While he sipped his drink, she stared at him, wanting to ask, but knowing she shouldn’t. If he wanted to tell her, he would. But his tattoo was dark on his skin, and she couldn’t help but say, “So, what happened? To Jess?”

There had to be a compelling reason for a man as sensual as Damien to go three years without sex, and to bury himself in his work.

For a long moment, she thought he wouldn’t answer her. Then he turned and met her gaze. “She died.”

“Oh!” Somehow that possibility had never occurred to her. She’d thought maybe Jess had been unfaithful or something, but this was far, far worse. “Oh, Damien, I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have pried.”

But Damien patted her leg like she was a child he was comforting. “You know, it should matter. It always has before. But right here, right now, with you, it’s okay. Really. But I don’t want to talk about Jessica, if you don’t mind. She’s always in my head, my thoughts, my heart, all the time, and I don’t want her here with us.”

Fine by her. Mandy really wasn’t interested in a mental ménage à trois either. But she was burning with curiosity and maybe, deep inside, where she was ashamed to admit it, a seed of jealousy. This woman, Damien had loved her, with a passion so deep that he still suffered over her death three years later and had chosen not to take another woman to his bed.

But Mandy brushed the ungracious feelings aside. She wasn’t looking for love. And she was the one who had inspired Damien to break his celibacy. For now, that was enough. Though part of her was pleased to know that she had been right about Damien. No matter the rough edges, he was a good man, just a wounded one.

She nodded. “Thank you, by the way. I’ve been feeling a bit sorry for myself, you know. Ben dumped me so soundly, and I haven’t exactly been glowing with this pregnancy, and any future relationships look doubtful. I’m not the kind of woman who will be parading men through my child’s life. I don’t plan on being a nun, of course, but I’m going to be very, very cautious once this child is born with who I date. I can’t afford to make any mistakes when it will affect my baby, too.”

Mandy rolled a chocolate between her thumb and forefinger and stared at him, hoping he would understand, really, truly understand. “But you’ve made me feel attractive again.”

“You are attractive. Inside and out.” He shook his head ruefully. “You have no idea how much…”