Page 73 of Modern Romance January 2025 1-4

At seventeen she hadn’t believed it possible that anything short of death would keep them apart. The naïveté of youth!

‘So you’re not opposed to marriage as such?’

Portia stared. ‘How did we even get onto this? Shouldn’t we be talking about the baby?’

‘That’s what I’m trying to do.’

She heard an undercurrent of impatience and realised how unfamiliar it was now. She hadn’t heard that since they’d met in London. As a teenager he couldn’t wait to leave, his impatience like an electrical charge humming through him.

‘By pushing me into a wedding?’

His head jerked back. ‘Not pushing. Just raising the most obvious option. We might not be in love and, yes, we don’t know each other as well as we used to, but we share enough to know we’re compatible. A lot of marriages begin with less.’

His voice took on a husky burr as he saidcompatible, and she felt it brush across her skin, making her flesh pebble and her nipples bead.

The glint in his eyes told her she wasn’t the only one thinking about sexual compatibility.

They had weighty matters to decide. They were in a public place and she had to return to work soon. Yet all she could think of was Lex taking her hand and leading her to a nearby luxury hotel. There’d be a huge, comfortable bed and they’d find such delight together that it would obliterate, for a short time, her anxiety about the future.

Portia licked dry lips and saw his eyelids flicker. A thread of excitement wound through her abdomen, drawing her insides tight.

‘Or are you trying to tell me you’re no longer attracted to me, Portia?’

Damn the man. Did he have no sensitivity?

Not when it comes to getting his own way, said that voice in her head.

Even with the backing of his wealthy father, Lex would never have become a billionaire in his own right without a ruthless streak. And phenomenal determination.

She saw both ruthlessness and determination now in the forward thrust of his chin and the searing intensity of his calculating stare.

Portia wanted to feel disgusted. Instead, rising to her feet to face him, she experienced a rush of energy that warmed her body as even his cashmere coat hadn’t.

Instead of the tiredness and anxiety that had weighed her down, she felt more alive. More like herself.

‘Our baby’s futurewon’tbe decided by whether or not we’re attracted.’ She made a slicing gesture with one hand. ‘Attraction is fleeting. Like our teenage love affair. We need to make decisions that will stand the test of time.’

For a second she thought Lex looked taken aback. Had she punctured his ego by not admitting she was still drawn to him? Had he hoped she still yearned for him?

He folded his hands across his chest. ‘Okay then, what didyouhave in mind for our baby?’

His words deflated her. That rush of indignant adrenaline faded, leaving her flat. That was the problem. She didn’t know.

‘At this stage all I wanted to do was tell you the news and find out if you want to be involved.’

His eyes widened as if surprised she had to ask. ‘Iwantto be involved.’

‘Good.’ She paused, swallowing. ‘There’s time enough to discuss the details later.’

‘Why not now?’

Because she was still struggling to absorb the news.

‘There are so many variables for a start.’

Keen eyes surveyed her. Lex’s taut expression eased and he gestured to the bench seat. ‘Shall we sit for a while?’

She looked at the time but knew she was searching for excuses to end this conversation.

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