Chapter 9
He watched her closely during the night. He knew her well, over the more than twelve months they were married, he knew when she was being evasive, and she had been when he questioned her.
She looked fine of course, was in fact glowing, her full-bodied laughter in play. But he noticed that she was staying away from the rich banquet their hosts had provided.
He was half listening to the comments the doctors and other medical personnel were making around him, his attention on her. She had also neglected the drinks being passed around the elegant ballroom of the Plaza Hotel.
“Excuse me.” Putting his own drink aside, he made his way through the throng of people to where she was standing, surrounded by friends.
“Darling.”
He was so intent on reaching his wife, that it took a moment for him to see the woman blocking his way.
“Miriam," he murmured briefly, objectively admiring the flaming red hair and lush curves barely covered in the emerald green gown that was an exact match for her eyes.
He had come close to forming a permanent relationship with her when she chose a career as an actress over him. It had left him devastated for months, until he got over her. Miriam had been out of the country for almost a year, and he had lost contact with her.
“Hi.” Tilting her head, she gazed at him through reddish brown lashes.
“Just hi?” She teased. “We have not seen each other in more than a year and that’s all you have to say?” She pouted, red lips inviting and alluring. They had enjoyed an extremely passionate relationship that had mostly governed their lives.
“How are you?”
“Very well.” Reaching out, she lifted his left hand to stare at the simple gold band Georgie had placed there and one he never takes off.
She saw the look of regret before it was cleverly shielded. “I suppose it would have been in bad taste for you to invite me to the wedding.”
He inclined his head. “It would have been. And I am certain you were busy advancing your career.”
Her eyes lifted to his, their green depths shimmering. “You’re still upset about that.”
“I was,” Drawing his hand from her, he shoved it in his pocket. “No longer.”
“You are in love.”
“Completely.”
“I have seen your wife, and she is exquisite. I must admit that I am jealous.”
“Why would you be?”
“I would have preferred her to be a little less flamboyant. Oh Beau, I made a mistake.” His mouth tightened and when he lifted, he lifted his head, he saw that they were the objects of curious eyes.
He was about to say his goodbyes when he felt the unmistakable touch of his wife’s hand sliding through his arm. His heart rocketed through his heart, and he found himself wondering what she was going to do.
Turning his head guiltily, he started to introduce them, when she intercepted him.
“Miriam Hodges, I am absolutely a fan.” She smiled graciously and offered the woman a slender, graceful hand.
Miriam masked her surprise quickly and took the proffered hand. “I am always happy to meet a fan and especially the woman who was lucky enough to get Beau to the altar.”
“Aren’t I the lucky one? Nice to meet you in person. That period piece you did in England was fantastic. Had me on the edge of my seat for the entire ten seasons. Any hope of there being another season?”
Miriam smiled slightly as she tried to hide her curiosity. Surely the woman knew she had been involved with Beau. “I would be telling, if I said anything.”
“Darling, we should–”
“Of course.” Georgie smiled up at him brilliantly. “We have to do our due diligence.”
“Of course. I will be in touch, Beau.”
With a curt nod, he steered onto the dance floor. They had been dancing for several minutes without saying anything, when Georgie spoke.
“You looked like you needed rescuing," she murmured. She had seen them from across the room and the conversations around the group had died a slow death. Kelly in her usual inimitable way had bluntly told her to go and rescue her husband.
“That bitch looks like she is about to eat him up with her eyes.”
“I was surprised.”
Tilting her head, she studied his face thoughtfully. “And that’s the first time you have ever lied to me. Why is that?”
He gave her an angry look and wished he had skipped the damn function and stayed home. Seeing Miriam without prior notice had bowled him over.
“I don’t appreciate what you’re implying.”
Her tapered brows lifted. “What am I implying?”
“Stop it," he hissed.
“She was the one woman who kept your interest for more than a month. You were photographed together frequently. You followed her around like a trained puppy–”
“You should stop, before you say something you are going to have to apologize for," he warned tersely.
She was about to lash out when she felt the cramping of her stomach.
“What?” His hands gripped her waist. “What’s wrong?”
“I–”She closed her eyes briefly as the queasiness washed over her. “We should go.”
“What is it?” His tone escalated in alarm.
“I feel sick.”
Without another word, he swept her into his arms and rushed out the room.
“What can I do?” He had broken every traffic law to get her home.
“Call Lucien," she whispered tensely. He had carried her upstairs and put her in bed. He had also undressed her and put on a comfortable robe. Guilt was eating at him as he wondered if seeing him with his ex, someone who had meant a great deal to him, had brought on this stress.
“Why? What’s wrong?”
“I am cramping.” Her teeth sank into her bottom lip.
“Oh Christ!” Without another word, he dragged out his phone and placed the call.
“He is in his way. He was having dinner a few blocks away–”His voice petered off as he sat on the edge of the bed. Placing a hand on her stomach, he massaged the flesh through the thin robe.
“I am sorry," he whispered hoarsely.
“It’s not your fault.”
“It’s–” he sprang up when he heard the doorbell on his app.
“He’s here.” Using his phone, he unlocked the door and instructed the doctor to come right up.
Beau met him at the door.
“She is having cramps.” His face was white with strain.
“Let’s see what’s happening, shall we?” Striding into the room, with Beau trailing behind him, he sat on the edge of the bed and smiled at Georgie reassuringly. “What seems to be the problem?”
“I am sick to my stomach, and I am having cramps.”
“Any blood?”
She shook her head.
“What’s wrong?” Beau asked tersely.
“Something very normal at this time of the process.” The doctor assured them as he checked her vitals. “Your babies are growing, and the cramping is a normal part of what’s happening inside your body.”
“There is nothing to worry about?”
“Your blood pressure is a little bit elevated, but it might be a result of your worry.” He gave her a quick smile. “Some hot tea and a warm towel on your tummy will do the trick.”
“We got you out of dinner for something so trivial?” Georgie’s expression was sheepish.
“And I am afraid we will probably make the papers because of our unorthodox departure.” She glanced at her husband. “Beau swept me in his arms and practically pushed people out of the way.”
Lucien laughed softly. “I would have loved to see that.”
“You probably will.” Beau told him dryly. “I am sure, reporters were salivating over the spectacle. Thanks for coming, Lucien.”
“Of course. And don’t worry about pulling me away from that dinner. It was mind-blowingly dull. My mother-in-law is in town.” He winked at Georgie as he put away his instruments.
“Now, young lady, get something warm inside your stomach and try and get some sleep.”
“Thanks Lucien.”
“I will see you out.” Beau told him, before glancing at his wife. “I will bring the tea when I am coming back.”
He waited until they were on the landing before he spoke. “Is everything okay with her, really?”
“I wouldn’t lie to you or to her Beau and I would like to think you knew that.” Lucien said quietly. “Like I said before, the cramping is a normal part of the pregnancy. As long as it is not accompanied by bleeding, you may set your heart at rest.”
“Is there something we should be doing?” He persisted. “We went to this function–” “Nothing is wrong with that. She can do her normal activities and like I said before, even exercising is allowed. It is even encouraged.” They had reached the front doors by now.
“I am on call twenty-four/seven and even if it’s something you feel is insignificant, don’t hesitate to call.”
“I really appreciate it, Lucien.” Beau shook his hand.
“Any time.”
Beau secured the doors, before going into the kitchen to put the kettle on. Letting out a breath, he pressed his palms on the counter. He would never forgive himself if it turned out to be something detrimental. It would have been his fault.
Seeing Miriam after such a long time, had thrown him for a curve. He had told Georgie about her of course but had glossed over the details and how much they had meant to each other.
When she left, he had been sick with anger. She had wanted him to follow her to London, but he had issued an ultimatum. It was either him or her blasted career and she had chosen her career.
He still had unresolved feelings for her. No, he was not in love with her of course, but there was something there. He loved his wife to distraction, and he would never cheat on her, but seeing Miriam had stirred something inside him.
The shrill sound of the kettle jarred him out of his reverie and had him jumping reflexively. Turning away from the counter, he set about making the tea and adding some crackers.
She was drifting off to sleep when he entered the room.
“How do you feel?” he asked anxiously, placing the tray table over her lap.
“Better.” Her eyes searched his face. “You?”
“Les anxious’” He placed the cup and saucer in her hands. “Drink while it’s hot.
“Crackers?”
“You did not eat anything at the function. By the way, several people called to find out if you were okay. Dad included.”
She grimaced as she took a sip. “What did you tell them?”
“Since dad already knows what’s happening, I assured him there was nothing to worry about. Kelly and Leesa also knew the details, I just told them that it was nothing to worry about. The others, I simply told them you were feeling a little faint.
They can deduce from that what they want.” His eyes searched her features thoroughly. “Look, about Miriam–”
“I don’t want to talk about your ex.”
“I was just shocked to see her, nothing else.”
She blew on her tea and concentrated on taking slow, careful sips. “That wasn't a surprise I saw on your face Beau. You have forgotten that I know you.”
“What are you saying?”
She shrugged. “She is back, and she was the one who got away.”
A frown touched his brow. “I don’t know what that means.”
She cast him a pained look. “You were very involved with her.”
“And she chose her career over me.”
“She probably thought you weren’t serious about a relationship.”
“She knew I was.”
“Are you still in love with her?”
He started at the question. “I cannot believe you are really asking me that.”
“You are avoiding the question," she stated.
“I am in love with you," he hissed. “How can I make that any clearer?”
“Are you going to see her?”
His frown deepened. “I suppose I will be seeing her around.”
“That’s not what I meant, and you knew it.”
“No.”
“You are not going to go running when she calls?” Georgie knew she should stop before it was too late, but she could not help herself.
His eyes snapped dangerously. “I said no. Finish the tea. I am going to change out of these clothes.”
She watched as he walked toward the closet.
The tea was already doing its work, by warming her insides. She was fearful of the other woman. Miriam Hodges was the epitome of beauty and charisma. When she became involved with Beau, she had dismissed the others, because they had not lasted very long and he had never proposed to any of them.
But Miriam was different. He had been about to propose to her when she left. That bothered Georgie. For her husband to reach that stage, it meant he had felt something strong for the woman and now she was back. And Georgie was pregnant with triplets. Very soon, she was going to start putting on the weight required to carry three babies.
Miriam Hodges was slender, with lush curves. Her snowy white bosom had been spectacularly displayed in the green gown. Her lovely red hair was a contrast to her alabaster skin. And she and Beau had shared something meaningful. For the first time since being with Beau, she was worried and insecure.
“Finished?”
He had pulled on a pair of sweats and a gray T-shirt that hugged his muscular torso intimately.
“Yes.” She looked down in surprise to see that she had finished the tea and ate all the crackers. “I must have been hungry.”
“Would you like anything else?”
“No.” She shook her head.
He took away the tray and put it away. “I should get a warm towel–”
“No. The tea did the trick.”
“You should go to sleep.”
“Aren’t you going to join me?”
“I am not tired. I have a contract I need to go over. I just wanted to make certain you are out of the woods.” He stood at the side of the bed staring at her and she felt a twinge of anxiety.
“Stay with me," she whispered. “Please.”
“Georgie–”
“I need you. Right now, I feel as if she is coming between us.”
His expression turned ominous. “I would like you to cut that nonsense out.”
“It’s not that easy.” Pushing herself up against the pillows, she stretched out a hand.
“Call it pregnancy hormones, or just plain stupidity, but I need my husband right now and if you love me–”
“For God’s sake!” He bit off an oath as he came forward and sat on the edge of the bed. He did not touch her, which heightened her anxiety even further. “You question my love for you? Haven’t I proven myself over and over again? Miriam means nothing to me.
You are the woman I am irrevocably tied to, the woman I love more than my own life. I really do not appreciate you laboring on this particular subject.”
“Then hold me!” she cried. “Let me feel your body against mine.”
“I cannot touch you without wanting you," he whispered hoarsely. “All throughout the journey back here, my heart was in my throat.
I have already told you that I cannot lose you, loving you would be like dying. Knowing that this was a false alarm does not stop me from worrying that the next time, it might not be. I need a little space, give me that.”
“Beau–”
“Please!”
She held up her hands. “Okay.” Swallowing the lump in her throat, she nodded. “I understand.”
“Thanks.” Hesitating briefly, he leaned over and kissed her chastely on the forehead before rising.
“Go to sleep.”
She felt bereft when he left and wanted to cry out to him to come back. But he was right.
She had seen the anxiety on his face, and it reminded her that he had specifically told her that he would not tolerate losing her.
Settling back, she closed her eyes and tried to quiet her rampaging emotions.
*****
Miriam eyed the man lolling on her bed, his naked body very impressive. She had picked him up at the function and the sex was good, if not spectacular.
She had seen Beau rushing from the ballroom with his wife cradled in his arms and had turned blind with jealousy and anger. When Brad had expressed his interest, she had invited him back to her place.
He was a plastic surgeon and famous in his own rights. And he looked very good. But he was not Beau and never would be.
“Any chance of a second time around?” His hand went to his sex and started stroking.
“I am afraid not.” She forced a smile. “I am tired, and I have to get up early in the morning to go to a meeting with my agent. I have been away for a year and there are things I need to take care of.”
“I could spend the night," he suggested hopefully.
“I am afraid not. Now if you don’t mind?”
The disappointment on his face was plain. “Is there any chance of us seeing each other again?”
“That’s a distinct possibility.” She could not wait to get him out of her apartment. Wrapping her robe around her, she waited until he got dressed and walked him to the door. She even tolerated his kiss, when he pulled her into his arms.
Locking the door behind him, she stood there for a minute before going into the living room to pour herself a drink. She had given up her apartment when she was leaving the country, so this one was new.
It was on the hip strip and close to all the museums and theaters as well as the best restaurants. She hated solitude, something she had in common with Beau in the past. Now he was living in suburbia.
He had shown her the place while they were dating and told her that it was a gift from his mother.
“I don’t spend a lot of time here," he had told her.
“For obvious reasons," she responded with a laugh. They had never entered the building but had stopped at the gate. “You would hate it here.”
Now he was married and living at the very place he had derided. He had even gone corporate. He must really love her, Miriam thought as she splashed the bourbon into the glass. More than he loved her.
He had refused to come with her to the UK and even when she left, she had called and begged him to reconsider. He had not done that. She had heard about his wedding while she was away, and it had broken her heart.
When she reached out to him, he had told her curtly that he had another life, and he was happy.
Seeing him tonight had made her realize how much of a mistake she had made. Yes, the part had been appealing and netted her a lot of money and recognition. It was a part she had been looking for her entire career and it would serve to cement her place as an actress. But she had lost the man she loved. She still loved him.
That had hit her squarely in the chest as soon as she saw him tonight. Another blow had been when she saw him with his wife. They looked great together and it was clear that he adored her. He had never looked at her like that.
Perhaps if he had, she would not have been so eager to leave. Swirling the liquor around, she stared at it bleakly. She had also seen him rushed from the room with her in his arms and wondered what that was all about.
She had heard the whispers as the crowd speculated on what was happening. “She might be ill,” one woman had whispered.
“Or pregnant.” Another added with a laugh. “But then again, Beau finds every opportunity to hold his wife. Or they might just have been rushing home to satisfy their cravings.” The laughter had stopped when they spotted Miriam. Everyone in the room knew she had been involved with Beau.
She had pretended that she was not affected by sipping her champagne nonchalantly. That was when she had accepted Brad’s invitation.
Finishing the drink, she poured some more and took it with her upstairs to her bedroom. She had told him she would be seeing him, and she would. She had to find out if everything between them was lost.
She contemplated calling him right now, but knew instinctively that he would not appreciate her timing.
Sitting on the love seat at the foot of the bed, she cradled the tumbler between her hands. “Soon, Beau. Soon.”