Page 68 of Unsure in Love
It tickled me that Luis called us “kids.” My giggle filled the room. I was in love with Damian’s family. Giving him a side glance, a thought occurred. I just might be heading down that path toward loving him too. Swallowing my surprise, I returned my attention to Luis.
For the next hour, I learned a lot about him. He regaled me with tales of his younger days and with hilarious stories about how mischievous and funny Damian was as a child. That was hard to believe considering the man I knew now who sometimes even breathed sternly.
As Luis and I chatted and laughed, I noticed that Damian got quieter. He gave his father worried glances, and I knew what he was thinking. He didn’t have much time left with him, and it was possible Luis wouldn’t meet his grandson.
He’d let go of my hand, so I reached out and made the connection again. No matter what our relationship status was, I wanted to be there for him.
26
DAMIAN
My tired sigh came out the moment I stepped into my apartment. I was drained, and it was not because of work since I hadn’t been doing much of that with my houseguest still here. I enjoyed spending time with Cass, so I’d cut down the time I spent at the office.
I had been mentally drained since the emotional rollercoaster I went on the other day. Accompanying Cass to her doctor’s appointment and seeing the evidence of our child growing inside her had me on a high but then I tumbled from that precipice by the time we left Dad’s place.
The effect of the rapid change in emotions lingered two days later. I didn’t want to drag Cass down with my low mood, so I went to work today to give her space. Rounding the corner into the living room, I came to a halt.
Cass paced in front of the glass center table, muttering to herself. Sensing my presence, she spun around. “Damian, you’re back.”
“Yeah…” My eyebrows drew together, taking in her flushed face. “Are you okay?”
“Of course.”
I took her in. She wore a knee-length black dress that hugged her fuller breasts and slightly protruding stomach. I loved looking at her midsection. It sent a surge of possessiveness through me every time.
“You look beautiful. Heading out?” Without me? I didn’t like that idea, but I wouldn’t dare say it out loud and upset her.
“Thanks and no. I have a surprise for you.” She twisted her hands in front of her and shifted her weight from one foot to the other.
Intrigued, I said, “I love surprises, coming from you that is.” Otherwise, I hated them. “Your last surprise turned out to be amazing.” My gaze lowered to her abdomen again.
Laughing, she ducked her head and tucked her hair behind her ear. “I love that you have a sense of humor about the whole thing.”
“So, what’s this surprise? You didn’t just find out we’re having twins, did you?” I joked.
“No.”
Her horrified expression made me chuckle. “Then what else could make you so nervous?”
She inhaled and walked over to me. “I noticed you’ve been down since we visited your father.”
My jaw tightened. It wasn’t my intention to weigh her down with my family issues. “Cass, I’m sorry—”
She held up a finger. “I know nothing I do—nothing anyone does—can fix things but, I hope I can bring you a little comfort.”
Coming home to her was enough to put me at ease, but I didn’t want to say that out loud and have her think I was dropping hints about wanting her to stay… although I did.
“My sister Tessa always cooks or bakes my favorite foods when I’m down, and I always feel a little better. I figured I’d try that and take care of you this evening.”
“You taking care of me… I like the sound of that. But Cass, you don’t have to—”
“Damian, will you be quiet and just let me do this for you?”
I laughed. “I’m all yours to take care of.”
She clapped her hands together. “First things first. Comfort food.” She grabbed my hand and led me to the kitchen. “I told Gracie to leave early. I did all the cooking and baking.”
“I didn’t know you cooked.”