“She’s just worried about you and the baby. She’ll probably let up after a while. Eventually, you’ll probably be really glad you don’t have to be on your feet the whole day.”
Elle said, “You do make an interesting point. It doesn’t really matter now, but later on I may be begging for desk duty if my feet swell.”
“That doesn’t happen for a few months, right?”
Elle realized she must have been giving him a strange look because he clarified, “I’ve been reading up on it. I got a book the other night.”
“Me too,” she said, smiling.
After they had finished eating and cleaned up the kitchen, they moved out to the living room. Curling up together on the couch, they talked for a little while longer, comparing notes on the books that they’d been reading. Finally, seeing Jim was completely exhausted, she suggested that they go to bed.
He had given her a sleepy, yet lascivious grin as they’d walked up the stairs. As soon as they made it to the bedroom though, he’d peeled out of his clothes and slid under the covers. When she joined him after turning out the light, he’d pulled her close and said, “I could really get used to this.”
Snuggling back against him, she’d agreed, “This is really nice.”
“Maybe,” Jim said,” You should move in with me. It makes good sense, considering our situation.”
Elle lay next to him, silent, uncertain how to respond.
He continued on. “We don’t need to make any decisions about it right now. Just think about it, please.”
“’Kay,” Elle said.
After one last press of his lips against her shoulder, she heard his deep, even breathing. He had dropped that bomb and then immediately fallen asleep.
There really hadn’t been an opening to express her feelings and now she was glad. She was still uncertain what kind of reception they’d get. If the suggestion that she move in was any indication of his feelings, then he was treating their association like a business deal that included frequent sex.
The last thing she wanted to do was mess things up between them, though. Even if he didn’t love her, she loved him. Hopefully, one day, he’d get there.
Things were going pretty well despite the whole getting pregnant on the first date thing. It seemed like this relationship had been destined to be complicated from the start. On a sigh, Elle settled in. She had a feeling she wouldn’t be sleeping anytime soon.
Chapter Eighteen
Jim and Elle waited nervously at the airport by the baggage claim area. He noticed that she didn’t look quite as pale as she had on their way to Bakersfield, but it was damn close. Reaching down, he took her hand in his and said, “They should be here any minute.”
Elle gave him a nod and a brave smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I know. Everything is going to be okay. I promise,” she said, squeezing his hand.
She looked like she was about to throw up, but here she was trying to reassure him. God, he loved this woman. He really wanted to tell her, but was really afraid of her reaction. Last night he’d mentioned moving in and she vaguely responded that she would think about it. She hadn’t mentioned it today.
He looked at her and saw his future. It wasn’t about the baby at all. She was strong, caring, loving, and beautiful. He’d be an idiot for not wanting to lock that down for the rest of his life. He had no idea how to tell her that without freaking her out.
As the next flood of people entered the baggage pickup area, he immediately spotted his father’s head. Sighing, he said, “They’re here.”
“It’s going to be fine,” she said, giving his hand another squeeze.
Leaning down, he pressed his lips to the top of her head and said, “Here they come.”
His parents must have spotted them because they now made a
beeline directly toward them. They both stood up and met them halfway.
“Mom, Dad. How was your trip?”
“Not too bad, son. Good to see you,” his father said, reaching out to shake his hand.
“You, too. Mom. Good to see you,” Jim said, reaching down to give her an awkward hug. He was surprised when she hugged him back.
When he pulled back, he gestured to Elle and said, “This is Elle. Elle, this is my father, Timothy Conroy and my mother, Patrice Conroy.”