And she was still reeling from the news that Nash was Damon Barrington’s son. Even though her first gut reaction was anger, she had to give Nash the benefit of the doubt. The man was obviously torn. He was struggling with this new identity and working as a groom to get close to his biological father. How could she hold that against him?
He hadn’t deliberately lied to her and she’d seen the turmoil he’d battled with over revealing the truth to her. What had he done before coming to the Barringtons’ estate? Had he been a groom elsewhere? She assumed he worked with horses since he’d told her he did that as a child. Obviously love for the animals and hard work were in his blood.
Had she been in his shoes, she wouldn’t have disclosed her secret to a virtual stranger, either.
Oh, how fate had other plans for them. Lily never would’ve dreamed she’d be living in Nash’s cottage, pregnant with his child while he debated on when and how to drop the paternity bomb on the racing mogul.
The sooner the past came out, the better. Wasn’t that true for any type of potential relationship?
The front door opened and closed seconds before Nash’s heavy footfalls moved through the foyer. He rounded the arched doorway into the living room and offered her a half smile.
“You look like I feel.” She rested an arm along the back of the couch, taking in his lean form as he propped a shoulder against the door frame. “Bad day?”
“I’m grabbing a shower and heading back to the estate.” Nash ran a hand along his short beard, around to the back of his neck as he let out a sigh. “I’m going to tell him.”
Lily jerked up, gripping the back of the couch. “Does he know you’re coming back?”
“Yeah.”
Lily couldn’t believe he was ready to take this step. She knew he wanted to, but she had no idea he was doing it so soon after telling her. Had opening up to her released something else in him? Something that made him want to get his life in order before the baby came? And, dare she hope, for them to move forward together?
“Do you want me to come?”
Nash’s eyes met her, his toe-curling smile spread across his face. “I would, but only if you’re comfortable going.”
Lily came to her feet, smoothing her simple cotton dress down her legs. Rounding the couch, she crossed the cozy living room. Encircling his neck with her arms, Lily answered his devastating smile with her own.
“I don’t want to assume anything in any part of your life, Nash. I know our relationship has been a whirlwind, but I don’t think you should go through this alone.”
“Damn, I want to hold you,” he told her, resting his forehead against hers. “But I smell like the ass end of that stable and I need a shower.”
Lily laughed as she settled a quick peck on his lips. “I don’t mind, you know. But, go shower. I’ll throw on my shoes and pull my hair back real quick.”
Nash’s brows rose. “That’s all you’re going to do?”
“Uh, yeah, why?” Stepping back and narrowing her gaze, she crossed her arms. “Are you saying I need to change or put makeup on? I know you’re used to seeing me all made up on set, but this is the real me, Nash. No fuss and kind of boring.”
His hand snaked out, wrapped around her arm and tugged her until she fell against his chest. “I’m a much bigger fan of the no-fuss Lily. I’m just still surprised that you don’t care about getting all made up to leave the house.”