Former wild child Jamie Archer can’t believe how amazing her life has become. Not only is she married to the sexiest man on the planet, Stark Security Chief Ryan Hunter, but she’s also set to star in a big budget blockbuster that is sure to send her career soaring into the stratosphere.

Everything is perfect until Jamie, the least maternal person on the planet, finds out that not only is she pregnant, but that her due date interferes with the film’s production schedule.

Ryan has always supported his wife’s ambition, but he never expected to learn that they were having a baby from the shouts of paparazzi. Hurt, angry, and afraid that Jamie will choose her career over their family, Ryan tries to pull her closer, but only succeeds in pushing her away.

Excerpt: Touch Me

He strokes my hair, and the moment is perfect. At least until I destroy it by saying, “We wouldn’t be able to do this.”

The moment I say the words, I want to call them back. Especially when I feel the tension in his body.

He knows exactly what I’m talking about, even though he says, very casually, “Do what?”

I consider telling him to forget it, but he already knows what I mean, and my brain is sex-addled enough to loosen my tongue. “Fool around like this outside. Or anywhere not behind closed doors.”

“Is that so?”

I frown. I know him so well, and yet I can’t read the tone in his voice right now.

“There’s playing, too,” I add.

“Is there?”

I prop myself up on an elbow so I can see his face better. “Now you’re just being dense. You know what I mean. The collar you bought me. The way we play.” I tease my finger over his chest. “I don’t want to give that up.”

“Why would you?”

I don’t answer. Just lay my head on his chest. We stay like that for what feels like an eternity until he gets up, goes to the poolside chest, and returns with a blanket. He gets back on the chaise, this time facing me. He covers us both with the fleece, then brushes a kiss across my forehead, loving and gentle

I sigh, thinking about this man of mine. A man who can turn pain into pleasure, then three seconds later be the most gentle human on the planet. And though I don’t intend to say it, I know that somehow that combination of thoughts is what makes me murmur, “Emery said you have baby lust.”

He doesn’t move, but I’m certain I feel a shift inside him. “Did she?”

“Yeah.” I quirk my mouth, the facial equivalent of a shrug. “It’s not like I didn’t already know it. But maybe I wasn’t paying attention to just how much you—”

“Shhh. I get it.” He replaces his fingertips with his lips, the kiss as soft as a whisper. “I fell in love with an ambitious woman. We have time. I’m not going to push you if you’re not ready.”

My heart swells, and right then, I know exactly how the Grinch felt before sledding into Whoville.

“It’s not about being ready,” I tell him. Then immediately take it back. “Okay, it’s a little about it.”

He chuckles. “In other words, you’re fucking terrified.”

“And that’s why I love you. You get me.”

“Yes.” His eyes meet mine, and it’s a wonder I don’t melt right then. “I do.”

I snuggle closer. “I won’t say the idea gives me panic attacks, but I also won’t say it doesn’t.”

“I get that, Kitten. I really do.”

“It’s just that I know I’m the best aunt in the history of the universe, but having one around twenty-four seven? That’s…well, terrifying.”

“Maybe you’re confusing excitement with terror.”

I hit him with my best deadpan stare. “Yeah, no.” I swallow, start to speak, then close my mouth.

“What?”

“Nothing. Really.”

He stays totally silent for at least a full minute. So naturally, I give in.

“I don’t like us not being on the same page.”

“Neither do I. But think how boring life would be if we were always in agreement?”

“True. And I’d have to fight you for the cookie dough ice cream. And your manhood would be seriously wounded when I beat you every time. Never underestimate a woman fighting for her ice cream.”

“I never would.” He brushes his fingertips over my lips. “Seriously, we’re on the same page.”

I study his face, thinking about baby lust and who in this family has that particular malady.

“We are,” he repeats. “I know how hard you worked to get where you are. I want to support you. Not sabotage you. I would never want that.”

My heart swells. Could I love him any more?