“My brothers would kick my ass for you. First I didn’t want you there, for reasons you’re aware of now, even though you were perfectly qualified. Then I insisted we hire you. If I tried to change things up now, they’d probably bury me in the concrete foundation of our next big project.”
I blinked at him. “Huh, I wasn’t aware I was dating into the mob. Just so we’re clear, I’m going to keep working as a project manager and doing all the tasks involved in that.”
He took a deep breath and put down his fork. “Just so we’re clear, I won’t like you going to job sites when you’re getting closer to term.” He held up a hand when I started to argue. “We have other female project managers on staff. The same accommodations have been made for them. It doesn’t affect the longevity and value of their jobs, nor their credibility. It’s a safety issue, clearly outlined in the company’s standards. Also, personally, I hope you’ll comply with the regs. If anything happened to either of you, I don’t know what I’d do. It was bad enough when I thought you belonged to someone else.”
My heart cracked a little at his vulnerability. I had two choices. I could be a pain in the ass now then have to follow company regulations later when his father or brothers came to speak with me. Or…I could play nice. Well, nice-ish.
“I suppose…if you’re going to be a baby about it.”
“Should we go back to the bedroom, and I’ll show what a baby I am…not?”
“Mmm…tempting, but I’m hungry, and we’re landing in a little bit. I’d rather you make love to me in this castle we’re going to. Actually, I’m very much looking forward to that.” I speared a hunk of carrot. “And I think you should tell me all about it. I can tell you’re rather pleased with yourself.”
“When you were little, you always talked about princesses and knights and castles. It seemed like a sure bet. So Gstaad Palace is a castle hotel where we have a deluxe suite. It’s right in the Alps, and our room promises to have a spectacular view. I’m told Princess Diana once stayed in the room we’ll have. There are pools, a spa, restaurants and clubs, tennis, golf, skating… Whatever outdoor thing takes your fancy, really. I hear the town is the place to be this time of year, too.”
And darn him for choosing a place that would cater to the outdoorsy girl in me. “And if I just want to stay in?” I asked to be difficult.
Jamie grinned. “Let me tell you about the indoor pool/hot tub that’s perfect for a romantic evening for two…”
Chapter Ten
~ Jameson ~
For the first four days, this trip was everything I’d hoped it would be. Willow and I were overly polite to each other, we explored and spa’d and swam and ate. And ate. And ate.
My God, I had no idea where she was putting all the food. Our first morning there, we’d hit the breakfast buffet twice. Twice! She was still the tiniest thing, but I’d had to knock Willow’s hand away from my plate more than once at every meal.
And every night, we’d made love for hours. The kind of slow, sweet, passionate love I’d always wanted to show her but had never had the nerve to attempt. I worshipped her body, and she seemed to revel in it.
We were happier than we’d ever been together.
On day five though…something between us shifted. She woke up on edge, and it seemed as if everything I did or suggested was completely wrong. I bit my tongue, not wanting to start an argument while we were sequestered together in the most beautiful place I’d ever seen. But damnit, she was driving me crazy.
“Do you want to check out the tennis courts?” I asked when we got back from breakfast.
“No.”
“Okay. Do you want a new mani-pedi?”
“No.”
“Do you want to go swimming? Hiking? Ride a goat?”
“No.” She crossed her arms and slunk lower into the sofa cushions.
“Do you want to sit here and do nothing?” I suggested, unable to keep the bite out of my tone.
“How long are we staying here?” she asked.
“We can leave whenever you want.” I shifted to face her and ran my finger over her arm. “Babe, what’s wrong?”
“I don’t know,” she admitted.
“Is it hormones?”
She narrowed her gaze at me, and her cheeks flushed the way they did when she got super pissed at me.
Shit.
“You know what, Malloy?” She jumped to her feet and put her hands on her hips, glaring down at me. “Every time a woman is having any kind of bad day, or attitude, or whatever…you men automatically blame it on hormones.”
“You’re fucking pregnant!” I yelled, standing as well and glaring right back at her. “It’s not out of the realm of possibility that it might be affecting your mood.”
“Piss off!” She started to stomp away, but I grabbed her arm and pulled her back to me.
“No way, princess,” I told her. “You’re not running out on me. We’re together now. We work this out.”
“Let. Me. Go.” Her tone was low and dangerous, but I wasn’t about to back down now.
“Wills, talk to me,” I begged. “What’s going on?”
“I don’t know,” she repeated with an exasperated sigh. “You’re just…here. All the time! I need some space. I’m too independent for all this togetherness.”
“Me, too,” I told her. “But we can be independent together.”
“That’s the stupidest thing you’ve ever said to me,” she snapped.
“Doubt it,” I admitted with a shrug.
“Don’t do that,” she said, pulling her arm free.
“Do what?”
“Don’t be cute right now.”
“I don’t know any other way to be.” I reached for her again, and she didn’t fight me. I pulled her into my arms and sagged in relief when she hugged me back. “Do you want to go home?”
“No.” She sniffed, and I realized her body was shaking.
Lifting her chin, I looked down at her tearstained
