Chapter 93

Ryan's POV I finished scrubbing the last pot in Serena's kitchen, my sleeves rolled up to my elbows and my thousand-dollar watch carefully set aside. Who would've thought that Ryan Blackwood, CEO of a billion-dollar empire, would be elbow-deep in dish soap at midnight? Certainly not me a few weeks ago. "That's the last one," I announced, drying my hands on a kitchen towel. Serena looked up from her spot on the couch, eyebrows raised in genuine surprise. "You actually did a decent job. I'm impressed." "Does that earn me the right to stay a little longer?" I asked, moving toward her with deliberate slowness. She tucked her legs underneath her, a protective gesture I recognized immediately. "It's late, Ryan. And pregnant women need their sleep." "Just one more cup of tea," I pressed, not ready to leave her presence yet. Serena hesitated, then glanced at the clock. "It's almost midnight." "Since when does Serena Quinn worry about proper bedtimes?" I teased, remembering how she used to work