Page 25 of Having the Bear's Baby

“Of course, you can take time off. No one needs you that badly besides me. It’s just a job. You won’t have to work when you move in with me.”

“What? I was planning on working until I delivered.”

He shrugged. “I don’t see why. Move in with me, and all you have to worry about is the baby. Or whatever hobby you pursue, but you won’t have to chase a paycheck. The clan takes care of their own, especially whoever is connected to the alpha.” He pointed his thumbs at himself and gave her a wink.

She chuckled at his childishness. “God, you’re such a dork sometimes.”

“I know, but it also seems to charm you, so I don’t plan on giving it up anytime soon.”

She shook her head and sipped her wine.

“So, are you going to at least ask for time off?” Liam’s question hung in the air, punctuated by a sense of playful determination.

Emma released a defeated exhale, eyes rolling. “Yes, I will. I’ll see if I can take this week off when I go in tomorrow.”

The victorious smile that graced Liam’s lips showed his satisfaction, a wordless acknowledgment of their ongoing negotiation. Sometimes, his ability to read her so well felt both exhilarating and slightly intimidating. Their connection crackled with an unspoken understanding, a thread that wove through their conversations and decisions.

As their drinks dwindled to empty glasses, the topic turned to dinner plans. Liam wanted to take Emma out, but she countered with an offer to cook for him. It wasn’t just about showcasing her culinary skills; she wanted to show her competence and capabilities as a future mother. The prospect of nurturing and caring for her child was a responsibility she took to heart.

In the kitchen, she pulled pots and pans from their places. Liam followed her lead, a silent assistant ready to lend a hand. A quiet harmony settled between them, the ease of their partnership revealing an unexpected contentment.

With his help, the preparations flowed seamlessly, and the aroma of their meal filled the room. Emma allowed herself a fleeting thought: If they could work together so effortlessly in the kitchen, perhaps it was an encouraging sign for their potential future.

Sitting at the table, Liam took a bite. “Mmm. This is better than it looks.”

“Have you never had it before?”

“No. It didn’t look great, but it is.”

Emma let out a snort. “You idiot, you could have told me you never had it. I would have done something you liked.”

“But I do like this. I’m willing to try anything, and you even proved me wrong in my initial thought when I saw you put this motley assortment together.”

“Oh, gee, thanks.”

He grinned at her over his plate as they continued enjoying each other’s conversation with their meal.

As they finished eating, Emma cleared the table. She was rinsing dishes in the sink, lost in the rhythm of her task when strong arms encircled her waist, a tender embrace that stole her breath. Liam’s head found its way to the curve of her neck, his lips leaving a soft, lingering kiss.

Her nipples instantly hardened as a tingling sensation went from her neck all the way between her thighs.

“You smell so good,” he mumbled in her ear.

His breath was hot and inviting. She wanted to turn around in his arms and ravage him on her kitchen floor.

Instead, she rinsed off the plates as a smile crept across her face. His cock hardened against her back as he nuzzled his face into her neck.

“I think you’re just horny,” Emma commented, turning off the water. She reached behind her and grabbed his cock, causing him to groan.

He was plenty hard. It made Emma even wetter, feeling how turned on he was. She turned, and he lifted her onto the counter like she weighed nothing.

Emma wrapped her legs around his waist and tightened, pulling him closer to her.

He put his hands up to her face and kissed her desperately. Her body sank into his, feeling as if his hands were the only thing holding her up.

No matter how many times they had sex, it always felt exciting, as if she could never get enough of him. There was something fatally addicting about Liam, and she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

Liam kissed her neck. Emma ran her fingers down his abs until she reached the top of his pants to quickly unbutton them.

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