Page 37 of Solid Ground

Why does he look so gorgeous in the morning, and I probably resemble a cat dragged through a hedge backward?

“I’ll clean up, Zoe, and make you a fresh cup?” His eyes dart around the room. “Stay there a second. Do you have a mop?”

“In the hall cupboard.”

He reappears moments later and brushes the shattered pieces of mug out of my way so I can leave the kitchen. “Go and sit in the living room. I’ll bring you a coffee when I’m done.”

I gingerly make my way across the cold floor and into the living room before dropping onto the couch.

What an idiot.

Where was my brain this morning? I woke up feeling pretty good considering the past week I’ve had morning sickness and been barely able to stomach breakfast. But my mind must have been on another planet to have forgotten Declan’s presence in my home.

He’s not really forgettable.

I’m so lost in thought that I jump again when he brushes my cheek with his thumb.

“You’re so cute when you’re flustered.”

I glower at him but take the mug he’s holding out for me. Cute? I’m mad at myself for what just happened. Who forgets when they have Declan O’Leary in their spare room?

Is this baby brain?

I frown.

“Hey, it’s not that bad.”

He drops onto the couch beside me and places his cup on the coffee table. Extending his arm, he reaches out and pushes a stray lock of hair behind my ear.

I force a smile. “I’m sorry. I was away with the fairies. Truth be told, I forgot you were here.”

Declan chuckles. “You’ve lived by yourself for a while, I assume. It takes time to get used to living with people again.”

He caresses my cheek before dropping his hand, and I close my eyes briefly as I miss his touch. There’s no denying he still has an effect on me.

I will not crush on him.

I can’t.

He’s here for the baby—not for me. I have to remember that.

“Your foot’s bleeding.”

I look down. It’s only a drop of blood, but I wince when he plucks a sliver of mug out that I didn’t even realise was there.

“Got it. Where’s your first-aid kit?”

I swallow hard. “Um, bathroom cabinet.”

“Stay here. I’ll be back in an instant.” He gives my knee a reassuring squeeze and I blow out a breath as he goes to the bathroom and returns with a plastic box.

His gentle hands caress my foot, and he slips the Band-Aid over my cut before running his hand up to my ankle and placing my foot back on the ground. “I know you’re going out this afternoon, but rest it.”

“It’s just a tiny cut.”

“Maybe, but it’s my fault.”

I shake my head. “No. I hadn’t had coffee at the time. Caffeine’s what I need to wake myself up.”

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