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I grinned. “So fucking hot, baby. And so mine.”

“I am yours.” She leaned up to kiss me.

And it was still there. No matter how much sex we had. No matter how fucking deep things got between us. No matter how connected I felt to this girl. The question that had been plaguing me all week was there between us. It was tangible. It drew us together. When I looked in Alexa’s eyes was I looking into the eyes of the woman who was going to make me a father?

25

Alexa

My phone rang, but it was dark in my room. I hit the bedside table, knocking the lamp before I finally found it.

“Hello?” I croaked.

Luke snored next to me.

“Babe! It’s out.”

“What’s out?” It finally registered I was talking to Jake. I looked at my clock. It was only six.

“The CYA list. You’re up for female performer of the year, song of the year, video of the year, single of the year, and entertainer of the year. Babe, this is it. You are Nashville’s favorite girl.”

I rubbed my eyes and my feet touched the warm rug next to my sleigh bed. I pulled the silk kimono robe from the chair and threaded my arms through it. I padded into the bathroom, closing the door behind me so I didn’t wake Luke.

“Wow.”

“Wow? I’m coming over. We need to celebrate.”

“What? Now? No.” I panicked.

“Of course now. This is everything we’ve worked for. You couldn’t ask for better recognition than this, babe. You could completely sweep the entire awards show. I think we could have Helena meet us too. I’ll order breakfast catered and we’ll start on your wardrobe along with booking all the radio interviews. We need votes. Every vote. I want a full sweep. Your wardrobe has to be impeccable for every appearance.”

My head spun. I hadn’t slept. Luke was in my bed. And Jake would kill me if he found out.

I coughed into the phone. My voice already had an edge of early-morning raspiness. I could play this off.

“Jake, I feel terrible. My throat is scratchy and I was up most of the night with a fever.” It was a fever, just not the kind that was a result of germs.

“Today? Right now? You’re sick?”

“Jake!” I faked a coughing fit.”

“Sorry. Sorry. Do you have a doctor’s appointment? I’ll get someone to take you.”

I looked at my reflection, letting the robe fall to the side. My nipples were swollen. My neck was red and there were definite thumbprints between my thighs. It all felt divine. The imprint of the man who had changed my life was all over my body.

“No. No.” I hacked again. “I’ve got hot tea and some lozenges. I just need rest. I think a day in bed and I’ll be back to normal tomorrow. And then we can celebrate.”

“What a day to have this happen.”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry, Lex. If you need something text me and I’ll have it delivered. Anything you need at all. Anything.”

“I will. Thanks.”

Jake was a complete germophobe. He wouldn’t come anywhere near my house until he knew it had been disinfected by a professional team.

“And congrats, babe. I’m proud of you.”