Expecting His Holiday Surprise by Jo McNally

Author:Jo McNally
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-09-11T21:42:31+00:00

* * *

Trent stepped back, needing more space. Being in Jade’s presence was like riding the world’s wildest roller coaster—warm and familiar one minute, then on-fire hot, or off-the-rails terrifying. He cleared his throat loudly, trying to regroup. His answer had been abrupt, but he’d come very close to oversharing and that couldn’t happen.

“I...uh...should probably go.”

“Yeah, sure.” Her expression cooled. The moment was broken. “How long did you say you were staying in Gallant Lake?”

“As long as I need to. We have unfinished business, Jade. Or at least, unfinished conversations.”

“About whoever burned you?”

“That’s a hard no.” He started to scowl, then saw the hurt in her expression. He sighed instead, staring at the floor. “Someday, maybe. But...not right now. I don’t want it creeping into my current life.”

He didn’t want memories of Cindy anywhere near Jade.

She tipped her head so she could look up into his eyes. “I just have to point out that if you’re bringing it up, it’s already creeping into your current life.”

He snorted. “Maybe I should fire my therapist and hire you.” He thought about what he’d just said and held up his hands. “On second thought, no thanks.”

She grinned. “Coward! So what are these unfinished conversations you think we need to have?”

“We still have a lot to learn about each other, Jade. I think that’s important if we’re going to do this together.” He nodded toward her rounded stomach, where he’d just felt a child...his child...do somersaults.

“We don’t have to do anything together.” Her smile slowly faded. “I meant what I said. I can raise her alone.”

“And I meant what I said,” he replied. “I’m not the kind of man who’d ever let that happen.”

“But seriously...how long are you staying?” She didn’t seem keen on the idea.

He shrugged. “Enough time to wrap my head around what’s happening. Enough time for us to spend time together...” He thought of the kiss they’d just shared and shook his head. “Not that kind of time.”

She started laughing. “I didn’t say a damn thing, so who are you warning? I’m thinking I was right in calling you a coward, Trent Michaels.”

They stared at each other, the air suddenly charged with sexual tension again. Apparently it didn’t matter how close they were to each other. Just the suggestion of intimacy was enough to start the fireworks.

Retreat! Retreat!

“I think it’s time for me to head back to the resort. Do you want to... I don’t know...do something tomorrow? Dinner?” He ran his fingers through his hair, and a honey-colored shock fell across his forehead. “This is hella awkward, isn’t it?”

When they got to the back door, she folded her arms on her chest. “We’re going to be parents together, and we kiss really well, but that doesn’t make us a couple or anything. We’re not dating. We don’t need to be joined at the hip. I don’t need a keeper.”

His hand rested on the doorknob. “Considering you nearly passed out in my arms earlier, I’m not sure that’s true. But if you’re saying you need a little space, I can do that.

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