The baby’s movement

Nicholas's grip tightened slightly on the steering wheel. His heart thumped.

This was the same question she had asked before. At the time, Dylan and Ava's sudden arrival had saved him from answering. But now—Now, it was just them. Alone in the car.

He couldn't escape without answering. He swallowed, feeling the cold prick of sweat along his back.

"About that…" He exhaled slowly, choosing his words carefully. "I haven't thought of dating anyone before. I don't know…"

"I see," Myra murmured. Her face fell. Her initial excitement dimmed. She looked away, her fingers tightening in her lap.

"It's okay," she said quickly, forcing a small smile. "I overstepped my boundaries. Don't think about it. Consider you haven't heard it."

Nicholas felt the weight of her disappointment, and it unsettled him. It shouldn't have.

They had only met a few hours ago—she shouldn't have been able to affect him this much.

But she did.