Page 76 of Manny's Surprise Baby

“No.”

“Well, Pierce. I’m definitely… you know… falling for you. I figured you knew that.” My stomach tensed, waiting for his answer. I felt insecure expressing just how much I cared about him. Feeling like I wanted to be with someone permanently was a new experience for me. I had no desire to play the field or date anyone else. It felt right being with Pierce.

“It’s just… this pregnancy has kind of forced you to be with me.”

“I’m not being forced into anything.”

“If I wasn’t pregnant—”

I exhaled roughly. “If Emily’s mom had told me she was pregnant, I’d have helped her financially, but I wouldn’t have wanted a relationship with her. Emily, yes. But I wouldn’t have let myself be pressured into being with someone I didn’t love just because I got them pregnant.”

“Okay.”

“I’m a selfish alpha, remember? We don’t do things we don’t want to do.”

He chuffed. “You’re notthatselfish.”

“I get insecure too, you know. Maybe you’re just with me because you’re pregnant. This goes both ways.”

“No. That’s not why I’m still around.”

“Promise?”

“Yes. Being with you and Emily is probably the only time, since living with my grandmother, that I’ve felt like I belonged somewhere.”

“Yeah?” He had no idea how good that made me feel to hear him say that. Sometimes I worried that he’d wake up one day and decide he didn’t want to be around an alpha anymore.

“I know that when this baby comes, things are going to be hectic and chaotic, but I don’t care.” He gave a tense laugh. “I think it’ll also be amazing.”

I had a lump in my throat by the time he stopped speaking.

“Are… are you there?” he asked softly.

“I’m here.” I cleared my throat. “You’re going to get me all emotional saying shit like that, Pierce.”

He laughed. “Sorry.”

“I’m supposed to be a big strong manly bodyguard. I can’t have my employer seeing me with red swollen eyes.”

“Right. Let’s talk about football or something. How about them Dodgers?”

I grinned. “That’s not football.”

“Oh.” He snorted. “I’m not really into sports.”

“Yeah. I know.” I glanced at my watch. “Damn. I need to get back inside.”

“Who are you protecting again?”

“A rich dick and his sad little wife,” I whispered, looking around uneasily. “The guy invented some kind of washer.”

“At least it sounds easy. You shouldn’t be in too much danger.”

“Nope. It’s a cake assignment. I hope to fly home tomorrow in the early afternoon.”

“Okay. Well, be safe, but get back here soon.”

My stomach fluttered at his warm tone. “I will.”