Sacrifice Love: Saints Protection & Investigations by Maryann Jordan Page B

there for you when you found out about Adam…both his death and…well…other things.”
    She glanced down but Chad lifted one hand and cupped her cheek. Rubbing his rough thumb over her delicate cheek, he raised her head so she was once more looking into his eyes. “No more leaving things unsaid or uncertain.” He noted as she sucked in her lips, her face a mask of question. “I’m here, Dani. Right here. And I’m not going anywhere.”
    “Chad, I’m having Adam’s baby. That takes precedence over anything I might want…or feel for you.”
    He slid one hand from around her back to her stomach, laying his hand over hers. “You’re having the baby of a man who at one time was one of my closest friends. I still cared for Adam. Dani, he can’t be here for you and the baby…but I will be.”
    He wasn’t sure what he expected her reaction to be, but the flash of anger in her green eyes caught him off guard.
    “I’m not some poor charity case,” she bit out. “I don’t need you to sacrifice yourself for me. Hell, that’s what Adam did and look where it got us! Women have been single mothers for a long time and I don’t need your sympathy. I made that mistake once and won’t be making it again!” She wiggled to move away but found herself held tighter.
    “I don’t pity you,” he groaned, her movements causing his dick to stir. “I’m saying that we’ve wasted almost a year and a half by not telling each other what was in our hearts. As long as you were married to Adam, my feelings were secondary and I’d never act on them. But Adam’s gone. And you’re still here. And honest to God, Dani…we’d be having this same conversation if you weren’t pregnant!”
    Holding her gaze, he moved in closer. “I want to be with you. The fact that you’re pregnant doesn’t matter to me as far as that goes.”
    She sat perfectly still, the only sound in the room was their breathing. Gazes held, each taking the measure of the other. The sting of tears hit the back of her eyes and she hated the idea of crying…one more time. “When you say it doesn’t matter—”
    “No, no…I said that wrong,” he rushed, his fingers still brushing her cheek. “I meant to say that it’s just an added bonus.” Catching her expression, he continued. “Adam was my friend and you know how I feel about you. Even Adam knew that a baby needs a father figure. I’d be honored to be that father figure for your baby.”
    Sucking in a ragged breath, Dani slowly moved from his embrace, stood and walked over to the window overlooking her yard. Her outside lights illuminated where the previous renters had attempted to plant a flower garden but their efforts had been overshadowed by the myriad of weeds and unraked leaves from the past fall. A few twigs littered the ground. I hate yard work. Or at least, I used to always hate yard work. A toddler will need a safe place to play so I suppose I’d better start thinking about those things.
    “Dani?”
    She startled at the pressure of Chad’s hands on her shoulders. Jesus, was I that deep in daydreaming that I did not even hear him walk over? She dropped her head, realizing she was thinking about yard work when the man she cared for had just told her he wanted to be a part of her and her baby’s life. This must be mommy brain…or I’ve completely gone over the edge.
    “I can hear your thoughts whirling even though you’re saying nothing,” he said. With his large hands still on her shoulders, he gently turned her around and pulled her body in close to his. Neither spoke for a moment as their heartbeats pulsed in rhythm.
    Lifting her head from his chest, Dani looked up into his face, pondering her words carefully. “I’m not sure exactly what you want me to say, Chad,” she began. “I’m glad we talked today. I’m glad you told me how you felt about me and why you stepped away from both Adam and me last spring. I…” she hesitated, her gaze dropping to his chest.
    “I hear