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I go to the master bedroom first but he’s not there. Not in the guest bedroom we slept in last night either, or the babies’ room. I frown wondering where he might be, and just start opening doors as I walk down the hall…but he’s not anywhere here. Not even his office. Then I remember this morning when he had a business call he went into the garage. Could he be in there? No harm checking it out.
I make my way back down the stairs and turn left. I go to open the door when his voice reaches me and I pause.
“I can’t make it, Massimo. It’s two damn days away, how can you not give me any prior notice? So, this is because I said I want out? Team building my ass. I told you when I joinedthat I wouldn’t be going on these stints with you–” His voice fades like he’s walked to the other end of the garage. This is my opportunity to make a natural entrance without seeming like I’ve been eavesdropping.
I knock on the door and then swing it open. He glances at me, a panicked look washing over his features, and he bites out, “We’ll talk about this later.” Then he hangs up.
“What’s going on?” I ask, walking to him.
“Nothing.” He drops the small phone that I haven’t seen before into his pocket and makes his way to me. “What are you doing down here, aren’t the girls here?”
“Andrea called Autumn to help me unpack, and she came bearing food. Because apparently, there’s no food at all in this house.” I come to a full stop before him, lifting the plate in my hand.
He runs a hand through his hair and gives me an apologetic smile. “Yeah, I’m sorry about that. Let’s go grocery shopping tomorrow, okay? Or better still, why don’t I just hire a chef?”
“Why don’t you?” I return with a smile as he takes the plate. He plants a soft kiss on the tip of my nose.
“Sounds like we’re getting a chef then.”
I grin and burst out, “Oh, my God Ezra, I was just kidding. I love cooking. So, grocery shopping tomorrow?”
“Sounds like a plan,” he agrees.
“Do you want to come eat with us?” I nod to the door.
“I would love to, but I have to–”
“Work, I know. I’ll see you in a few hours for our date then.” I pat his shoulder and start to turn around when he stops me with a hand on my arm.
“I’m sorry, this isn’t how I planned for your first day here to go, but something unexpected came up,” he says contritely.
“I understand, Ezra. I’m not mad. Do what you have to do, so you’re not distracted on our date. Iwillbemad if that happens.”I go on tiptoes to press a kiss on his cheek, then leave him alone to finish his business.
CHAPTER 33
CHARLIE
The dinner date is at a restaurant called The Marina, a short drive away from our place. It’s a very beautiful spot sitting on the water with an equally stunning view. Ezra pulls my chair out and we’re barely seated when the waiter comes over to ask for our drink order while we contemplate what to eat.
“Do you have any non-alcoholic drinks?” I ask him. “I’m pregnant,” I add when he gives me a slightly annoyed look.
After settling on sparkling water–none of the mocktails sounded appealing–we’re left to peruse the menu, everything sounds mouth-wateringly good.
“I’ve never had to tell anyone that I’m pregnant before. It felt weird,” I confess while Ezra watches me with unwavering eye contact. “But it made it feel so real. I can’t believe it.”
The warm look in his eyes changes from one of pure affection to something much more possessive.
“You are pregnant. With my babies.” His eyes darken. “I impregnated you. And I want everyone to know it.”
Heat engulfs my cheeks, and my core clenches at the way his eyes are devouring me from across the table. They rake over my body, pausing on my aching breasts, which I know have growna couple sizes in the last few months. I remember his hands massaging them last night and how good it felt has my nipples pebbling under his gaze, which I’m sure he notices. He tears his gaze away from my chest to travel to my stomach, and the hardness in his eyes softens, the warmth from earlier returning to the swirling blue depths.
A sigh escapes my lips, breaking the spell he’s under and he glances up at me with a smirk. I skim over the menu, then drop it to take in the pretty sunset, reflecting on the still surface of the lake. I love the water–the beach, lakes, you name it–and unfortunately, I haven’t made enough time over the years to really enjoy it.
“The view isn’t going anywhere,” Ezra chuckles, tapping my hand to get my attention. “Have you decided on what to get?”
I sigh as I pick up the menu again and glance at it more thoroughly. “I think I’ll go for the fried sea scallops with French fries, cheese dip and grilled chicken alfredo.”
Ezra gives me an amused glance, then nods and signals to the waiter. Fifteen minutes later, our steaming food is placed in front of us. I rub my hands together in anticipation, to Ezra’s great amusement.
