Page 33 of Solid Ground

Grinning, I reach for a big, fat pastry stuffed with chocolate. I close my eyes and bite into the sweet treat. The chocolate inside explodes in my mouth, and I let out a moan.

“Jesus, Zoe. What are you trying to do to me?”

I open my eyes. Declan’s gaze is firmly fixed on my lips.

“I’m sorry?”

“I still have a lot of thoughts about our night together. I’m not going to pretend that you moaning doesn’t … do things to me.”

“Me?” I place a hand on my heart. “Little old me who you didn’t call after our Vegas sex-a-thon.”

He drops his gaze to the floor. “We need to talk about that.”

“Maybe. But what we really need to talk about is your involvement with our baby.”

His eyes flicker up to meet mine. “Our baby.”

“We did make it together.” I smile. “I thought about what you asked, and I’m happy for you to be included.”

He presses his palms together. “Thank you.”

I bite my lip. “But if you’re going to be involved, then I don’t want any fly-by-night. I’m not looking for you to commit to me, but you do have to commit to this baby.”

He’s quiet for a moment. “I understand, and I’m ready for this. I’m so ready. I’ll move closer to you. I’m retiring from acting, and I’d rather be close so I can be there for appointments and when the baby arrives.”

My throat tightens. “Really?”

He chuckles. “Yes, Zoe. I want to be there for you and this baby. I’ll find an apartment down the road.”

“Why don’t you stay with me?” The words are out before I can stop them.What am I doing?

We fall into an uneasy silence. But really, it does make sense. I have plenty of room and he wants to be involved in both the pregnancy and the baby’s life.

“I mean, if you want to.” I fumble the words but get them out. “We can revisit it after the baby’s born. I was already planning on making a decision about whether to stay here or go home to New Zealand about then anyway.”

“You … you’re thinking about leaving?”

I close my eyes. “I was. My visa won’t last forever, and there’s nothing left for me here … was nothing left for me here.”

“You don’t have to make a decision yet.”

“I sigh. “Everything feels so complicated.”

He pauses. “Maybe. But it’s only as complicated as we make it. It’ll be easier when I’m there and we can talk it out. Make plans.”

I nod. “That sounds okay.”

“Are you really alright with me moving in?”

Pausing, I nod again. “It makes sense. My friend Caitlin used to live across the hall and I had her nearby to help, but now she’s moved away and it’s just me.”

“There’s no time like the present.”

“So soon? You don’t have to rush.”

His warm hand covers mine. “You’re not alone. I’ll be here for you. Give me a few days to go home and sort some things and then I’ll be back.”

My heart thuds—I’m not sure it’s safe while he’s around. My attraction to him is there and as strong as it was that first night.

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