Desperate to cool down my scorching skin, I splash some water on my face. One would think that wearing a tank top and shorts would be ridiculous attire for the middle of winter. They clearly have never had sweat dripping down their body in sub-zero temperatures.

I wish I knew what that felt like.

When I look up into the mirror, I wish I could say I am surprised by what I see, but I'm not. My eyes look like I went twenty rounds with the top heavyweight champion.

I'm not given enough time to dwell on my hideous appearance. My stomach rumbles so forcefully, I swear I see my shirt move.

How can the thought of food make someone want to vomit, yet they are hungry at the same time?

When I glance at the clock hanging on the light blue walls, a sigh falls from my lips. I only have a half-hour until my Mom brings Gavin back, and I wanted to take an ice-cold bath. However, putting nutrients in my body sounds like a smarter idea.

My feet pad against the tile floor as I make my way to the kitchenette area of my Mom's pool house.

I should feel lucky that I was welcomed me back home with open arms after my fallout with Simon. I am blessed enough to have a private space but the feeling of failure never leaves my forever-running brain. It is becoming depressing.

Everything I spot in the pantry and refrigerator causes my stomach to bubble in protest.

Eggs? Barf. Water? Barf.

A soft knock pulls me from the neverending list of foods that put my gag reflex into hyperdrive.

I appreciate my Mom giving me privacy, but I have told her countless times she can just waltz in here whenever. It's her place, after all.

"Mom, I already told you," I start as I turn the doorknob.

Of course, the last person I would expect to see today is standing before me. The freshly fallen snow causes his icy blue eyes to twinkle. My mouth hangs open while his pulls into his signature handsome smile.

"Noah." His name comes out in a whisper. I doubt he even heard me.

Noah's grin grows, and he holds up a bag and six-pack of beer. "Hello, Sunshine. I brought some lunch and drinks. I thought we could catch up."

My mouth hangs open, and I need to shake my head to reboot my brain. I open the wooden door wide and motion for him to come in. "Of course."

Even though it is only the two of us when Noah walks into the room, he demands attention. Weaving around the furniture with perfect posture and his head held high.

Noah places the brown paper bag and beer on the counter, then turns with his hands resting on his hips. He looks around the room until his gaze sets upon me. "I forgot how awesome this space is."

My attention falls to the placement of his fingers resting on his grey sweatpants. I scan upwards to the white t-shirt that partially covers his leather bomber jacket. To top off his outfit, he has on a baseball cap. Something Noah Buckman rarely leaves the house without.

His choice of clothes makes me feel slightly better about my own attire. It would only take one look to know that I was not expecting company this afternoon.

It's almost as if he can hear my private thoughts because Noah looks in my direction. If it were anyone else, I would probably run and put something else on. I have always been able to be myself and comfortable in my skin around him. "Annie, are you okay?"

Needing to moisten my dry mouth, I walk over to my mini-fridge and grab a bottle of water. "I'm fine." The moment the light, thin liquid hits my lips, it takes everything I have not to throw up. "Sorry. It is a little colder than I thought it would be."

Noah reaches for a beer, and as soon as he twists it open, the rising frothy bubbles mimic the bile beginning to rise up my throat. My hand snaps up to my mouth, and I make a mad dash to my bathroom.

"Annie!" I hear right before I slam the door behind me.

I begin to pray to the porcelain Gods, something that I wish I never had to experience. The smell alone causes a new wave of nausea to take over and continues until I am left dry-heaving on the floor.

Once my prayers are over, I brush my teeth and mentally prepare for the list of questions I will have to answer.

Noah is waiting outside the bathroom and rushes over to me. His strong arms wrap around my fragile body, and my cheek rests on his broad chest. Usually, his earthy cedarwood cologne comforts me. This time, however, it causes my stomach to rumble.

"Are you okay?" he asks as he takes my face in his rough hands, bringing my gaze to meet his. My palms take the place of my face, and I feel Noah's racing heart.

Tears begin to fill my eyes, and I mentally scold myself for being so weak. "I'm fine."

Noah's muscular chest tenses and I could feel the anger radiating from his body.

"Don't lie to me, Annie."

"I told you, I'm fine."

"Annie." He says through gritted teeth. Never have I heard my name fall from his lips in such anger.

Not able to hold it in anymore, the dam breaks. The salty water flows down my face, and I try my hardest to pull away from his hold.

For the first time in my life, I raise my hands and strike his chest.

Noah is built like a damn tree. My feeble attempt to escape his simple question proves impossible. He grabs my wrist with ease, and I continue to put up a pathetic fight. Anything to keep running from the shit show my life has become.

My knees buckle, causing me to collapse. Thankfully, Noah catches me before I hit the ground. With his arms under my knees, I nuzzle into his chest as I continue to cry, unable to hold it in any longer.

"Annie. Sunshine. Please talk to me." He begs. Noah begins to stroke my fallen hairs away from my face, and there is a slight tremble in his voice. " You're breaking my heart right now."

Completely exhausted, my body relaxes into his. His tender touch soothes my broken soul, and I mumble, "I'm pregnant."

Noah's whole body stiffens, and his grip on me tightens. His strength proves to be too much, and I become uncomfortable. Before I can say anything, Noah looks down at me with wide eyes, and gently places me next to him. Not wanting to break contact, he grabs my hand and brings it up to his mouth.

His lips are surprisingly soft, and the sweet gesture makes my heart swell. When I look into his crystal eyes, a weight is lifted off my chest only to come crashing back down. "When are you going to tell Simon?"

My knee begins to bounce at an unnatural rate, and I shift against the couch's soft fabric. Unable to run any longer, I admit, "He denies paternity."

"That son-of-a-bitch." Noah roars. He stands up forcefully, causing the sofa to move back a few inches. "He was never good enough for you."

I watch as Noah paces the floor, mumbling to himself. I am sure he will have marks on his palms due to how tightly his hands are clenched. I can even make out a slight outline of a protruding vein on his temple.

Yikes.

The moment I hear, "I am going to kill him," it's as if there is a spring under my ass and rush over to Noah. He continues to walk back and forth in his trance, mumbling to himself.

For some reason, my brain comes up with only one way to get his attention— to run and jump on him.

Grateful for his fast reflexes, he catches me with ease, and I am saved from falling on my face. I take his stubble-covered cheeks in my hands and force his attention on me.

His piercing eyes hold such a whirlwind of emotions. It looks like a storm is brewing behind them, and I'm responsible for it. I have my legs wrapped around his waist, and he is holding me up by my bottom. I can't bring myself to speak. He has me in a complete hypnotic state.

Time stands still, and our connection never breaks. I don't know if it is the way he is looking at me or our current position, but my heart skips a beat.

What the Hell?

Noah pulls me from my racing thoughts when my name falls softly from his lips.

"I'm okay," I say as the pad of my thumb brushes against his prickly skin. "I promise."

Noah releases a deep-chested sigh, and as he continues to push out the negative air, his shoulders fall. "I do not doubt that you can handle this."

When he closes his eyes, I wrap my arms around his neck and hug him as if it is the last time. Noah brings his lips to my ear, and his hot breath sends shocks across my body.

Fucking, pregnancy hormones.

"I just don't want you to," He delicately declares.

I continue to hold him close, and Noah takes one of his arms and wraps it around me tightly. Air fills my lungs, and my chin begins to tremble.

He makes me feel safe.

My door opens, and a small voice yells, "Mommy!"

"Sorry, Honey, I tried to get him to kno—" My Mom looks over to mine and Noah's intimate embrace with an arched brow. Her questioning glare quickly fades into one of pure joy. 

She has always had a soft spot for Noah.

I press my hands against his chest and frantically try to push away, but Noah has other plans. He places me on the ground as if I am made of glass and will break at the slightest impact.

My mother pushes right past me and wraps Noah in a tender hug. "How's my favorite All-Star?"

Noah holds my Mom and arm's length. A slight pink tint covers his sharp cheekbones, something I'm not used to seeing. "I'm great, Evelyn. Annie was just filling me in on everything that has been going on."

My mother's brows almost reach her chestnut brown hair. "Oh really?"

"So, when are we going to kill him?"

An ungodly loud, girlish laugh leaves my mother's lips. If I didn't know she was deeply in love with Charles, I would think she was hitting on the man in front of us. "I always loved you, Noah. You tell me when and I'll be there. No one hurts our girl and gets away with it."

My two-year-old son, Gavin, runs up to me and holds onto my legs. I am quick to scoop him up and rest him on my hip. He looks over to Noah and points. "Who that?"

"Gavin. This is my good friend, Noah Buckmann."

"No No Bucky." Gavin throws his head back, and his wild, curly hair shakes with every laugh.

"Well, that is pretty much the best nickname I have ever been given," Noah says, his voice laced with amusement.

My Mom gives each of us a kiss before heading to work, making Noah promise to stop by again before leaving for Florida.

With Gavin still attached to my hip, I walk towards my kitchenette to figure out what to make him for lunch. "You hungry, Baby?"

"No."

Not surprised by his answer, I go for the one thing he will always eat— Macaroni and Cheese.

As soon as he sees the blue box, his caramel eyes go wide with excitement. "I help?"

My lips turn upwards when I look down at my little chef. "Of course."

Forgetting we weren't alone, I jump when Noah asks, "Can I help too?"

Gavin nods his little head up and down and points his chubby fingers towards the fridge. "No No Bucky, get milk."

The three of us work together, and Gavin tells Noah how to make boxed macaroni and cheese as if he is the holder of this delicious dish.

Once lunch is ready, we head to the sitting area so Gavin can enjoy his masterpiece. Noah and I are forced to take our own bowls, and I try my hardest to keep the contents of my stomach under control.

The two boys sit side by side, using the coffee table as an eating surface. Gavin has taken a keen interest in his new friend. He keeps asking what Noah's favorite dinosaur is, and of course, if he likes race cars.

My eyes become heavy, and I lay down on the couch to rest. Their light chatter becomes like a lullaby, and I only realize I have fallen asleep when Noah lightly shakes my arm.

"Sunshine." When I open my eyes, Noah is only inches from my face. He is so close that I can smell the lingering scent of his macaroni lunch. "Why don't you go lay down for a bit.

"I can't," I mumble as I use the back of my hand to wipe the sleep from my eyes. "I can't leave Gavin alone."

Noah's calloused fingers brush along my cheek, and I find myself melting into his touch. "Do you trust me, Sunshine?"

"Always."

Noah curls his arm under my knees and picks me up with ease. Sleep is calling my name, and I desperately want to listen. "Gavin, Buddy? I'm going to bring Mommy to bed. I'll be right back."

I can't hold back the moan I release when my face hits the pillow. Its cool surface feels delightful against my hot skin.

There is a slight dip in the bed, and without opening my eyes, I can sense Noah next to me. "Don't worry about Gavin. I got him." He kisses my forehead, causing my body to relax. As if his lips have magic powers, I drift back to sleep, but not before I hear him whisper, "Sleep, Sunshine."