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“I’d like that.”
Hunter’s already disappeared, and Mac stands, holding out his hand. I take it, letting him help me to my feet and then I lead us out to the back of the lobby, where I open the door to my apartment.
We walk straight into my living room, and although it would be easy to stop and sit on one of my two couches, I take him over to the kitchen instead. It’s the place where I’m most comfortable and Mac stops by the island unit, looking around.
“This is perfect for you,” he says, smiling.
“Yes, it is. I love it here, although I spend a lot of time in the main house, too… especially when my brothers are here.”
He turns, gazing down at me. “They look out for you, don’t they?”
“Yes.”
He nods his head. “Good.”
“Why is that good?” I ask.
“Because I haven’t been here to do it myself, so I’m relieved that someone has. It should have been me, I know, but…”
I shake my head, and he stops talking. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about the baby.”
“It’s okay,” he says. “I understand. If I hadn’t jumped to conclusions and driven you away, none of this would have happened.”
I pull my hand from his, desperate to change the subject. I’m done with apologies. There are so many more important things to talk about.
“Would you like a cup of tea?” That isn’t one of them, but it’s a starting point.
“Tea?” He frowns. “Since when did you drink tea?”
“Since coffee started making me feel sick.”
“Oh. Is that a pregnancy thing?”
“Yes. At the beginning, it was horrendous. Just the slightest whiff had me rushing to the bathroom.”
“But it’s better now?” he asks, looking concerned.
“Better is a relative term. I’m not being sick anymore, but the smell makes me nauseous. So… is tea okay?”
“I’m British… what do you think?”
I chuckle and wander over to the stove, putting the kettle on to boil before I turn around and look across at him. “So… where have you been staying since you got back here? I assume you gave up your apartment?”
“Yes, I did. I’ve been staying with an old friend of mine.”
I feel a shiver of jealousy, and fold my arms across my chest, just above the bump, sucking in a breath. “Oh?”
He comes around the island unit, putting his hands on my shoulders, and looks down into my eyes. “His name’s Calvin. He used to be in the theatre company with me.”
I step back slightly, his hands dropping to his sides again. “It’s okay. I wasn’t asking for details. We broke up. If you’ve been…”
He steps closer. “I haven’t. I told you, I couldn’t move on, not without you.”
“Maybe. But if there’s been someone… casual.” I’m fishing now. I need to know.
He shakes his head. “There hasn’t been anyone.” I can’t help smiling, and he smiles back. “What about you?”
“What about me?”
