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That goddamn pouty lower lip tears my heart from my chest.
Here, fucking take it. It’s yours. Whatever you want.
“This is hard,” she cries. “I went to the resort to relax. I’ve been working my ass off to prepare for this baby. Emily has been supportive, but lately, she’s…”
“Emily,” I finish for her. “She only cares about two things—herself and money.”
“That’s not true.”
“Fine. I’ll add dick to the list, since she’s been through the entire team.”
Her brows rise. “Theentireteam?”
“Fuck no. I’d rather die. Now, continue.” I gesture with my hand.
I don’t need Aurora thinking about me with other women. It has never happened and will never happen, but it is an area of insecurity for her.
“Anyhow.” She gives me that sass I secretly love. “I have to find a place for me and the baby and tell Emily. On top of that, my agent doesn’t know I’m pregnant, and my dream job is probably lost.”
A few phone calls. That’s all it’d take for me to fix all her problems if she’d let me.
“I’ll bring you back to the resort once we’re finished and ensure you get all the rest you need.” I wipe away her tears with my thumb. “The agency won’t release you. You’re absolutely beautiful, even pregnant. I’ll fucking riot if they do.”
I ghost my knuckles over her cheekbone, and she stares into my eyes.
My voice becomes raspy. “I have every one of your magazine photos. I’m an avid collector.” I’m unable to stifle my mischievous thoughts, and a sly smirk plays on my lips.
“Jackson,” she chides and slaps my arm.
We burst into laughter, and fuck, I’ve missed this. Her smile lights up her entire face, and I want to get on my knees and beg her to take me back.
She’s my best friend.
“Everything will work out. I’ll make sure of it.” Compared to the rest of my life,thisis easy. Spoiling her is an honor. But I still need to know my competition. “Now, tell me about the baby’s father. Why can’t he help you?”
Part of me, driven by jealousy, feels a twisted sense of satisfaction knowing he’s not involved. His absence is the second-best option. Another part of me, filled with curiosity and concern, wants to understand the situation. Either way, I need Aurora and her baby in my life. Therefore, he’ll have to fuck off.
She presses her lips together, seeming to contemplate whether to tell me. “He’s married.” Her eyes implore me to remain calm. “He made it clear he didn’t want this.”
Her gaze shifts downward, as if reminiscing over her time with him. And nope, she will not be thinking about him while she’s with me.
“Fuck him.”
She cringes at my snarled response.
“You don’t need him. You may find it hard to believe, considering how badly I fucked up, but I’d do anything for you.Anything. And if not me, any guy on the team would give their right nut to help you.”
I’ll never let another player near her, but it’s the truth and makes her smile. So, we’ll pretend I’m not certifiably insane for this girl.
Despite Aurora’s resistance, I find peace in our shared moment.Peaceisn’t the appropriate word. I’m ecstatic. We could stay overnight in this hospital, and it’d be the best day of my life.
We sit silently, waiting for the ultrasound, and I can’t stop staring at her. When I’m not, I’m learning about her pregnancy.
They brought a machine to monitor the baby’s movements and heart rate. I’ve positioned my chair next to it and checked it a dozen times, obsessing over every detail.
It’s going to crush my soul when I have to leave them.
Aurora clears her throat, capturing my attention. “You look good, by the way. Healthier. Happier.” Her cheeks flush, and she picks at her nails—a habit of hers.