Chapter One Hundred Forty-Two
Ruby
That Afternoon
My hand rests on the doorknob. Not opening it yet, just holding there while I stare out through the glass toward the parking lot. This shouldn’t feel like a big deal. My purse strap slides against my shoulder. People go to doctor appointments every day.
But asking Xavier to come with me? That feels different. Bigger. Like crossing into something neither of us can pretend isn’t real anymore.
Behind me, the shop hums with normal noise. Voices. Tools. Music drifting faintly from somewhere outside. I glance back over my shoulder. Xavier stands near the open bay door talking to Mark, one hand braced against a blueprint while he explains something.
Focused. Steady. Comfortably in control again. Sexy as hell.
It catches me off guard—this version of him. Like maybe I spent so long bracing for him to pull away that I never prepared for what happens if he doesn’t.
“Xavier?”
His attention immediately shifts to me. “Yeah?”
I squeeze my purse strap. “I’ve got a doctor’s appointment.”
The change in him is instant. Subtle. But instant. His shoulders lock. Jaw tightening. Eyes sharpen hard enough that my stomach drops. Fear. Real fear.
“Oh… no.” I push off the door, stepping toward him. “No, everything’s okay.”
He’s already moving toward me. “Ruby–”
“It’s fine.” I meet him halfway before he can spiral any farther. “I’m okay.” My fingers wrap around his sleeve. Warm. Solid. Grounding. “Hey,” I say, softer. “It’s a regular appointment.”
He goes still for half a second. After a beat, he exhales roughly, one hand dragging across his chest like he’s steadying himself. “Jesus.”
The word comes out low enough that I almost smile. Almost.
“You went straight to worst-case scenario,” I murmur.
“You said, doctor.”
“I am going to the doctor.”
“You skipped the very important part where nothing was wrong.”
A tiny laugh slips out before I can stop it. “There’s the drama.”
His mouth twitches. “You scared me.”
The honesty in his statement makes my eyes sting. Not performative. Not exaggerated. Just true.
“I’m okay. The baby is okay. This is a regular checkup.”
His eyes move over my face. Checking and making sure. Then he nods once. “Okay.”
The tension in him eases after that. Not completely. I’m starting to realize it probably never fully will be, where the baby and I are concerned. And it makes my heart skip a beat.
“I won’t be gone long.” He waits. Doesn’t interrupt. I glance down briefly before forcing myself to say it. “I didn’t know if you’d want to come.”
There it is. Out in the open. And saying it changes the air between us instantly. Because this isn’t casual; this is doctor appointments, waiting rooms, ultrasounds, and terrifying future things that matter.
Xavier’s expression softens, making my chest ache. “Yeah.” No hesitation. “I want to come.”
My chest twists hard at that. “I didn’t know if you would want to.”
His gaze holds mine. “I’m showing up, Ruby.” His thumb brushes once against my wrist where I’m holding onto his sleeve. “For you.” He pauses. “And for the baby. And that’s not changing.”
My throat tightens until I can’t get a breath in. I let go of his sleeve and step back toward the door. “You driving, or am I?”
“I am.” His mouth curves into that gorgeous cocky grin that I love so much.
“Bossy.”
“You’ll survive.”
I roll my eyes, but there’s no heat behind it.
And when I step outside, he’s right there beside me.