When she climbed into bed, it was to toss and turn with anxiety over what was going to happen when she saw Morgan again. Would she try to rip his head off or would she turn into a blubbering mess, the result of ever changing hormones? The latter would not look good at all. Feeling the need to be stealth, Stacey made plans as she fell asleep.
* * *
In the morning she decided to give the old pub a spring clean before the influx of workers. Heaven knows that once they got here she wouldn't have the time and before they left she would have a new baby.
Leaving Jane in charge of the bar, Stacey started in her office. She cleaned windows and shelves.
She was on her hands and knees cleaning the skirting boards in the office when the sound of heavy feet reached her ears. Throwing the cloth in the bucket she pulled herself to her feet and smoothed the flowing top over her belly.
Am I ready for this? Breath, just breathe.
Stacey's head whipped up when the bell at reception rang. She walked out and stood behind the counter. Her legs were shaky but she kept a cool look on her face. Morgan stood with a group of burly men surrounding him. He was looking at her with a small smile curving his lips.
"Mr. Taylor, welcome back." Taking a pen from the drawer she grabbed the book and swiveled it around to face him. "I'm sure you know the procedure."
"Stacey, it's good to see you again." If she noticed the flick of discomfort in his eyes she chose to ignore it. This was going to be business all the way.
"Your rooms are ready for you. Linen has been topped up and if you need anything just ask. Your incredibly helpful secretary ordered lunches each day for your men and that has been organized." You are doing well Stacey, keep it up. She mentally patted herself on the back. "You just need to give me twenty four hours notice of when you want to start that. Oh, and if you could let me know in advance if you will be needing dinner every night I would appreciate it. Heaven forbid you forget and I can only rustle up a sandwich. That wouldn't do after a hard day's work taking out gold from our beautiful landscape now would it?"
She smiled sweetly at the men surrounding him and felt a surge of pride that she had managed to do all of that without throwing herself at his feet begging for him to say why he never kept in touch.
Morgan passed the pen to another man and one by one they all signed in. Stacey passed the room keys to them, keeping behind the counter to protect herself from dropping at his feet and to hold her secret just a little bit longer.
"I wonder if I could have a word with you while my men get themselves sorted in their rooms Stacey. There are a couple of things I'm sure my secretary wouldn't have informed you of." His eyes were pale blue and where once she thought they were warm, now they appeared to be turning icy cold.
"I'm sorry but I'm kind of busy at the moment. Maybe tomorrow some time if I can fit it in. You know how it is." She tipped her head to one side and smiled serenely getting a kind of sick thrill to see his throat working overtime to swallow his feelings.
Morgan's eyes clouded and he frowned. "Fine. We will settle in and go out to the site and we will be back for dinner. I would appreciate it if you could find your way clear to make lunches starting tomorrow if that isn't too much trouble."
"No trouble at all." She stood and watched them grab their bags and head up the staircase. When Morgan turned to look back down at her she was watching them and waved. When he was out of sight she took a deep breath and returned to the bar on shaky legs pouring herself a glass of chilled water.
"You okay?" Jane looked at her with raised eyebrows. "Not doing too much are you?"
"No, I'm okay. Just booked in the miners."
"Uhuh, bubs dad is the good looking boss man hey?"
"Who told you that?" Stacey wasn't surprised that Jane knew but it annoyed her just a little.
"Sorry, I wasn't meaning to gossip. My dear cousin Loretta wanted me to keep an eye out for you, make sure you don't overdo things. She told me in confidence and you can be sure I won't tell anyone." She sighed rubbing a hand on Stacey's shoulder comforting her. "Look, I like you, I love my job and I feel a little bit protective of you and that baby. Just know you have a friend here and a shoulder any time you want it."
Tears threatened to overflow. "Thanks Jane, I like having you here too and I really mean it, thanks."
Jane held her in a quick hug before heading back to serve customers.
Stacey noticed the exodus ten minutes later as the miners hurried down the stairs on heavy feet and walked out the front door. A wave of tension rolled down from her shoulders as the four wheel drive vehicles headed away from town to the mine. She should get a few hours peace before they returned for drinks and dinner.
The big thing for her was not breaking down when they were one on one and it was going to happen sooner or later, of that she was sure. Morgan didn't look like the type to give in so easily.
* * *
Stacey was in the kitchen helping with dinner service when the men arrived back in the bar after showering and changing for dinner. Morgan stood at the doorway watching her and she clasped her hands protectively around her belly.
"I think it's time you and I had a talk, don't you?"
