Page 12 of Forever, Finally

“Gotten close?”

He grinned. “A couple of times.”

Lily’s humor faded. “What is she going to say when she finds out about me?”

“She’s going to think my taste in women has improved.”

“Are you sure she won’t be upset?”

“Of course not. She adores you.”

“And I adore her. Along with your sisters.”

Lily had been an only child. He had always thought one of the reasons the two of them had stayed friends was his family. Lily loved the big, noisy holiday celebrations, the excess of kids running around.

He glanced at her stomach. “They’re counting the days until Sam is born.”

She rolled her eyes. “You haven’t said anything about me naming the baby Sam, have you? I don’t want them to think I have lousy taste.”

“It’s a great name. But they don’t know about it.”

“That’s a relief.” She sipped her tea, then looked at him over the rim. “We need to talk.”

Four words every man dreaded hearing. “What about?”

“Me moving to a hotel. I can’t stay here for a couple of weeks.”

If he had his way, she could stay forever.

“Want to tell me why not?”

She set down her tea. “It wouldn’t be right. You have a life. I don’t want to get in the way of that.”

“Meaning what? You’re going to put a crimp in my dating style?”

“You have to admit that bringing your latest conquest home to a pregnant friend isn’t going to ensure a smooth evening.”

“No problem. I’m not seeing anyone right now.”

“But—”

He shook his head. “Lily, you’re welcome to stay. We have a good time together and we get along. Plus, you’ll feel guilty and do a lot of cooking. What’s not to like?”

She touched his hand. “I don’t want you to end up resenting me for invading your life.”

“That’s not going to happen.” If only it would, then he would know he was finally getting over her.

She took another bite of bacon, chewed, then swallowed. “Okay, but I want you to promise you’ll tell me the second I start to be a pain.”

“Done.”

“I mean it.”

“So do I. When you start really bugging me, I’ll let you know and then help you move into my mom’s place.”

Lily winced. “I adore your mother, but I think I’d prefer a hotel. A week in her house and I’d gain about fifty pounds from all the rich food.”

“Plus she’d talk your ear off.”

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