Anything but Love

“Baby’s fine. I’m … I’m fine. They gave me some fluids to … combat dehydration, but … everything, the baby … she’s okay.”

Luke’s pulse had gone from a dead stop to a full-out gallop. He eased Rae back and framed her tear- streaked face. “Then why are you crying?”

“I’m happy.” She dragged her sleeved arm under her nose, sniffed, then looked at him with her heart in her eyes. “Are you?”

“Yes,” Luke said honestly. He couldn’t get a grip on all the emotions swirling inside him, but relief was in there alongside happy.

“They did an ultrasound. Do you want to see?”

“Okay.” Luke dragged a hand through his hair as she reached behind her then showed him a picture that sort of looked like an X-ray. He squinted, looking for the shape of a mini-person. “I don’t see—”

“She’s only the size of a bean right now.” Rae pointed. “That’s her. See?”

“Oh, yeah.”

“You can’t tell, but at six weeks her eyes, ears, and nose are starting to form and her organs are developing.”

Luke rubbed his chest, cursed his burning eyes as he stared, and imagined a developing baby. “What if it’s a boy?” he asked. “Will you mind?”

“No,” she said, wiping away fresh tears. “Will you be disappointed if it’s a girl?”

“No.” Luke swallowed as Rae gently tucked the scan inside her purse. He had no fricking idea what he was getting into or how he was going to handle it, but he was going to be a dad. That meant forging some sort of relationship with Rae. It didn’t hurt that he was physically, enormously attracted to her.

Their eyes met and Luke’s heart jerked. They moved in at the same time and he lost himself in a kiss like no other he’d experienced. It was troubling. Thrilling. He’d never been into clingy, but there was something heady about the intensity of Rae’s embrace. Just like that first time they’d kissed. Something that made him want to cling, too.

When they came up for air, Luke dropped his forehead to Rae’s. Even though this hospital visit had had a happy ending, so many others in his life hadn’t. The memory of Sam breaking down when Paula died filled Luke with sadness and remorse. He’d encouraged Sam’s pursuit of Rae and then he’d sabotaged his cousin’s efforts. Not on purpose. Still. Amazing that he could feel happy and like the world’s biggest ass at the same time. “We have to talk to Sam.”

“I know. I’ll do it.”

“No. It has to be me. He’s not just family, he’s a good man and I…” screwed him over, “handled this badly.”

Looking miserable again, Rae rested her head on Luke’s shoulder. “What are you going to tell him?”

“That we’re involved.”

Beyond that, Luke was clueless.

SIXTEEN

Rae had never felt as close to anyone as she had with Luke during those few moments in the examining room. It made her feel wonderful and sad and sort of pathetic at the same time. She was twenty-five. She’d never had a serious relationship with a man nor did she have any close friends. Not the kind you stayed in touch with no matter where you lived or how much time went by. The only friends she’d ever had, outside of the Cupcake Lovers, had been false or transient friends. People who sucked up because of her celebrity ties or money. Friendly acquaintances who faded from her life once they no longer crossed paths on a daily basis.

Weary of being taken advantage of, she’d erected a wall years ago. She didn’t let people into her head or heart, which negated intimate relationships. She was tired of playing it safe. Tired of guarding her every thought and word. Tired of playing the martyr. She wanted to live and laugh and love. To be surrounded by good people and positive endeavors. To experience full out what she’d had a taste of that year she’d lived in Sugar Creek. She realized suddenly just how important it was to her that Luke accepted and welcomed their baby. Even though she knew she was capable of raising her child anywhere. This is where she wanted to be.

So what now? Shop for a house? An apartment? The prospect was daunting considering her determination to resurrect Sugar Tots and to influence the Cupcake Lovers book deal. Maybe it would be best to cool her heels at the Pine and Periwinkle until she’d tackled some of her goals. Until she and Luke had reached a formal understanding. Why rush forward when so much was unsettled?

Luke had kept to himself on the drive back to her hotel. Then again, so had Rae. She assumed he was contemplating the future, much like her. That kiss had sealed an emotional bond. She was sure of it. Knowing Luke’s romantic history, this was probably a first for him. It was definitely new territory for Rae. Her thoughts and feelings were tangled. She couldn’t process the true nature of their relationship. Couldn’t envision their next step. So she focused on now and the simple facts.

Her baby was fine.

She was fine.

Luke was happy.

They were involved.

Even though Rae was dead on her feet, her senses tingled as he walked her to her suite. Lightheaded, lighthearted, she smiled up at him when her key card snicked. “Thank you, Luke. For everything.”

“If that’s my cue to go, forget it. I’m not leaving you alone tonight.” He nudged her through the door then shut out the rest of the world.

Rae turned and bumped into his hard chest. “You don’t have to—”

“I want to.”

“I’m feeling much better.”

“Good. Still staying.”

“Overnight?”

“All night.”

Luke never slept over with his girlfriends. One of his rules. Although they weren’t dating. They were involved.

Whatever that meant.

“Sure you won’t regret this in the morning?” she asked.

“How about we take one day at a time?”

“At the moment that’s all I’m capable of,” she said as he helped her out of her coat. “Between the food poisoning and subsequent drama, I’m wiped. All I want is a hot bath and a long nap.”

“And food,” Luke added. “You have to eat something. Even if it’s just broth.” He plucked his cell from his pocket. “I’ll order in from the Shack.”

“They offer room service here.”

“I’m not trusting your stomach to anyone but Anna,” Luke said. “Not until you’re fully recovered.”

He was being overprotective, which was sweet. Rae cursed her fluttering heart. He was ordering chicken soup, not an engagement ring. For all she knew, as soon as she felt 100 percent, he’d do a one-eighty.

“What’s wrong?”

Rae shrugged as Luke pocketed his phone. “Nothing. I just … Are you sure about this sleeping over thing? There’s only one bed.”

“I can sleep on the love seat.”

“Not comfortably.”

Luke crossed his arms and angled his head. “Is that an invitation to sleep with you?”

His tone was casual but her cheeks flushed all the same. She thought back on their mad shag in Bel Air, the way she’d practically ripped off his pants. “I won’t attack you, if that’s what you’re worried about.”