Page 26 of Hardy

“To some women they can bea little scary.I think they’re scary at times.”Rose shrugged.“You want to make an impression on a woman, dress up.Be preparedto court her, and to bend over backwards for her.”

Rose took some morepopcorn.

“Now that’s sorted, can weget back to watching the movie?”Hardy asked.

“I could make her my famouschocolate cake.It’s got all the women happy at the clubhouse,”Baker said.

“See, now we’re gettingsomewhere.She’ll fall for you instantly.”

Rose had the privilege of tasting one ofhis chocolate cakes over the festive period, and it wasunbelievable.

“I can make a mean steak,”Hardy said.

“I’m not disputing that.Baker can make a mean chocolate cake, and it’s to die for.”Shetapped Hardy’s hand.“You’ve got many talents, baby.”

They sat back and enjoyed therest of the movie, eating popcorn, and laughing at the funny parts.Hardy rested his arm across the back of her chair, and she couldn’thelp but smile.He was trying to court her, and it was such a sweetgesture that it brought tears to her eyes.Not once in their tenyears of marriage did he tryto court her, but she’d never askedeither.

When the credits rolled up, shegrabbed the bowl and took it into the kitchen to wash.She cameback to find Hardy waiting.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” hesaid.

“You don’t have to leave.You can take the couch.”

“This is his home,” Bakersaid.“I’ll take the couch, and he can take his ownroom.”

“You don’t mind?”Hardy looked atBaker, and her.

“I don’t mind.He’s only inthe spare bedroom.If Baker’s happy with you taking the room, I’mnot going to complain.The couch pulls out into a bed.I’ll go andgrab some extra sheets.”

She left the room, going to the supplycloset, and taking out several sheets.Baker and Hardy wereunfolding the couch as she brought them in.They made the bedtogether, and Rose said her goodnights to Baker.

Walking upstairs with Hardy behind herbrought back a great deal of memories.They used to walk upstairswith him behind her, touching, and enhancing her arousal.Lickingher dry lips, she didn’t stop, and made her way straight toward thespare room.She opened the door, flicking on the light.

“See, nothing has beenchanged.It’s just a spare room.”

“We’re going to have to use theother spare room for a nursery,” he said, moving up behind her, andgripping her shoulders.She closed her eyes and relished the feelof his hands on her body.These feelings had never dissipated.Rosedoubted they ever would.Hardy was the love of her life, and themhaving a baby together was the greatest feeling in the world.Shetouched her stomach, and Hardy leaned in close.“What are youthinking about?”

She shivered, not from revulsion but fromarousal.The bristles on his chin grazed across her skin.His handsmoved from her shoulders to cover hers where they rested on herstomach.

“I’m thinking about ourbaby,” she said.

“I can’t believe it.Thisis our baby, Rose.A part of you and me, mixedtogether.”

Rose rested her head back against hischest, loving the feel of being surrounded by him.He was so muchtaller than she was, and she missed this.She missed his heat andthe way he held her.

“I had a lovely night,” hesaid.

“I did, too.”

“We should do it more often.”Hekissed her neck.“Rose, I’m being the good man here.The betterman.The kind of man you deserve.”

Rose nodded, pulling away from him.“It’s hard at times.”

“I know.I want more thananything to take your hand, and go back to our bed.I can’t do it,not if you want us to work.”

“I’m going to leave youthen.”She turned around, cupped his cheek, and pressed a kiss tohis lips.“Goodnight, Hardy.”

“Goodnight,Rose.”

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