Page 47 of An Heir Made In Hawaii (Hot Winter Escapes)

I just need to talk to him.

As nervous as she was, a frank conversation would be in both their best interests.

A sudden rolling sensation in her belly had her on her feet and rushing for the bathroom. Dimly, she heard the bell ring over the front door, but she couldn’t stop. She barely made it into the little room off the entryway before she was sick.

As she knelt on the floor, fire burning in her throat, she felt warm hands on her back.

“I’m here, Anika.”

She closed her eyes against the hot sting of tears of relief that she wasn’t alone.

“You’re back early,” she croaked as her stomach spasmed.

“Shush,” he ordered. “Just focus on you and the baby right now.”

For once she had no rebuttal, just listened as she heaved up the contents of her breakfast. Nicholas stayed with her through it all. When it was finally over, he escorted her back to the chair by the fire. She watched as he disappeared down the hallway toward the kitchen. When he emerged several minutes later, he had a glass of water in one hand and a cup of steaming tea in the other.

An odd sight, she thought fondly, to see the wealthy Nicholas Lassard dressed in a dove gray Tom Ford suit with a royal blue tie, serving her tea. He set the drinks on the end table next to her.

“One moment,” he said with a smile.

Bemused, she watched him walk away again, only to come back with a small plate laden with crackers and slices of cheese.

“In case you need to replenish.”

Touched, she swallowed hard. Then felt her world shift as he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. When she looked up to see him smiling down at her, the truth hit her.

She was in love with Nicholas. From his trusting her with his darkest memories to how tenderly he’d cradled her belly after they’d made love, she’d been falling for him bit by bit for some time.

Shaken, she picked up the teacup and nearly spilled the hot liquid on her hand.

“Careful.” Nicholas stepped forward and took the cup from her. “Are you still feeling sick?”

“Just a little unbalanced.” She took a deep breath. “I think I’m okay now.”

He handed her back the tea and sank down into the chair opposite her, glancing around as she sipped the lemony brew.

“The changes are nice.”

Pleased he had noticed, and needing something else to think about other than her personal revelation, she smiled.

“Thank you. I got the new bedding in while you were gone. Took me a little longer to get the beds made, but they look wonderful.”

He frowned. “You made the beds?”

“Yes.”

“I thought you hired a new housekeeper.”

“Part-time. I can manage until we get a little more money. Which should be soon,” she said with a smile. “The spring reservations are up. Those nonrefundable fees have been a lifesaver.”

Nicholas nodded, his own smile slight. One hand came up, fingers curling into a fist that partially covered his mouth. As if he were physically holding himself back from saying something.

Surprised, she tilted her head. “What?”

“I’m glad you’re happy, Anika.”

“But?”

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