The Heir Affair (Las Vegas Nights 5)

“I can’t keep doing this.” Melody stuck out her arm and pointed toward the door. “Go.”

The numbness that had momentarily gripped him burned away in a rush. “Aren’t you forgetting something?” He gazed toward her belly where, now that he knew what to look for, he detected the tiniest roundness. “That’s my baby you’re carrying.”

Muscles bunched in her cheek as her arm fell back to her side. Her eyes were sapphire-hard as she demanded, “So, now you’re sure?”

If he wanted to save their relationship, he had to get over the doubts clouding his judgment. He loved Melody and they were going to be a family. He’d won her away from Hunter once. He could do it again. And again. Whatever it took.

“Yes.”

She crossed her arms over her chest, not giving an inch. “And I’m supposed to forget every terrible thing you thought about me and be glad you’ve finally decided to come around?”

“I made a mistake.”

“You made a series of them.” Abruptly, the fight drained out of her. “This isn’t how I wanted things to go.”

“What did you expect?” He took a half step toward her, intent on making some sort of a peace offering, but let his hand fall back to his side when she shook her head.

“I don’t know.” Her shoulders rounded with exhaustion. “I thought maybe it would magically fix things.”

“We’ve had too much time apart.”

“And that’s my fault?”

Although she’d been the one who’d pulled away rather than stay and fight with him—for them—he’d meant it as an observation, not a criticism. Her distance these last few months had awakened a fear of losing her.

“I told you to go on the tour,” he reminded her. “And if I had to do it all over again, I’d make the same decision. It was the right step for your career.” And if he was honest with himself, he hadn’t been ready for the level of commitment their relationship had reached.

It still boggled his mind how fast he’d gone from being her friend to inviting her to move in with him. Cohabiting with Melody had been the most natural thing in the world. It hadn’t required any significant shift in his beliefs or habits. The transformation from bachelor to boyfriend had been seamless and rewarding. It wasn’t until she left on the tour that he’d noticed disquieting thoughts creeping in.

“How far along are you?”

“Twelve weeks.”

He did the math. The last time they’d been together. It had been a rocky weekend. “How long have you known?”

“Since shortly after I returned from Sydney.”

“Six weeks.” He rubbed his eyes while disappointment flowed through him. Why had it taken her so long to share such important news? Could it be that she was afraid of how he would react? And hadn’t he just demonstrated that she’d been right?

Her vehemence caught him by surprise. “You don’t get to do that.” She pointed an accusatory finger at him.

“Do what?”

“Make me feel bad for not rushing to tell you that everything in your life was going to change.”

She was so obviously afraid of what his reaction would be. And perhaps with good reason. He hadn’t exactly swept her into his arms and spun her in a giddy circle while crowing his delight.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine.” But she appeared anything but okay. She seemed as shell-shocked as he was. “I’m sure we’re both overwhelmed at the idea of becoming parents. At least we have six months to get used to the idea.”

“Have you star

ted to think about what you’re going to do?” he asked.

“What do you mean ‘do’?”

“For where you’re going to live.” Where did he figure in her plans? “Are you staying here?”