He trailed a gentle finger down her pale cheek before gently lifting her into his arms. “All right, princess, but if you aren’t feeling a lot better soon, we’re going straight to the hospital. Understand?”
Beth laid her cheek against his hard chest, grateful to have him to lean on. When had she started depending on him to take care of her? She knew in her heart that Nick would protect her with everything that he had, just as he would their babies. Why was she resisting being a family with him? He might not love her, but he would love their children, of that she was certain. You may never admit it to anyone else, but admit it to yourself. You love him. No, no, no! Oh, God, no! There was nowhere left to hide. All of the denial in the world wouldn’t change the fact that she had fallen in love with Nick Merimon, just as countless women before her had.
Now the dizziness that she felt had nothing to do with being sick. She risked a quick glance at his face, hoping he hadn’t noticed the sudden tension in her body. He could never know how she felt about him or it would be over. Worse yet, he would stay because of the babies, but she would have to live with his pity. She couldn’t be another woman who pinned all her hopes and dreams on landing him. She knew that he wanted her and they both genuinely enjoyed each other, but never once had there been any mention of feelings. How could I have been so stupid? I let him in.
They were attracting a lot of attention as Nick carried her from the building to his car. She knew that Suzy would know within minutes and would be frantic. As soon as she finished that thought, her cell phone trilled. Without looking at the caller ID, she handed the phone to Nick. She heard him assuring Suzy that he was taking care of her and not to rush after them. After a few more moments spent convincing her, Nick handed the phone back to Beth, and said, “Please don’t do that to me again. Your sister just made some new and disturbing threats that involved certain body parts and sharp instruments.”
Beth laughed weakly, still trying to shake off the shock of the realization that she loved him. She felt like it was plastered on her face for the world to see. Luckily, he didn’t seem to notice anything out of the ordinary. “Still okay, princess? We can go to the hospital now.”
“No, please, let’s just go home. I feel a little better.”
Without further argument, Nick had the car in gear and was soon carrying her into the apartment. He settled her on the couch and grabbed a pillow and a blanket to wrap her in. “Have you eaten this morning?”
At that point, she was too tired to lie to him and too hungry to care if she gained a pound from a meal. “No, I was planning an early lunch.” So maybe that was technically a lie, but she would have had something to eat, right?
He pursed his lips in disapproval and said, “I’m going to see what I can find. Call me if you need anything.”
Beth closed her eyes and was soon drifting off. She startled awake when she felt a hand pushing her hair back from her eyes. Nick was perched on the coffee table in front of her with a tray containing some type of soup and crackers. “I’m sorry; this was all I could find. When you’re settled and feeling a little better, I’ll make a run to the supermarket and stock our shelves.” Her stomach rumbled from the mouthwatering aroma of the soup. “It’s just chicken noodle,” Nick said, “but it was that or rice cakes so I took a chance.”
“It smells amazing; thank you.” She sat up against the cushions and Nick settled the tray on her lap. Any other time she would have been embarrassed at how fast she consumed the bowl of soup, but once she started, she couldn’t seem to stop. It was the best meal she could remember having in ages and she ate until the tray was clear.
Nick gave her a smile of approval when he removed the empty tray. “Good girl.” He took the tray to the kitchen and she was surprised when he came back to the couch and lifted her up so that he could slide in behind her. When he had her settled in his arms to his satisfaction, she snuggled into his warmth. His hands settled on her temples and she moaned in bliss as he rubbed them gently. The combination of the meal and the massage was more than her tired body could handle. Within moments, she felt herself slipping away. How could love be any better than what she felt right now in his arms? It was just the icing on the cake. She could live with this. It was enough, wasn’t it?