Page 216 of Chasing Ruin
Oh, hell no.She can’t be calling me that.
“Baby,” I say, hovering over her, grinning despite myself. “You wanna tell your clueless husband what you mean?”
She groans, dramatic as ever, and flops back onto the pillow. I follow her down, my hand cupping her jaw, thumb brushing soft circles along her skin.
She rolls her eyes, then slowly takes my hand. Guiding it down as I pause at her throat. “Cold,” she says, a teasing smirk tugging at her lips.
“You’re cold?” I ask, immediately reaching for her forehead.
She shakes her head. “Colder.”
What?
I pull her closer, pressing a kiss to her neck.
“Cold,” she whispers.
I trail kisses along her skin, moving lower—
“Warm…” she breathes when I linger over her chest.
I pause, frowning slightly. I’m still not getting it. But I’m thoroughly enjoying her soft gasps when my mouth drifts further down, just beneath her ribs.
“Warmer… oh—” Her voice catches.
And then—
My lips press against her stomach.
Her body tenses beneath me. “Hot. Hot, hot, hot,hot!”
I freeze.
My head snaps up. I look at her dumbly. Then back at her stomach. Then up again. Realization dawns on me quick.
She’s smiling now—soft and knowing. Her hands come up to cup my face. “You get it?”
My breath leaves me in a rush. “No way…” I whisper, voice already breaking. “Charlotte.”
Her smile widens, eyes shining.
A baby.
She’s carrying our baby.
My chest caves in on itself, something sharp and overwhelming punching straight through me. “You’re… pregnant?” I manage, barely.
She nods.
That’s it. I’m on her in a second, pulling her into me so tight I’m pretty sure I’m crushing her.
“Careful!” she laughs, breathless, hands pushing at my shoulders. “Theo—”
“Sorry,” I choke out, laughing and half crying like a fucking idiot as I press kisses everywhere—her cheeks, her forehead, her lips. “Holy fuck, Charlotte.”
She’s laughing now, bright and full, trying to shove me back but not really meaning it.
“We’re having a baby?” I repeat, like I need to hear it again. “You’re—baby, you’re—”
