Page 57 of Reticent

I point to a corner by the window. “A rocking chair would go great there.” I can fully see it: Liam in a receiving blanket, resting against Hunter’s chest. “And you could put the crib there.” I point to another spot and glance over my shoulder at Hunter, who hasn’t said anything.

“Move in with me.”

I turn around fully to face him. “What?”

“We can raise Liam together under one roof—until you get settled into your own place,” he adds.

I open my mouth to speak, then close it before opening it again. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”

“I want this, Yasmine.” He comes closer, hesitating as if one wrong move could send me running for the hills. I take a step back. He stops in his tracks a few feet away. “It could work.”

“You don’t know that.”

“There’s plenty of room here for all three of us.”

“You don’t play fair.”

A smirk tugs the corner of his mouth. “I never promised I would.”

“Dammit.” I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose.

“You’ll have your own room. Your own wing, if you want.”

I chew on my thumbnail. “And you’ll keep your shirt on.”

His lip twitches in an almost smile. He looks so hot when he does that. Gah! What am I thinking?

“I can’t live with you, Hunter. You’re single, remember?”

Amusement lines his mouth, which I can’t look away from. “I’m aware.”

“Living with the mother of your child won’t be a hit with the ladies.”

“This isn’t as uncommon as you think. We’ll be friends and roommates, raising a kid together. And it’s only temporary.”

“But if I’m going to find a place in this neighborhood, it may take a few months.”

“So, you are moving to this neighborhood?” He gives a genuine smile that highlights his dimple.

“Yes. I’ll hire Jordyn as my realtor and ask her to be on the lookout for any listings in this area.”

“This is going to be so fucking great.”

“It can be. But what about when you want to have company … overnight?”

Understanding flashes in his eyes. His smile fades, but he doesn’t deny it. My insides twist with jealousy. Can I watch him with another woman and not feel like my heart is going through a meat grinder?

“I’ll be discreet,” he says.

“And what about me?” I want Hunter to feel what I feel at this moment. Piping-hot jealousy. “What if I want to keep company?”

“I would prefer if Liam and I didn’t hear you fucking in the next room.”

I wince at how indifferent he sounds about me having sex with another man. “I would never do that.”

“Good. Because if I can’t fuck you, I don’t want to be around the man who can.”

He’s jealous. That’s what I want, but it’s not as satisfying as I thought it would be. I’m more sad than anything. “If we try this, and it doesn’t work …”