Page 26 of Possessive Bodyguard Summer

He shouldn't and I shouldn't want him to.

Except...I did.

All these weeks of watching Clay be a wonderful father to Kaleigh. Basking in the way he seemingly took care of me, too. Always making sure I had hot tea waiting in the morning. Always being the first up, and cooking breakfast in the morning. The way he helped clean up every night after dinner without hesitation.

If I was being honest…it all made it so hardnotto fall in love with the man standing in front of me.

The soft click of my bedroom door opening caught both of us off guard as Maverick trotted in.

Damn dog could open every single door in this house. Guess his master had been away for too long and he was coming to investigate for himself.

Maverick stopped between us, and looked from Clay to me with an expression that somehow managed to be both suspicious and deeply unimpressed.

Clay let out a quiet huff of laughter. "I think someone came to chaperone."

Despite the disappointment curling low in my stomach, I laughed too. "I think your partner is making sure you follow protocol."

"He usually does."

Maverick leaned against my leg. As if making sure I knew exactly where I belonged.

“Clay?”

“Yeah.”

I wrung my hands nervously, searching for the right words.

It was time…

I owed this man my truth. If he was willing to protect me.Believe me.Then he needed the full story of whatIwas up against. Even if it destroyed the one thing that every felt so right in my life.

“There’s something I should probably tell you…can you promise not to interrupt until I'm finished?"

Clay nodded. “You’ve got my word.”

“Okay.” I blew out a breath. “But first, I think we should go downstairs. I think I might need a glass of water.”

Clay and Maverick both followed right behind me.

In the kitchen, I quickly poured a glass of water and took a drink. Then I sat the glass on the counter and willed myself to be strong.

“My name really is Monroe Hayes. That’s true.”

He nodded. “I know.”

I shoot him a playful glare, trying to ease the tension in the room. “No interrupting. You promise.”

He smirked and held up his hands.

“Everything I’ve told you is true. I just…haven’t told you everything.”

Just rip the bandaid off.

“I’m…I’m pregnant.”

Clay glanced at my stomach and I could tell the moment it all came together for him.

“The baby’s father doesn’t know. And I’m determined to keep it that way.”