Page 91 of The Man I Love

“Hi,” Steven said. “I brought you some fruit.” He lifted the basket, as though anyone could possibly miss it, and then walked into the apartment.

It was one of those edible arrangement bouquets—the ones with pineapples shaped like flowers and strawberries dipped in white chocolate. He placed the arrangement on the newly-cleaned dining room table, then turned around and smiled at her.

All she could think about was Tristan’s words the night before. Steven hadn’t come to their homeoncewhen they weretogether, yet here he was, standing in her kitchen for the second day in a row.

He seemed nervous, yet excited at the same time, and a prickle of awareness ran the length of her spine.

“I asked the woman at the office what to bring to a pregnant woman,” he began. “This was their unanimous answer.” He laughed.

She twisted her hands uneasily. “You shouldn’t have.”

“It’s nothing.” He grinned. “Think of it as a welcome home present.”

Her shoulders relaxed. Of course. Of course, that’s what this was. She’d been home a little over a month—that made perfect sense. And even though Tristan was right, she could think of a million reasons why Steven wouldn’t have stopped by while they were together—Steven not wanting to make Tristan uncomfortable sitting firmly at the top of the list.

“When you called back in February,” Steven began, “I was so excited to hear your voice, and I started to think… We’re both in such different places now. You’ve explored the world, and I’ve spent the last three years focusing on my career.”

She shook her head, trying to cut him off.

“I know. Trust me, I’m not one to believe in second chances, but I think you and I are different.”

Her gut twisted. “Steven… I think you’re confused?—”

“I’m in no rush, Samantha. I know it will take time for you to adjust to the baby, but I’ll wait for you. I also need you to know that I’m not opposed to raising someone else’s child—Lord knows I have enough money for it. I’ve made partner, and you won’t have to worry about anything. I can support you both?—”

“No—”

He came closer, shaking his head. “Don’t answer now, I want you to think?—”

They were the same words he’d used after forcing a kiss on her for the first time when she was sixteen years old. “No?—”

“Sam, please?—”

“She said no!” A booming voice came from across the apartment.

Sam turned to find Tristan at the front door, his legs braced apart and a couple of bags in his hands.

How long had he been there?

“Well, this is awkward,” Steven whispered.

Tristan then closed the door behind him with his foot. His features were eerily calm as he turned toward the hallway, then disappeared into the nursery.

She took a deep breath and turned to face Steven again.

“I should probably go,” Steven said quietly. “I can tell this is bad timing. I’ll call you later so we can talk about this.”

“Don’t.” She shook her head.

He tilted his head to the side. “Why?”

“Because we will never work.”

“You don’t know that, Samantha.” He stepped closer.

“I’m in love with Tristan,” she explained—but the words surprised even her. It was true. Uncontrollably, and undeniably, she loved him, and she didn’t care if the whole world knew.

Steven lifted his chin as though to arguebut then paused, his focus shifting toward the hall again. “I’ll let myself out then,” he said, as he walked toward the front door.

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