Page 76 of Modern Romance January 2025 1-4

His hand on her shoulder stopped her. ‘Keep it on. I’m warm enough. Though perhaps you can share your body heat as we go.’

He used that excuse to step near and draw her arm through his. He wanted to scoop her into his arms like some precious, breakable objet d’art. He wanted to cosset her. But he knew she’d resist.

Lex tucked her close as they turned back the way they’d come. Walking like this ignited so many memories of them together. It reinforced too, how well they fit together.

‘No matter what happens, Portia, I’ll do everything I can to support you. You’re not alone in this pregnancy.’

He felt a shiver pass through her and he pulled her closer to his side. ‘Thank you, Lex. I appreciate that. There’s nothing you can do, but I’d be grateful for that appointment.’

‘I’ll get the details to you tonight.’

‘When do you go back to Greece? Tonight?’

He hesitated. He’d planned to return to Athens, but after hearing her news that was on hold. ‘No, not straight away. I’ve got some outstanding business.’

No need to mention he’d completed his meetings. Thatshewas his outstanding business.

He let the silence lengthen as they walked. Despite his calm demeanour, Lex was buffeted by a chaotic tumble of feelings.

Awe, excitement and nerves at the news of the baby.

Did he have what it took to be a good dad? A good husband? Surely his abysmal childhood would drive him to do better for his child and its mother?

He was determined to try. The thought of their baby made him feel...different. Not just protective but proud. Determined to provide all that he’d lacked in his own childhood.

But mixed with the excitement and determination was a deep pang of regret and indignation. When he’d suggested marriage, Portia hadn’t seen it as he had. She’d described what they’d shared as a mere ‘tumble in bed’, not intimacy.

Amazingly Lex had felt pain shear through him at her words.

True, their liaison was founded on sexual attraction. True, he’d told himself giving in to their lust would finally wear it out. Yet there’d been a spark of something, surely. Something positive they could build on for the sake of their baby.

Given their history he understood her reticence. But part of him had hoped she still feltsomethingfor him. Was that pride or the last remnant of the lovesick kid he thought he’d shed years ago?

It saddened him too, when she said she wasn’t impulsive anymore, that life wasn’t simple and hoping for good things wasn’t enough. It was all true, as any adult knew. Yet he found himself mourning the loss of the optimistic, sometimes impulsive girl who’d meant so much to him.

He realised that if it hadn’t been for Portia, believing in him, caring for him as no one else seemed to, his life might have taken a different path. She’d softened his rough edges. Living up to her expectations had probably prevented him becoming the sort of lout her father had accused him of being.

That Lex had been partly responsible for that change in her, because he’d believed her father’s lies and left without her, sat like a dead weight of rusty iron in his belly. The metallic taste of it coated his tongue.

Heowedher. He’d let her down once. He wouldn’t do it again. Somehow he’d find a way to make this work between them.

He was concerned for her. She’d been wan and fretful. He knew she was alone with no one to care for her. No one to turn to if something went wrong.

‘I have a proposition,’ he said as they turned out of the park and onto the street. ‘I want you to come to Greece.’

She stiffened and shook her head. ‘I already said no to marriage.’

‘This is a different proposition.’ He paused, conjuring his most persuasive voice. ‘Work is stressful and you’re tired. You’re worried about the pregnancy and the future too. Why not take a short holiday, a week or two, and come to Greece? You can relax, do absolutely nothing but recharge your batteries and soak up the spring sunshine.’

‘I can’t just take a holiday at the drop of a hat. I told you we’re busy.’

‘I’m not talking about leaving tomorrow. But consider it.’ If necessary he knew he could persuade her manager to give her leave. ‘Sunshine and relaxation, doesn’t that sound good? You’d be my guest. I’ll arrange the travel so you won’t have to do anything but pack a bag, and you’d stay at my villa.’ He paused. ‘In your own suite.’

He’d prefer to have her in his, but knew he had to give her space if he wanted any chance she’d come around his way of thinking.

Portia sent him a knowing, sideways look. ‘You think spending time there will persuade me to marry you?’

He allowed himself a rueful smile. ‘Well, it can’t hurt. Greece in spring is beautiful. The countryside is full of wildflowers. I can imagine you there.’

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