Free A Love Worth Saving (Forever Yours Book 2) by Anna James Page B

entrance. It was then she noticed a closed door. “What’s in here?” She didn’t remember seeing it when they’d passed through here earlier.
    “Don’t go in there.”
    Too late, she’d already opened the door and now stood staring inside. Her eyes widened. “Oh.” She let out a soft gasp.
    She entered the modest-sized bedroom and peered around. Cream color paint covered the interior. A hand-painted illustration of a tall, brown oak tree had been added on the left side of the far wall. Long leafy branches spilled onto the ceiling, and around the corner onto the adjacent surface. Monkeys, giraffes, and other animals dotted the jungle landscape around the room and a gigantic, adorable, lion stood guard beside the door.
    A white dresser stood opposite her and a half-assembled crib flanked the near wall.
    “You did this?” She swallowed hard.
    “Damn it, Ashley, I told you not to go in.”
    “I’m sorry. I just wanted to see . . .”
    “And now you’re upset.”
    Upset? “No.”
    He reached up and gently wiped a tear from her cheek. “You’re crying.”
    Oh hell, she was. “Not because I’m upset. I, I, ah . . . You really wanted our baby.” He rarely talked about their son, and when he did, he spoke of providing a good, stable home and making sure he was a part of his life. Things you did out of obligation, or, at least she’d assumed as much at the time.
    Given what he’d gone through as a teen . . . His words took on a new light. And this, she gazed around the room once more. No, not just a room. A warm, welcoming space, created by a man who not only wanted his child but loved him, too.
    His face closed over and he turned and strode away.
    No. This time she wasn’t going to let him push her away. She raced off after him. She found him in the living room, staring out at the gently rippling water, a brooding expression on his face. “Please, don’t shut me out.”
    He didn’t answer. If it was possible he seemed even more remote.
    “Please, Reed. I know what you’re going through. I understand. We both lost him. He was a part of both of us.”
    He didn’t respond. She placed a hand on his arm. “I loved him, more than I thought possible.”
    A shudder ripped through him. “And now he’s gone.”
    His toneless, hollow voice wrenched her heart. She flung her arms around him and held him tight. “Oh, Reed.”
    Reed started to shake. It started in his fingers and spread throughout him like wildfire until his whole body convulsed. It was as if the dam he’d carefully constructed crumbled into a million tiny pieces and the pain and heartache he’d bottled up deep inside gushed out everywhere.
    “It’s okay, honey. I’m here.”
    He clung to her as if his life depended on it. “Yes, I wanted our son.” His heart pounded. He’d loved their child.
    A guttural groan jerked him out of his misery. He looked down at Ashley. Tears streamed down her lovely face. The grief in her eyes tore at his heart. “Please don’t cry.” He hated to see her hurt this way.
    He kissed her. A brush of his lips over hers. He’d only wanted to offer comfort, but she kissed him back, like she’d never let him go, and dear God, he wanted her. No. He needed her.
    He lifted her into his arms, strode into the bedroom, and lowered her to the floor. She gazed up at him. An emotion flickered in her eyes. It disappeared before he could decipher it.
    “Reed.” She reached for him again.
    “Are you sure about this, Ash?”
    Her gaze locked on his. “Yes.”

Chapter 15
    Slumberous jade eyes stared up at him, then Ashley lifted up on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek.
    A shudder ripped through him and Reed marveled at how the simple press of her lips against his skin could bring such intense pleasure. He wanted, no craved, more.
    “Ashley.” He lowered his head to hers, intending his kiss to be tender, gentle. A leisurely exploration of her sweet, velvety softness, but passion ignited the moment their lips touched.
    His