Chapter 11
Their arguments started the very next morning when she asked him to drive her to her house to pick up her vehicle.
“You won’t be needing it,” he said briskly as he handed her the tea he had already prepared. He was up before her, and she had quickly put aside her disappointment that he had not waited so that they could shower together.
“I am going to be needing it to get to work and to move around.” Accepting the cup of tea, she sat at the counter and watched as he poured coffee into his cup and tried to ignore the yearning for caffeine.
“I will take you and pick you up.”
“That is not going to work. I have an auction…”
“You will be working in the office from now on.” He had that determined look stamped on his handsome face that told her it would be better if she accepted gracefully. But she was not some mindless bimbo who was going to just do everything he told her.
“If you are worried about me being sick, I can assure you that I feel fine. I did not throw up this morning. As a matter of fact, I am thinking of eating this lovely breakfast your mother sent over…”
“Get it to go. I have a meeting in a matter of minutes. And I need to drop you at work.”
Tamping down the impatience, she tried to reason with him.
“I would be putting you out and if I had my vehicle…” Inspiration struck. “Okay, we don’t have to go to my place. You have several cars in that car mart you call a garage. I will use one of them. Preferably one of the more sedate ones. I would not want to be driving one of those stick shift sports car…”
“And you won’t.” Are you finished?” He looked at her cup.
“Yes. Harry…”
“We can finish this discussion in the car. I am running late.”
She caught up with him outside and stood there without entering the passenger side of the jeep as he held the door open.
“I need my own vehicle. I have places to go…”
“No. Get in.”
She obeyed, because it was too fricking cold to be standing outside and arguing with a man who would not see reason. But she was not through. Waiting until he had strapped in and started the motor, she turned towards him, a determined expression on her face.
“We’re in a relationship.”
He glanced at her briefly before backing out. “We are.”
“And in a relationship there are things to be considered.”
“Such as?” He maneuvered through the winding path, until he reached the main gate.
“Such as letting me make my own decision. You cannot simply take over my life.”
“I’m just looking out for you and do not want you getting sick while driving.”
“Pregnant women drive all the time. I am no different.”
“You happen to be my pregnant woman.”
She bristled at that. “I was doing fine before you decided to become a part of the equation.”
He glanced at her – his laser blue eyes taking in the rebellious expression on her beautiful face. He had not greeted her properly, but that had been due to the fact that touching her was not a good idea.
He had spent last night working her body like an animal and was feeling guilty. She should be exhausted, and he was worried that she would get sick again. He could not stand her going through it.
“I’ve always been part of the equation,” he said quietly as he eased into traffic, “I would not be able to settle or concentrate on anything, if I’m wondering and worrying about you.”
“Why would you worry about me?”
“You are pregnant. With twins.”
“Newsflash! I am not the first woman to find herself in this situation.”
“It is a first for me and I intend to keep you safe as best as I can. It’s coming to the holiday season, and people are crazy on the roads.”
Taking a deep breath, she tried to level out her frustration. “I happen to be a careful driver.”
“I’m worried about the others.” As if on cue, someone cut directly in front of him, causing him to stomp on his brake. Cursing viciously, he whipped around to make certain she was okay and really considered going after the son of a bitch. But he managed to resist the urge. He was carrying precious cargoes, and he had to remember that.
“See what I mean?”
“That was …” She threw up her hands in defeat and settled back in the butter soft seat. She knew he usually preferred to ride his motorcycle but was making an exception for her. She was trying to appreciate his concern.
“I can ask Michael to take me to retrieve my car.”
He glanced over as he swung into the parking lot of her building.
“Then we would have a bitch of an argument which would include a third party.”
“Is this how it’s going to be?” She demanded, jerking at her seatbelt. “You say jump and I ask how high? If that is the case…”
“Go on,” he invited softly, “why don’t you finish that sentence?”
Glaring at him, she shoved the door open and got out, slamming it hard. She had almost reached the entrance of the building, when he caught up with her and handed her the lunch bag.
“I am sure you would not want to offend Jack by not eating the food he prepared specifically for you. And you forgot something else.” Hauling her into his arms, he kissed her until she was vibrating with need.
“Call me when you’re ready.” With that, he turned and walked back to the car.
Wheeling around, she marched into the foyer, her body vibrating from more than temper.
*****
He was whistling to the upbeat tune playing inside his vehicle and for once, did not mind the mad early morning traffic that led to the corporate office uptown. And it occurred to him that this was a first for him. Usually, he would be zipping along on his bike, impatient to get to wherever the hell he was heading.
But this morning he was driving a jeep. He laughed softly at the wonder of it. And it all had to the do with the infuriated woman he had left at the entrance of her building. He knew there was going to be hell to pay later, but he was looking forward to it.
Arguing with her got his juices flowing and he intend to follow it up by some very steamy makeup sex.
He loved her. And playing house – Good Christ! He was setting up house with her. Before now, he would have pitched a fit if someone even suggested they wanted to share his space. Now, he looked forward to it.
He had taken a shower and seen her things on the counter. When he opened his closet, her clothes were hanging right next to his. He need to make some changes and would probably have to find a house suitable for raising two children.
And most of all, he wasn’t freaking out about it.
He loved taking care of her. Loved the fact that he woke up with her this morning next to him on the bed.
He had made her tea and would have found pleasure making her breakfast. How strange was that? He should have been running in the opposite direction. Yes, he was still running scared, but at least, he was not hightailing it out of town.
Shaking his head, he touched the turn signal and drove into the large parking lot of the corporate building. He was even looking forward to the tedious board meeting. When the dust had settled and she was not quite so steamed, he would call and check on her. But for now, he would stay clear. She was angry enough to bite his bloody head off.
He chuckled softly as he recalled the look on her beautiful face.
*****
“You look very pleased with yourself.”
He looked up from the list he was perusing and waited until his mother had walked in and closed the door behind her.
“I need your input.”
“Really?” She sounded pleased as she moved towards the desk. The fact that he was still here after the board meeting was an exceptionally good sign. And he had made his own contributions to the meeting which had the men staring at him in surprise.
“About what?”
“I need Janelle to be comfortable. I spent so many years living by myself that I have no idea what a woman really needs.” He stared at the list with a frown. “And I think she will need clothes. You know, maternity ones. I should call Monique…”
She held up a hand, a pleased expression on her face. “Why don’t you leave that to me.”
“She’s going to add that to the list of things she is upset about.”
“Oh?”
Harry smiled wryly. “I basically ordered her not to drive. I took her to work and told her I will pick her up when she is finished for the day.”
“How will she get around?”
“I don’t want her getting around.” He tapped the pen absently on the paper. “She needs to stay put.”
“I can just imagine how well she’s taking that sort of arrogance.”
“She is pissed. And I am going to have to pay for it later on. Thanks for the groceries.” He looked over at her. “We’re going to have to start thinking about the nursery.”
“You’re staying at the pool house, then?”
“If you’re thinking we should be in the main house…?”
“I know that’s the last place you want to be.” She intervened swiftly, not wanting to spoil the mood. “I was just thinking of taking your advice. The place is too big for one person and was hoping we could find a property where I could be near to the babies. I don’t want to intrude…”
“That’s actually an excellent idea.”
“It is?”
He nodded. “I want you close as well. I will have to discuss it with Janelle, but I’m sure she will not have a problem.”
“Good.” She pleated the seams of her cranberry-colored jacket and wondered if she should mention a touchy subject.
“Those babies are going to need a stable home,” she began.
“That’s the idea.” He watched her closely, already one step ahead of her.
“Janelle is a beautiful young lady, and she loves you.”
“I happen to love her, too.”
“The ceremony doesn’t have to be big and lavish…”
“No.” He shook his head, eyes hard and face tensing. “I cannot jump that far ahead. I am barely managing to handle the idea of becoming a father. I am not going to rush into anything, because society decrees that it should be so.
When we are both ready, we will make the decision. Those kids will have both parents and that is something I can promise.”
“Darling…”
“Mother, if you want this pleasant conversation to continue, you will cease from the current one you’re introducing.” His expression was closed off, warning her that he was not prepared to entertain it.
“All right.” She held up her hands in defeat. “I won’t mention it again. It’s just that I want so much for you to be happy.”
His expression softened. “I was driving here after I dropped Janelle off and was not pissed. The traffic was a nightmare, and as well, I was cut off twice and resisted the urge to get of the vehicle and beat the offender to a pulp.
And I was whistling. Which translates to me being happy. She makes me happy. I am not running away scared. I am sticking. But baby steps.
My heart is still shivering but seeing her on the floor makes me want to protect her from everything. I have to be there for her. But I cannot think past this moment. It is scary enough to think of her being pregnant with twins, let that be enough. It is all I can handle right now.”
“I understand,” she replied softly, “hand me the list and let’s see what we can do.”
*****
Michael stared at her. “He is certainly asserting his authority. He forbade you from driving your car. So, basically, you are stuck in the office.”
“Don’t remind me.” She was still steaming and even diving into the inventory from the property that was being auctioned off had not managed to get her mind off how upset she still was over the way that he had handled her. And that was exactly what he had done. He stepped in after being absent before and was taking charge.
“I am so mad; I am tempted to call a cab and go and get my vehicle. What if I wanted to go out and have lunch?”
Michael arranged himself elegantly on the chair in front of her desk and stared at her curiously. “I am thinking he figured you would order takeout. Or being the exceptionally good friend I am, I would offer to go and pick something up for you.” He nodded to the empty dishes.
“He cooked for you?”
“His chef did.”
“I would say he’s really stepping up. And considering that he wasn’t before, I think you should leave well enough alone.”
Her eyes flashed. “You think I should be so grateful that he’s finally playing his part that I should allow him to do whatever he pleases?”
Michael coughed behind his hand. “Anything I say right now is going to put me in the hot seat. So, let me just say this. He came running and stayed with you. Then he asked you to live with him. You told me that he had had a difficult time of it and now he’s trying to put it behind him and concentrate on you.
And darling, you really should not be driving at this time of year. People are crazy on the road. The Christmas season tends to bring out the mad in most of us. What I’m trying to say is that you have a man who loves you to pieces and is willing to make compromises. If he wants to play chauffeur, then let him. What is the harm in doing so?”
She eyed him balefully, even though her anger was disintegrating. “Whose side are you on?”
“Yours, always.” He beamed at her and then sobered. “On another less pleasant note, you are going to have to talk to David. He has been calling.”
“Oh crap.” She closed her eyes briefly. “I have been meaning to. I don’t even know if I can offer him friendship, knowing that’s not what he wants.”
“He’ll understand that you’re with the man you love and the father of those babies you’re carrying. And if he doesn’t then…,” he rose gracefully, “he doesn’t deserve your friendship.”
*****
He allowed the silence for the duration of the journey, figuring she needed the time to simmer some more. He had called her during the day and had endured her cool tone of voice and decided that he would deal with it when they got home, and he was determined to do so.
Since she did not wait for him to open the passenger door for her, he made sure she had cleared the steps and made it onto the porch, without falling. It had rained earlier, and the temperature had dropped. Keying in the code for the alarm, he opened the door and stepped back to let her precede him.
Having taking Shep to the main house, he did not have to worry about the dog jumping all over her and causing an accident.
“Okay, let’s have it.” Leading the way into the kitchen, he put the pot on to make tea and was pleased to see that there was already a meal waiting for them inside the warmer.
“Let’s have what?”
He slid her a glance as he searched for the packet of tea. “Why you’re still sulking.”
“I’m not.” Taking a seat around the counter, she shook her head. “Really. It is just that…”
“What?” He turned to face her when she paused.
“I spoke to David today and he wants to be friends,” she watched as his expression changed.
“Is that the asshole who proposed to you?”
“He’s an asshole, because he proposed?” She asked in exasperation.
“He’s an asshole because he wanted to be with another man’s woman.” He searched for a cup and slammed it onto the counter. “A woman who is pregnant with another man’s babies.”
“You weren’t there!”
“That’s no excuse.”
She simply stared at him and felt her anger returning. “You’re being unreasonable.”
“How would you feel if I told you that one of my exes wants to be friends?”
“I would say good for her. And David is not my ex.”
“Close enough. What the hell does he hope to achieve? You turned his proposal down and I am assuming he knows we are living together. This is a man who wanted to get you into the sack and suddenly he is willing to settle for friendship?” He scoffed.
“So, what you’re saying is that a man and a woman cannot be just friends. Michael and I are friends.”
He merely lifted his brows and pissed her off more.
“Okay fine. Michael is not a very good example. I don’t need you to tell me who I can or cannot see.”
“I am not telling you any of that. The guy wants to get into your pants and is using friendship as an excuse.” He stirred honey into the steaming liquid and handed her the cup. “Why you cannot see that, I have no idea.”
Picking up the cup by the handle, she rose. “I’m going into the bedroom.”
“You need to eat. There’s food…”
“I’m not hungry.”
“It’s not about you anymore. You have two more mouths to feed.”
She left the room without responding.
He stood there for a few minutes, his hackles rising. Damn her. They had started an argument this morning and now there was another.
Well, he was not going to stand for it. Reaching for a tray, he put the food in two plates and added napkins and utensils, before marching into the bedroom. She was already undressed and was wearing a loose robe.
Her feet were curled under her, and she was sitting on the sofa, facing the closet and could see the purchases that had been sent over from Romano’s.
“You bought clothes.”
“Yes.” He placed the tray on the table in front of her. “And if you’re going to bitch about that as well, I’m going to take myself off and go for a run. You need those clothes. Monique said that they are from their new multiples line, whatever the hell that means. And they are multifunctional. Meaning they can be worn…”
“I know what that means.” She eyed him over the rim of the cup. “You’re an extremely difficult man and very stubborn.”
“I could say the same about you.” He sat next to her and studied her face. “Is the fight over?”
“For now. I happen to be hungry.”
“Good.” Taking off his plate, he placed the tray over her lap. “Look, I am jealous and that’s a new thing for me. I’m not used to it.”
“There is nothing to be jealous about. I happen to be in love with you. Even though I constantly ask myself why.”
“Perhaps because I’m so good in bed?” His charming smile had her melting.
“I am serious Bobby. You cannot expect to just take charge of every single area of my life. I must have a say in the decisions too.”
“I still don’t like the idea of you driving.”
“You are willing to inconvenience yourself every single day?”
Taking the cup from her, he handed her the fork. “I feel guilty because I was not there for you. I feel like crap, and I am trying to make up for it.”
Her expression softened and she felt the frustration melting away. Putting the fork down, she took his hand and interlaced their fingers. “I don’t hold it against you.”
“I know and that makes it even worse.” He stared at their joined fingers for a second, before looking into her eyes.
“I want to make up for the time when you had to turn to another man. You said he wants to be friends, but the fact that he wanted to be father to my babies leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. I hope you understand what I’m trying to say.”
She nodded slowly. “Okay darling, I’ll table the argument and respect your wishes.”
“All of them?”
Her eyes glimmered. “Don’t push it.”