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Nash tugged her forward and claimed her mouth like a man starving for affection and staking his claim. With their hands tightly secure in her lap, Lily opened for him, relieved that he’d declared how he wanted to be with her and a bit aroused at the demanding way he’d all but marked her as his own.
Nash and his powerful mannerisms never failed to make her feel wanted and—dare she say—loved.
But she just realized she hadn’t brought up the job opportunity Ian had presented her with. She had until tomorrow night to give him an answer.
When Nash eased back and looked her in the eyes, Lily knew she had an important decision to make. And this time her career move would affect the man she’d fallen in love with.
Fourteen
Lily had changed for bed, washed her face and pulled her hair back into a low, messy bun. She hadn’t seen or heard a peep out of Nash since they got home. He’d come in, tossed his keys on the entryway table and told her he’d be back inside in a bit.
That was over an hour ago. She’d given him space, but what was bothering him right now? He’d been so open in the truck, then it was as though he waged some inner war with himself and he shut her out...again.
Was he having doubts about what he’d revealed to her in the car? Was he still caught up in the whole Barrington saga? Perhaps he was worried about the baby. Or maybe it was whatever Damon had discussed with Nash in the stables. Nash hadn’t even mentioned the man-to-man talk and she wondered if she should ask about it or just let him decide if he wanted to open up.
Whatever had him closing her out right now, she wished he’d let her in. He only opened up to discuss his superficial emotions, but when it came to his fears Nash was a private man.
Well, too bad. If they were going to try to make this work, they needed to have an open line of communication at all times. The best of relationships struggled sometimes and they already had so many strikes against them. She refused to let go of the one man who made her feel like love was a great possibility and there was a chance for a happily-ever-after.
Wearing only her simple short blue tank-style gown, Lily padded through the house and slid open the patio door. Thanks to the light above the door she could make out Nash sitting out in the yard on a cushioned chaise lounge beneath a large old oak tree.
The warm summer evening breeze slid over her bare skin and for the briefest of moments she considered going back inside and allowing him the privacy he seemed to want. She didn’t want to be that nagging woman who was always trying to get her man to open up. Even though Lily ached for Nash to talk to her, she hoped he would do so on his own.
Before she could make a move, Nash glanced her way. Even in the dim light, she saw the angst in those stormy eyes. The man held so much inside, all that worry he could be sharing with her. She knew he didn’t want to upset her and he wanted her to be completely relaxed. But, how could she relax when she was constantly struggling with her own emotions and wondering what was on his mind that seemed to always put that worried look on his face?
Without a word, Nash extended his hand in a silent invitation for her to join him. Stepping from the warm, smooth concrete into the cool, soft grass tickled Lily’s toes as she made her way through the yard.
When she slid her hand into his, he maneuvered her around until she sat on his lap, her legs over his thighs and her feet brushing the top of the grass. Her head fell against his shoulder, a move she’d become so comfortable with.
Nash’s deep breathing combined with the crickets chirping in the distance had Lily smiling at another layer of the simple life she absolutely loved. Relaxing here would be no problem at all. And raising a child in this calming atmosphere would be a dream. Perhaps she could live here. Why not? Who said she had to live in LA? She was well-known, her agent shopped scripts for her and she would have to go on location regardless of where she lived.
When Ian scheduled her live interview, she could confess her pregnancy, open up about the man she’d developed a serious relationship with and explain they are keeping things private and had purposely kept away from the limelight.
Could the solution be so easy? So within her reach?
“Sorry I disturbed you,” she told him, breaking the silence. “I started getting worried when you didn’t come back inside.”
Nash’s arms tightened around her waist. “I lose track of time when I sit out here.”
“I can see why.” Lily trailed her fingertips along his tanned, muscular forearm. “So quiet and peaceful.”
He flattened his palm against her belly, spreading his fingers wide. “How’s our girl?”
