No Turning Back (Breaking the Rules #4) - A.M. Madden Page 0,30

into her eyes, I admitted without any resolve, “The truth is I don’t want to wait months and months either.”

“I understand.”

Her gaze dropped down until I said, “Ree.” Once her eyes reconnected with mine, I added, “My issues come second to you. I want to be with you. It’s as simple as that.”

Her brows rose, and the corners of her lips lifted a bit. “Really?”

“Yes. I can’t say I won’t be terrified the entire time, but I will be here for you in any way you want me to be. You already know how I want to be. I made that clear and not in a very subtle way.” When I added a wink for good measure, she giggled.

“And that way doesn’t change for you now?”

I placed a hand over her cheek. “No, it doesn’t, Ree.”

That caused her smile to spread as she leaned into my touch. “You have no idea how afraid I was to tell you.”

“I kinda do. You weren’t very subtle in that regard either.”

“No, I guess I wasn’t. Can you blame me?”

“No, I can’t.” Remembering what had happened a few days ago, I rubbed a soothing hand down her arm. “How are you feeling?”

“Anxious, nervous… relieved that you know.”

“I meant physically.”

“I feel fine.”

“Did it hurt?” Her head slid from side to side. “So now you just wait.”

“Yep… and pray.”

“They must be very special to you.”

“They are. I do want you to meet them.”

“I look forward to it.” Of course, that was only half-true. Knowing Cooper and she had been a couple fucked with my head a bit… regardless of whom he was with now. Having said that, knowing he was gay helped temper my jealousy a tad.

A groan from my stomach caused her to laugh. “Maybe we should eat?”

“Yes. Good idea.” I reached for the nearest container and served some on her plate. “And then I’ll tell you the real reason I came here tonight.”

She seemed so much more relieved, and the Riana I knew well finally revealed herself during our meal.

After the last container of leftover Thai was packed away in her fridge, I took her hand and led her toward the couch. Her place was so warm, inviting, and happy. From the cozy pieces of furniture that I recognized when we were together to the fun pops of color in the accessories she must have bought recently, it was all so very Riana. My place was colder, starker. It made me want to settle in there with her forever.

“Thank you for bringing dinner,” she said when we sat side by side. “It was delicious.”

“My pleasure.” As I reached over and tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear, a small smile lifted her full lips. “Thank you for confiding in me.” The more I thought about it, the more I knew she could’ve chosen not to. Worse yet, she could’ve told me to take a hike.

“It’s been eating at me. I didn’t know how you would take it. Most guys would run faster than I could say the word pregnant.”

I couldn’t be annoyed that she assumed the negative. “Maybe if we hadn’t had history, it might’ve spooked me a bit. But I know you better than anyone, Ree. I know why you’re doing it and understand the need for you to.” She nodded at my admission just as I continued. “I’m happy you’ll have this experience in a way that makes sense for you.”

“Exactly!” Her eyes lit up, as did her smile. “I’ll get to see this baby grow in a loving home, be there for all the milestones, and know that my decision made it possible.” Her excitement was infectious, and I’d never tire of seeing the joy on her face. Selfishly, I wanted to be the one to put it there someday. I wanted to be the one to make her so damn happy.

“What comes next for you then?” I asked, truly curious. Yes, she admitted Florida was now her home, but there was much I wanted to know regarding how I could fit in. Again, if it weren’t for our history, those thoughts wouldn’t be pressing on my mind. Who was I kidding? They weren’t merely pressing… they were drilling, hard and piercing.

“Well, Ricky is part owner of a luxury cruise ship with his sister-in-law and her husband. The three are all best friends. They sail out of Fort Lauderdale, and their corporate headquarters are right here as well. Ricky has wanted to start a nonprofit under the RMR umbrella…