Page 51 of Geordie

“We shouldn't let that happen again,” I say, pulling my hair into a ponytail.

He slips his shirt on, buttoning from the bottom up. Shit, it's such a turn on watching him that I have to look away. I'm still lonely. No one has touched me like this for months.

“We did nothing wrong,” he says, pushing the shirttails into his slacks, then reaches for his tie.

“We're not together,” I remind him.

“I never accepted our breakup. Besides, exes still get together sometimes.”

He knots his tie, continuing to study me. “Are we back together?”

I shake my head. “Fucking doesn't mean I've forgiven you.”

“It's a start,” he insists.

“I still don't trust you; how do I know there isn’t something else you haven't told me?”

He gives me a hurt sigh. “I deserve that. I promised I'd make it up to you. I'm scheduled for the procedure next week. That should be enough to prove I'm serious.”

“I've got to get back to the kitchen.”

He tries to steal a kiss, but I push him away.

“I'll let you get back to your first love,” he says with a self-satisfied smirk.

When I say nothing, he turns serious.

“It doesn't matter if you come back to me or not; I'm reversing the vasectomy.”

Once the door closes behind him, I open the windows and back door to let out the evidence that we were reckless. I’ve just collected the last of the pens in the cup, placing it on the desk, when my phone zips. The text message says:Come home as soon as you can. I have a surprise for you. Geordie.

Chapter twenty-four

Blue Moon Midnight

Geordie

I'maweebitrestless since returning this afternoon, imagining that within weeks, I could begin my journey to have a child. My finger has wavered over Connie's phone number about ten times, wanting to ask if she's decided. I can't pressure her. We have history; that should be enough for her to choose me. If she selects me as her intended parent and donates an egg, my wait is over.

Lily's beach outing invitation was unexpected. I would not turn down the chance to spend time with her outside of the apartment. I suspected something was wrong when she came by my doctor's office to pick me up. Watching her throughout the afternoon, as she mulled something over in her mind, I'm certain her concern is medical.

I check the primary bathroom one more time to make sure everything is in place, and the same for the wee area that faces the balcony in my room. I hope this works.

“Geordie? I'm here,” Lily calls, the front door shutting.

“Put your things down and meet me in the hallway,” I shout back. There's a rustling of bags, then the refrigerator opens and closes. She must have brought something from the restaurant for dinner. The food she brings is just as good the next day. I don't need to be concerned about letting it sit in the refrigerator for one night.

I'm at the end of the hall, leaning on my crutches, when she turns the corner, still in her uniform. She ducks into her room to put down the rest of her bags and a wee pink backpack. A few moments later, she's ambling down the hallway towards me, a few top buttons of her tunic open, her dark hair flowing past her shoulders, her pace dragging, eyes ready to close for sleep. Grease stains mar her pristine uniform. As she draws near, there's a strong scent of olive oil and musk that clings to her.

“Where’s the surprise you promised me in your text?” She’s casting her gaze around the small space as if I could hide something in this narrow hallway. “I hope it's not a pony,” she says with a weak smile. “I don't think I can fit an animal that size in my room.”

There's a welcome mood change since this afternoon. The surprise I've planned should push her to elated.

“You'll have to step into my room first to see it,” I say, motioning with one hand while holding out my other to show it's in my bedroom.

She folds her arms, her brown-eyed steel gaze looking up at me. “MacTavish, if this is a ruse to get me in your bed, and you've tied a red ribbon around your cock as a present, you're going to be very sorry. I haven't told you, but I'm a fierce martial artist.”

My skin heats with embarrassment as I realize how this could be mistaken for a seduction. “Ah, no. It has nothing to do with that part of my anatomy.” I produce a charming grin to reassure her of my honest intentions. “If you've stopped your threats, lass, then come in to see your surprise.”

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