Secret Plunge - Jasmin Miller Page 0,13

hadn’t been with anyone since her ex-husband. An ex-husband. That’s a topic for another day.

She takes a sip of her water and looks around the backyard. “It’s quiet out here.”

“One of the reasons I bought it. I like my peace and quiet.” I follow her gaze, from the Valley Oak tree that throws shade over the lush grass area, to the serenity pool, and the large patio area.

It’s not a palace, but I’m proud I was able to afford this as a result of my swim career. My endorsement deals have been good for me, and I’ve been smart with my money. I’ve made enough to live a comfortable life. What more could I ask for at my age?

“I don’t blame you. It’s very different from New York. Very different from the city at least.”

I watch her profile as she continues to stare off into the distance. “I bet. You live in the city, then?”

Her head turns, her eyes widening before she blows out a somber breath. “Is this super weird? I feel like we should get a fact sheet from the other person, or something like that.”

I chuckle. She’s straightforward. I like that. “It’s a bit unconventional, but it is what it is. I’m sure we’ll figure it out.”

She studies me for a long moment before inhaling deeply. “Well, you already know I got divorced and moved back in with my mom. Ironically, she’s on a world trip with her new husband at the moment, which is why I’ve been watching Bacon, who’s with a neighbor for a few days.”

“Ah yes, I could never forget about Bacon.” I smirk, my mind automatically going to New Year’s Eve when I met Harper.

My brain still has trouble putting these two events together. Putting these two people together. The bold and sexy Harper that seemed ready to eat me alive the night we met, and this less bold, and defeated-looking Harper.

But then, can I expect anything else from her? I’m sure I don’t seem like the same guy to her either. Especially with the pregnancy news between us. It’s like an extra person in the room, sucking out all the air and making it hard to breathe.

Which Harper is the real one though? Was the other one a charade or is she still in there? What’s weird is that I actually like both. But that’s a good thing, right?

Six

Harper

“I also lost my job in December.” I’m not sure why I add that. Maybe as a sort of disclaimer?

Maybe you just want Ryan to know what a nutcase you are.

Well, I’m already tied to him for life now, so he might as well know what kind of person he impregnated.

Unless . . . Does he even want to be tied to me for life? Thinking back, I’m not sure he’s said anything about it. He said we’d figure things out, and that he’s here for me, but helping me and wanting a child—raising a child—are two different things.

“Ryan, do you even want this baby?”

His eyes bulge, but oddly enough, I bulldoze on, feeling a sudden urgency to know exactly where he’s at. Maybe it’s the pregnancy hormones, but I feel numb. And lonely. Maybe slightly bitchy too.

I push some hair out of my face. “I mean, obviously I’m going to have the baby, but are you interested in being a father?”

Ryan’s mouth opens and closes, his full lips staying open on a long exhale. Then he gulps. “Yes. I don’t shy away from my responsibilities if that’s what you mean.” He pauses. “We made a baby, and now we have to figure out how we continue from here on out.”

I feel lightheaded but resist the urge to put my head between my knees. Tears prick the corners of my eyes. I needed to hear that. Gosh, I really did.

His gaze is on me, the intensity in his eyes arresting, and I can’t decide what to make of it.

I wipe at my eyes. “Okay.”

We’re quiet.

“You said you only just found out?” His voice is raspy like it was hard to get the words out. Has my body been betraying me like this too? Showing so clearly how emotional this is. How hard.

I press my eyelids together to get a handle on my emotions. I’m not sure if it’s the actual pregnancy hormones or me trying to deal with the news, but my head and heart have been all over the place emotionally. This conversation isn’t particularly difficult, the questions aren’t hard or even serious.

But