He Thought I Loved Him, I Only Loved His Face Chapter 23

He Thought I Loved Him, I Only Loved His Face Chapter 23

Maya turned.

Dawson stood across the street. Holding an insulated bag.

“Mr. Reed? What are you doing here?”

“I saw you took the day off. Thought I’d swing by.”

He lived near the office. She lived in a remote villa district.

There was no “swinging by.”

The words were genuine. And a little clumsy.

Ever since she told him she was pregnant, Dawson had been different around her. Nervous. Careful.

He admired her courage. And he ached for her.

A complex feeling. He couldn’t fully explain it to himself.

Maya saw the concern behind his awkwardness. It warmed her.

“You’re right on time. I need to go to the hospital but couldn’t get a cab. Can you drive me?”

“Of course. What’s wrong?”

His voice was urgent.

He caught himself. Added, “You’re Nora’s friend. And mine. Of course I care.”

“I’m fine. Just a weird feeling in my stomach. Being cautious.”

Dawson nodded. Drove smooth and steady to the hospital.

The doctor recognized them.

After the exam, he spoke directly to Dawson. Told him the baby was perfectly healthy. The expectant father shouldn’t worry so much.

Dawson’s ears turned red.

“Good news. The doctor said the baby is healthy.”

He relayed it with lingering embarrassment.

Because he hadn’t corrected the doctor.

Part of him felt a quiet thrill. Part of him worried Maya would be upset.

Then later, when the doctor asked for a family member, Maya pointed straight at Dawson.

His face went crimson.

Maya found it a little funny.

Back in the car, she teased him. “Does Mr. Reed actually blush?”

“The parenting books say it gives the baby more emotional stability. Don’t read into it.”

“I won’t.”

Dawson said it too fast.

Maya laughed aloud.

“Okay. I’m glad you don’t mind.”

She paused. Then her voice turned serious. “Do you want to hear my story?”

Dawson went still. Then something brightened in his expression.

He’d wanted to ask. Never knew how.

It was her wound. If she didn’t want to open it, he would never pry.

Even though he wanted to know everything about her past.

Over the thirty-kilometer drive, Maya told him. Her, Caleb, and Rowan. The condensed version.

She laid it all out for Dawson.