Page 25 of Knocked Up By The Mountain Man

A man.

A friend.

But even though he's saying the exact thing that I need him to say, it just doesn't feel right. Maybe there's something inside of me that won't accept it, won't let the words sink in and fully saturate my brain, healing the thing that broke inside of my heart.

It just feels like it couldn't possibly be true.

We had a single, meaningless hookup. Now I'm pregnant.

He wouldn't want me if he knew everything, I think. He doesn’t know what kind of burden you truly are, yet. Once he knows…it’s over.

Jack’s large hand finds my chin, lifting my tearful gaze up to him.

“Look, honey,” he says quietly. “I know you’re upset. But I'm not going to let you leave town until we have a talk about my baby that’s currently growing in your belly.”

CHAPTER 14

JACK

"How did you know?"

Her eyes are wide and fearful, and I hate that she would ever look at me that way, as though I might be a threat, as though I might be something to be afraid of.

It sucks.

I have to get rid of that look on her face as soon as possible. I have to make her feel safe with me.

But how?

Maybe Adam's got ideas.

Mister Emotionally Sensitive back there sure knew what to say whenever she was in tears, I think bitterly.

Jealousy is an all-consuming monster when it comes to this woman.

It seems I've never been the type to feel that way about a woman, but once again, Alyssa is making me break all of my preconceived notions about the kind of man that I am.

Apparently, I'm jealous. And possessive.

I'm also the kind of guy who, when it's the right woman, am eagerly and enthusiastic about the idea of becoming a father. About being “settled down”: A married man with a wife, some kids, and a white picket fence. The whole damn thing.

Hell, maybe we could even get a dog.

I pull the ultrasound photo out of my pocket and hand it to her.

"Found this on your dresser," I say. "Sorry I went in there. I was worried about you.”

She stares at the black-and-white crumpled photo in her hand and just nods. New tears spring to her eyes.

"Damn it!" I growl, and she startles a little bit.

"What?" she asks. "What did I do?"

"It's not what you did," I reply. "You didn't do anything wrong, Alyssa. Everything about you is right, actually, and that's the fucking problem."

I don't want to mess this up, but it seems like messing it up is all I ever do.

"You're terrified of me, and I don't understand why. Is it because of my size?"