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Oliver sat on the edge of the bed, his hand finding mine in a comforting gesture. "Ryleigh, it could've happened to anyone, even me. Stop blaming yourself."
I turned to face him, noticing the perspiration on his brow. "Maybe," I conceded reluctantly. "But it makes me wonder how many other employees were taking advantage who haven't been caught. Maybe not stealing our software, but things like time or supplies."
"That's not your concern anymore," Oliver reminded me gently. He stood, peeling off his soaked shirt to reveal his slightly softened physique. "What would you like to do today?"
I sighed, burrowing deeper into the warmth of the bed. "I'm not sure. I feel lazy." My gaze drifted to the window, where delicate snowflakes clung to the glass. "I see it snowed last night."
Oliver nodded, running a hand through his tousled hair. "But it's supposed to be in the forties today, so that will all melt."
"I want it to be spring," I groaned, pulling the quilt up to my chin.
A soft chuckle escaped Oliver's lips. "Soon enough, my sweet." He padded towards the bathroom, pausing at the doorway. "I'm going to shower. Would you like to join me?"
I smiled despite myself. "Sounds like fun, but I'm warm and cozy under this quilt." To emphasize my point, I snuggled deeper into the mattress.
Oliver's eyes sparkled with mischief as he grasped the edge of the blanket. "Don't you dare," I warned, my tone playful but firm.
His brow furrowed with concern. "It's very warm in here. Are you feeling okay?"
"Fine," I insisted, rolling my eyes. "Stop worrying about me."
"Why not?" Oliver countered, his voice softening. "I have two people to worry about now. You and the baby."
My hand instinctively moved to my stomach. "The baby is all nice and snug in my belly. He won't be ready to come out for a long while."
"That reminds me," Oliver said, his face lighting up. "We should think of some names. I like Reginald."
I snorted, unable to contain my amusement. "Are you trying to get our son beat up? That sounds like a historical name."
"I like it," Oliver defended, a hint of a pout on his lips. "We can call him Reggie for short."
"No," I said firmly, pointing towards the bathroom. "Go shower."
Oliver's lips quirked into a grin. "Your wish is my command." As he walked towards the bathroom, he shoved his sweatpants down his hips, giving me a tantalizing view of his backside.
Chapter 21
The winter melted away with barely a whisper of snow, much to my relief. As my pregnancy progressed, so did my bizarre cravings. Corn nuts, of all things, became my obsession – despite never having liked them before. But food wasn't my only hunger; my desire for Oliver grew insatiable, bordering on maddening.
I suspected he sometimes hid from me, overwhelmed by my demands – even at the office. On the day of our appointment to learn our baby's sex, I found myself searching for him, slowly moving through the corridors with determination.
I finally spotted him in his office, hunched over his silver laptop. His shirtsleeves were rolled up, exposing toned forearms as his manicured nails tapped a staccato rhythm on the keys. At my entrance, he looked up, those sapphire eyes piercing through me.
"Time to go?" Oliver asked, a hint of wariness in his voice.
I nodded, one hand resting on my swelling belly. "Yes. We have to be at the doctor by 3."
He glanced at his watch, eyebrows shooting up. "Is it that late already?"
"You know it is," I replied, narrowing my eyes. "Tell me you've been able to sit still today?"
A smirk played at the corners of his mouth. "I have. I can control myself. You're the one that needs to be leashed."
Heat rushed to my cheeks. "Leashed? I'm not a dog."
Oliver's lopsided grin – the one that never failed to make my heart skip – appeared. "You are insatiable lately. My balls are killing me."
"Then say no," I challenged, though we both knew it was an empty threat.
