Chapter 17
I should not be mentally renovating her house already.
Nolan
My emotions are a whirlwind as I drive to Terri’s house. Luckily, she’s passed out from crying in the passenger seat and I can try to handle everything she confessed to me in private.
Because I don’t think she would appreciate witnessing my anger.
And I am angry. Actually, angry is too tame a word for how I’m feeling.
I’m fucking furious. How dare her mom leave her?
I understand she was devastated to lose her baby and her boyfriend, but that’s no excuse to leave her daughter alone.
I would never abandon my child. I know the pain it causes to be left behind. To be forgotten. To force yourself to learn how to live without a parent because he’s never there. Because all he cares about is football.
Terri stirs. “Where are we?”
I stuff all my anger toward her mom down in the hole where the anger for my father lives. I need to be there for Terri. She lost her mom, and she’s terrified she’ll lose the baby because of her mom’s history. I will not leave her alone to spiral with those thoughts.
I squeeze her thigh. “Nearly at your house.”
“I must have passed out.”
“You need rest.”
She snorts. “Don’t I know it. I can’t seem to get enough sleep lately.”
“The doc confirmed it’s normal to be tired during this stage of pregnancy.”
Her face darkens. “Doctor Allens must think I’m a basket case.”
I scowl. “Why? Because you suffered trauma in your youth? You’re not a basket case. You’re a human being with emotions and a past.”
She sighs. “You’re not supposed to be sweet.”
I glance over at her. “I’m not? Am I supposed to be an asshole?”
She shrugs.
“Not all football players are assholes.”
“I know.” She fiddles with the hem of her blouse. “But you have to admit this situation would be easier if you weren’t a football player.”
My shoulder twinges to remind me I might not be a football player for long.
“Are you worried about your job? About what Hudson will say?”
She groans and drops her chin to her chest. “After the way you carried me off the beach, I’m surprised he hasn’t called already.”
“I’ll handle Hudson.” No way is she losing her job because of her relationship with me or this baby. I won’t allow it.
“It’s not your responsibility.”
“Is this baby mine?”
“You know it is.”
“Then, it’s partially my responsibility.”
“I’m surprised you’re not banging your chest. Baby mine. I’ll take care of it.”
I chuckle at her imitation of my voice. She laughs as well and the tightness around my chest loosens. Her face is still pale, but at least her eyes no longer appear panic-stricken.
I understand a lot more about her reaction to the pregnancy since she confessed her family history. But I’m confused as well. She mentioned a dad and siblings before. Where do they fit into the story?
We arrive at her house before I have a chance to ask. I park in the driveway and dash around to open her door.
I can imagine opening the door to get our baby out of her car seat. And carrying her into the house. I wouldn’t mind living in this bungalow. It has a large backyard with a view of the ocean. It’s small, but there’s plenty of room to expand.
We could be a family. The family I always wanted but didn’t get growing up.
I open Terri’s door and lift her into my arms. My shoulder protests to remind me I might be more of my father than I thought I was. Fighting through injury to continue playing and win the Super Bowl.
But I can’t give up now. Not when the team is so close to winning it all.
“You don’t have to carry me everywhere,” Terri protests, but she wraps her arms around my neck and cuddles into me.
“You have two black eyes and a bloody nose because of me.”
She groans. “Two black eyes?”
I kiss her nose. “You’re still beautiful, sprite.”
“And here I thought Tanner was the slick one.”
“It’s not slick when it’s the truth.”
We reach her door and I unlock it. “Where did you get my keys?”
“They were in your purse.”
“I should yell at you, but I’m emotionally worn out. I’ll pencil in some time to yell at you tomorrow.”
“Go ahead. Yell at me all you want. It won’t change a thing. You’re mine to take care of.”
“Because I’m growing your little mermaid.”
I kiss her forehead. “Because you’re my sprite.”
She rolls her eyes. She doesn’t believe me. She thinks I’m only interested in her because she’s having my baby. She doesn’t realize how appealing she is to me.
“Where do you want to rest? On the couch or in bed?”
“What am I? A senior citizen? It’s still light out.”
“Couch it is.” I set her down on the couch and grab the throw blanket to cover her before making my way to the kitchen for a glass of water.
“Here.” I hand her the water. “Do you have a preference for dinner?”
She blinks up at me. “Dinner?”
“Yes. The meal usually eaten in the evening.”
“But you’re not staying.”
I growl. “Of course, I’m staying. The doctor said you need to monitor symptoms and someone should stay with you for a few hours.”
“I’ll be fine on my own.”
“You have two choices. I stay here, or I drive you to your dad’s house.” I cross my arms over my chest.
She gasps. “Dad doesn’t know I’m pregnant.”
“He’s going to find out eventually.”
“He’ll worry.”
I drop my arms and sit on the coffee table in front of her. “Of course, he will after he lost his wife.”
Her brow wrinkles. “Lost his wife? What do you… Oh. You don’t understand.”
“Understand what?”
“Dad isn’t my biological dad. He’s my foster dad. After Mom…” She swallows. I hate how her mom’s death still hurts her. “I was tossed around in foster homes until Dad took me in. He adopted me.”
“He must be a wonderful man.”
“Or a glutton for punishment, considering he adopted four of us.”
“I remember. You have two brothers and a sister.”
She groans. “Scott and Ricky are going to lose it when they find out I’m pregnant after a one-night stand.”
I growl. “I’m more than a one-night stand.”
I want to be a family. I want to live in this cute little cottage on the water.
She yawns and her jaw cracks. Shit. I’m an asshole. She’s hurt and tired, and I’m harassing her.
“I think it’s time for bed.”
She protests but I ignore her and lift her into my arms. “Which room is yours?” I ask once I’m in the hallway.
“Second door on the left.”
I smile when I notice the décor of the bedroom is nautical themed.
“I’m surprised there aren’t mermaids and pirates in here,” I say as I lay her on the bed.
She giggles. “Maybe you haven’t found them.”
I start to walk away but she captures my wrist. “Stay with me? Just for a little while.”
As if I’d ever say no to that offer. I kick off my shoes before climbing into bed with her. She cuddles into my side. I nearly sigh at the feel of her against me. She fits me perfectly. Because this is where she belongs.
“Does it bother you that your baby will grow up here in this house?”
“Why would it bother me?”
“You’re rich, and I’m …” She trails off with a shrug.
I pinch her chin. “I don’t give a shit how much money you have.”
Her cheeks darken. “It’s not only the money. I don’t know anything about my biological family. What if our baby…” She gulps.
I palm her cheek. “Sweetheart, I will love this baby no matter what because she’s ours.”
“No matter what?”
“No matter what.”
She doesn’t appear convinced. She’s worrying her bottom lip and her hazel eyes are filled with doubt. I can’t allow her to doubt me. To doubt us.
I lower my head. I move slowly to give her a chance to protest. Her breath hitches instead. Yes.
I meld my mouth to hers. She sighs and I swoop my tongue inside. I groan as her taste hits me. This is it. The taste I’ve been missing. I never knew strawberries could be addicting before.
I thread my hands through her hair and tug until she tilts her head to allow me to dive deeper. To explore every inch of her mouth. To taste every inch.
Her hands fist my t-shirt and my cock twitches. It wants in on the action.
But we can’t. She’s injured. And I won’t take her again until she realizes I want more than a round in the hay. I want more than a quickie in the closet.
I want the promise of a family.