Pushing to his feet, Colt came to kneel by her chair, taking her hands in his, searching her face. “But you’re home now, to stay.”
“Yes.”
Nodding, he stated, “Everything is easier with friends.”
God love the man, could he be more wonderful? Coming straight from her heart, she whispered, “Thank you.”
Her emotional gratitude sent him drawing back. “When do you start work?”
She didn’t understand him. Trying to hide the ridiculous hurt, she said, “I have another week to get settled.”
“Not much time.”
“I’m looking forward to it. Dr. Fleming has been nice, plus he knows about the baby and says he’ll help with a workable schedule.” That remained one of her biggest concerns. How in the world would she keep working with a newborn?
Standing again, Colt pulled her up from her chair and into his arms for a hug that, to her heightened senses, felt well beyond friendship.
Until he set her back again. “The burger. You mentioned craving it?”
“I’ve had crazy cravings, and yes, that was a big one.”
“Cravings?” His grin went crooked. “Plural?”
This new mood of his teased her senses, urging her to let down her guard, but she didn’t dare. She had to remember the six years that existed between them.
Fixing a smile in place, she said, “Nothing like pickles and ice cream, so don’t be amused. I’ve had a thing for fried pickles, though.”
He laughed. “A thing, huh?”
Gesturing down at her body, she said, “You see the extra weight.”
Sobering, his smile faded away. “You’re beautiful, Charish.”
Whoa. The words, along with the heated intensity of his dark eyes, left her flummoxed.
She stared up at him, drawn to him as always, even while trying to resist. She couldn’t feel the same—because he couldn’t possibly feel the same.
Breaking eye contact finally allowed her to murmur, “Thank you, but I’m going to get a lot bigger.”
“If you’re at all like Violet, the changes will come slowly.”
Why did that sound so intimate? She peeked at him and found him staring at her breasts. She fought the urge to cover herself. Also fought the urge to step closer to him.
Her breasts felt heavier, tighter.
Jaw ticking, Colt inhaled, and suddenly his fingertips feathered over her cheek, along her jaw, then tipped up her chin. “Do you plan to tell everyone about the baby?”
The mixed signals were adding up. Friendliness, antagonism, distance, then sensual touching... It was like being on a roller coaster and her emotions were already in hyperdrive. She didn’t need Colt stirring them up even more.
But if he could be moderate, by God, she could, too. “I’m not keeping it a secret, but I don’t want to make an announcement either. I figured that as I made friends again, it’d come out.”
His hand settled on her shoulder. “You already have friends here, and they’ll be excited to see you again. Just know that your business is your own. You can share the news when you’re ready, okay? I won’t say anything to anyone.”
Before she could be too relieved over that, he continued with “But why didn’t you tell me? It’s been a long time, I know, but I like to think we’re still a little more than just friends.”
A lot more than that, at least to her heart, to the memories she held so dear. Blast him, now her stomach was churning.
She frowned. “How would that have worked? You said hi, and I should have immediately blurted, I’m pregnant?” She rolled her eyes. “That would have been a shocker.”
Far too serious, he held her back at arm’s length. “You think seeing that baby bed wasn’t a shocker? You said you weren’t married, but that didn’t rule out a fiancé or significant other.”
Was that what he’d reacted to? Not a baby, but a man in her life? She wanted to ask if it mattered to him, but didn’t dare. “It’s just me.”
His gaze went to her stomach. “And the new addition.”
Sucking in a breath, she nodded. “Yes.”
“So.” He took a critical look around. “What else needs to be done?”
No, she absolutely couldn’t take more of his push-pull help. “You’ve done enough.”
“If you really think that, you don’t remember my energy level.”
Oh, she remembered it all right. Colt used to fill up every available minute, cutting grass and working at the diner to save for college, and still hitting the honor roll every quarter. He’d accomplished so much at school, he’d graduated early with extra credits.
And still he’d found time for her.
“I’m not sure...” She, too, looked around. “I guess I need to go to the grocery. And I’ll have to set up the coffeepot because I’m seriously sluggish in the morning. Decaf,” she said as an afterthought. “No more caffeine for me.” Thinking about his grass-cutting job made her realize she’d forgotten all about the lawn. “I’ll probably need to find someone to do the yardwork, at least until I can buy a mower. If you have any suggestions on that—”
Taking charge, which was something else Colt excelled at, he promised, “We’ll get it all sorted out. For now, let’s get groceries. I’ll drive.”
Astonished, she shook her head. “You really don’t need to do that. I promise, I can manage on my own.”
Turning her, he gave her a light swat on the bottom—just as he used to when they were teenagers. He no sooner did it than he froze. “Yeah...sorry. Didn’t mean to overstep.”
She choked on a laugh. If he ever meant it, she’d really be in trouble. “Old habit?”
“Something like that.” Appearing relieved that she wasn’t angry, he suggested, “Grab your purse or whatever. I’ll see about the coffee machine.”
Shaking her head, Charish watched him head into the kitchen, her kitchen, and damn it, another smile tried to break free.
His stride was long, his presence big, and she knew, yes, she knew...her heart was in very big trouble.
* * *
IT DIDN’T MAKE any sense, but after spending so much time with Charish yesterday, even after thinking about her through half the night, Colt woke refreshed, ready to take on the day with a new perspective.
Not that he’d been a downer before that, and he sure as hell hadn’t moped around.