Damn him for seeing through me.
I turned to find that Laura had conveniently left. I exhaled and held his gaze.
“It really isn’t much. I don’t feel too good. It’s just cramps.”
I kept an eye on his expression for any indications of dissatisfaction.
Up until the moment that he realized what was happening, he seemed more worried than anything. I swear I saw the light bulb in his head light up. He withdrew his hand from my face and cast a glance toward the table below.
It felt like someone punched me in the gut.
I instantly got to my feet and proceeded to get more coffee. I could not bear to witness his dissatisfaction. He gave me a lot, and all he asked in return was something simple.
Already, I had failed in that task.
I sensed his presence behind me. I kept my eyes on the coffee machine, my fists clenched on the counter as I tried to calm myself.
“Hey.” He rubbed my arm, making the tension slowly leave my body. “You’re upset. I know you are. Please talk to me.”
I gave a headshake. “You’ll think I’m foolish.”
“I would never do that.”
Simply put, “I’m hormonal and grumpy.”
He nibbled on my earlobe. “Your hormones are nice. I like them”
I laughed a little bit. Even though he wasn’t aware of it, he was actually improving my mood. Maybe I was imagining his disappointment and putting my emotions of inadequacy onto him.
When I turned to face him and his lips unexpectedly touched mine, I gasped in shock. His abrasive lips almost made me forget all I had been worrying about.
His breath finally struck my face as his forehead brushed against mine. “I better stop or I’d spread you out on the counter and take your clothes off.”
“We’d make quite the mess,” I added, making him laugh more.
He remained silent for a moment before speaking once more. “Willow, did you really think I’d be furious with you for not being pregnant yet?”
Though it made my stomach turn, I had to be truthful.
“Yes.” I swallowed.
He moaned and gave me another kiss. “I wished you had spoken to me. You could have avoided a great deal of anxiety. And I can tell that you’ve been concerned about this.” He gave my nose a quick kiss before locking his eyes with mine. “Do I want to get you pregnant? Yes. I eagerly anticipate that happening. But I didn’t think that it would happen right away. When it happens, it will happen. If a year goes by and there is still no news, we can think about our next steps.”
“We will think about it together?”
“Yes. Together.” He kissed me. “You and me.” Kiss. “Have I not made myself clear how much I want you? If it eases you, I will tell you every day.”
Although it wasn’t a declaration of love, I couldn’t help but be comforted by his words.
I no longer felt as though I was dangling in the air. His assurances that we would face the future together, no matter what it held, gave me such a sense of relief that I was unable to contain my smile.
Nicholas put a cap on my head. “We’re going to have some fun today.”
This morning after our conversation, Nicholas ate his breakfast and went upstairs. He became very covert with me when I eventually located him. He had just showered and was wearing trousers and a t-shirt. His face held a broad grin.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” I asked.
“We are going out.” He kept struggling with the cap until I slapped his hand away and straightened it myself.
“And where are we going?”
He gave my nose a tap. “I am going to keep it a surprise.” He merely laughed at my mock glare. “Take your shades, pretty girl. I’m taking you out for a drive.”
I looked down at the shorts and tank top I had on. “Do I need to change or is this alright for the occasion?”
He lowered his hands to my hips. “Anything more and you will feel hot.” He grabbed my bottom as he whispered, “Have I mentioned that you have the most beautiful ass in the world?”
I pushed him away with a laugh. “You have the libido of a teenager.”
He took my hand and led the way, grinning. “You love it.”
I did love it, but no way was I going to tell him that.
His phone pinged and his smile widened. “Now that, is perfect timing.”
He took me outside without giving me a chance to question him. Nicholas grabbed the keys John tossed his way and opened the passenger door for me. I stared at the shiny convertible in front of me.
I took a seat beside Nicholas, who had slipped into the driver’s seat. This would be the first time we would go out alone without a chauffeur.
“Your driving?”
He gave me a crooked grin when he glanced over, his sunglasses covering his eyes. “It is just us today. I wanted to introduce my other woman.”
“What?” I cried, yanking off my sunglasses and looking incredulously at him. “Other woman?” I smacked away his hand that was heading for my thigh. “If you have someone else, I’m going to chop off your balls .”
His loud laughter only made me angry. He grabbed my arm just as I was going to open the door and leave.
He muttered “Wait” in between chuckles. “It isn’t what you think.” I gave him the stink eye as he began stroking the dashboard. “I was talking about my pretty car.”
“Oh gosh!”
“Yes. And don’t even make light of hurting my balls. I know you love them.”
“Calling your car ‘the other woman’ is such a manly thing to do. Of course, that is aside from your tremendous overestimation of my love for your balls.” I turned my nose up.