Page 49 of Harmless Scandals

These two men were starting to get to her. She knew that they probably did this all the time, but it was new for her. Hell, she'd only had two normal relationships in her lifetime, only one as an adult. James had been her first love, a costar, and just as screwed up as she was. They remained in touch via email.

She met Brad about a year after she moved to Forks. He was funny and sweet. He'd soothed her soul and never asked her for more than she could give. In the end, both acknowledged that they wanted other things and parted as friends. It was part of the reason she had moved to Arizona. She needed a change and nothing says change like moving from Forks to Tucson. Since then, she'd had a few hookups here and there, but nothing too serious. She wasn't built for that.

Her relationship with Brad had taught her that. He had been willing to wait, to work with her on building a long-lasting relationship. She hadn't wanted to even try. He had been perfect for her, but she couldn't tell him she wanted him around forever.

She shook herself out of her funk and rose to get some more coffee. It was odd that she hadn't slept well at all last night. In less than two weeks, Adam and Mick had become such a huge part of her life that she couldn't sleep without them in bed with her.

She'd just finished doctoring her coffee when she heard a car drive up.

Jillian.

She walked to the front door and watched as the mother to be pulled herself out of her car. She looked even bigger than before.

“Hey,” she said, a sunny smile curving her lips. “Sorry for just popping in.”

But nothing in her expression or tone of voice told Serenity that she actually felt that way. As she waddled her way over to the front steps, Serenity studied her. Was she there to tell her to back off?

“Good lord, I think I might just burst if I don't have this child soon. I feel like a beached whale.”

Serenity shook her head as she held the door open for Jillian. “You look beautiful.”

“That's sweet. Did Conner pay you to say that?”

She chuckled. “No. And you are. You know you are one of those women other pregnant women look at with hatred.”

“Oh. That's sweet.”

“Sit.”

Jillian did as instructed, as a smile played about her lips.

“Is that coffee?”

Serenity nodded. “Want some?”

“Want, yes. But I can't have any.”

“Oh, sorry.”

“No worries. I can at least enjoy the smell.” Then silence descended.

“Is there a particular reason for this visit?”

“I needed to get out of the house. I'm on hiatus from writing and it is about to drive me insane. This is my last voyage out for a while. Once Conner gets back, I will be on lockdown unless I go out with him.”

“I can imagine.”

“Usually I would bother Adam and Mick, but since they moved, I can't do that. So, I came over here.”

And there it was. She knew there was a reason Jillian had come over, and it had nothing to do with being restless. She had come to warn her off.

“Out with it, Jillian.”

Jillian blinked, then another smile curved her lips. “I like smart women. And you are definitely smart.”

“Are you here about the guys?”

“In a way.”

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