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“I need a minute.” Without waiting for her to agree, Harry took her arm and guided her to the corner of the room. Keeping his hand on her arm, he stared at her with those intense blue eyes until she wanted to squirm. “You look different.”

“I don’t know what you mean. I see you are in a committed relationship.”

“I was in a committed relationship, and you blew that to hell. Now I am just trying to find my footing and having fun.” His mouth twisted. “Casual sex is uncomplicated.” He jerked his head at David who was chatting with Minerva. “Isn’t he a little too old for you?”

She was still reeling from his mention of sex and felt as if she was drowning.

“No, he is not. Please let go of me.”

“Is he screwing you?”

Her eyes flashed, and she tried to drag her arm away.

“That’s none of your business.”

“isn’t it?” He asked silkily, fingers digging into her arm. “How is he in bed darling? Do you call out his name when you come? I can still hear that catchy note in your voice when you reach your peak. And you did, numerous times, didn’t you?”

“Please let go of me.” Her eyes were luminous with tears, her voice husky.

And looking into those damn eyes, dissolved his anger and left him feeling like shit. Abruptly letting go of her, he turned and walked away, leaving her trembling.

*****

“Want to talk?” David asked her quietly when they were halfway through their meal. The encounter with Harry had left her so shaken that she had almost begged David to take her home. If it had not been for the fact that he had made reservations at La Salle – a restaurant that was incredibly difficult to get into, she would have done so.

“Not really.” She mustered up a smile and thanked the good Lord that her stomach was cooperating. The filet mignon was delicious and not too heavy, and she had almost cleaned her plate. The strawberry souffle was not too sweet and she had requested hot chocolate instead of coffee.

If he found it strange that she had not touched her wine, he did not remark on it.

“Why aren’t you two together?”

She shrugged and toyed with her dessert.

“It’s complicated.”

“Forgive me for stating the obvious, but you two seemed to have feelings for each other. I could light a match with the combustion that was emanating.” He smiled at her. “If I had designs to become anything other than a friend, I would have to back off. And McGibbon wanted to wipe the floor with me.”

“He has a temper.”

“The Irish are noted for that.” He took a sip of his coffee. “I’m going to put my foot into my mouth again.”

“Really?” She smiled teasingly. “Was that what you were doing?”

He returned her smile, his eyes on her face. “Does he know?”

“Does he know what?”

“That you’re carrying his child?”

Janelle went still as she stared at the man across from her.

“You’re wondering how I know.” He shrugged. “I suspected it from the day you were showing me the apartment. You were dizzy and you turned positively green when I offered you a chocolate donut. Then you were constantly drinking matcha and I also noticed the changes in your body. I cannot believe that he hasn’t.”

“He did,” she whispered defeatedly, “and no, I haven’t told him yet and I would ask you not to say anything to anyone.”

“Of course not. May I ask why you have not told him?”

She shook her head and pushed away the cup. “We broke up because he does not want children.”

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