Fall for Me (Danvers #3)(52)
“Full of yourself much?” Suzy laughed. “If you must know, I’m working off a lot of calories every night being a newlywed and all so I have to put some of them back on during the day. Marathon sex really takes it out of a girl.”
Despite herself, Beth couldn’t contain the giggle that slipped out. “You’re full of it, but I’m gonna stop there before you insist on telling me any graphic details about your nights. I need to be able to look Gray in the eyes without further intimate knowledge of him.”
“Ah, suit yourself. Intimate knowledge of Gray is the best kind. That man has so many talents.”
“Why, sis, that sounded almost dreamy.”
“Oh, bite me,” Suzy snapped.
“Wow. I knew you would come begging, but I never thought it would be in front of your sister.”
Beth whirled in her chair to see Nick leaning against the doorway with his usual sexy grin. Is it wrong that I want to jump on him, roll him down the hallway, and rip his zipper open with my teeth? She only half listened as he continued to trade barbs with Suzy. When Beth’s gaze finally locked with his, she could tell that he knew exactly what she was thinking. Shifting uncomfortably in her seat, she tried to look away before Suzy noticed the heat between them.
Nick cleared his throat and asked, “Are you ready to go, princess?”
“Um . . . I just need to finish up a few things with Suzy.”
Waving her hand toward the door, Suzy said, “Uh, please, just go. I can’t get anything done while you make puppy-dog eyes at each other. Just don’t make out in the damn elevator, please. I have to ride in that thing.”
When Nick smirked and opened his mouth, she held her hand up to stop him. “Forget I said the word ride.” With a satisfied grin, Nick shut his mouth and followed Beth out the door.
“So, where to for dinner, princess? How about Italian?”
Did these people ever miss a meal anymore? She felt like she spent her entire day, every day, planning her next meal. She had given up getting away with not eating breakfast and lunch. Suzy watched her like a hawk, so there was no hiding anything. Nick, however, was a different story. As long as they ate at home, she could get away with eating very little. She distracted him using a usual male weakness: ESPN. She insisted on eating in front of the television, saying it was more relaxing and, being a guy, he couldn’t turn it down.
She was ashamed to admit that she had resorted to hiding food in the couch cushions and going back later to throw it away. Within a few minutes of settling in front of Sports Center, Nick was totally oblivious to everything around him. She could pop out a boob and he wouldn’t notice. As long as she stuck with food such as sandwiches, which were easily slipped under a cushion, he was none the wiser. He didn’t say anything, but she knew he was happy when he looked at her empty plate.
Part of her knew that it was wrong, but what could she do? She was eating more than she had been, so couldn’t everyone just be happy about that? The scales showed that her deception was working. Despite the meals during the day, she was still maintaining her weight. Instead of being filled with dread, she was actually looking forward to tomorrow’s doctor’s appointment. The number on the scales would be something to be proud of for once.
“Hellooo? Italian?” Nick asked again.
Oh, crap. How am I going to get around that? Even if we get takeout, it’s going to get messy hiding spaghetti or pizza in the couch. Think fast . . .
“Hey, what about the place down the street, Manzoli’s? I don’t want pasta, but they have great subs. We could get it to go. Wasn’t there a game on that you wanted to watch tonight?”
Nick beamed his approval at her. “Good idea, babe.”
I’m a rotten person. The man is looking at me like I’m a rock star while I plot to buy a sub that will fit under the cushions without causing too much mess. The acting award for the most convincing liar goes to Beth Denton!
* * *
Beth woke to a hand gently rubbing her stomach. At first, she thought that Nick was trying to wake her up in the way that they both enjoyed. She wasn’t sure why she didn’t move to let him know that she was awake, maybe curiosity. When his hand didn’t move past her stomach, she was intrigued. He caressed the slight swell of her belly softly, almost reverently. His fingertips explored every inch, as if memorizing her new shape.
Normally, this type of scrutiny would have made her uncomfortable, but something was different in his touch. There was nothing sexual, nor did she feel like he was having any negative thoughts about her changing body. The opposite seemed to be true. She lay there while he explored her for what seemed like hours, but was probably only minutes. Just when she was planning to move, signaling that she was awake, he leaned over her and softly kissed her stomach. She held her breath and tried to will away the tears that were gathering in her eyes. She was thankful when he slid out of the bed and walked to the bathroom, shutting the door behind him.
What had just happened was so out of character for the Nick that she knew. His actions made it appear that he was happy about her pregnancy. But he never really mentioned it other than asking her how she was feeling, so she assumed that he was in denial. Now she had to wonder if Nick was handling her pregnancy better than she was. Did he think he would freak her out if he talked about the babies or showed excitement? Was she depriving him of her pregnancy by trying to protect him? Maybe it was time to stop acting as if it wasn’t happening and see where Nick stood.