Page 71 of Modern Romance January 2025 1-4

He frowned, trying to make sense of it when he’d expected to hear something quite different. ‘Pregnant? But we took precautions, every time.’

He’d left nothing to chance and Portia had always been just as cautious as he, making it clear she didn’t want an unplanned pregnancy.

‘We did, but nevertheless...’ Dark eyes surveyed him seriously. ‘It’s a lot to take in, I know. But I’m sure. I’ve seen a doctor who confirmed it. There’s no doubt at all.’

‘Pregnant!’

Lex looked as stunned as she’d felt when she got the positive test result.

So that’s one thing you’ve got in common. Apart from sex.

Portia squashed the sarcastic voice. This was hard enough without the reminder of how little they really shared.

As if to confirm that, Lex moved away. The comforting warmth of his encompassing fingers lifted from her hand as he shot to his feet and strode a couple of paces away to pause, one hand raking his scalp, leaving his hair tousled. His other hand shoved deep in his pocket, pulling his trousers tight to mould the curve of his buttocks.

Her mouth dried. Not this time with nerves but with awareness. For a second she squeezed her eyes shut. When, she wondered, would that be over? When would she be able to look at Lex and not want him?

What if it’s never?whispered that voice in her head. But she refused to heed it. She couldn’t allow that to be possible.

He swung around and she read the harsh lines furrowing his brow and clamping his mouth. He didn’t look happy.

She told herself it would be unfair to judge his response when he was obviously in shock. She hadn’t smiled at the news either, too overcome by surprise and the weight of worry for the future. If they’d been in a loving relationship, or if she’d decided she wanted to be a single mother, things would be different.

Portiawasexcited. Even though she knew it was early days.

Life had taught her that while joy could be found, just as often there were obstacles and challenges. Like what a millionaire father-to-be would expect.

She studied Lex’s stern profile. Would he want to be a hands-off father, only providing financial support? She couldn’t imagine he’d wash his hands of the baby totally, though who knew how a baby would fit his plans. Maybe he had some sophisticated Greek woman in mind for when he decided to settle down. Another woman’s baby wouldn’t be welcome then.

Or maybe when the news sank in he’d be thrilled. Would he want to spend time with his child? Visiting the UK regularly?

He turned, denim-blue eyes meeting hers. ‘Pregnant with my child.’

It sounded like a statement rather than a question but Portia sat straighter. ‘It’s definitely yours. I haven’t been with anyone else.’

She bit her lip before she said anymore. Better to let him think she meant there’d been no one else since he came to the auction house. There was no need for him to know she’d never had another lover.

At first she’d been too heartbroken and too busy working long hours to support herself to think about a boyfriend. And somehow over time it had become natural to keep her distance.

Life was easier alone. Better to think that than let herself admit she’d never met another man who tempted her the way Lex did.

His eyes narrowed, his gaze boring into her as if trying to read her very soul and every secret she possessed. It took everything to sit there and meet that penetrating stare.

‘I wasn’t questioning it, Portia. I was just...coming to terms. Are you keeping it?’

She stiffened. ‘Yes.’

He nodded. Did that signify acceptance or pleasure? But what did it matter? Either way, she was committed to this pregnancy. And glad she didn’t have to argue about paternity with him. One of the benefits, she supposed, of their shared past. He knew she was truthful.

‘Thank you,’ he murmured.

Portia blinked. She wasn’t sure what she’d expected but it wasn’t thanks for not wanting to terminate the pregnancy. Some of the tension bled from her shoulders and spine. She felt herself slump lower on the seat.

‘Have you thought about where you want to have it?’

Again he surprised her. ‘A hospital in London, I suppose. I hadn’t got that far.’

It was still a long way away.

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