“The damage has been done,” she said, teasing a laugh as she tugged him toward the bed.
12
Coconut
“Layingoutinthesun, watching bikini-flaunting chicks strutting down the beach?” Zoe teased into the phone as she kicked her feet up on the couch and sipped her morning decaf.
Half-sighing, half-laughing, Ryder answered, “Only one bickini’d chick I want to check out, and she’s not here.”
“Bitch. Who is she?” she giggled.
“Actually, that gives me an idea. Since I can’t come see you this week, maybe you should join me? Or, oh, damn, it’s Evan’s birthday. Did the package arrive?”
“I gotcha. Everything is wrapped and waiting in my closet to spring on him. I think he’d be okay with me not being here, but I don’t have anyone to cover the kitchen.”
“I thought the part timer was going to start picking up more shifts?”
“She is, but I want to give her more time before unleashing a Foothills weekend crowd on her.”
“Don’t burn out that second trimester energy. Pretty soon it will be achy joints and Braxton-Hicks and the return of fatigue.”
“I am taking advantage while I can.”
“And when you can’t?”
“She’ll be ready then.”
“Good.” His voice sharpened and she heard him shifting. “Fuck, I’m going to be late for my meeting.”
“Sorry, don’t let me keep you.” Her brain pricked up at her own words, but she shook it away.
“Hey, I’m going to send you some links. Let me know what you think.”
“Of what?”
“You’ll see. Just think about it. No rush.”
“Okay,” she answered. A flutter low in her belly pushed and moved. “Whoa. Shit.”
“What?” he asked, his tone desperate, his movements freezing on the other side of the call.
“Peanut. She kicked me really hard.”
“A real kick? Definitely not gas this time?”
“Smartass.” Zoe squirmed with the sensation of an alien doing a somersault in her abdomen. “I think that’s a foot.”
“Aw, I wish I was there. She never kicks when I’m around.”
“She’s shy, but you will definitely notice her new moves. I think we’re working on a little gymnast.” Another huge somersault, and Zoe yelped at the odd sensation of it. “Holy shit she’s active.”
“I can’t believe I’m missing it. I’ll cancel my meeting and fly up.”
“No, you dumbass. She’ll still be kicking when you’re next up here.”
“Dumbass?” he laughed. “Okay, I really need to go. Call me after the appointment?”
“I’ll take detailed notes and fill you in tomorrow.”
