Free Chocolate Goodies by Jacquelin Thomas

stuff out.”
    She wiped her mouth on the edge of her napkin before saying, “I thought as much.”
    “I came here with the intention of putting our relationship on hold until I could get some answers, but when I pulled into your driveway, I realized that I can’t do it. I can’t do it because I’m in love with you.”
    His gaze was riveted on her face. “I love you, Coco.”
    She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out.
    Did he just say the L word?
    Coco tried again. “Please tell me that I didn’t hear you wrong. Can you say it again, please?”
    Ransom smiled. “I love you.”
    Impelled by her own emotions, Coco got up and walked around the table toward him.
    He pushed his chair back and she sat down on his lap.
    Gathering her into his arms, Ransom held her snugly. “This feels so right to me,” he whispered. “I couldn’t give you up.”
    “I love you, too, Ransom. I want you to know that you’re not alone. We can get through anything you’re facing—we can do it together.”
    I hope you’re right, he thought silently.
    She was watching him, studying his expression. Coco smiled then, stirring something within him.
    “Sweetheart, there’s something else that we need to talk about.”
    “What is it?”
    “I’m celibate,” Ransom blurted out. “I have been for five years.”
    “Oh… Oh. ” Coco stood up and sat down in the chair beside him, trying not to laugh.
    “As you can tell, my desire for you is in overdrive, but I can’t act on it, sweetheart.”
    “I knew you were a Christian,” she said.
    “It’s not just a label for me.”
    “You had to take it there, didn’t you?” Coco asked. He laughed.
    “It’s been awhile for me, too,” she said finally. “Not as long as you, but I am traveling down the same path. To be honest with you, my choice to remain abstinent had nothing to do with my faith, but more to do with my health. I enjoy living a disease-free life and I’d like to keep it that way.”
    They left the table and walked into the den.
    Ransom pulled her into his arms, kissing her lips. His tongue sent shivers of desire racing through her. Coco matched him kiss for kiss.
    Weakened by his yearning for her, Ransom pulled away, saying, “Sweetheart, we really have to stop.”
    “I know…but I don’t want to,” she moaned. The kiss had left her weak and a bit confused.
    Ransom kissed the top of her head. “Coco, you have my flesh screaming for you right now.”
    It was going to take all of his willpower to walk out of her house tonight. Ransom was going to have to leave soon before he gave in to the passion that had been building ever since he first laid eyes on Coco.

Chapter 9
    “I’ m so glad you were able to meet me for lunch,” Coco told Elle. “How have you been feeling lately?”
    Two weeks had passed since her friends had found out she was pregnant.
    “I’m still tired a lot, but it’s not as bad as it was.”
    “I haven’t talked to you since you had your doctor’s appointment. How did it go?”
    “Great,” she answered. “I’m definitely pregnant. Almost twelve weeks, and Brennan is thrilled. We haven’t told the boys yet. I want to wait until we’re sure the pregnancy is viable.”
    “You had no idea?”
    “Not at all,” she responded.
    “I’m so happy for you and Brennan.”
    Elle smiled. “We couldn’t be more excited.”
    Coco scanned her menu, trying to decide what she wanted to eat.
    The waiter came to take their order.
    “How are your parents doing?” Elle asked after he left. “Mama told me she had lunch with your mom last week. I think they’re getting together at least once or twice a month.”
    “My mom told me that they are going to start spending time at the spa. She said they’re going to go at least once a week.”
    Elle raised her eyes in surprise. “Really? I think that’s great. I’ve been trying to get Mama to do something like that for years. I wonder why she’s suddenly decided to follow my