Flirting Under a Full Moon - By Ashlyn Chase Page 0,82
accidentally used the regular milk instead of the lactose-free stuff in my bread pudding. The recipe called for four cups and she had two pieces.”
“Oh.” He chuckled. “Christ, you had me worried. I thought she was really sick.” Is that why her ex-boyfriend ran off? Afraid of a little gastric distress?
“Sweetheart,” he called through the door. “Don’t worry about me being put off. I love you no matter what. You believe that, don’t you?”
After a brief pause, Brandee answered. “Yeah, but I don’t want to ruin the romance right away. I’m not feeling very sexy.”
“I don’t expect you to feel sexy all the time.”
He heard a soft sigh on the other side of the door. Then she called out, “Go into the living room and get comfortable. I’ll be out as soon as I can.” Her sentence was punctuated by a long, muffled burp.
“Hey, Brandee?”
“Yeah?”
“You’re adorable.”
***
After a large dose of Pepto and a few more good burps, Brandee hoped her symptoms were under control. She pattered out of the bathroom and curled up on the sofa next to Nick. He looped his arm around her shoulder.
“Hey, you. Feeling better?”
“I might still need to jump up and run to the bathroom in a hurry, but I’ll live.”
“I’m very glad to hear that.”
Nick leaned in for a kiss and she gave him a quick one. Burping during a kiss was about the least sexy thing she could imagine. Now, to change the subject. “How’s Katie?”
“She’s getting antsy being indoors all the time. She has a tutor so she won’t fall behind at school, but she misses her friends.”
“I can imagine. Her parents won’t even let me take her to the mall. Are you getting any closer to catching the culprit?”
“Yes. I can’t tell you any more than that right now.” He shot a meaningful look her way, and she figured it had something to do with Angie possibly overhearing the conversation.
He looped her hair around his finger. “So, what did you say to make your ex-boyfriend run out of here like his heels were on fire?”
“I didn’t get a chance to say anything. He saw my bloated belly and assumed I was pregnant.”
Nick swore. “And he took off? Left you to fend for yourself and an unborn child?”
She nodded. Nick wouldn’t run from responsibility like that. He’s too honorable and would probably propose marriage on the spot.
Nick smiled. “For what it’s worth, I’d be thrilled if I found out you were carrying our baby.”
Whoa.
It was better if she changed the subject back to something safe—even if it was gross. “I can’t believe you waited this long for me. I must have been in the bathroom for half an hour.”
He swept her hair behind her shoulder. “You’re worth waiting for. Besides, if we’re going to live together, I can’t let a little upset tummy get between us.”
Wow. He really is in it for the long haul. She couldn’t believe her luck. Before she could make a terrible mistake, a truly devoted guy had shown up and swept her off her feet, and now he wanted to make a life with her. The idea was thrilling, but going all-in so soon still felt like a big risk. Caution tamped down her momentary excitement.
She chuckled. “You might want to slow down, cowboy. Even though I’m glad you know what’s wrong with me, and it doesn’t seem to faze you.”
“Of course not. And why wait? I know you’re the one, sweetheart.”
But am I sure you’re the one? Everything had moved so fast. Brandee could feel their relationship deepening. However, only a few weeks ago, he was still One-Night Nick, and she would never have guessed him capable of living with any woman, never mind her. Anyone would say she was nuts for considering it. Still, she wasn’t like most people.
Brandee knew she had her issues, like anyone else, but she was worthy of a loving relationship. In that department, she hadn’t had much luck. Of course, she didn’t have Nick before. Comparing him to any of her past boyfriends, Darryl included, made her very glad none of them had worked out.
She lowered her voice again. “I haven’t mentioned it to Angie yet, and now is not the time.”
“When, then?”
“It would be ideal if she had a boyfriend too, or at least another roommate.”
His eyebrows lifted. “I don’t think I can wait that long.” He leaned in and nuzzled her neck. “I want you in my bed.”
His nose tickled her and she giggled. “At least wait until