Page 56 of Claimed By Him

“Ah, hi, Tony.”

After a moment of silence, of him staring at me, he asked, “Can I come in?”

“Yeah, of course.” I stepped back, holding the door open for him while he walked in and looked around the open living area.

“Nice place.”

“Thank you.”

I closed the door and stood beside him, looking around awkwardly. He turned to me and handed me something that I only now noticed was in his hands: a pink teddy bear and a wrapped gift box.

“Um,” I took the gifts and bit my lip, “it’s a boy.”

Tony leaned in closer and whispered, “The teddy’s for you.” His mouth lifted into that sexy side smile, and for some reason, I blushed profusely, unable to stop my responding smile.

“Oh, thank you.” Such a corny gift, but it lit me up with delight.

“It’s my pleasure. The box is for him.”

I now noticed the little blue bears on the wrapping paper and chuckled. Of course. It was Tony, after all. He always knew everything about my life. I didn’t know why I thought that had changed now.

“It’s ah… Versace’s newborn baby clothes.”

My eyes widened. “What? No way.”

He chuckled, that sexy smile of his widening. “I thought you might like that.”

I smiled helplessly and bit my lip. “I do. Thank you… so… coffee?”

“Yes please.”

It felt weird to act so normally with him now like he was just another friend. In the kitchen, he leaned back against the counter and slid his hands into his pockets.

“I hope you don’t mind me visiting like this.”

I put the kettle on and lifted myself onto the island counter, wanting to sit down on my fidgeting hands, and not seem so anxious around him. “I don’t mind. I just wish I didn’t look so… messy.” I chuckled.

Tony’s eyebrow dipped, and he shook his head. “You look beautiful, Fiona. As always.”

My eyes burned into his, and he didn’t break the connection. I wanted to believe him. Eventually, I pulled my gaze away and continued the conversation.

“I wanted to say thank you anyway…”

“For what?”

“For getting me to the hospital.”

He nodded, never letting his eyes leave my face. “Of course. I was glad I could be there for you, even if I was too late.”

I frowned. “Too late?”

He clenched his jaw in that sexy, frustrating way, took a deep breath in, and shook his head. “I missed everything. I wasn’t here for you when you were going through a difficult time, and I’m really, truly sorry about that.”

I looked down at my hands. “Um… it’s fine, it’s not like we were ever together, Tony.”

“Of course we were, Fiona.”

I looked at him in surprise. He could never even admit to wanting me, but he considered ustogether? That was a shock. He pressed his lips into a flat line.

---