Page 48

I grasp her hand to stop her. “Thank you. I’ve been, ah, seeing someone.”
“Oh, shit!” She snatches her hand from mine. “You had a date tonight.”
“What? That’s not what I meant. I didn’t have a date.”
She glances away. “The blonde at the resort.”
I smirk at her nervousness. She’s not immune to me. I’ve seen it in her eyes. There’s vulnerability and something more.
Something I’m too afraid to let myself believe.
“I was meeting a realtor. I had a game tonight. No date.”Or any date. Ever.
Her mouth pops open with a gasp. “Jackson, go! I’ll be fine.”
She tosses the blanket aside and swings her legs over the edge of the bed. She goes to detach the monitor from her stomach but freezes when I clasp her bare thighs, pinning her in place.
“Get back in bed.” My voice comes out husky, a surge of arousal shooting through me. “I’m not leaving you.”
Our eyes lock, and I know I should remove my hands from her, but Ican’t. Not tracing them along her smooth, sun-kissed skin is agonizing. It’s unbearable, and I give in to the temptation, letting my fingers graze her thighs.
Fire ignites my veins, and my throat goes dry. She sucks in a sharp breath and presses her legs together. And fuck me, desire sweeps through my stomach, and every fiber of my being urges me to lean in and kiss her.
I can practically taste her.
The door opens before I have the chance, and Aurora jumps away from me. She rushes to arrange herself in bed, and my hands fist, holding on to the feeling of her skin beneath my palms.
A technician enters, pushing what must be the ultrasound machine, and I do my best to adjust the erection pressing against my zipper.
He takes one look at Aurora’s flushed face and stills. He picks up a paper, glancing down and then back up at her, recognition flaring in his eyes.
“Aurora Embers?” he asks, a little too dreamy for my taste, and a smirk tugs at the corner of his lip.
Damn, I’m not used to her being recognized or having men envisioning her naked on the beach when they see her.
She casts a nervous glance my way and nods.
His smile widens. “Tonight’s my lucky night.”
Like fuck it is. My spine straightens, irritation bubbling in my chest. I’ve never been good at controlling my emotions regarding Aurora, especially jealousy.
I pat my jeans for a Jolly Rancher—fuck, I’m out.
I take a slow, steady breath.
I’ve lost her once, and if I want a chance with her again, I need to channel these feelings inside of me.
Another deep breath.
If these months have taught me anything, it’s that life without her is far worse than any insecurity.
I huff, crossing my arms over my chest. This affirmations shit isn’t working. I still hate this motherfucker.
They engage in pleasant conversation while he prepares the ultrasound. I try to concentrate on the procedure, clenching my jaw whenever he makes her laugh.
I lean in, placing my elbows on my knees, and watch intently as Aurora lifts the hospital gown, keeping her lower half discreetly covered. Her belly is adorable, and I want to put my hands all over it.
My knee bounces with anticipation.