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“Hey,” he said.
“Hi.” That sudden shy smile squeezed at his heart in a way he never expected. She looked around at the unfamiliar surroundings. “Oh. Looks like I dozed off on you – sorry.”
“No apology needed. Today must have been hectic, not to mention emotional for you. It’s understandable if you’re a little exhausted.”
“I’m fine now. This is your place?”
“Yes. I stay here when I’m in town. Shall we?” He got out and came around to her passenger side just as she opened the door. She took the hand he offered as he helped her down. It wasn’t till they got inside that he released her hand.
“Feel free to take a look around and get comfortable. I’ll just be a minute,” he said, once they were inside and she turned to face him. He rested his hand on her shoulder and squeezed gently in assurance. “If there’s anything you need, just ask.”
Dina rubbed on her arms she had wrapped around her and nodded. When he left, she ventured into the living room and set her clutch down on the sofa. His apartment was huge and opened into wide, tastefully furnished spaces done in warm, masculine tones. She glimpsed a library, office and entertainment room, before she moved over to the French windows leading to the outside deck.
The air was fresh and breezy, carrying the scents from the gardens below. She caught sight of the small pond set in the wooded area beside his property and thought of how awesome the colors would look in daytime. It would be such a marvel to capture on canvas.
Samuel returned to find Dina facing the window and he took some moments before making her aware of his presence. Though her dress wasn’t see-through in any way, it definitely flowed over her model curves in a manner that turned him on like a switch. The bracing air and moisture from outside seemed to agree with her skin, giving her rosy cheeks and just the lightest hint of goose bumps on her upper arms.
Knowing she now carried his baby brought on strange notions in his head he’d never addressed before.
Such as having a focus in life. He just wasn’t sure how to move forward with Dina without giving her the wrong idea. He liked her and had been thinking about her since the party, but making advances would be bad timing now there was a baby involved.
That didn’t mean he was ready to back out though, not on the baby and certainly not on the chance of being in a relationship with her. He’d never have seen himself thinking this way but somehow, he’d found a purpose. There had to be some way they could structure everything to suit everyone involved. But how?
Dina turned around to see Samuel standing in the doorway and they shared an easy smile. He’d changed into a pair of blue jeans and a black T-shirt that showed off his broad chest and shoulders. What made his laid-back look even sexier was the fact he was barefoot. That, and his dark blond locks falling loosely in his face as he gave her a crooked grin.
Breaking out of her lustful daze, Dina thumbed over her shoulder. “I was just enjoying the view.”
“So was I,” he said huskily, his smile fading.
Dina felt her face get flushed at the look in his eyes. He walked up to her and Dina went still but instead of closing in for a kiss, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to his warm body. “You might not really trust my motives or even plan to be with me,” he said, “But I’m not turning my back on you and the pregnancy. I’m not that much of a complete jerk.”
“I never thought you were a jerk,” Dina said, resting her head against his chest experimentally. Could she really lean on him the way he indicated?
“And I’m really happy you think we can work something out, Samuel. Because I wasn’t sure I could face it on my own. Especially when the doctor thinks the baby…” Dina stopped short and shook her head.
Samuel drew back so he could look in her face. “Is there something wrong?”
Again, a hasty shake of her head. “I don’t want to think the worst. I just want to focus on staying healthy. And since the agency has chosen to cut down on my work, I’ll have more time to focus on my wellbeing and that of the baby.”
She had to endure Samuel’s penetrating gaze for a few moments. “Why don’t you tell me all that’s been going on? With work, the baby, everything.”
Dina sighed and let Samuel lead them to the nearest couch where he sat them down and gave her a prompting squeeze on her hand. “Talk to me, Dina.”
“Okay,” she let out on a deep breath. “It all started a few weeks ago, when during a shoot or filming, I’d have these inexplicable fainting spells. I hadn’t missed my periods so I didn’t suspect a pregnancy, and just thought my body was reacting to the grueling schedule. Well, the last time I fainted I was taken to hospital and when I woke up, was given the news that I was pregnant. Of course, my agency got wind of it and considering it’s affecting my health, I won’t be taking on as much work as before. At least, not big ones. Besides, in a few months I’ll really start to show. So my modeling career will have to be on hold. I’m not even letting myself think about where I’m going to live, since my apartment is from the agency and I’ll be out of work soon.”
