Page 53 of Dimitri
"Are we going to be this sappy every day?"
"Absolutely." He carried her into the kitchen and sat her around the counter. Then proceeded to remove her jacket. Her heart did a slow turn when he hunkered down to take off her boots.
"I love the idea of having you as my slave." She wriggled her toes as soon as he removed the boots.
"I like the idea of being your slave." Rising, he cupped her face between his hands and kissed her again.
"Hmm." She smacked her lips. "Do it again."
Laughing, he planted a quick kiss on her forehead and went to the stove. "Frank made chicken pot pie."
"Yummy." She muttered and tried to swallow the bile rising to her throat. She was approximately six weeks pregnant, and the OB had assured her it was too soon for symptoms. But for the last few days, she had been feeling queasy.
He glanced at her and seemed to read her thoughts. "Some tea first?"
"That sounds good." She would wait until she was drinking the tea before telling him the news.
She watched him move about the kitchen, his presence instantly calming her nerves. The soft clatter of teacups and the gentle hum of the kettle gave her a moment to collect her thoughts. She pressed her palm against her stomach, a small, secret smile playing at her lips, marveling at the changes soon to come.
"How was your day?"
It was a marvel to her that she had this. Someone to talk to about what had transpired during the day. He was always ready to listen and give a comment or two. But most of all, he would listen in that quietly patient manner of his.
She told him about the conversation she had with Justin and his concerns.
"Is the mother showing signs of violence?" he asked as he placed the steaming cup of herbal tea and slices of homemade tea bread in front of her.
"Thanks. I don't know. He said she called and stood across the road from his shop." She shrugged and sipped. "I told him to call if there's anything suspicious." She beamed at him as he sat across from her. He was such a damn pleasure to look at. His thick dark hair was tousled as if he had been running his fingers through the strands. The midnight blue sweater stretched across his broad shoulders, and he just made her want to gobble him up. "Enough about me. What about your day?"
"Sure you want to hear?" His slow smile did things to her insides and made her weak.
"Naturally." She inclined her head gracefully. "Who wouldn't want to hear about pigs being slaughtered and cows beingmilked? Not to mention cattle being branded. Sounds pretty exciting."
"It is." He reached for her hand and linked their fingers. "We cannot all be about righting the wrongs in the justice system. Some of us are more concerned about putting food into people's bellies." Lifting their joined hands, he brushed his lips on her knuckles, his eyes on her face. "Now, is there something in particular you want to share with me?"
"What?" She stared at him puzzled. "I already did."
"Sure?" His brows lifted as he continued to stare at her.
As he continued to look at her, she finally understood and could not believe he knew.
"What are you talking about, specifically?" She asked carefully.
"I think you know." His expression was tender. "I know your body as well as I know mine. I also know your moods, or I am beginning to know them. I make it my duty to know everything about you." His fingers tightened on hers. "Your breasts are very sensitive. You're now drinking tea instead of inhaling gallons of coffee. And I've seen you rubbing your chest. When were you going to tell me?"
She simply stared at him. The man surprised her more and more each day. His sensitivity when it came to her was amazing and uncanny. Also, a little uncomfortable. It was as if he was tuned in to her every emotion. "Well!" She blew out a breath and took another sip of the tea. "That's unsettling. It means that if I decide to have an affair, there's no way of hiding it from you."
"None at all. How far along?"
"Six weeks." She pouted. "I was planning to tell you when I came home. Now you've completely spoiled it."
"How long have you known?"
"Just yesterday. I bought some pregnancy tests at the nearby pharmacy and confirmed it officially in the afternoon. You could have waited."
"I could have." Letting go of her hand, he came around. Plucking her off the stool, he sat and placed her on his lap. "I spent several days waiting for you to realize you're with child." He turned her face upwards and studied her. "Is it a problem? Do you want my child?"
His question threw her for a moment and had her glowering. "What the hell kind of question is that? Why would you think otherwise?"
