“And you got him a playpen?” Dina asked Sam who laughed, knowing what that looked like.
“Yes. I have a playpen smack dab in the middle of the family room. I tossed out the other one and got a new one. More durable.”
Dina held in her giggles as she thought about the women who might run into it this winter, and how he’d explain that one.
“Well, I better get over to the shelter.” Beth stood up. “Just make sure you’re consistent, Sam, or all of the hard work you’re putting in now will be ruined.”
Sam thanked Beth, and Dina watched her walk out the door. She felt a million times lighter knowing she hadn’t stumbled onto one of his flings.
“So did he come with that name?”
“It seemed fitting.” Sam shook his head and put the turkey in Dina’s lap. She couldn’t help but love the little fella.
“A Romeo for a Romeo.” Dina ran her fingers through the little pup’s fur. “So what is he, exactly?”
“He’s loved and that’s all that matters, but hide him under your coat quick.” Sam draped his arm around Dina as the server came over to take their orders. They each ordered a salad and watched the server walk away. “Dodged a bullet.”
“You like to live on the edge, huh?” Dina chuckled, feeling little Romeo tuck into her side.
“I must.” Sam squeezed her a little tighter and Dina had to fight the urge to melt into him. “Sorry about not reaching out much the last couple weeks. I’ve been absolutely exhausted. Do you realize how small their bladders are? I think I’m up like every two hours.”
“Well, when you get a dog that small, it tends to happen.” She heard soft little snores coming from under her jacket, and her heart softened even more for Romeo. “Whatever made you decide to get one?”
“I got tired of coming home to an empty house.” His eyes caught hers and a surprising flutter arose. “And it just felt right.”
“Well, I’m impressed.” She bit her lip and hid a smile. “Does your brother know?”
“No. He knew I was going to look, but after he tried to talk me out of it, I realized I wasn’t going to tell him until we were ready.”
“We?” Dina chuckled and shook her head. “And this little guy spoke to you rather than a Lab?”
“You can’t hide a Lab under your coat.”
“True.” She grinned. “Well, I think he’s adorable.”
“He really is,” Sam agreed, and Dina couldn’t help but swoon a little more for Sam North. Seeing this softer side was nice. “Maybe don’t mention it to Autumn?”
“Your secret is safe with me.” Dina crossed her heart.
“I’ve been trying to stay home with him so he gets used to the house and hopefully learns to quit gnawing on the furniture.” His hand ran down her arm. “But maybe you’d like to come over for dinner since the secret’s out?”
The thought of getting to spend time with Sam and Romeo was enticing and made Dina’s mind swirl with possibilities she’d been ignoring since she’d spent the night with him. She knew hormones were raging through her, and she didn’t want to make a decision based on being pregnant.
“You know, I really don’t even know where you live.” Dina smiled and drew in a deep breath.
The server brought over their dishes, and she started on her salad as she wondered if she should really tempt herself with another night alone with Sam.
“About ten minutes up the road from where you are.” His voice brought her out of her self.
“Really? That close?”
“Yup.” He took a bite of his burger. “So, how about dinner tonight?”
“You know...” She smiled. “I think I’d really like that. I’ve got an appointment this afternoon and then some things to finish up at the shop, but it’s not a late night.”
“Maybe we can make it one,” Sam whispered and every cell in her body reacted.
“You just eat your burger.” Dina slid him a sideways glance.
“So is that a yes?”
Dina rolled her eyes, unable to remove the smile from her lips. She wanted to believe that him getting a dog represented that he was changing his ways, but she knew that would be wishful thinking.
“It’s a yes to dinner, but that’s it. You’ve got a lot on your plate and are probably just vulnerable being a new parent and all.”
“Vulnerable?” He laughed and wrapped his arm around her again.
The thought of spending another night with Sam was beyond appealing, but knowing what she did, she probably shouldn’t go down that path until she told him everything. She had to be honest with him. She just had no intention of making tonight the night.
“Yeah. Bringing home a puppy is a big deal and then compounding no sleep with all the emotions flooding through you only complicates things. I wouldn’t want to take advantage of you.”
“It’s not like I just had a baby.” He laughed, and she nearly choked on her lettuce. “Now that would be a game changer.”
Chapter Eighteen
Just as Dina had previously confirmed with ten pregnancy sticks, she was pregnant. She knew she was in good hands with the doctor, and now she merely had to convince herself that she needed to tell Sam fairly soon. A wave of confidence flooded through her as she thought about getting her courage up to do precisely that.
After all, he did just adopt a puppy.
Dina glanced at her reflection in her bathroom mirror, and her smile of confidence wavered at the last thought.
A puppy.
The man had been clear as day about what he did and didn’t want in life, and a family wasn’t on his wish list, and a puppy was a lot different than a baby.
Not that she had planned on handing him one on a platter, but she did hope he’d want to be a part of her baby’s life on some level.
Her baby.
She closed her eyes and leaned against the sink. She really was having a baby.
Things would have to change. She’d have to work less, hire more people, and somehow make this baby understand that it would be the most loved baby on the planet. Dina’s hand slowly canvased over her belly and she let out a sigh.
Sometimes secrets were a good thing and tonight would be all about this secret.
Keeping this secret.
Dina glanced at her phone. She had fifteen minutes before she had to be at Sam’s, and she suddenly wanted to use every single second leading up to her date to sleep.
But she knew if she went anywhere near her bed, she wouldn’t get up until morning so she made her way out of the bathroom just as the doorbell rang.
It was around seven o’clock and she wasn’t expecting any deliveries, which had her slightly nervous. She really wasn’t up for any more surprises.
Dina peeked through the living room window and a mixture of relief and excitement spilled through her.
James Paulson, twin brother of her other best friend, Tami Paulson, was beaming on her porch. His tussled blond hair and sparkling blue eyes matched his sister’s perfectly and so did his kind and generous spirit.
He’d always been one of those men she could talk to and had never worried about judgment. He’d had his own fair share of interesting stories to keep them all amused over the years, so she never felt bad about letting him in on her own secret or two.
Dina quickly yanked open the door and James came in for a hug, spinning her around, before setting her back down.
“What in the world are you doing in Silver Ridge?” Dina asked, nearly breathless from excitement.
“My sister knew I’d be in Seattle for the week and wanted me to spy on you.” His smile only widened as he took a step back, still holding Dina’s hand. “Tami thinks you’re hiding something from her.”
“Does she now?” Dina’s brow arched as she waved James inside.
Apparently, Autumn had done a good job of keeping her secret.
Autumn, Dina, and Tami had all lived together in Los Angeles and over the years became best friends. In fact, if anyone were going t
o follow Autumn up to Silver Ridge, Dina had thought it would have been Tami who’d wind up in the mountain town.
Obviously, she was wrong.
“Well, I’m not hiding a thing.” Dina cleared her throat.
James laughed and rolled his luggage inside. “Then why’d you clear your throat?”
Dina chuckled and rolled her eyes.
“You’re dating someone?” James asked, glancing around her little cottage for clues.
Dina shrugged. “Not really. Although, I am supposed to meet someone for dinner.”
“Don’t let me hold you back.” James threw his hands into the air and chuckled.
“Why don’t you come with me?” Dina grabbed his hand away from his suitcase and squeezed it. “You must be starving and you’re always entertaining.”
“No. I’m exhausted from flying and driving.”
“I’m sure you’re hungry though.”
“Actually, I’m not. I had two cheeseburgers on the way up.” He leaned against the foyer table and grinned. “So who’s the lucky man?”
“Who said it’s a guy?” Dina laughed and scrunched her nose.
“Your makeup is all done and you’re glowing.” James folded his arms across his chest. “So who is he?”
“He’s just a friend with absolutely no interest in relationships so he’s perfect.”
“Perfect for what?” James’ brows shot up.
“For me.” Dina shrugged. “I need practice with the opposite sex with no promise of a commitment.”
“You never lead a dull life.” James shook his head and let his gaze settle on Dina. “But there’s something different about you.”
“It’s the town,” she assured him. “It relaxes me and business is booming.”
“You’re sure that’s it?” He straightened and glanced around the living room.
“Positive.” Dina gave him another hug and pointed at the couch. “You can sleep there. Sheets are down the hall in the closet, but I’ll probably be back far before you need them.”
“Whatever you say.” James laughed and winked at her.
“You know I don’t just randomly sleep with men. They need to ask me to marry them first,” she teased. A blush crept along her cheeks as she thought about her life-changing predicament.
James’ brows rose and he hid a smile.
“I’m not going to sleep with my dinner date.”
“I never said you did or would.” His laughter filled her tiny home and she rolled her eyes yet again.
“There’s food in the fridge.” She gave him a quick hug, grabbed her purse and keys, and headed out the door.
Dina turned around one last time and saw him moving his suitcase out of the foyer. She was pretty sure he didn’t know she was pregnant, but he did use a term like glow, and Dina wasn’t a person who glowed. Maybe he was baiting her.
She narrowed her eyes as his connected with hers, and she gave a brief wave before walking out her front door into the cold, night air.
Nah, he didn’t know. Her paranoia was all in her head.
Her best friend, Tami, meant well and probably sensed something from Autumn but couldn’t get it out of her so she felt she needed to send in reinforcements. It didn’t help that Dina hadn’t reached out much since she learned she was pregnant, but she knew she wouldn’t be able to keep it a secret from Tami and she wasn’t ready yet.
Dina climbed in her little hatchback and drove up the narrow road leading to larger, more luxurious estates until she finally spotted Sam’s address and started down the long driveway.
The moment his home came into view, it became easy to remember that he was part owner of the Silver Ridge Ski Resort. The massive log home sat overlooking the mountain and a wraparound deck circled the home. Several cobblestone fireplaces released smoke into the air as she parked in front of the garage and took a deep breath.
She didn’t know why an entire wave of nerves mixed with surprise and excitement slammed into her from being in front of Sam’s house, but she knew she needed to get control of herself.
As she talked herself into leaving the comfort and security of her car, she let out a little chuckle, rubbed her belly, and started walking toward the front door. Dina didn’t even need to ring the doorbell for Sam to open the door, Romeo in hand, as they both stared at her.
Dina smiled and became oddly nervous when she realized Sam had been waiting for her. On one hand, she wanted to believe that he might have a thing for her, but on the other, she was smart enough to realize that Sam had a thing for many.
“I’ve missed Romeo,” Dina said, scratching behind his ear.
The little dog’s tongue tumbled out and his tail wagged, completely eager to greet Dina as the familiar wave of attraction rolled off Sam and hit Dina hard.
“Only Romeo?” Sam asked, brow arching.
“He has a cuter haircut.” Dina teased and Sam shook his head.
“I’m sure I can convince the pet groomer to cut my hair in the same style too,” Sam said, welcoming her in.
“Whatever floats your boat but don’t do it on account of me.” Dina smiled and couldn’t help but notice how comfortable she felt with Sam and his dog.
Sam shook his head and laughed. “Hope you’re hungry.”
The moment she stepped inside his home, she felt everything Sam wrap around her. His home was masculine and grand, a lot like Sam, yet she detected a soft side hidden here and there. Or he merely had a great designer who knew how to toss some pillows on the couches to break it up a bit.
Dina glanced at Sam, unable to believe how attractive he was, and held onto the last thought. Sam wasn’t perfect. No one was and she definitely didn’t want to start falling for him even more because the man knew how to make his home nice. Although, the more she looked around, the harder it was to reconcile that he was an eternal bachelor. Dina glanced up toward the ceiling while continuing to pet Romeo.
Several large beams anchored the loft overlooking the two-story foyer and created an arch into the great room.
“That’s got to be a nice hideout.”
“It is.”
There were two large rugs in the great room, along with a playpen.
“Your home is beautiful.” Dina scratched Romeo’s right ear again and the pup yipped with glee.
“It does the job.” Sam smiled, leading her deeper into his home.
“I’d certainly hope so.” Dina chuckled as they made their way into the kitchen.
“Hope you like chicken tortilla soup and fresh bread.”
“Sounds amazing. And fresh as in you made the bread?” Dina’s stomach growled, and she glanced around wondering if Sam could hear it.
“It’s not tough. Just a bit of flour, water, and yeast.” He beamed and placed Romeo on the floor and washed his hands.
“How’s Romeo doing with the new playpen?” Dina asked, leaning against the granite countertops.
“Thanks to Beth, Romeo is a new little man. I just keep putting my foot down, and he seems to respect my authority.”
“At least someone does,” Dina teased as she took in Sam’s gourmet kitchen.
“Exactly.” Sam laughed and offered Dina a glass of wine.
“I’ve decided to keep my wits about me around you.” Dina smiled, taking a glass of water instead.
“Is that so?” Sam’s blue eyes twinkled with mischief. “Am I a bad influence?”
“Hard to say.” Dina took a sip of water and watched Romeo wander over to the playpen. “I certainly find myself in odd predicaments around you.”
“Me?” Sam’s brows shot up. “How do you figure?”
“Well, I was pretending to ski indoors.” Dina set her glass down and fidgeted slightly.
“Which reminds me that we need to pick up where we left off.” Sam stirred the soup, and Dina cleared her throat as she walked over to Sam.
“We might have to hold off for a little while.” Dina got a sudden urge to tell Sam about her pregnancy, but when his eyes connected wi
th hers she had immediate second thoughts.
“You can’t chicken out already.” Sam shook his head. “Not on my watch.”
Dina chuckled as she noticed Romeo pacing around the outside of his playpen, staring at his squeaky squirrel toy. “Looks like Romeo is in search of his Juliet. Should I put him in his abode?”
“That would be great. Thanks.” Sam shook some tortilla chips into a bowl as Dina wandered over to little Romeo and placed him in his playpen.
Romeo immediately leaped around tossing the tiny, stuffed squirrel into the air, yipping with joy.
“He’s got a good home. You’re really a good puppy dad,” Dina said, spinning around to see Sam watching her.
A blush quickly ran up her cheeks and she looked away.
“And you’re really stunning,” Sam said, his eyes staying on her.
Dina chuckled and looked down at her outfit. She was already wearing leggings and an oversized sweater most days and today was no exception.
“I never knew a pink sweater and grey leggings to be a real turn on for most men.” She walked over to the bowl of tortilla chips and had one and then another and another.
“You’re in Silver Ridge. We like smart girls who like staying warm and not freezing to death.” Sam took a chip. “Self survival is a real turn on in these parts.”
Dina laughed. “I’ll have to remember that for any other mountain men I run into.”
“Are you planning on running into a lot?” Sam’s brows arched and a smile touched his lips.
Dina shrugged and laughed. “I’m too busy now to worry about much of anything other than sewing dresses and veils.” She dipped her chip in guacamole and nearly ate the whole chip in one bite. “But I’m sure someday I might start dating.”
Sam’s eyes narrowed on hers, and he pulled out a chair for her to sit in next to the chips and dips. “Really.”
“I think so.” She nodded, telling herself to stay away from relationship talk. “It’s not that I’m opposed to relationships. I’m just taking a hiatus, which is why you were perfect.”
“Were?” He took a step closer as she scooped another chunk of guacamole on her corn chip. “I’m not perfect now?” he teased, running his finger along her cheek. His touch nearly undid every cell in Dina’s body as her mind flashed back to the night they spent together.
A Little Secret About Love Page 14
