Chapter 3
“Hey, you okay?”
Shaking her head ruefully, Janelle took several deep breaths. “I think that I moved off too fast. I am fine.”
David stared at her for a few seconds as if trying to decipher that for himself. “Sure?”
“Yes.” She offered a brilliant smile that did not quite reach her eyes. “And I am supposed to be showing you this apartment and lauding all its great qualities, which I’m about to do.”
“I can already see the great qualities,” he smiled at her. “Terrific view of the city. Large spaces, solid wood structure and the floors are to die for. No carpets, I hate covering up anything this lovely.”
“I agree with you and you’re doing my job for me,” she chided. “Want to see the rest of the place?”
“No.” He shook his head, light blue eyes watching her. “I want you to have lunch with me.”
She jolted at that and stared at him. David Lawson had been coming around the real estate agency for the past two weeks and had dropped a lot of businesses in their laps.
The distinguished looking man with the ash blonde hair and placid manner was the CEO of a group of insurance companies and had just moved from the house he had occupied for the past ten years and told her that he needed something else. Something in the city.
“I just got divorced and I need a fresh start.”
“I am sorry. I should not have sprung that on you so quickly. Do you need more time?”
“Uhm, no. I mean, I never get involved with my clients.”
“Never?”
“No.” She shook her head.
And besides, I’m pregnant with twins. She had found that staggering information just yesterday and was still trying to process. She had no history of twin births in her family, so that left Harry and she still had not worked up the courage to tell him yet.
When she thought she was expecting one baby, it was bad enough, but two? There was no way she could tell him now and yet, she had to. But she needed time.
“It’s just a lunch, Janelle,” he said quietly, watching the play of emotions on her face and misinterpreting them. “No commitment…”
“I cannot offer you one.” A smile touched her lips.
“You were involved with Harry McGibbon,” he smiled when her eyes widened, “I read the gossip columns every now and then. I understand you are still trying to get over…”
“I doubt I ever will be.” She turned away to walk towards the window. The view was indeed spectacular. The afternoon sun was brilliant, casting lights over the buildings spearing upwards and the spread of the city was a delight to the eyes. She knew that come night; it would be even more of one. “I’m still in love with him.”
“I can relate.” He had come up behind her. “I’m still in love with my wife.”
She turned to face him, a quizzical expression on her face.
“She cheated on me, not once, but several times.”
“I’m so sorry.”
He shrugged, the pain evident on his face. “The first time and the time after that, I forgave her and decided that I had a part to play in that.”
“How do you figure?”
He smiled at her question. “I work a lot and do a lot of traveling.”
“I don’t condone cheating, not for any reason.”
“Neither do I. But when you love someone, you make concessions. And I loved her. Still do. But I could not live with the lies and duplicity anymore. I decided that in order to maintain my sanity, we had to go our separate ways. You are a beautiful woman my dear and this is not something I’m just saying. What I need right now is a friend.”
“Just a friend?”
“Just a friend,” he confirmed, “and if in the future you decide to be something else, I am here.”
She considered it. She could not tell him of her condition yet, of course, not until she found the courage to tell Harry, but if it’s just friendship he requires, she had nothing against it.
Holding out a hand, she smiled. “To friendship then.”
*****
“We can’t keep doing this. I have a ton of paperwork. The auction…”
“Hold our calls,” Michael dismissed her assistant and waited until she closed the door.
“Micheal, I really do not have time…”
“I just cleared some for you!” He sat on the edge of her desk and stared at her.
“What?”
“You know what. Why are you complicating your life any further than it already is?”
She shuffled papers and looked anywhere except at him. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You know exactly what I’m referring to.” His impatient tone had her jerking her chin up.
“If you’re referring to David, it’s just lunch and we’re just friends.”
“I’m your friend,” he jabbed a finger in his chest. “A friend without benefits. I am not going to buy you lunch or dinner and expect to see you naked.”
“You’ve seen me naked.” She tried to tease, but it fell flat when he simply stared at her.
“There is nothing going on. I told him that firmly.”
“Did you also tell him that you are carrying twins for one of the most powerful men in the world? A man who’s heir to a vast fortune? No? I didn’t think so. Because if you had, I guarantee he would run the other way.”
“There’s no law that says I cannot have friends,” she sniffed.
“None whatsoever.” They both ignored the ringing of the phone. “But there’s a law that says you have to tell a guy that he’s going to be a daddy. And if there isn’t one, there sure as hell should be.” His expression softened at the acute misery one her face. “When are you going to tell him?”
“When the babies are old enough to start kindergarten. I’ll just pop on over to whichever place he’s living and ask him if he wouldn’t mind babysitting.” Leaning back, she closed her eyes wearily. She had wondered why she felt so damned tired.
And the nausea was over the top. Not only that, but the craving was also intense and weird, and her legs were cramping. Not to mention the mood swings and the sensitive nipples.
She had to force herself to get out of bed in the mornings, but she had to work. She needed the income, and it prevented her from thinking about her problem.
“How far along are you now?”
“Almost four months.”
His eyes flickered over the bulky sweater she wore this morning. No one except Michael knew about the pregnancy, but she had a feeling she would not be able to hide it for much longer.
She was just starting to show, both in her breasts and her tummy, hence the effort to hide the change in her body. Not that she was ashamed of the way she looked, but she could not risk Harry finding out before she had a chance to tell him. That would make things much worse.
“You have to tell him soon,” Michael remarked as if reading her thoughts.
“Yes, I know. But if you come up with a way for me to do so, feel free to share.” She sighed. “I need more time.”
“And time is running out. Getting involved with another man…”
“We’re not involved.”
“Getting involved with another man is not advisable.” He continued as if she had not spoken. “It’s just downright insane.” He left her with that dire warning and for a few minutes, she just sat there. He hadn’t called her.
She had glimpsed him at a restaurant a few days ago and he had been with that actress. They hadn’t seen her because she had left immediately, deciding to grab a sandwich from a diner near to her office and eat at her desk.
Basically, all she had been doing was work and go home. Fall had settled in with lots of rain, causing the temperature to drop drastically, which meant she could no longer find solace in her gardening.
She had brought several pots of herbs and was babying the plants where she placed them on the ledge of her kitchen window. And she had taken up painting again.
After she lost her parents, she gave up the hobby. But now she was painting. And planning to decorate one of the rooms into a nursery.
But carrying twins was not a walk in the park. Her nights were spent going to the bathroom every ten minutes and her mornings, bringing up whatever she managed to eat. The nausea was not as bad as before, but it was still there. And she was yearning to feel a man’s hands on her body. His hands. No one else.
The sexual urges were so strong that she had woken up several nights, bathed in sweat with her lower body aching. Her nipples were another source of problem. The least bit of friction sets them off and she stopped wearing a bra. But even the soft cotton tank tops were abrasive. She had no idea what to do.
Firming her lips, she rolled her chair forward, determined to get to work.
*****
“I’m sorry to ask this on such short notice,” David murmured, “and please free to say no if you’re not comfortable with the idea.”
“What is it?”
They had been seeing each other on a friendly basis for the past two weeks and Janelle decided that she was going to call Harry and ask for a meeting. And then she was going to have to tell David about the pregnancy. She was at the point where she was starting to show now and very soon, she would not be able to hide it.
She had no idea how she kept it a secret for so long without anyone realizing that she looked different. She could see the evidence each time she looked in the mirror. Her face was a little fuller, her nose had widened slightly, her breasts were certainly larger and her nipples more pronounced.
Not to mention her tummy had grown alarmingly in the last week or so. Fortunately for her, the weather permitted her to wear bulky clothing, and she was taking advantage of it. Leggings and thick sweaters were the order of the day.
“I need a date to go to the Theater.” He flashed her smile. “I bought these tickets a few months ago and they are really expensive. They’re playing Hamlet.”
“A favorite of mine.”
A look of relief came over his face. “You will accompany me then?”
“Of course. I just have to find something to wear.”
“You always look lovely.”
“Thank you for saying that. Now shoo, I have work to catch up on.”
“All right, my dear.” He had dropped by the agency to bring her a cup of her favorite matcha tea and a scone. And he is getting to be a very good friend. He made no unwelcome advances, and they had been out to dinner twice already. “Thanks a lot.”
“You’re welcome.”
She sat back when he left and stared at her computer screen and found herself wondering what it would have been like if she had met him first. Granted, all she felt for him was fondness, nothing as complicated as she felt for Harry.
That was on another plain entirely. Harry evoked feelings inside her that frightened her with their intensity. Breaking off a sigh, she got back to work.
*****
Standing in front of the mirror, she stared at herself critically. The dress was basic black and made of the finest wool. She had spent half the morning trying to find the proper outfit, one that would not reveal her condition and had almost given up in frustration when she walked to the back of her closet.
It was like a sheath, or more like a cape, which draped her from neck to below her knees, with delicate swirls that hid her pregnancy well. Her hair had gotten even thicker and had grown longer.
She had straightened it for the occasion and her thick dark brown strands, flowed in gentle waves past her shoulders. She secured the left side with a jeweled comb.
Big gold hoops adorned her lobes, and she was wearing chunky gold bracelets. Knee high suede boots completed the ensemble.
Stopping in front of the line of jackets, she touched the soft black cashmere that had been a gift from Harry. Wearing it was going to evoke some painful memories, but she felt the need to feel it on her.
Placing a hand on her stomach, she smiled as she felt the faint stirrings. “Okay my darlings. Settle down for mama. I don’t need you jumping around in there and disagreeing with the meal I will be having.
I would like you to behave and allow your mama to have a very good time. With a friend.” She stressed. “He is just a friend. I am not replacing your daddy.”
As if that could ever happen, she thought dismally.
*****
The glitter from the stunning display of jewelries on the female attendees rivaled the brilliant lights outside and inside the lavishly decorated Opera House. Janelle could not help but feel a little conspicuous at her lack of expensive jewelry and her plain black dress.
But was somewhat comforted when David greeted her with an enthusiastic admiring look and pronounced that she looked exquisite. She felt pregnant and dumpy but could not very well say that to him.
She was in the middle of enjoying the play when something urged her to look over the opposite side of the balcony. When she did, she could swear her heart stopped beating. Wild blue eyes connected with hers, holding her gaze for what seemed like eternity, before he swept it over David, a grim expression on his face.
Harry was here! And he was with that actress. She had seen their photos in the papers and had read somewhere that he was in charge of some housing development his company was doing in the middle of the downtown business district area.
Tearing her eyes away from his, she forced herself to concentrate on the play and respond to David’s whispered comments. He had gotten them VIP seats and the view was excellent. But the pleasure she had first derived from being here had diminished. Acute awareness of the man seated across the aisle had done it for her.
And she could not wait to get out of here.
But fate was not on her side. As if by design, the two couples descended the stairs almost the same time and she was forced to speak to him.
“Harry…!”
“Janelle…!” He stood there looking so achingly handsome in tan slacks, black sweater, and a black jacket, (no tux for him!) – that she felt her entire body quivering with need.
“How have you been?” She knew she sounded trite but could not help it.
“Fine. You?”
“Very well, thank you. Uhm, this is David…”
“I know who he is.” He shoved his hands into the pockets of his jacket deliberately to avoid shaking hands.
“Ms. Blackwood.” Janelle greeted the stunning woman coolly, wanting to tear her hair out by the roots. The actress was wearing a glittering red and silver gown, which molded her perfect figure – well perfectly. And Janelle wanted to kill her.
“Janelle, is it?”
“Yes.” Turning to David, she reached for his hand blindly. “We have reservations…!”
“I need a minute.” Without waiting for her to agree, Harry took her arm and guided her to the corner of the room. Keeping his hand on her arm, he stared at her with those intense blue eyes until she wanted to squirm. “You look different.”
“I don’t know what you mean. I see you are in a committed relationship.”
“I was in a committed relationship, and you blew that to hell. Now I am just trying to find my footing and having fun.” His mouth twisted. “Casual sex is uncomplicated.” He jerked his head at David who was chatting with Minerva. “Isn’t he a little too old for you?”
She was still reeling from his mention of sex and felt as if she was drowning.
“No, he is not. Please let go of me.”
“Is he screwing you?”
Her eyes flashed, and she tried to drag her arm away.
“That’s none of your business.”
“isn’t it?” He asked silkily, fingers digging into her arm. “How is he in bed darling? Do you call out his name when you come? I can still hear that catchy note in your voice when you reach your peak. And you did, numerous times, didn’t you?”
“Please let go of me.” Her eyes were luminous with tears, her voice husky.
And looking into those damn eyes, dissolved his anger and left him feeling like shit. Abruptly letting go of her, he turned and walked away, leaving her trembling.
*****
“Want to talk?” David asked her quietly when they were halfway through their meal. The encounter with Harry had left her so shaken that she had almost begged David to take her home. If it had not been for the fact that he had made reservations at La Salle – a restaurant that was incredibly difficult to get into, she would have done so.
“Not really.” She mustered up a smile and thanked the good Lord that her stomach was cooperating. The filet mignon was delicious and not too heavy, and she had almost cleaned her plate. The strawberry souffle was not too sweet and she had requested hot chocolate instead of coffee.
If he found it strange that she had not touched her wine, he did not remark on it.
“Why aren’t you two together?”
She shrugged and toyed with her dessert.
“It’s complicated.”
“Forgive me for stating the obvious, but you two seemed to have feelings for each other. I could light a match with the combustion that was emanating.” He smiled at her. “If I had designs to become anything other than a friend, I would have to back off. And McGibbon wanted to wipe the floor with me.”
“He has a temper.”
“The Irish are noted for that.” He took a sip of his coffee. “I’m going to put my foot into my mouth again.”
“Really?” She smiled teasingly. “Was that what you were doing?”
He returned her smile, his eyes on her face. “Does he know?”
“Does he know what?”
“That you’re carrying his child?”
Janelle went still as she stared at the man across from her.
“You’re wondering how I know.” He shrugged. “I suspected it from the day you were showing me the apartment. You were dizzy and you turned positively green when I offered you a chocolate donut. Then you were constantly drinking matcha and I also noticed the changes in your body. I cannot believe that he hasn’t.”
“He did,” she whispered defeatedly, “and no, I haven’t told him yet and I would ask you not to say anything to anyone.”
“Of course not. May I ask why you have not told him?”
She shook her head and pushed away the cup. “We broke up because he does not want children.”
David’s eyebrows lifted. “I see. And you are afraid of his reaction.”
“Yes.”
“Well, my dear, from what I saw tonight, the man is obviously smitten. I am sure that telling him is not going to be as difficult as you anticipate.”
“It is going to be worse. I am carrying twins.”
“Ah.” David sent her a sympathetic look. “Then I would suggest you tell him posthaste. If I noticed the changes and I just met you, then other people are going to start noticing and I am sure you would not want him hearing it from someone else.”
“No,” she said dispiritedly, “I have been working up the courage to call and ask him to meet me. And it’s not happening.”
Reaching over, he took her hand. “You are a very brave and courageous woman and a lovely pregnant one, by far the loveliest I have ever seen. And you are going to need the father of those babies.
You are going to need the support and if by chance he’s on board, he’s going to resent you from keeping it from you. The sooner you tell him, the better.”
“You are right of course. But it does not stop me from feeling as if I am going to the electric chair.” She laughed hollowly. “His famous Irish temper is going to come to the fore and I have no idea how he is going to take the news. But I need to tell him soon.”