not his girlfriend.”
Her brow rose to her hairline as her eyes dropped again to my baby bump. “Uh . . . then what exactly are y
ou?”
“The mother of his child.”
Her gaze met mine. “Is that all you want to be?”
I was literally saved by the bell when the front door opened and our regular customer, Pete, walked in and made his way to his normal seat at the counter in my section.
I offered Rebekah a shrug of apology and made my way over. “Good morning, Pete.”
His face lit up as usual when he saw me. He’d always been charming, flirty. Nothing I couldn’t handle, even if the way he stared made me a bit uncomfortable at times. “Hey, Miss Carissa. How are you?”
“Fine. What’ll it be today? Oatmeal? Waffles? Or are you going to mix it up and try something new?”
He pushed the menu my way with one finger, his gaze sliding down to my expanding waistline. “Surprise me this morning.”
My eyes grew round. “Really?”
“Really. Just no nuts.”
“Right. You’re allergic. Got it.” I spun around, stopped, turned back. “Still want coffee? Black?”
“You know it.”
I nodded and moved to get his coffee then put in an order for blueberry pancakes with a side of sausage and seasonal fruit.
I greeted a couple more customers and took orders then found myself behind the counter checking my phone.
Cody: What the hell is in these boxes? Bricks?
I grinned and texted back. You can handle it. You’re a big, strong Marine.
Cody: You noticed my muscles?
I ignored his fishing for compliments and got back to work.
I grabbed Pete’s breakfast and served it with a flourish. “Bon Appétit.”
He gave the food a cursory glance before looking back up at me. “Who was making you smile just then on the phone?”
A strange feeling squirmed in my stomach. He’d been watching me? “Uh, no one. A friend,” I answered, not sure what else to say. “So . . . how does the food look?”
He reexamined his plate. “Delicious. Thank you.” He picked up the syrup and poured.
I refilled his coffee with a suddenly shaky hand before moving to greet the next customer at the door. “Enjoy your breakfast.”
Pete was his normal unassuming, kind self during the rest of his meal, leading me to assume my unease was a fluke. He’d asked a simple question. No biggie. He was just a bit socially awkward. I couldn’t hold it against him, now could I?
Half a dozen tables of people came and went while he ate and sipped coffee, seeming in no hurry to go that morning.
I finally asked him about it as I refilled his mug for the fourth time. “So . . . got any plans today, Pete?”
His dark eyes met mine. “None. Just thought I’d have a relaxing morning. Maybe take a walk later.” That gaze that made me uneasy was back as he raked it over me. “I was thinking I might go down to the waterfront for some seafood for dinner tonight. Would you be interested?”
“I . . . uh . . .” I wiped the spotless countertop to stay busy. “That’s very kind, Pete, but I can’t.”
“Maybe another time then.”
I said nothing as a cluster of teenagers piled in, followed by an older couple. Rebekah seated the couple while I grabbed the teens. Things just got busier as breakfast turned to lunch, and still, Pete remained. I shot Rebekah a look. She shrugged and took one for the team by going over to see if he needed anything and sliding him a glass of water. She’d never been one to turn a customer away unless they were causing trouble, and Pete had always been loyal.
I felt his eyes on me everywhere I went, but maybe that was my imagination, because when I’d glance over, he was always focused on his newspaper or the TV screen. Twice, he’d gone outside to smoke. Why wasn’t he leaving? What was he waiting for? Surely not . . .
Rebekah sidled up to me when he stepped out to smoke. “What the hell is up with Pete today?”
“I have no idea. It’s kind of freaking me out. He asked me to dinner, and he won’t stop staring.”
Her eyes grew wide. “Oh. You think he’s hanging around until you get off?”
“God, I hope not.” I glanced outside to where he was pacing and smoking. “Surely not. Why would he do that? I told him no. Maybe he just doesn’t have anywhere else to go and doesn’t want to say so?”
“You think? Did he say anything?”
“No, but he’s always been kinda quiet.”
We both glanced up as he strolled back inside and slipped into his seat.
She patted my shoulder. “I’ll take him a snack, just in case it’s something like that.”
I nodded and watched her bring him a turkey wrap while I finished closing out my tickets.
Then, the door swung open and sunshine illuminated a Greek God in all his glory.
No, wait. It was just Cody.
And just like in some cheesy movie, our eyes met across the room, and I couldn’t help the involuntary way my heart tripped in my chest as he gave me a small, lopsided smile and began to make his way toward me.
“Hey,” he said, his gaze taking me in like he hadn’t seen me in ages.
“Hey, yourself.”
He tipped his head toward the counter. “Who’s the asshole in my seat?”
“That’s Pete.” I felt Pete watching our exchange, but I ignored him, basking instead in Cody’s presence. “So . . . you hungry?”
“Starving. Your shit is heavy. I worked up an appetite.”
I rolled my eyes. “Whatever. What do you want to eat?”
“Whatever is the special is fine.” His eyes danced with merriment, and I was enchanted.
“Liver and onions it is.”
“Say what?” He looked about ready to gag.
I pushed him into a booth. “Just kidding, big guy. One club sandwich coming your way.”
He gripped my hand, his thumb ghosting across my knuckles. “Make it two. Eat with me.”
For some reason, I glanced over toward Pete. He was definitely watching us.
Cody’s gaze slid from mine to Pete as well without dropping my hand.
Pete stared back for several seconds then slowly got up and stormed out the front door, leaving his turkey wrap untouched.
Cody
I shifted back to Carissa, every one of my protective instincts on high alert. “Who. The fuck. Is that?” I bit out.
“Pete.”
I lifted a brow, indicating for her to elaborate.
“He’s a regular customer. He’s harmless.”
“Then why was he just looking at us like you were his next meal and I was his competition?”
“He was not.” She waved me off, which frankly, pissed me off even more.
“He most certainly fucking was, Carissa, and if you can’t see that, then you are blind.” I’d be willing to bet my bottom dollar he’d hit on her at least once. The question was, had he ever crossed the line? “Does he flirt with you?”
The thing with her being a redhead was she couldn’t hide her blush. “No.” She was a liar, and she knew she was giving herself away. “Maybe.” She plopped down in the booth across from me. “Probably.”
I tilted my head.
“Yes, okay? He asked me out.”
“When?”
“Well . . . a few weeks ago. And today.”
I sat back shocked. “Today?”
She nodded, folding up a napkin on the table.
“And what did you say?”
Those damn Hershey’s kisses eyes that slayed me lifted to mine. “What do you think I said?”
“I have no idea.”
“I told him I loved seafood, and I’d love to go out tonight.” Her voice and expression gave nothing away as she stared me down.
Something dark and ugly coiled up in my chest faster than a lightning strike. “You’re not fucking serious right now, are you?”
“I don’t know, am I?” She sat back and crossed her arms.
“Jesus, Carissa. I don’t have time for these games.”
“Neither do I, Cody, but you left that one wi
de open.” She leaned forward and slid her palm along the tabletop toward me with a smirk. “I told him no, okay? I’m not interested in him, or anyone else, for that matter, but this does bring up a good question.”
I placed my hand over hers. “What?”
“Now that we’re going to live together, what exactly are the rules going to be, you know, about seeing other people? I mean I know you never said—”
“We don’t,” I interrupted her.
“Wait. What?”
“We don’t,” I repeated.
She narrowed her eyes like she didn’t understand what I was saying. “I’m sorry . . . wait. Did you . . . are you saying . . ?”
“I’m saying I don’t want to see anybody else, and I damn sure don’t want you dating anybody else. Not now.” Maybe not ever.
She snapped her hand back. “Anybody else implies we’re actually seeing each other. I thought this was a roommate, co-parenting situation.”
“Is that what you want?”
Her gaze darted away. “I don’t know. Maybe.” Ah, that telltale blush was back.
“Carissa.”
I waited until I had her attention again. “Will you be my girlfriend?”
It took her a moment to process my words, but then a slow smile spread across her face. “Your girlfriend?” The giggle that burst from her was adorable.
“Well, I figure since you’re having my baby and moving in with me, it might be a good time to make it official since I’m not particularly interested in a roommate-slash-co-parent situation.”
“You’re not?”
“Nope.”
“You’re sure?”
“You trying to talk me out of it?”
“Well . . . I don’t know. I just don’t want you to have any regrets.”
“Why don’t you let me worry about that, okay? You just worry about being my girlfriend and this baby’s mama . . . and maybe lunch.”
The fact that my words made her expression go all soft and feminine made me feel like the king of the world. “Okay.”
“Okay to lunch or okay to being my girl?”
“Both.”
I reached out, caught her arm, and tugged her over for a quick kiss. “Awesome.”
