24. Kate
Wait.
What was she doing?
How was she suddenly in the middle of the best make-out session of her life? Was it the pregnancy hormones? The very hot guy participating in said make-out session? A combination of both?
Either way, this was definitely not part of the friends-only plan.
She gently pulled back, breathing heavily.
‘I… I’m not sure this is a good idea.’
Elias looked pained, but he nodded resignedly. ‘I suspected you might say that. I mean, I was really, really hoping you wouldn’t, but I’m not surprised.’
‘Are you mad?’
‘Of course I’m not mad. Maybe a little sexually frustrated, but that will pass soon enough. It’s nothing for you to worry about.’
‘You can sleep with other women if you need to,’ she blurted.
His eyes widened. ‘What?’
Kate wasn’t sure why she’d said that. The idea of Elias sleeping with someone else actually made her slightly sick, but she knew it wasn’t fair to insist they be friends and then not allow him to pursue other relationships.
‘It’s just… you know. Guys have needs.’
Elias roared with laughter. ‘Isn’t that usually what arsehole guys say? Is that what Dr Douchebag used to tell you?’
‘Um, if you remember, I never dated Hugo.’
‘I’ll bet he tried, though, right? And he probably used that line to justify hitting on you.’
Kate didn’t say anything. She did remember a night when they’d both gotten drunk together and he’d said something similar. She hadn’t fallen for it, and she’d teased him for trying something on her when they were just friends, but later on, she’d just blamed the alcohol. Maybe Hugo hadn’t been that intoxicated.
‘I knew it,’ Elias said, shaking his head. ‘Any guy who says stuff like that is a tool. And as for your offer, thanks, but no thanks. I’m busy with work, and any spare time I have left over will not be spent dating or sleeping with other women.’
He pulled himself out of the water and sat on the edge of the pool. ‘I still have to talk to my lawyer, but I do wonder if we should formalise the level of interaction you want me to have during and after the pregnancy.’
Kate was torn between wanting as much commitment as it was possible to provide, and not wanting any at all. The latter was probably just a defence mechanism. She’d been in three serious relationships in her life, and all three men had cheated on her. That was part of the reason she wanted to have a baby on her own—so she wouldn’t have to deal with the decision of parting with the child’s father when he eventually betrayed her. It was also why she kept trying to put Elias back in the friend basket, even though she didn’t really want to. She didn’t know if she could bear to enter an official relationship with the guy and then have him leave.
‘I don’t need much at this stage. I already know most of the doctors and specialists in town, so I’m happy to attend medical appointments on my own. I also already have a list of things I need to purchase for the nursery. And I know what to expect right up until labour.’
Elias looked disappointed. ‘Even though you have everything sorted and think you know what to expect, wouldn’t it be nice to have someone to share the journey with?’
Yes.
‘I just don’t want to be a burden. You’ve hardly had any time to get used to this. I’ve been preparing for a couple of years.’
‘Either way, I’ve told you I’m in. How about we arrange a flexible schedule? Like I’ll text most days to see how you are, and then we can meet up once or twice a week for dinner or something? I’m a decent cook. I can bring food to you, or you can come to my place.’
Kate felt as though her heart might burst. Why was he being so nice?
‘I’m fine with the texting. And we’ll see about the dinners.’ She didn’t want him offering things he might later resent.
‘Do you want me at the birth?’
‘That’s up to you.’
‘Then count me in. And afterwards?’
‘Let me have a think.’
‘Okay. Then think about if you want to book in regular times for me to come and help out, or if you’ll want me to stay over sometimes so you can sleep at night. Your living room couch looked very comfortable.’
She smiled softly. ‘You don’t have to try so hard.’
‘This is not me trying hard. Stop worrying you’re being an imposition and just accept the damned help.’
‘All right.’
‘Hey, I saw they offer couples’ massages here. Should we go check out the spa?’
‘That sounds good.’
He helped her to her feet. ‘Remember, I’m here for you. I’m not going anywhere, so you might as well get used to it.’
She nodded, trying not to tear up.
She hoped he was telling the truth.
* * *
The restof the day passed in a blur. The massage was exactly what she needed, and they had a light dinner in the resort’s dining room. Kate’s stomach was still a little unsettled, but the remedies Elias had gotten for her had helped a little.
Their villa only had one bed, and the lounge in the living room was made of teak, with just a thin seat cushion for padding. It was definitely not something you could sleep on comfortably.
The two of them stood, staring at it.
‘I’ll call Larry and see if he can locate a rollaway bed?’ Elias offered.
‘No, don’t do that. We’re adults. We can sleep in the same bed.’
Elias didn’t say anything for a moment. ‘You’re right. We’re adults.’
They both brushed their teeth, and Kate changed into her PJs. She’d brought along an oversized sleep T-shirt featuring a pair of cartoon cats on the front. It wasn’t until she saw Elias’ expression that she wondered if she should have brought something else to wear.
‘What?’ she asked self-consciously.
‘Cute PJs.’
‘Why are you being sarcastic?’
‘I’m not! That’s just a really… large… T-shirt.’
‘It’s comfy.’
‘It would be large on me.’
‘What’s your point?’
His eyes twinkled. ‘Nothing.’
‘And I suppose you think your sleepwear is superior?’ He was still fully clothed.
‘I just wear boxers. I get too hot otherwise.’
‘Of course you do,’ she muttered. Now she was worried she wouldn’t be able to sleep.
She lay down and turned to face away from Elias. ‘Goodnight.’
Elias switched off the overhead light. ‘’Night.’
She could hear the amusement in his voice, but she didn’t care. She wasn’t going to look at him.
‘Are you okay?’ he whispered.
‘Fine,’ she whispered back.
‘Okay, then.’
She closed her eyes and willed her brain to switch off. But she wasn’t tired at all. It must have been the nap from earlier. Or the person just a few inches away.
She rolled over. Elias was looking at her. It was dark, but she could still make out his features.
She didn’t know what to say, and he didn’t seem to want to fill the silence either.
They lay there, watching each other for what felt like forever. But it wasn’t awkward. It felt nice.
Elias edged his hand closer to hers and gently placed it on top of hers. She almost pulled away, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it.
Friends could hold hands.
At least, that’s what she was going to tell herself.