Damien gestured to the waitress. “Just a block.” That had been the reason he’d chosen this restaurant. He’d been hoping to entice her home with him, where he had a nice large bed, air-conditioning, and thick walls that muffled any screaming in pleasure she might be inclined to do.

“Perfect.”

He handed his credit card to the waitress, who promised to expedite their departure when he explained Mandy wasn’t feeling good.

Mandy touched her stomach. “Oh, that was weird. She knew I was pregnant, didn’t she? People look at me and see a pregnant woman.” Her cheeks pinkened.

Damien wasn’t sure what the correct response was to that, so he just nodded. Mandy took a sip of her soft drink and made a face. Then she stared down into her glass, eyes narrowed, and took another pull on her straw. Her voice was outraged. “Did you switch our drinks?”

Oh, shit. Her hand reached for his glass, but he pulled it out of reach, which was stupid, because he was already busted. “Maybe you just picked the wrong one up.”

Mandy rolled her eyes, but she was laughing, thank God. “Nice try. You are very lucky that I love you, or you’d be wearing that Diet Coke in your lap right now.”

But her threat didn’t bother him in the least. He stared at her, amazed at how those words could change his every perspective, every thought, every day. “I am lucky that you love me. I don’t deserve this much luck.”

Her mouth opened into a surprised O. Then she wet her lips and gripped her purse. A sensual sigh drifted over to him. “Take me home, Damien, so I can show you what you deserve.”

Chapter 24

Mandy strolled down the pavement, leaning on Damien’s arm. It was a fabulous night, the air warm and balmy on her bare arms. Traffic was light in this neighborhood, trees tucked into little squares of dirt curbside, and flowers spilled out of window boxes. For having spent most of her girlhood in the English countryside, she really did love the city, and this was a quiet, well-established area.

In the restaurant rest room, she had splashed water on her face and got a handle on her emotions. Now, strolling along on a beautiful summer night, she realized she was feeling at peace with the world. With herself. So Ben didn’t want a baby. That was not new information, and if he took himself off now before the baby was born, all the less complicated everything would be.

None of that mattered. It would all work out. She was certain of it.

“Don’t faint from hunger. My building is right here.” Damien pulled her toward the front doors and led her inside. Since he actually looked worried, she gave a smile to reassure him.