Page 31 of The Rough Ride

Only steps from the porch, their gazes locked.

“Oh, babe—your eyes.” His hand caressed the side of her face the second he crossed the threshold.

She placed her hand over his and leaned in a bit. “It was a good cry. Cathartic even. I feel much better.”

“Do you want me to leave?”

“No, of course not. Although, I’ll admit I’m a little surprised you’re back so soon.” A whoosh of relief flooded her system that hehadcome back at all.

Nick ran a hand through his hair. “I had a few hours to think and a beer with a friend. I’m still working my head with this baby thing, but I honestly believe you did the best you could with the hand you were dealt.”

An instant lump gathered in her throat.

“I didn’t finagle the open relationship to get Ella.” She traced a finger down his cheek. “I wouldn’t have done that to you—to us.”

He kissed the palm of her hand and tugged her into his arms. “I know. I believe you.”

Her arms slipped around him. “I’m so glad I’m not hiding her anymore, Nick.”

“Yeah. Good decision, honey.” He leaned back and gave her a once over. “Want something cool for your face?”

“No. Thanks. It’ll look better in the morning.” She chuckled. “Or worse. I don’t care. I don’t have to work. Are you staying?”

“If it’s okay with you?” He looked at her with hopeful eyes.

“More than.” She locked the door and flipped the living room light switch.

When she turned to him, he picked her up and ducked-walked her down the hallway.

“Which room?”

“First one on the left.” The scent of his woodsy pine soap made her want to burrow into his shoulder.

“That’s what I thought. Eh—same bed you had in high school.”

She rolled her eyes. “New mattress, though.”

Nick barked a laugh. “That’s good. We put a real hurtin’ on the old one as I remember.” He set her down, toed-off his shoes, and pulled his shirt over his head. “Does the baby need to feed or something before you can sleep?”

Liz giggled. “She’s not a vampire from one of those books you like. She doesn’t feed, she eats. I nursed her a little while ago. She’ll most likely sleep ‘til morning.”

“Very funny.” He picked up the sexy romance she’d left in the middle of the bed and looked it over. “Speaking of reading habits, when did these become your thing?”

Her heart warmed. “Romance novels got me through rehab. I needed the happily-ever-after. I grew fond of them.”

He placed the book on the bedside table. “Maybe some night you’ll read me a hot scene? I could learn a thing or two.” He smirked.

Liz stared at his massive chest, defined abs, the tats she loved on his arm and zoned out for a second picturing herself snuggled up, kissing his pecs.

“You don’t sleep with the prosthetic on, do you?”

“No. I take it off. But I sleep on that side of the bed with the chair nearby and the leg propped against it. If I get up, all I have to do is swing myself over the side and put it on.” She sat and removed the outer silicone piece. “You sure you’re ready for this? You haven’t seen it yet.” Nerves dancedin her stomach like the first time she’d undressed in front of him.

He sat next to her on the bed. “I’ve got buddies that came back with pieces. But yours is personal.” He gave her knee a gentle squeeze.

She nodded. “Whatever you do, don’t look at it and say they did a good job.”

His eyebrows lifted. “What?”

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