by Opal Carew
“I know, my love, but that means you deserve to be pampered.”
She grinned. “Okay. As long as you don’t think I’m helpless.”
He chuckled. “I would never think that. You are one of the strongest women I know. Do you want some more coffee?”
He’d made decaf for her. She was sure he’d made a special trip to get it while she was in the shower.
“No, thanks.”
He sat down across from her with his steaming coffee mug in hand.
“But seriously, we should find out from the doctor if there are any special precautions we need to take, since last time was so difficult.”
“I already have an appointment scheduled early next week,” she said.
“I’d like to go with you. I want to know everything I can do to help. If the doctor says you should stay flat on your back in bed for the whole term, I want to make sure that happens. I know how much you want this baby. And so do I.”
Tears welled in her eyes. He was so protective and wonderful, even though it was another man’s baby she carried.
She knew he’d be a great father.
As much as she knew Liam would, too. He would love the child so much, he couldn’t do otherwise.
She sighed. But she was with Del now. And that’s all that mattered.
“So is it all right?”
At Del’s question, she realized her mind had wandered. “Um … is what all right?”
He laughed. “So far this morning I’ve had smiles, tears, and indifference. I see it’s going to be an interesting day.”
“There were no tears,” she said, feeling a little defensive.
“It’s okay, love. I want you to be comfortable expressing whatever you’re feeling and I promise to take it very seriously. Your changing hormones may cause your emotions to fluctuate, but I know that if you get upset, it’s based on real issues you’re concerned about. So please promise to talk to me.”
She nodded, feeling the tears well again. “I will.” She wiped her eyes. “And this time it’s because you’re being so sweet and understanding.”
He took her hand and squeezed, his warm smile lighting her heart.
“And what I was asking about earlier was if you’re okay with me going to your doctor’s appointment with you.”
“Of course. I want you there.”
Her phone buzzed. It was sitting on the built-in desk beside the fridge. Del got up and retrieved it for her. She took it, deciding to enjoy his pampering, and glanced at the display.
She frowned at the sight of another text from Liam.
Del leaned toward her. “Is everything okay?”
“It’s Liam again.”
Del’s eyes grew somber. “He still wants to talk about your feelings?”
“It just said to check my email.” She tapped at the phone, opening the email from Liam, and read it.
“Yes, he’s asking again when I’m willing to meet with him. He said he’s going away on business for a few weeks early next month, so we need to work around that.”
He also said unless she wanted to join him on his trip, but she didn’t tell Del that.
“Why don’t you suggest a Skype call?”
“You know he wants to meet in person.”
“Of course he does. Because then he can use his charm on you.” He took her hand. “And I can’t blame him. If I’d had you and lost you, I’d do whatever I could to win you back. I hope he doesn’t start sending flowers and expensive gifts again.”
“He knows that I’ll do like last time and send back the gifts and donate the flowers to the hospital.”
She fretted as she thought about the timing.
“You know we don’t want to wait until he gets back. I’m really hoping to get the divorce settled before I’m showing.”
He raised an eyebrow. “You’ve decided you’re not going to tell him the baby’s his?”
She frowned and started at her empty cup.
“No, it’s not that. I want him to agree to the divorce—hopefully have it all signed and sealed—before I tell him.”
“Okay. So you want to set up a meeting with him next week?”
“Actually, he doesn’t just want a meeting. He wants me to come to his country house for a weekend.”
“You’re not actually considering that, are you?”
“What choice do I have? He’s absolutely adamant. And right now, he holds all the cards.” She patted her belly. In fact, more cards than he was even aware of.
She took his hand. “Del, I don’t want to go, but you know how stubborn he is.”
“I also know how persuasive he is. Especially with you.”
“I think this is the only way I’ll convince him. I have to go.”
“Then I’ll go, too.”
Hope sprung inside her, but faded immediately. “Liam will never go for it.”
“So don’t tell him. I’ll just arrive at the door by your side.”
“I know you’re worried about me being alone with him, but you have to trust me. I want you and me to be together. To make that happen, I need to do this. Alone.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
The limousine cruised up the long driveway carved out of the thick woods to a large white house standing in a clearing on the shore of a glittering lake. Abi could see sandy beach stretching along the shore past the lovely landscaping, consisting of colorful flower gardens and neatly trimmed shrubs and bushes.
The driver pulled around the circular drive to the end of the tiered stone walkway leading to the entrance, then opened her door. She stood by the car as he retrieved her bag from the trunk, noticing the lovely flowers in different shades of pinks and purples lining the path. She didn’t know much about flowers, but those colors were her favorites and she was sure Liam would have considered that when he’d had these gardens planted.
He’d bought this house after things had started to fall apart between them, and he’d tried to convince her to move here. He’d thought starting fresh in a new place would help.
But when he’d surprised her with the idea, she’d already decided to ask him for a divorce. So she’d never even been to the house before today.
“After you, ma’am,” the driver said, her small suitcase in his hand.
As she started up the path to the front door of this lovely, sprawling home, she realized she would have fallen in love with it. Surrounded by trees and water, the casual elegance of the classic Cape Cod architecture—white wood finish, teal shutters, steep shingled roof—appealed to her. And in the fading light of the day, the soft glow of the lights from inside was homey and inviting.
The driver opened the front door for her and she stepped inside.
When she walked into the large living room with its high vaulted ceilings and rustic antique beams, her breath caught. The space itself was open and bright, with white built-in shelves and cupboards along one wall, large windows looking out the front, and pairs of French doors opening to the back, where she could see a patio and the lake glittering in the fading sunlight beyond. The neutral furniture, in creams and taupe, gave a very relaxed feel to the airy space.
“Abi, it’s good to see you.” Liam stepped into view from the kitchen, which was open to the large living room and dining room.
He looked so handsome in his jeans and short-sleeved button-down shirt. She quivered inside at the thought of him touching her. Wrapping his arms around her and claiming her lips.
He walked toward her with a welcoming smile.
“Hello, Liam.”
She walked toward one of the French doors, wanting to keep a distance between them, not wanting to give him a chance to kiss her.
He gestured to the driver, who then took her bag into another room and returned a moment later.
“Is that all, sir?” he asked Liam.
“Yes, thanks, Greg.”
But as the driver turned, Abi spoke up. “Actually, Liam, why don’t you have the driver wait. I really think we can hash this out i
n about an hour, then he could take me back.”
Liam merely chuckled. “Nice try, Abi. But you agreed to stay for the weekend.”
The driver disappeared out the door, leaving them alone.
“What do you think of the place?” he asked, gesturing around them.
“It’s really lovely.”
His eyes turned wistful. “I thought you’d like it.” Then he smiled again. “If you’d like to freshen up, the master bedroom is down the hall. You’ll see the open doors.”
She drew in a deep breath. “I’m not staying in the same bedroom with you.”
His gaze caught on hers. “Are you sure?”
She knew he wasn’t asking her if she’d made up her mind. He’d used that deep, rumbling tone he had to remind her that she was weak around him. That he could seduce her into doing things she wouldn’t have thought she’d do in calmer moments. That is, moments when his masculine aura wasn’t playing havoc with her senses.
“I’m quite sure,” she said, mustering up her resolve.
He nodded, but his glittering eyes said we’ll see.
“I hope you’re hungry. I have dinner ready.” He turned toward the kitchen and she followed.
It was a generous-sized kitchen with one wall totally open to the living room, a breakfast bar with high cushioned stools the only division between the rooms.
He opened the wall oven and the enticing aroma of lasagna filled the room. As he pulled it out, she picked up the salad sitting on the counter and carried it to the dining table. He set the flat pan on a hot pad on the table, then pulled out a chair for her. She sat down and he sat across from her.
The table was already set with china and stem glasses. He picked up the bottle of wine already open on the table.
“No wine, thank you,” she said quickly.
He raised an eyebrow. “Really? But you love this wine.”
It was true. Liam had introduced her to the delights of fine wine early in their relationship, and she’d particularly liked this one. He was really doing everything he could to win her over.
He started to pour anyway.
“Liam, I’m not having wine,” she said through gritted teeth, hoping he wouldn’t push it any further.
“That’s fine. Leave it if you really don’t want it, but the bottle’s already open.”
She knew what he was doing. Often when she’d turn down dessert, he’d bring her an extra fork, knowing she’d probably wind up indulging in a bite of his. If he filled her glass, he expected she’d probably change her mind and have some anyway.
He cut the lasagna and served her a piece. She loved lasagna, but as the thick aroma filled her nostrils, she felt a wave of nausea.
Oh, God, she didn’t think she was going to be able to eat it.
She reached for the salad and filled her bowl.
He sipped his wine, watching her over the glass. When he set it down, he leaned forward.
“I think I know what’s going on here.”
Her gaze darted to his. “Going on? What do you mean?”
“I mean, I think you’re turning down the wine because you want to keep a clear head. You’re afraid that wine will make it easier for me to seduce you into my bed.” He smiled. “But believe me, I don’t need the help of wine. The chemistry between us is all I need.”
She sighed, on one hand relieved, because she was worried he’d figured out she was pregnant, which was totally paranoid because there’s no way he’d believe that. She still barely believed it herself. On the other hand, her concern rose at his quiet confidence that he’d be able to easily entice her into his bed. Because his confidence was well founded.
“That has nothing to do with it,” she responded. “The truth is, I’ve been a bit off lately and my doctor suggested I drop some things from my diet for a little while. In fact, I don’t think I should eat the lasagna. I’m sorry, I should have warned you.”
“Is it something serious?” he asked, concern in his chocolate-brown eyes.
“No, I’m perfectly healthy. It’s … uh … food sensitivities. It’ll take a little time to figure it out, so for now, I’m being careful what I eat. The salad is fine, though.”
She took another bite. Hopefully, that explanation would cover any issues that came up with food. Including the fact she wouldn’t be drinking coffee or tea unless it was decaf.
“And what about the banana cream pie I have for dessert?”
“Really?” Her mouth watered at the thought. “Um … yeah … I think I can handle that.” It was her favorite dessert of all time.
“Good.”
They continued eating. Her salad was done in no time and she reached for a roll.
“How are your siblings?” he asked.
“They’re fine. Jaime’s going a bit crazy with the boys out of school for the summer. Kurt’s back from his honeymoon and the two of them seem disgustingly happy.”
“That’s nice. I’m happy for them.”
The wistful look in Liam’s eyes troubled her. She knew he wanted that happiness with her, but it was a fairy tale he was clinging to.
“And how’s your business?” she asked.
She bit into the roll she’d finished buttering. It was fresh and warm and melted in her mouth.
“It’s doing very well. I’m considering buying a chain of resort hotels. That’s why I’m going away for a few weeks.”
“Really? That’s different for you.”
His current company was more high-tech based. He’d invested in a few good ideas and had picked some winners.
“Diversifying is always good, but mostly, I wanted a change.” He pushed his empty plate aside. “But I’m sure you don’t really want to talk about business.”
“No, that’s true. I want to talk about you signing the divorce papers.”
He laughed, then stood up. “I’ll get dessert. Coffee?”
“Um, no. Herbal tea if you have it. Or decaf.”
He returned a few minutes later with a cup of fragrant apple-cinnamon tea and set a plate with a generous portion of pie in front of her.
She picked up her fork and took a bite of the dessert. The creamy feel of it in her mouth and the delightful taste of the banana and custard made her melt.
“Oh, that’s so good.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
The pie was gone all too quickly. She sipped her tea and realized he was only half done.
“I can get you another piece,” he offered.
“No, thanks. I’ll have more salad.”
She filled her bowl, then when they’d both finished the meal, helped him clear the table.
She settled into a chair kitty-corner to the couch. He brought her another cup of tea and set it in front of her, then sat down on the couch with his glass of wine.
The sun was setting over the lake, giving them a stunning view of the rose, mauve, and blue streaked sky reflected in the water.
After a few moments of appreciating the view, Liam turned to her.
“Abi, I really want to have a serious discussion about us. I want us to get back together. I know I was an idiot after … what happened. I pulled away and I deeply regret that.” He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, and stared into her eyes. “But I really do love you. And I’m going to do everything I can this weekend to prove that I won’t let you down again.”
The intensity of his voice and his deep, penetrating gaze unsettled her. Her fingers tightened around her cup.
“Liam, I’m in love with Del,” she blurted.
He frowned. “I know the two of you are close. You’ve been friends for a long time, but—”
“Del and I are together now. He even asked me to marry him.”
He clasped his hands together, frowning. “I see. That’s very odd since at the wedding, the two of you were still just friends.” His eyebrow rose. “And, in fact, the last I saw, Del had stormed off.”
“Because of you.”
He shrugged. “Still, i
t seems quite a turnaround.”
“Yes, well, I went and talked to him. When things are right, they can move quickly.”
“I don’t think four years is particularly fast.” His eyes grew solemn. “Now with you and I … that was fast. Because you and I are meant to be together.”
She pursed her lips. “No, Del and I are meant to be together.”
He leaned back. “So Del was perfectly okay with you coming here to spend the weekend with me?”
“He knows I’m here to talk to you about the divorce, and we’re both anxious to have you sign the papers so we can move forward with our relationship.”
He rested his hands on his long, lean, denim-clad thighs.
“Hmm. So you’re telling me your incentive for me to sign the papers is so you can leave me for my best friend?”
She sighed. “Liam, you have to let me go.”
He shook his head, his intense gaze locking on hers.
“Not in a million years, kitten. You’re mine.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Abi stood up, her heart sinking.
“If this is how you’re going to be, there’s really no point in me staying.”
“But you will. Because if you really want to be with Del, you’ll do everything you can to convince me. Just as I’ll do everything I can to convince you. We’re a lot alike in that way. We don’t give up on what we want.”
“Well, right now I want a break from this conversation.”
He stood up, too. “Great idea. How about we go for a swim?”
She glanced out the window.
“It’s getting dark. I don’t want to go swimming in the lake at night.”
“It’s a good thing we have a pool then.”
The “we” disturbed her. Insinuating this was her house, too. And her pool. Which, since they were still legally married, was true.
“I didn’t bring a swimsuit.”
“I’d suggest we go skinny dipping, but I know you’re not going to go for that. But no worries. I have a bathing suit here in your size.”
A pang of jealousy shot through her at the thought he might have had other women here. But that was ridiculous. Liam should be seeing other women. He should be moving on.
She wrapped her hands around herself, goose bumps quivering across her arms. She loved going in the water, but it hadn’t been the warmest of days.