by Leanne Banks
“I don’t need hot springs every night.” She smiled. “Just every now and then.”
“Do you mind if I head for the shower?”
“No problem. I’ve already been there. I have a roasted chicken for dinner.”
“Sounds awesome. Even better than pizza,” he said.
She laughed. “Go take your shower. I may even let you watch an action movie.”
“What did I do to deserve that?” he asked as he headed toward her bathroom.
“You’re a good guy,” she said. “You just try to hide it.”
His stomach clenched at her words. He hoped she didn’t count on him too much.
Drowning himself under the shower, he finally shut it off and dried off. He dressed in sweatpants and a T-shirt and was thankful Sophie didn’t expect more from him. She knew what he’d gone through during the last week.
He made his way to the den where she served chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans on the sofa table. “I feel like I’ve died and gone to heaven.”
“We all need a comfort meal every now and then,” she said.
He spooned the food onto his plate. “You’re a rock star. I didn’t know you knew how to fix all this.”
“My mother was born in the South. Learning to cook this way was a requirement.”
“I’m thankful for your requirements,” he said and took his first bite of mashed potatoes. “I’ve just gone to heaven.”
Sophie laughed. “You’re desperate for comfort food.”
“Or I’m desperate for you,” he said, meeting her gaze for a long moment before he dug into the food once again.
“Don’t charm me too much,” she said. “You’ll scare me.”
“Hey, I’m not tricking you,” he said. “You should be able to tell. I’m not asking you to go to Mars for our next project.”
“But you haven’t said anything about the next project.”
“Because I’m still focused on this project,” he said, still intent on enjoying the meal. “Headquarters is riding me to get it done.”
“It makes it tough,” she said. “You have to race like mad when everything comes together.”
He pointed at her and nodded. “Exactly.”
“But you’re going to have to deal with Bridget about the charity event at some point,” she added.
He nodded, taking a breath even though he was still hungry. “I know. By the way, will you come to Bridget’s casino night with me?”
She paused. “Yes, but how are you going to explain—” She paused. “Us.”
He shrugged. “I don’t believe in overexplaining, but if anyone asks, then I’ll just say I thought it was appropriate that our company present a united front for this charity.”
She met his gaze then looked away. “Oh.”
He frowned, hesitating before he took his next bite. “What else should I say?”
“Nothing,” she said. “Nothing.”
“Do you want other people to know we’re involved?” he asked.
She looked into his eyes for a long moment and a thousand emotions swept over her face. “Um. Probably not.”
“Exactly. Our relationship is nobody’s business but ours.”
She gave a slow nod. “So you’re not ashamed of us?”
He blinked. Ashamed. The word stabbed at him. “No,” he said. “I’m not ashamed. It’s just nobody else’s business. I don’t want any comments or suggestions from clowns on the sidelines. We’re doing okay on our own.”
She faked a smile. “Yeah, we are.”
She wanted to believe that the only reason why he hadn’t gone public with their relationship was because he’s a private person. But she held back tears thinking that he probably didn’t believe that the relationship would last, so why tell everyone? She had to face it, with such a beautiful and romantic setting, romance was bound to spring up...then be dismissed upon their leaving.
“I’m glad we’re straight on that,” he said.
“Go ahead and eat,” she murmured. “I’m not going to grill you.”
He met her gaze and felt a pinch of pain. “Thanks. I don’t want anything to mess up what we have.”
She covered his hand with hers. “No worries,” she said, referencing the Australian lingo they learned together.
“You’re a goddess,” he said and continued to eat the delicious meal. He just hoped Sophie wouldn’t bail on him when she realized the truth about him. Because eventually, she would. She would see that he was not the kind of man a woman wanted for a long-term relationship, even if he was beginning to want just that.
After he finished eating, he joined her on the sofa with every intention of making love to her. He was going to kiss every inch of her, take her in every possible way. He wanted her so much he could taste her. He relaxed against the back of the sofa. It felt so good to be with her.
His next conscious thought was when Sophie was pulling on his arm. “Max,” Sophie said. “You’re snoring.”
Max shook his head. “I don’t snore.”
She laughed. “I don’t either. Come to bed.” She urged him to his feet.
“I’m so sleepy. What time is it?” he asked, looking around for a clock.
“Very late,” she said, pushing him toward the bedroom. He took several steps and she nudged him into bed.
“I want to make love to you,” he said drowsily, still not fully awake. “I want you.”
“Maybe in the morning, cowboy,” she whispered with a chuckle in her voice.
“Why are you laughing?” he protested.
“I’m not laughing,” she said, stroking his forehead. “Relax. Sleep.”
He ached to hold her, but sleep called him, demanding his submission. He fought it, but Sophie’s bed was so comfortable and smelled sweet, like her. He couldn’t help himself and he drifted away....
Sometime later, he half awakened and felt her sexy slim body next to his. Cotton interfered with the nonstop skin he wanted to feel, but he took a deep breath and her scent lulled him into semiconsciousness.
Hours later, Max reawakened. He felt like an army had trudged through his mouth. Taking a deep breath, he eased himself from the bed and walked to the bathroom to brush his teeth and take a long drink of water. He splashed some water on his face. It awakened him slightly, but he still felt drowsy.
Returning to bed, he slid under the covers and moved close to Sophie. She shifted and wriggled against him. He pulled her against him and put his hand over her flat belly. She sighed and it vibrated through him.
He immediately grew aroused, but he told himself to calm down. Max knew this was a special moment. He’d been careful not to grow too attached to other women, and he knew it was a mistake this time, too. But he was either too selfish or she had wore down his willpower. As she awakened and lifted her head to him, she reminded him of a flower turning toward the sun. The idea that he could be her sun even for a moment sent a dozen crazy emotions through him. Following his strongest emotion at the moment, he kissed her and made love to her.
* * *
“How are things with you and Mister Max?” Terri asked Sophie in a low voice while Max was gone from the work trailer.
“Interesting,” Sophie said, unsure of how much she should confide.
“You’ve finally hooked up,” Terri said with certainty, because she was entirely too smart.
Sophie didn’t like the term hooked up. It cheapened her feelings for Max. At the same time, she couldn’t help believing he saw their romantic relationship as temporary. She couldn’t forget that eye-opening conversation with him when she’d first arrived in Chantaine. He’d been adamantly opposed to even the idea of a long-term commitment. “I didn’t say that,” Sophie said, feeling twitchy and nervous.
“You said it
with your face and body language,” Terri said. “Anything wrong? He’s not kinky, is he?”
“No. He’s not kinky,” Sophie quickly said and took a breath. “But I know he thinks he’s not relationship material. He wants to keep things between us on the down low.”
“I don’t like that,” Terri said, her mouth pulling into a firm line.
“I have mixed feelings about it, but I don’t want to have to answer a lot of questions about Max and me either,” Sophie said.
Terri looked at her for a moment. “I can see that,” she said. “My husband was straightforward once he decided I was the one. He didn’t care who knew, but Max is a different animal. In the whole time I’ve known him, he’s never announced an attachment to a woman. But I’m betting you’re different for him.”
Her stomach dipped. “We’ll see. He wants me to go to the charity event with him.”
“And he thinks that won’t cause a stir?” Terri asked.
“He plans to explain it as the company presenting a united front.”
“Yeah, good luck with that,” Terri said. “Make sure you wear something distracting to make a liar out of him. He deserves that.”
Sophie bit her lip. “I only have two dresses appropriate for this.”
“Then buy another one,” Terri said bluntly.
Thankfully, Max burst into the work trailer, which meant Sophie didn’t need to reply.
“I need some figures,” he directed toward Sophie.
“I’m ready,” she said while noticing his sigh.
“Thanks,” he said, relieved. “This is what I need.”
Sophie input his requests into her laptop as he spoke. From his request she noticed he was concerned about an increased cost in supplies. She knew that Max was under pressure to keep costs down and finish the job as soon as possible. The big problem with that was that Max didn’t believe in cutting corners. He did it right or didn’t do it at all, and she respected him for that.
She researched the particular road material that he wanted and wrangled a decent price from the supplier. The only problem was that they couldn’t deliver until next week.
Max clenched his jaw and shrugged. “It is what it is. Thanks.”
Sophie felt bad for him. She knew he was doing the best he could and wanted to get this done for Chantaine, but it was turning out to be far more difficult than he’d planned.
* * *
Later that day, Pippa called and begged Sophie to join her for dinner at the palace. Sophie couldn’t possibly refuse the sweet princess. With baby Amelie nearby, Sophie enjoyed a gourmet meal with Pippa.
“This is so nice,” Sophie said. “How did you end up at the palace?”
“When my husband, Nic, goes out of the country for business, he insists I stay at the palace,” Pippa said with a sigh. “It’s a good thing Amelie doesn’t mind going from one place to the next.”
“Why does he travel so much?” Sophie asked.
“He would say he’s managing his businesses, but I know he’s also trying to bring in new business for Chantaine. He’s an overachiever, but he insists he will take off the summer to spend with the baby and me.”
“Will he do that?” Sophie asked as she took a bite of the delicious puff pastry entrée.
“I believe he will. He’s starting to get impatient about leaving Amelie and me,” Pippa said with a smile. “It’s a bit amusing to watch.”
Sophie chuckled. “Good for all of you.”
“And has Bridget been trying matchmake anymore?” Pippa asked.
“No. I’ve dodged that bullet,” Sophie said firmly.
“I’m sure Bridget is crushed. She keeps trying to engineer a match, but no luck so far.”
“Maybe her efforts are helping more than she thinks. In your case, she tried to match you up with a man you didn’t want, and that only intensified the relationship between you and your husband.”
“True,” Pippa said as she took a bite of the entrée. “But in your case, she has utterly failed.”
“Not necessarily,” Sophie said. “Sometimes a date with a man can help you define what you really want.”
Pippa nodded. “Very true. You’re a wise woman. What do you want?”
“Probably something I can’t have forever, but I’m okay with that.”
Pippa grimaced. “That’s terrible.”
“And you never felt that way about your husband before you were married?”
Pippa hesitated. “You make an excellent point. We’re all on a journey,” she said. “Always. Even Fredericka is having a hard time.”
“Fredericka?” Sophie echoed. “She’s one of your sisters.”
“Yes,” Pippa said. “I shouldn’t have mentioned it, but I feel I can trust you. Apparently her marriage is in trouble. We’re all worried about her.”
“I’m so sorry,” Sophie said. “I hope things will turn around for her.”
“We do, too. Years ago, Fredericka had addiction issues. If she has marriage problems, we fear she may return to her bad habits.”
“I hope not,” Sophie said, empathizing with Pippa’s concern. “Do you think she needs a visit from one of her sisters?”
“She refuses a visit. All of us have offered. Valentina, who lives in the States, is out of her mind with worry.”
“Then you’re just going to have to badger her on her phone and via email,” Sophie said. “If you do that often enough, she won’t forget you.”
Pippa stared at her for a long moment. “I like that idea,” she said. “I’ll send her photos of Amelie every day. She can’t ignore me forever.”
“Good plan,” Sophie said. “And if you want to copy those photos to me, I’d be delighted.”
“I shall do that,” Pippa said. “Now Bridget has said there’s a charity event she’s organized with Max. Will you be attending?”
Sophie gave a reluctant nod and took another bite of her dinner. “Of course.”
“With whom will you be attending?” Pippa asked with an innocent expression.
“Um, I believe I’ll be attending with Max.”
Pippa eyes rounded. “Oh, really.”
“I think he wants to present solidarity from the company.”
“Oh,” Pippa said and took another bite of her food. “I suppose that’s a good idea.”
“I think so,” Sophie confirmed. “He wants all of us to help with the project, so other employees will also be attending.”
“Good,” Pippa said. “With Bridget at the helm, I’m sure it will be a smashing success.”
The following Saturday, Sophie helped at the handicapped center, but by afternoon, everyone was released. She took advantage of the extra time to visit a few stores. At one shop, she found a midnight-blue halter dress that was somehow both sensual and understated. Since it was on sale, she bought it right away and decided to ask advice about accessories from Bridget or Pippa or anyone, because accessories were not her forte.
The only thing that was worrying her was the fact that she hadn’t started her period, and she was over two weeks late. Sophie was as regular as rain when it came to her menstrual cycle. She and Max had been careful. Most of the time. Had they missed a few? she asked herself. Oh, please no, she thought. She hoped not.
Sophie lasted through the weekend and the next week, but by next Friday, she was sweating it. Why was she so late?
She paced her apartment for a half-hour then went to the pharmacy to pick up a double pregnancy test. She immediately took the test and waited for the results.
* * *
Sophie was pregnant.
She kept it to herself for the next week. It was easy because Max was slammed with work. By the time Friday arrived, she collapsed at her apartment and he collapsed at his. On Saturday, she got a man
i-pedi and visited a hairstylist. Unfortunately, she hadn’t asked for advice on accessories from anyone, so she was on her own.
After her hair appointment, Sophie returned to her apartment and slapped on a little more eye makeup than usual and applied lip gloss. She hoped this would work. Stepping into sandals, she smoothed down her dress and prayed everything would turn out well. Seconds later, her doorbell rang.
Her stomach clenched and she walked to the door and opened it. “Hi,” she said, opening the door.
“Wow,” Max said, wearing a dark suit, white shirt and red tie. “You look hot.”
She couldn’t resist a smile. “So do you.”
The benefit was a whirlwind. Max laughed and gambled. Sophie did, too, although she wasn’t much of a gambler. Waiters kept offering her champagne and booze, but after the pregnancy tests she’d taken, she couldn’t imbibe.
She wondered when she would be able to tell Max. She wondered how upset he would be. Not tonight, she told herself. He had too much going on tonight. Perhaps tomorrow? Coming from behind him, she heard him talking to the head of a construction company.
“We’re just friends,” he said. “I make sure all women know where I stand. I’m committed to being uncommitted when it comes to romantic relationships.”
Sophie’s heart sank. It didn’t take a genius to suspect that Max was speaking about her. He wasn’t at all serious about her. She should have known that from the beginning. She had known it from the beginning, but she’d ignored it and stuck her head in the ground. How could she possibly tell him that she was carrying his baby?
He would be furious. She wondered if he would even ask her to give up the baby.
The prospect made her so ill she was forced to go to the ladies’ room. She barely escaped losing her dinner, took a few breaths and splashed some cool water on her cheeks.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Princess Bridget enter the powder room. Sophie gave a quick curtsey. “Your highness.”
“A pleasure to see you,” Bridget said and winked. “Nice dress, but I still love the red one the best.” Bridget studied Sophie and frowned. “Are you okay? You look extremely pale.”
Sophie nodded. “I got too warm and it felt too stuffy. I just needed some air and I’m going to get a nice cool glass of water.”
