The Road to Rose Bend, Naima Simone [jenna bush book club .TXT] 📗

and skimmed his flat stomach. He slid his hands into the front pockets of navy dress pants that emphasized his tapered waist and muscled thighs. His amber eyes revealed none of his thoughts, that carnal mouth flat, in an almost grim line. But even that couldn’t detract from the lushness of its curves. She suspected nothing could do that.

“What’re you doing here?” she hoarsely demanded. Then, glancing around and taking in the avid attention focused on them from the receptionist and others in the waiting room, she edged closer to him and lowered her voice. “Where’s Leo?”

“She couldn’t make it. One of the guest bathrooms flooded, and she has to wait at the inn for the plumber. So, she called me, and I told her I would meet you here.”

“You don’t have to do that,” she insisted.

For a variety of reasons. The main one being, he seemed to have an aversion to anything having to do with her pregnancy. Hell, when the man had touched her stomach in his office, it’d seemed more like an act of torture than affection or curiosity. He’d lost a child; taking him to that examination room and subjecting him to hearing a baby’s heartbeat and seeing the image of that baby on a sonogram was cruel and unusual punishment. She refused to inflict that agony on him.

“I know I don’t have to,” he said. “I’m here because I want to be.”

But she was already shaking her head and poking a finger into his abdomen. And damn, were those rocks? Seriously. Who had abs like that outside of Dwayne Johnson? “No, you’re here because you’re doing that ‘heroic’ thing again. When it’s not necessary. I got this.”

Truthfully, she needed to get used to being on her own. She wouldn’t deny Daniel access to their daughter or son, but being hundreds of miles away, Sydney would be primarily raising their child as a single mother. This was her choice, and she was strong enough to do this.

Regardless of what Daniel or her parents thought.

“Sydney.” He gently cupped her prodding finger. “I don’t doubt that you ‘got this.’ I also don’t doubt that you could do this on your own and be just fine. But the fact is you don’t have to. I’m here for you. Just like Leo would’ve been if she could. Just like any friend would.”

Any friend would.

Yes, because they were only—could only ever be—friends. If the other day had revealed anything to her, it was that.

“Cole,” she said, inching closer and tilting her head back so she wouldn’t miss any nuance in his expression, in his eyes. “Leo shouldn’t have asked you. Because she might not realize this is going to hurt you. But I do. And don’t try and tell me it won’t. I can’t be responsible for causing you more pain. I won’t.”

He didn’t immediately reply, instead he studied her with shadows darkening his gaze to nearly brown. Then he lowered his head over hers so his lips nearly grazed the tip of her ear, and his delicious, earthy scent surrounded her.

“You’re a strong woman. And you’re also a soon-to-be mother who is about to experience one of the most emotional moments of her pregnancy. You’re going to look at your baby on that screen and find out if you’re going to have a gorgeous little girl or a precious boy.” His voice thickened, roughened. “Now, your baby will have a face, even if it’s in your head. He or she will be more real to you than ever before, and you might cry. You might do nothing but stare in awe at that black screen with the image of your child. Either way, you’re going to be overwhelmed with emotion because it’s an amazing, special moment. And it’s a moment you should not spend alone. Regardless of how I feel, I’m going in there with you. You won’t be alone. Not on my watch. So, get it through that beautiful, thick head. I’m. Staying.”

Thick head? She glared at the base of his throat. Well, he could... Oh damn. Beautiful? He thought her head—was beautiful? A ball of warmth dropped into her stomach, detonated, radiating pleasure. Hell, it even tingled in her toes, and she curled the digits into her sandals. She blinked, a little dazed that an offhand compliment from him could make her feel like the sun was rising inside her.

He’d left her speechless. Because, really, what in the hell did she say to that?

Or to his willingness—no, his insistence—that he wasn’t leaving her side, regardless of the cost to his own heart, his own pain?

Obviously, the only thing to say was “Okay,” because she whispered it just as the nurse called her name again.

Spinning around, she moved forward. She didn’t have to glance around to see if people were staring at her and Cole, because those curious gazes prickled her skin. Good Lord. Rose Bend’s gossip grapevine would be burning up today.

Speculating if Cole Dennison had taken up with pregnant black sheep Sydney Collins.

Or worse, the mayor was taking pity on poor Sydney and accompanying her to her doctor’s appointment because the father of her baby couldn’t be bothered.

As embarrassing as the first one was, the second rumor was even more humiliating. Because it contained a kernel of truth.

“I’m Sydney,” she said to the nurse.

“Nice to meet you, Sydney. I’m Jackie,” the nurse greeted. Her gaze flicked behind Sydney. “Hi, Cole.”

“Hey, Jackie,” he replied, and a big hand settled on Sydney’s shoulder. “I’m with her today. I hope it’s okay.”

“If it’s fine with Sydney, it’s good with me.” The nurse smiled. “Follow me. We’re in Room 3 at the end of the hall and to the left.” Moments later they entered an exam room. “You can put your purse down here,” Jackie said, gesturing toward a chair in the corner. “I’ll take your weight and vitals.”

Sydney narrowed her eyes at the scale, then shifted her glare to Cole. “You. Over there.” She jabbed a finger at the window