Page 51 of Solid Ground

“Any other time, and I’d say yes. But …”

“Oh. You have a girlfriend?”

I frown. “Well, no, but …” I blow out a long breath. “It’s complicated. There’s a woman I met in Las Vegas. You remember that trip I had planned when we finished the film? I had a one-night stand which has turned into, well, I’m not sure what it is yet.”

She’s switched off from what I’m saying judging by the uh-huhs and the hmms that come from her after that, but I spill everything before we finish the call.

I’m sure she didn’t listen, but telling someone helped alot.

Zoe’s noseis buried in a book when I walk into the living room. The afternoon sun floods in the window behind her, bathing her in light. She’s so effortlessly beautiful.

“Zoe?”

Looking up, she blinks as if shaking herself out of her thoughts.

“I’ve got a movie premiere coming up, and I wondered if you wanted to go with me.”

“You do?” She puts down her book and stretches. “What movie is that for? I thought you said the last one went straight to DVD.”

I shrug and walk toward her, then drop onto the other end of the couch. “Apparently not. My co-star was stalked and attacked—the studio want to cash in on the publicity.”

She grimaces. “That seems a bit gruesome.”

“It won’t be a blockbuster, but it’s a free night out with a red carpet.”

Zoe taps her forefinger on her chin. “It gives me an excuse to buy a new gown. I mean, it’s fancy, right?”

I grin. “I’ll be wearing a tux.”

“Swoon.” She laughs and all the tension rolls out of me. “It’s a shame I can’t drink. They’ll have champagne and things, won’t they?”

“They will, but seeing as you can’t drink, I won’t either.”

I’m not sure she’ll realise how big a sacrifice I’m making. It’s been years since I’ve coped with one of these nights without the calming influence of a drink.

“You don’thave—” She starts.

“I do.”

Her lips turn down into a frown. “Okay.”

“I’m not doing anything that risks whatever this is with us.”

Zoe’s eyes widen.

I shift closer to her. “I think you know as well as I do that there’s something more here than sex. I’m not going to do anything put that in danger.”

She licks her lips. “I … I think the same.”

“I’m relieved.” I smile. “Although the sex is pretty damn good.”

I could eat out on her laughter for years.

FIFTEEN

DECLAN

Pregnancy is a roller coaster.And I say that even though I’m not the one who’s pregnant.

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