Jason walked her to her car and held her door while she got behind the wheel. He lingered with his hand on the door. The silence between them grew heavy with expectation. Ming’s heart slowed. The crease between his brows told her that something troubled him.
She was the first to break the silence. “Evan’s in love with Lily and she’s decided to stay in Houston.”
“How do you feel about that?”
“I’m thrilled.”
“I mean about how Evan feels about her.”
With a determined smile she shook her head. “I’m happy for him and Lily.”
“You’re really okay with it?”
“I’m going to be a mom. That’s what I’m truly excited about. That’s where I need to put all my energy.”
“Because you know I’m here if you want to talk.”
“Really, I’m fine,” she said, keeping her voice bright and untroubled. She knew he was just being a good friend, but she couldn’t stop herself from wishing his concern originated in the same sort of love she felt for him. “See you at the restaurant.”
He stared at her for a long moment more before stepping back. “Save me a seat.”
And with that, he closed her car door.
Eleven
Jason had never been so glad to be done with an evening. Sitting beside Ming while toast after toast had been made to the bride and groom, he’d never felt more alone. But it’s what he wanted. A lifetime with no attachments. No worries that he’d ever become so despondent over losing a woman that he’d want to kill himself.
Logic and years of distance told him that his father had been in an extremely dark place after the death of his wife and daughter. But there was no reason to believe that Jason would ever suffer such a devastating loss. And if he did, wasn’t he strong enough to keep from sinking into a hole and never coming out?
And yet, his reaction to that photo of her dancing hadn’t exactly been rational. Neither had the way he’d demanded that she declare herself to be his. Oh, he’d claimed that he didn’t want to lead her on. The truth was he was deathly afraid of losing her.
“I’m heading home.” Ming leaned her shoulder against his. Her breath brushed his neck with intoxicating results. “Can you walk me to my car?”
“I think I’ll leave, too.” The evening was winding down. Sebastian and Missy had already departed.
As soon as they cleared the front door, he took her hand. Funny how such a simple act brought him so much contentment. “Did I mention you look beautiful tonight?”
“Thank you.” Only her eyes smiled at him. The rest of her features were frozen into somber lines.
They reached her car and before he could open her door, she put a hand on his arm. “This is probably not the best place for this…” She glanced around, gathered a breath and met his gaze. Despite her tension, joy glittered in her dark eyes. “I’m pregnant.”
Her declaration crushed the air from his lungs. He’d been expecting it, but somehow now, knowing his child grew inside her, he was beyond thrilled.
“You’re sure?”
“As sure as an early pregnancy test can be.” Her fingers bit into his arm. “I took one at the restaurant.” She laughed unsteadily. “How crazy is that? I couldn’t even wait until I got home.”
Jason wrapped his arms around her and held her against him. A baby. Their baby. He wanted to rush back into the restaurant and tell everyone. They were going to be parents. Reality penetrated his giddy mood. Except she didn’t want to share the truth with anyone. She intended to raise the child on her own.
“I’m glad you couldn’t wait,” he told her, his words muffled against her hair. “It’s wonderful news.”
From chest to thigh, her long, lean body was aligned with his. How many months until holding her like this he’d feel only her rounded stomach? Or would he even get to snuggle with her, her head resting on his shoulder, her arms locked around his waist?
“Of course, this means…”
Knowing what was coming next, Jason growled. “You aren’t seriously going to break up with me on the eve of Max’s wedding.”
“Break up with you?” She tipped her head back so he could see her smile, but she wouldn’t meet his eyes. “That would require us to be dating.”
But they’d sworn never to explore that path. Would they miss a chance to discover that the real reason they were such good friends was because they were meant to be together?
Are you listening to yourself? What happened to swearing you’d never fall in love?
Frustrated by conflicting desires, Jason’s hold on her tightened. Her breath hitched as he lowered his head and claimed her mouth. Heat flared between them. Their tongues tangled while delicious sensations licked at his nerves. She was an endless feast for his senses. A balm for his soul. She challenged him and made him a better person. And now she was pregnant with his child. They could be happy together.