Chapter 12
Mrs. Greene seemed to have put everything into the cooking of the stew and had combined the delicious broth with a flaky homemade bread.
Beau had saved her the trip by going to get the meal and set it up by sliding a table in front of the chaise in front of the fire.
Georgie had insisted on taking a shower before eating the meal and they had taken one together. It had been extremely difficult for him to keep things from getting out of hand, but he had firmly taken control and stopped the touching and heavy petting that had been leading them into deep waters.
“What?” he asked as he fed her a slice of the warm bread.
“This reminds me of the first time you came to my place," she mused as she swallowed the bread. “We made love, and I ordered Chinese. It was cold and had rained earlier.”
“You were upset with me and refused to open the door at first.” He dabbed at her lips with a napkin.
“I was anguished over the decision or whether I should see you.”
“You promised to call and when you didn’t, I took matters into my own hands and came over.” Picking up the spoon, he fed her some more stew.
“You did not open the door at first," he recalled. “And I threatened to stay out there all night if necessary.”
She shook her head as she chewed on potatoes. “I was so ambivalent about my feelings for you. I knew that the attraction was fierce, but I told myself that it was just a normal reaction to a man who looked like you.
I had a full-blown conversation with myself. It was a dreadful idea to get involved. You probably wanted another notch on your overcrowded belt.”
His thick blonde brows lifted as he handed her a glass of water. “I remembered you saying that much to me.”
“And you told me it was just hall full.”
“Not quite the thing to say at that moment. You told me to go to hell.”
“But I would not budge, and it started raining again.”
“I felt sorry for you and opened the door.’ Her smile was impish, her eyes glowing with laughter. His eyes wandered over her face, and he was happy to see that she was slowly returning to the woman he had fallen in love with.
“I prefer to think it was the desire to be with me, overriding everything else.”
“Whatever makes you sleep at night," she said wryly. She laced her fingers through his. “I was scared. I had always been so damned sensible. My career was all important to me and I did not want my mind to be clouded with confusing thoughts.
I was always on top of my game, always in control. I was dubbed the baby of the family and was surrounded by over-protective siblings. I wanted to prove to myself and others that I could stand on my own two feet and make something of myself.”
“Christ! You gave me a hell of a run for my money.” He shook his head in memory.
“After that first night, I thought I was home free.”
“You refused to leave, even when I begged you to.”
“Because I instinctively knew the minute I went out that door, the doubts and questions would start to set in. After the sexual marathon, you would think I had made significant headway.”
His eyes hardened slightly as he stared at her. “You put me through hell when you told me that you never wanted to see me again. That it was fun while it lasted.”
“I was afraid.”
“You were so convincing that I believed you.” His fingers gripped hers. “I spent an entire week getting drunk. I could not get the taste of you out of my mouth. My cock was on constant alert. I remembered every single detail of your body. The mole on your inner left thigh.”
His breathing was becoming shallow. The one on your right breast, just above the nipple. The texture of the hairs on your sex, the way my tongue felt when it was inside you.
The catchy sounds you made when you climaxed- Jesus! Jesus!” Letting go of her hand, he stumbled to his feet and turned away. Dragging his fingers through his hair, he took several breaths, before turning to face her. “The walk down memory lane wasn’t such a good idea.’ He glanced at their plates. “I will take these down–”
“Beau.”
“Yes?”
“We can do other things.” She was weak with the need to feel him against her. “It doesn’t have to be–”
“No.” he managed a smile. “It has to be. If I get started there will be no stopping me.”
“Will you be sleeping someplace else?”
“I should.”
“But?”
“But I don’t want to leave you alone. Tea?”
“What?”
“Would you like some tea before turning in?”
“Yes, thanks.”
“Coming right up. I need a strong drink myself.” Moving toward her, he kissed the top of her head. “I’ll be back.”
Leaning back against the cushions, she closed her eyes and willed the desire away. He was right of course.
They had never been able to go halfway. From the very beginning, the passion had sizzled and crackled between them, so much so that it had frightened the crap out of her. Taking a deep breath, she reached for her glass of water and gulped it down.
*****
By the end of February, she started to improve drastically and had put on ten pounds. The debilitating nausea that had sent her to the clinic for an extended period had vanished as if by magic and she was given the green light by her doctors.
“You’ll probably experience swelling of the ankles or water retention as the pregnancy progresses, but we can say that you and the fetuses are doing well so far.”
The first night she had been cleared to have sex, she had gone all out. After she received the news, she called Monique and told her she wanted something irresistible.
“Girl, just picture the fact that my husband and I have not been intimate in a month. So, you know what that means.”
Monique had laughed and came through for her. It was also fortunate that it was a Friday night, and they had nothing special planned. Even if they had, it would have been canceled.
She knew what kind of restraint her husband employed because she felt the evidence of his arousal every single night. Despite his discomfort, he still held her each night, his arms wrapped around her protectively. She owed him big time and did her best to pay up.
At first, he had been hesitant, fearful of hurting her, until she took matters into her own hands. After that, it had been as if a forest fire had been lit. There was no controlling the passion.
“I am so happy to see you up and about,” Monique said happily, giving her a hug. “When I heard you were carrying triplets, I could not believe it.”
Georgie patted her distended stomach wryly. She was a far cry from the skeletal frame that had left the hospital a month ago. The snug fitting sweater she was wearing highlighted her pregnancy and suited her. Her hair, which had grown since then, was flowing past her shoulders and she was glowing.
“I love complications, it seems. Very soon, at the rate the babies are growing, I am not going to be able to get out of bed, not by the normal means anyway. So, I am doing all my rounds before that happens. I have some ideas for the nurseries – Oh God! I said it. Nurseries, plural.” She rolled her eyes. “Kelly said I am very brave or very foolish.”
“Very brave.” Monique laughed. “And as a contribution, Romano’s maternity department wants to do the honors of decorating the nursery for you. It’s not just a selfless act, we would like to feature you and the babies in our bi-monthly magazine.”
“Oh honey, that’s wonderful. I would have to clear it with Beau first of course, but I love it. When you say decorate–”
“I mean go all the way.” They were seated in Monique’s elegantly appointed office where her assistant had brought in tea and biscuits. “The entire thing. Neutral colors since you don’t know the sex yet.”
“I told Beau we are having two boys and a girl.”
Monique’s eyes twinkled. “You are that certain.”
“It’s what I have been praying for.” She touched her stomach lightly.
“I will send you wallpaper samples for you to choose. A team will be stopping by to do some measuring and taking pictures. I will let you know when that is.” She made some notations on her iPad. “Now honey, are you certain you are up for the planning of the March madness social?”
“I have been laid up for more than a month. I am raring to go.”
“Then let’s get started.”
*****
“Why, if it isn’t Georgiana!”
She had just stepped out of the elevator on the ground floor of the huge Romano’s store when she heard her name and recognized the voice.
Turning to face the woman, she felt a twist inside her heart at the first glimpse of her husband’s ex. Miriam redefined the words elegant and sophisticated. Her bright red hair was tumbling around her ivory face in artful disarray and was a stunning contrast to the emerald, green sweater she was wearing.
The black dress pants molded her slender curves and her makeup was flawless. Black cashmere sweater was opened all the way down, melding with her shiny leather black boots. A green and black knitted scarf was carelessly thrown around her neck.
“Miriam.” She nodded briefly and would have made her way toward the double doors, but Miriam moved toward her.
“I understand congratulations are in order.” Her green eyes wandered over Georgie’s protruding belly. “Triplets, I understand.” She blew out a husky laugh that attracted the attention of two well-dressed men making their way toward the elevators.
Romano’s was always busy at this time of day, with people rushing in to take advantage of the afternoon hour. Some were loading up on the after-holiday sales, while others were heading toward the elegant eateries on the main floor.
“Yes” She did not ask the woman how she had heard. News had somehow gotten out that they were expecting triplets. Beau had set the PR team to do damage control so that Georgie would not be bombarded by the press.
“I knew poor Beau was beside himself when you were at the clinic for an extended period.” The woman was determined to follow her toward the exit. “He must be thrilled to know that he is going to be a father.” A secret smile touched her red painted lips.
“When we were together, he stated categorically that he did not want children too soon. He wanted us to spend time with each other before that happens.” She flicked a glance at Georgie’s stomach. “I am surprised that he jumped right in after just one year of marriage. People do change, don’t they?” She added sweetly.
“They do.” Georgie was damned if she was going to allow this bitch to know how much her words were driving nails into her heart. “My husband is indeed thrilled that he is going to be a dad.”
“Are you sure about that darling?” The gloves were off, and Miriam faced her squarely. Crowds of shoppers were eddying around them, but they did not notice. “Or is that something you tell yourself? As I understand it, you were the one who wanted this pregnancy and Beau just went along with it.”
Georgie saw red, and it took a supreme amount of will for her to control her rage.
“I am going to say this only once and I hope for your sake and mine that I never have to repeat myself. Beau loves me to death.
He adores even the ground I walk on. He sees only me. You had your damn chance, and you chose your career over a wonderful man. He is with me now and that is going to stay that way.” She patted her belly. “These babies mean that we will be a family.
So, whatever games you are playing and the phone calls to try and get him to walk with you down memory lane, it’s over. He is with me.” Lifting her left hand, she wriggled her finger so that the pale winter sunshine caught the diamonds and glinted, shooting prisms of lights everywhere.
“I am Mrs. Beau Anderson and that will never change. Deal with it, bitch.” Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heels and stepped across the road where Ivan was waiting to drive her home.
*****
“What are you doing?”
“I am making chicken gumbo.”
“Why?”
“Because we have to eat.” She was almost finished and had hoped to have dinner ready before he arrived.
“No, I mean why are you cooking and not Mrs. Greene?” He came up behind her and wrapped his hands around her swollen waist, his fingers immediately massaging her belly.
“I sent her home early. She was not feeling so hot, and I had a craving for this particular meal.” Turning her head, she accepted his kiss and settled back against him. The encounter with Miriam had unsettled her and it had taken the journey home for her to calm down.
“We could have ordered takeout; I don’t want you cooking.”
“When was the last time I cooked us a meal.” Lifting the spoon, she turned and held it to his mouth. “Tell me what you think. Does it need more pepper?”
He sipped from the spoon and took the time to savor.
“It’s perfect. Not too spicy. What can I do?”
“Set the table. We are eating in the kitchen.”
“Do I have time to shower and change?”
“Of course.”
He kissed her again before letting her go. “I’ll be right back.”
Turning the fire down for the sauce to simmer, she set about slicing the bread Mrs. Greene had made earlier. She would mention the encounter with Miriam in passing because she was going to have to tell him about Monique’s proposal anyway. She was not going to start an argument and have him thinking that she did not trust him.
She refused to have that bitch come between them, because that was her intention. But it haunted her to realize that Beau had discussed marriage and children with the woman.
She had arrived home and marched upstairs to take a long hot bath to soothe her tattered nerves. Coming back downstairs, she had urged the housekeeper to take the rest of the day off and had decided to cook them dinner.
He came back down looking rumpled and sexy, his hair still damp from his shower. The black sweater he had on was molded to his wide chest and clung to his shoulders. His long legs were encased in a pair of faded Levi’s. He looked so good that she had to force herself not to jump him.
“You could have waited for me to set the table. I don’t expect you to do everything by yourself.”
“I finished cooking and was at loose ends. Sit.”
He pulled out her chair before taking his place.
“How was work?”
He looked up from scooping the gumbo onto his plate. “You want to talk about my day?”
“Of course.”
“We finally got the ad campaign going for the acid reflux medication.”
“I saw it.” She handed him the basket with the bread. “It has your hands all over it. Introducing that patient from the free clinic was a genius idea.”
“Team effort.” He shrugged the compliment away, but she knew better.
“How about your day?”
She toyed with her glass of water, before lifting her eyes to his. “I was with Monique.” He smiled and reached for his glass of water. “Baby shopping?”
“Something like that. She wants to send a team over to do the nurseries.”
His thick brows lifted. “What’s the catch?”
She laughed at his intuitiveness. “Monique would like to feature the triplets in the maternity magazine.”
“And you think that’s a good idea?”
She shrugged. “I told her I would discuss it with you.”
“We’ll see.”
They lapsed into silence, and she was still debating whether to mention the meeting with his ex.
“I need to ask you something.”
“Go ahead.”
“Are you happy about the pregnancy?”
He gave her a surprised look as he buttered his bread. “Why are you asking me that?”
“I just need a straight answer.”
“I am getting there.”Her heart sank. “Just getting there?”
“You are still at-risk Georgie, and I cannot be comfortable until this is over.”
“Then there will be the risk of the babies getting sick. Life is a series of complications and risks. We just have to hope for the best.”
“Then we hope for the best.”
Taking a deep breath, she plunged on.
“I saw your ex today.”
He paused in the process of taking a drink of water and put his glass down slowly.
“Where?”
“Just as I was leaving the store.”
“And?”
“She had a few things to say.”
“Such as?”
“Like the fact that when you were with her, you told her you wanted to wait before having children. She said you wanted to spend time getting to know her.”
“I might have said something like that, I am not sure.”
“She implied– no–”She shook her head. “She came right out and said that the pregnancy must have been my idea, and you just went along with it.”
“She had a lot to say.” His expression was grim as he stared at her. “What do you think? Am I going to be subjected to another irrational jealousy? Will I have to try and convince you that she does not matter anymore?”
“No.” She shook her head and wished she had just left well enough alone.
“It’s just that the part about not wanting children right now. It is familiar. You said that to me before.”
His eyes glittered dangerously. “Let me guess: You think I am discussing our personal business with her. Is that what this is about? You think I am cozying up to Miriam and talking about you.”
He pushed back his chair and rose.
“Beau, please!’
“I warned you about coming to me with this nonsense again and you persist. I have lost my appetite.”
She watched helplessly as he strode from the room. Pushing away her plate, she propped her elbow on the table, a miserable expression on her face. What demon was driving her to latch onto this thing with that damn woman? Why had she allowed the bitch to get to her?
She had seen the defeated look on her husband’s face and knew he was sick to death of the topic. Did she really believe he was involved with the woman?
Of course not! He would never cheat on her, especially not with someone from his past. Their lovemaking was as heated, even more so because since her pregnancy, different parts of her anatomy were susceptible to his mouth and hands.
Pushing back her chair, she rose and stood there wondering about the dirty dishes. Deciding to leave everything where it was, she made her way upstairs.
He was not in his study as she thought he would be, neither was he in their bedroom. He was not upstairs at all and for a minute, she panicked, wondering if he had somehow slipped out without her noticing.
She found him downstairs in the gym doing crunches.
“I don’t want to talk," he warned as he replaced the weight into the slot.
“You don’t have to.”
“And I especially do not want to hear anything concerning her.” Rising from the bench, he went to pluck a bottle of water from the fridge. He was still pissed, that much she could deduce from the jerky way he twisted off the cap.
“I am a jealous, insecure idiot.”
“You are not going to get an argument from me there.”
“Okay, fine.” She tamped down her own rising temper and acknowledged that he had the right to get a few punches in. Walking into the room, she sat on a padded bench and lifted two ten-pound weights. Doing a few curls, she put the weights aside and faced him squarely. “Do you have any idea how you look?”
“I shave every morning," he reminded her.
“I am serious, Beau. You are the epitome of gorgeous. Women want to be with you. The ones who have, would love to be with you again. I have been with you and the idea of that being taken away from me—it makes me panic. I am trying to explain why I keep coming back to the same thing repeatedly.”