Page 17 of Protective Boss
“Yes, love,” I reply. “But be careful not to rumple your clothes.”
He nods quickly, already zooming off even before I complete my sentence. I shake my head, smiling fondly as I watch him go.
“Girl, you’re gonna get in trouble with that dress,” Ronnie says, running her eyes slowly over my figure with a cunning smile. “You look absolutely stunning.”
I smile at her teasing, my stomach churning with a mix of excitement and nervousness. I know the dress is a little daring for a date night, but I want to make the most of this night with Jason.
“Thank you, Ronnie,” I reply, twirling playfully. “I hope it’s not too much?”
“Not at all,” she assures me with a wink. “You’re going to knock his socks off, girl.”
“That's the plan,” I chuckle, feeling the butterflies in my stomach fluttering wildly.
“Come on,” Ronnie says, patting the space beside her. I go to join her on the couch, smiling when she takes my hands in hers and squeezes gently. “I'm so happy for you, Bianca… I'm so glad you finally found the happiness that you deserve.”
I drop my gaze to our joint hand with a pensive sigh. “Do I really?” I ask in a small voice, finally letting out my fear.
“What are you talking about?” Ronnie asks, searching my face with a confused frown.
I shrug hesitantly. “Do I really deserve to be this happy?” I ask, looking at her again. “What if everything comes crashing down on me?”
"Not on my watch, Bianca," she says firmly, shaking her head at me. "I know how hard you've worked, how strong you've been… I won't allow you to destroy this new-found joy with fear. You deserve every good thing that comes your way and more, do you hear me?"
“Yes,” I reply with a jerky nod, laughing when urges me to speak loudly. “Yes, I do! I deserve to be happy.”
“You just have to believe it,” Ronnie says with an encouraging smile. “On that note, since you're the kindest, and the most amazing person I know, will you be my baby's godmother?”
I gasp, looking down at her flat stomach and back up at her smiling face in disbelief. "Are you… you're pregnant?"
She nods, smiling through the tears that are gathering in her eyes. "Yes! Yes, finally!"
I throw my hands around her neck with an excited squeal. “Congratulations, Ron.”
We hold each other for a while, laughing and doing our best not to cry. Ronnie had been trying for a child for a while now and I know how distressed she has been over the constant failures.
"Now, now, don't ruin your make-up," she chides, squeezing my hands again.
We say our goodbyes and she zooms off. Jason arrives shortly later, immediately pulling me into his arms to capture my lips in a possessive kiss.
“Damn, you look gorgeous,” he says, his eyes greedily roaming my body and face. “I'm tempted to cancel dinner and savor you in that dress.”
I laugh despite the warmth spreading across my face. “I'm glad you love it.”
“I love you,” he says, his eyes boring deeply into mine.
It's not the first time he's saying the words to me, but the impact is just as powerful.
“I love you too,” I whisper, feeling a flutter of butterflies in my stomach when his eyes brighten up at my response. “But we have reservations, and I'm starving.”
He chuckles, letting me go reluctantly. “You win this round, but don't think you've escaped me later tonight,” he says with a playful wink.
“Is that a threat or a promise?” I tease, feeling a thrill of anticipation at his words.
“A little bit of both,” he replies with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Now, where's my little champ?”
Oliver runs out of his room just in time, his face lighting up when he sees Jason standing in the living room. "Daddy!" he exclaims, running up to Jason with open arms.
Jason scoops him up effortlessly, laughing as Oliver wraps his small arms around his neck. "There's my little champ!" he says, hugging him tightly.