My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 386

He stared down at their intertwined hands, his voice barely above a whisper. “Isabella?”

Isabella Austin made a soft, sleepy sound, her eyes still closed.

He tried once more to slip his hand free, but Isabella startled awake, her gaze hazy and vulnerable as she looked up at Andrew Lane, pleading, “Andrew, are you leaving?”

Andrew immediately relaxed his grip, his voice gentle. “No, I’m not going anywhere. Go back to sleep.”

Isabella’s lashes lowered, her tone quiet. “I thought I heard something. Was someone looking for you? Is it important?”

In the dim light of the room, Andrew’s dark eyes softened. “No, it’s nothing urgent. Just rest.”

“Really? Then please don’t go. Even if you have to leave, wait until I’m asleep, okay?”

She blinked up at him, her head sinking back into the soft pillow, eyes full of hope.

But then, from Andrew’s pocket, his phone vibrated again—a stark reminder that he still had urgent business waiting for him.

Every minute he delayed, not knowing where Emily Blair was, made finding her that much harder. The longer he stayed, the slimmer his chances of reaching her in time.

A flicker of anxiety crossed Andrew’s eyes—so subtle, he barely noticed it himself.

Two choices lay before him.

Isabella’s lashes were still damp from her earlier tears, her eyes and nose tinged pink. She looked heartbreakingly fragile, as if the slightest rejection from him might shatter her.

Andrew lowered his head. “Alright. Sleep. I’ll stay with you.”

Isabella gave a soft, contented smile, squeezing his hand tighter and drawing it toward her.

She turned her face, inhaling the faint scent of pine clinging to the pillow—Andrew’s scent, unmistakable and familiar.

After all, what man could truly refuse the woman he loved?

She figured Andrew was only keeping his distance because of her pregnancy, out of concern for her and the baby. That’s why he hadn’t touched her yet.

So, once she’d had the baby and recovered, she was sure things would change. She’d close the final distance between them.

She wanted to be with Andrew completely.

The thought sent a rush of heat through her, clearing away the last traces of sleepiness. Her face flushed, heart pounding, her breath catching in her throat. Images—half-formed, longing and wild—flitted through her mind: her and Andrew together, alone in this bed…

She forced herself to stop, worried he might notice something was off.

Wet her dry lips, she spoke softly, “Andrew, it’s late. Why don’t you just stay here tonight? There’s no need to sleep in the guest room. I—I don’t mind. This bed’s plenty big for both of us.”