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And he was exceptional in so many ways; he could be an exceptional father. Did her wanting to go home mean that she was being selfish? Would she be depriving her child and their father of a real future together?
This was all too much!
Her head swam and she slammed a hand against the wall to steady herself. Instantly Matt was beside her, guiding her back to the chair. There was a concerned look on his sculpted face as he leaned over her.
‘This is a lot, Matt,’ she said.
‘I know it is, but we have to do what’s best for the baby.’
She glared at him. Of course she knew that! She was the one carrying him. Her temper flared. She tried telling herself he was only doing what he thought to be the right thing, even if he was being an arse about it. And he did have a point—a stable family was important. Her father had read to her at night when he’d tucked her in; her mother had taught her how to drive. They’d taken turns bringing her to extra-curricular activities.
She could do those things for her child. But that would all pale in comparison to what she and Matt could provide together. His name, his wealth, would open doors for her baby to which she could never give him access. He was right—he could provide a great life.
Except the part where they were in love. Love was something that happened to a fortunate few and she was just not one of those people.
Hannah raised her chin defiantly. ‘If we do this, I have conditions.’
‘I’m all ears.’
‘No marriage. We can have an engagement to see if this could work. We have two months until the baby arrives, all being well. We can try a two-month trial period. But I need to think about it. I’m not agreeing to this now.’
She could see Matt thinking it over, a line forming between his brows as he studied her.
CHAPTER SIX
HANNAH EXPECTED SOME sort of reaction from Matt now that she had agreed to consider his crazy proposal. She got nothing. Instead, his hands were braced on the arm rest, crowding her. Slowly he lowered himself to his knees.
‘Have you eaten?’
‘What?’
‘You heard me.’
Now that she thought about it, the last thing she’d eaten was a small lunch before she had gone to Matt’s office. Since she’d got back to the hotel, she hadn’t been able to deal with the thought of food. Her stomach was in knots. There was no way she’d be able to eat. It was the last thing on her mind right now. She had just agreed to the possibility of leaving everything she knew behind her.
‘Hannah, you might be carrying my child. I asked you a question.’
‘You already know the answer. It’s fine, Matt, I’ll get something in a bit.’ She should at least have had an afternoon snack, but it wasn’t as though she was in the habit of missing meals. Today was an exception. She could take care of herself.
‘You have a choice—either I get us room service or, if you’re up for a little walk, we could go somewhere.’
Matt had been so easy going in Melbourne. She didn’t know who was this high-handed, demanding person kneeling before her. Eating out did sound good, though, maybe even a little air. Being so close to Matt messed with her brain.
‘I’d like to go out.’ If she was going to eat anyway, she might as well go some place nice.
Matt nodded and stood, offering his hand to help her up. ‘Are you okay?’
‘Yes.’ His touch made her feel as though she were holding onto burning embers, except there was no pain. Just a licking heat that travelled over her skin. She tried to pull her hand back, but he held on tightly, and she allowed herself to enjoy this moment. To lean into this support he offered while it lasted.
She grabbed her bag and slipped the room key into it as Matt closed the door behind him. He was quiet as they made their way to the lift and as they stepped into it. Hannah wondered if maybe a bit of space between them might have been the better plan.
The lift slowed and she tried to step away from him but he wouldn’t let her. The doors slid open and an old couple walked in. The impeccably dressed woman gave her a warm smile as she noted their joined hands and Hannah’s belly.
They must have looked like a real couple. Was this what it would be like, pretending for the world so everyone knew they were a real family? What about when the baby was born? Would they keep pretending?
They finally reached the ground floor and Matt kept the doors open, letting the couple exit first before his voice penetrated her thoughts.
‘Whatever you’re thinking, don’t let our situation spook you. Let’s just take this one step at a time.’
