Chapter Twenty-Three: Do I Care?

Thane’s POV

“Here's coffee, it will help.”

I push the thick white coffee mug on the saucer, over to her.

I'm a fan of strong black coffee, so I didn't know how to make Avery’s. But seeing how much of a sweet tooth she has, especially after consuming such an amount of chocolates, I added a lot of milk and a teaspoon of sugar.

“Am I supposed to accept this?”

She puffs and shakes her head like she's dealing with her child.

“It's going to help you.” I reiterate as if she didn't hear me the first time.

“I don't want it.”

She pushes it away from reach and sighs softly.

“You acted like one was shit, remember?”

“Phew!”

I slap my head with my palm, frustrated. No one told me having a pregnant woman around is like babysitting.

“Must everything be difficult with you?”

“And I said I'm good or is having coffee a must?”

“You had a nightmare, and I was only trying to help, my bad.”

I reach down to pick up the mug. She's right, I can't force it down her throat.

“Like you care.”

Her voice is frail like she's a few seconds from breaking down.

“Of course I do, if I don't, I won't be this worked up and concerned.”

This time, my words were calm, treating her so delicately like she would snap the next minute.

“You only care about your baby.”

She pouts, blinking her kitten eyes.

“You’re carrying my baby, it's the same thing.” I dodge saying it out loud.

“Do you care about me?” She wants to her for herself. “I knew it, take your coffee away.”

Jeez! Avery!

Setting the mug and the saucer down, I sit next to her. She hasn't just succeeded in breaking my rules every damn time, but getting me to indulge her.

“What can I do to help?”

I can compensate for my lack of words, I guess.

Her latching onto me like a leach isn't what I was expecting at the very least. She settles on my lap, wrapping her arms around me and burying her face in my neck.

Wait… What?!

“Avery?”

I mop, still in awe.

She only sniffles and pulls closer.

I don't make her feel stupid or say another word. She's such a big baby. Having her cry in my arms is what I doubt I'd be able to handle.

With my hands suspended, I clenched my fist, preventing my restless hands from wrapping around her and giving her a sense of protection.

She's soft and warm and her fragrance is heavenly.

She's your baby’s surrogate!

I call myself to order instantly.

Ever since my childhood days and the trauma while growing up, I don't allow people in my space, especially at night. Aunt Lena knows I love my privacy.

I need to leave…

The anxiety that I may get another episode before her, I adjust a little, slightly dislodging her from my grip.

“Am I disturbing you?”

Her breath is warm on my neck as she adjusts her bum cheeks, settling in between my thighs.

Argh!

“You should have your coffee,” I say instead.

If I indulge her for one more minute, I'll be sure to embarrass myself.

Gently slipping her onto the couch, in the guise of reaching for the coffee, I offer the mug of hot beverage to her and watch her sip after carefully stirring it.

“Do you need anything else?”

I stand up, about to run to my space and exhale, freeing my lungs that are about to burst from the anxiety of messing up before her.

“Yes,” she nods. “Please, stay with me.”

No, no, no.

I puff, gently expelling air and giving myself a minute or two to think it through.

“I… I ha-have work.”

Never have I stuttered that shamefully.

“I just need company, I promise to be off your hair once I'm done with the coffee.” She plays with my emotions because of course, I want her to drink the coffee I made.

Well played.

“Fine,” I accept defeat. “I need to quickly grab my stuff, a minute.”

Not waiting for her permission, I hastily go upstairs, taking two steps at a go, a few times, three, until I'm at the top of it. Taking my left, I don't go into my room.

Alone in the hallway of the first floor, I exhale, pumping out air and breathing deeply for as long as I need.

“Relax Thane,”

I puff, stretching out my hands and wiping off the thick beads of sweat from my brows.

“I'm not going to have a relapse… I'm not going to let her see my ugly side.”

Done with reciting my mantra, I return backward to her side,

She is still in the sitting room and sipping from the coffee mug.

“I'm back. I announce it as she needs it.

“Come here.” She playfully calls out, opening her arms to admit me in a warm hug.

“You need to outgrow this,” I'm blunt with my words.

“Not fair,” she smacks her lips, forgiving my sin.

She studies me, and notices I'm the same way I left. Her eyebrows knit and she has this detective cap on.

“You ain't with anything as you said.”

“I changed my mind.” I shrug and sit beside her, this time, keeping my little distance.

Even though she reads the bold letters on the wall, she still comes closer and lays in my bosom.

“Are you usually this clingy?”

She grimaces, her mood taking a bad turn, but she doesn't pull away.

“I know you hate leaches.”

Oh, no.

I keep mute instead, hating that I'm about to ruin this moment. When I don't say anything, she lays in my bosom, leaning closer by the minute.

Her eyelids are thick and long. Her small portable lips keep me glued for a long time. Undeniably, she's gorgeous, even in her sleep.

Never again.

I make a mental note to remind myself never to get this close to her.

She mumbles softly and incoherently in her sleep, making me wonder if she's fond of it. Her grip around me tightens and she pulls closer.

I have this pressing feeling that she'll be the bane of me.