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Damn. For a guy who professed he didn’t want a love match, he sure was making it difficult not to adore him. “Okay. Once I’m pregnant, I’ll move in.”
* * *
The next morningI woke up in my own bed, feeling deliciously sore and unwavering in my decision. I was going to be a mom, and although the circumstances weren’t conventional, I was happy. Happier than I’d ever been while dating, that’s for sure.
I’d meant what I’d said to Leo. He’d make a good dad. He’d also make a good partner. Obviously, we were sexually compatible, but we also seemed to get along. The latter was weird considering how our acquaintance had started. It was as if I’d scaled the outer wall he put up between himself and other people, and now things had changed. Sure, he had more barriers past the outer layer, but he respected me, cared for me, and would provide for our family. What more could I ask for?
Love, came the little voice in the back of my head. I stomped it down, resenting the thought for bubbling up and threatening to ruin my perfectly good plan. If I’d been meant to find love, I wouldn’t have such a disastrous dating history. Besides, love didn’t guarantee a long or happy marriage. I’d seen as much with my own two eyes. The way Leo and I were doing it took the risk out of the equation while still delivering all the reward of having a family. And I wouldn’t have to go it alone.
After stepping out of the shower, I wrapped a towel around myself and walked out to see Malorie standing there, hands on her hips.
“Where the hell were you last night?”
“I was out.” I could feel my cheeks heat.
“With who?”
Oh, boy. Waiting to tell people was proving difficult already. Guess I could go with a half- truth.
“I met someone. We hit it off.”
Her eyes went wide. “Where did you meet him?”
Shit. “Online. We went out for dinner and—” I hadn’t gotten home until after ten o’clock last night, so what else could I say?
Fortunately, she finished for me. “Then good for you. Must have been some night because you’re blushing.”
“It was a good night. How was yours?”
She smiled, loving the change of subject. “Great. I keep waiting to get tired of Craig, but it hasn’t happened yet.”
My nose scrunched up. “Why would you say that?” Craig was a nice guy, and it was clear he was crazy about her.
She shrugged. “Because I always get bored. But so far I still like him.”
“Well, that’s a good thing.”
“It’s different for sure. When can we meet the mystery guy?”
Good question. We could hardly keep sneaking around and expect people wouldn’t find out. We really needed to come up with a plan in which he told his brother, I told Malorie, and we somehow figured out how to tell the people at the office. Non-relationships were hard.
“It’s new, so I’ll have to let you know when he’s ready to meet friends.” There was a small part of me which felt bad about the lie. But then she relieved all guilt.
“Given your luck with guys, it hopefully lasts longer than the one night.”
My eyes rolled. “Thanks a lot.” It was one thing for me to bemoan my horrible taste in guys, but to have someone else make fun of it was annoying.
She followed me into my bedroom. “Come on, even you have to admit you don’t have the best track record when it comes to dating. Look at that jerk from the other night.”
“I love you, Malorie, but criticizing me about my dating track record doesn’t exactly inspire me to confide in you.”
“I’m sorry. Craig mentioned he has a friend he’d love to set you up with. And don’t worry, it’s not someone you guys work with.”
What did I say? If I said “no, thanks,” she’d wonder why, but I couldn’t say yes, either. Geesh. Not dating my soon-to-be baby daddy was complicated.
“I’m going on another date with the guy from last night, but I’ll keep Craig’s friend in mind if things don’t turn out.”
Her lips flattened. “Why would you offer exclusivity to a guy you only just met? What’s the harm in meeting Patrick?”
