Page 22 of His to Keep

“I would’ve never forgiven myself.”

“Emerson, please…” I dipped my fingers into the short dark hair for an instant, and he froze. I brushed my fingers deeper, scraping my nails there lightly, and he sighed, pressing his forehead down against my side as he collected himself.

I wasn’t sure if my head pets were helping or hurting, but I realized that he was still kneeling on the uncomfortable floor.

“Emerson, stand up. There’s no reason you should be kneeling at my side.”

He raised his gaze to mine. This time, it was full of quiet joy and warmth. “There are a million reasons to kneel in front of you, beautiful. But you’re right, I need to get up and make some calls. Are you alright for a moment?”

I nodded, and Emerson rose smoothly and nodded to the nurse before slipping out into the hall.

My head fell back, and I pressed a hand across my forehead, a hundred things whirling in my head. My lunch date with Gates—who was really Emerson. The way he’d felt against me. And then finding out the truth. And now…all this anxiety and worry. Only to find that I was mad at Emerson, probably furious in some ways.

But I didn’t hate him.

I remembered the pain in his face when he’d found me in the kitchen, the gentleness of his touch when we walked together. Even the sweetness of his lips.

I groaned. I didn’t hate him at all.

I just…didn’t know him.

“Are you okay, Ms. Bryant?”

I realized that I must’ve groaned louder than I thought. I felt my face warm, pushing myself into a more seated position and smiling at her. “Yes, I’m sorry. Just thinking through some things.”

The nurse, who was around my age, moved to my side, fixing my blanket. “You’ll have to pardon the overstep, but I have to tell you that that was some top-notch groveling.”

My jaw dropped.

“And while I’m sure he deserves to do it, and probably more…” The nurse leaned in. “That man is infatuated with you. Take it from someone who sees a lot of couples come through here. You should definitely let him grovel and then lock him down. Because even if he wasn’t infatuated with you, he is fine as hell.”

I laughed then, the sound clearing out some of the residual anxiety and nervousness.

“Noted. Thanks.”

Together, the nurse and I got my things sorted, both physical and a little emotional. I got to the door, my heart in my hands when both Emerson and Dr. Charter met me at the door.

“Everything ready?” Dr. Charter asked with a smile.

“Yes, I’m ready.”

“Now, I want you off your feet for a few days. Just enough to make sure everything settles in. You’ll be back for your anatomy scan then.” She set aside her tablet and glanced at me. “Do you have someone who can bring you back? Make sure you’ll be cared for?”

In a flash, my gaze flew to Emerson’s face, which was looking openly dejected and worried. I knew then I was making the right choice.

“Mr. Gates can be sure—” Emerson began, but I cut him off.

“I’m staying with Emerson. I’m sure that between him and my security personnel, we can figure something out.”

I couldn’t bring myself to look up and see what his expression was.

Dr. Charter smiled at me warmly. “Wonderful. I’ll let the driver know you’re ready.” And then she was gone, leaving just Emerson and me in the doorway to my room.

“I hope that wasn’t presumptuous.” My tongue felt thick as Emerson took a step closer. His hand met my jaw and slowly turned my face upwards. I babbled on. “I knew that after twenty weeks, I was going to have live-in security, but I really don’t want to live with someone new. Not now, not after getting to know you for so many weeks.” I took a long, deep breath. “That’s all.”

His thumb barely stroked my jaw, but I felt it deep in my bones. “Not presumptuous at all. I would love to have you in my home.”

My brain spiraled for a moment then, realizing the ramifications of what I’d said. His home. Not mine. I was going home with Emerson.

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