She covered his hand with hers and looked into his eyes. “Choose to believe the good part of it and not the bad. I honestly think he believed he was doing right by you and Easton.”
He captured her hand and kissed her knuckles. “You’re one of kind, Mya.”
Ethan still had her hand when the waiter came back with their drinks. She took a sip of the lemonade, and it was fresh made. Having that kind of pull in Boston had to be a bit nerve-racking. She wasn’t looking forward to the part where she’d have to go to dinners and accept or decline invitations. Maybe they’d leave her alone because she wasn’t considered high society. You’re actually anticipating being snubbed, she thought ruefully.
They ordered dinner and talked while waiting for it to arrive. There was soft fresh bread to dip in olive oil and herb pesto. She was hesitant to try it, thinking it would make her morning sickness rear its ugly head. But amazingly, it stayed down, and so did the delicious steak with sautéed potatoes and vegetables. More than a few people came to their table to say hello to Ethan. Those who acknowledged her looked at her curiously. She knew she wasn’t his usual type, so their less-than-subtle prods for information didn’t bother her in the least, nor the looks of disbelief when they learned she was his former personal assistant. Ethan never mentioned their engagement even though she saw a few glances at the rock on her finger.
After dinner, the paparazzi were still outside although a misty rain had started while they were in the restaurant. Again more questions, more camera flashes blinding her, until she lost her footing and slipped just a little. Ethan had her arm, so when he felt her body mass shift, he was there to help her, and the snarl he let loose at the paparazzi trying to get closer made them scramble back. He wanted to stay when he got her home, but she was overwhelmed and used Robin being there as an excuse to say good night at the door. He lifted her chin with one long finger, kissed her until her knees felt weak, and made sure she was safely inside before he left.
Robin was waiting for her to let her know he’d seen her picture on the entertainment channel more than once. He wanted details, and she just wanted to be quiet, so after useless prodding, he left her alone. She changed into warm pajamas and had only a mild bout of nausea, which suited her just fine. While they watched reality shows on the same channel, one of the gossip reporters broke in with live pictures of her and Ethan going to dinner.
“An inside source tells us that Mya Spencer is the new love on Ethan Tremaine’s arm. The billionaire playboy seems to be settling down because there was a huge rock on her finger, and insiders tell us there’s also a bun in the oven. No one knows how long they’ve been seeing each other, but Ethan has put this relationship on the fast track. People are already taking bets on how fast it will derail. Back to Superstar Moms and Drugs.”
Robin patted her hand. “Don’t worry, sweetie. They just sank their teeth into a new juicy story.”
“I guess Ethan got what he wanted. He blatantly announced to the waiter that I’m pregnant with his child.” She sighed. “I got myself in deep with this one.”
“You can always back out,” Robin said. “We’ll take care of little Lola ourselves.”
She burst out laughing. “You are not calling any child of mine Lola. I won’t back out. I actually care for him, and I think he does for me. I guess we’ll see who wins the bet if it derails.”
“Well, I got your back, honey chile.” Robin used his best southern woman voice, and Mya rolled her eyes.
She leaned over and kissed his cheek loudly. “Honey, I keep telling you you’re white, not Aunt Jemima. Still, I appreciate that you’re here.”
“Let’s get the computer and look at baby clothes for little Marisol,” Robin suggested.
“No to Marisol,” Mya said.
“Drat, you’re letting all the good names go,” he teased.
“Uh-huh, and I’m good with that.” Mya smiled.
Her mind went back to the gossip columnist and her words as she got into bed. Derailed. She drifted off wondering if that would be the outcome of this union . After all, she made all the dinner reservations for him and his dates. Dinner reservations just like they had that night. He said everything she wanted to hear, but in the end, would he live up to the nickname Playboy?
Chapter Three
Ethan was making himself breakfast when his phone started to vibrate. He’d unplugged it last night with reporters calling, morning TV asking for interviews, people wanting exclusive rights to the wedding and first baby pictures. He’d wanted it to be known he was getting married and a baby was on the way, and he’d certainly done it. There was a screeching message from good stepmom Lurlene saying he and Easton were to give her what was due to her or they’d pay. Ethan was half tempted to call her back and tell her exactly what he thought she was due for. But a recorded murder threat was as good as a crime. So he’d let her sit and stew in her own juice without a response. He’d only deal with her if he had to and not before.