She moaned, flying high on the wings of bliss. Her whole body quivering in his arms.
He kept pumping. Deep and fast. Keeping her at the height of ecstasy for what seemed like forever. She moaned and moaned, until she could barely breathe. He groaned and drove deeper, pinning her to the bed, then erupted inside her. She wailed a final cry of delight and collapsed on the bed.
He slumped on top of her, both of them panting for breath.
Finally, he rolled away, a laugh rumbling through his chest.
“I can see I won’t get a lot of sleep while you’re here with me.”
“Oh, my.” She giggled. “Well, that’s not good.”
He gazed at her, a devilish glint in his eyes. “On the contrary. Sleep is highly overrated.”
* * *
The next morning, Del surprised her with breakfast in bed. Then when she got up and tried to do the dishes, he wouldn’t let her.
“You know, I’m pregnant, I’m not an invalid,” she pointed out.
“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
