Page 53 of Players Like Us
“You told him that? You and Daniel were discussing pregnancy?”
Red seeped from his neck to his cheeks as he tried to offer an explanation. “The guy sounded so pathetic when he mentioned Meredith being tired and throwing up, that I told him to grab a calendar and a pregnancy test.” He held up his hands, shook his head. “I’m not speaking from experience, but it’s pretty basic stuff.”
“Have you heard anything?”
“If I tell you, will you promise not to say anything?”
She nodded. “I won’t.”
“Yes.” His voice dipped. “They’re pregnant but not very far along, so they’re not saying anything yet.”
“I think they’ll be wonderful parents. Thank you for helping him out.” There was more to that phone call and she wanted to know what it was. “I know he didn’t just call you for advice.”
More red splashed his cheeks. “No, he told me how much he loved you and how he didn’t like that you were so unhappy and maybe I had something to do with it.”
Daniel! Always the meddler. “You should ignore him. My brother likes to poke around where it’s not his business.”
“True, but this time I’m glad he did. I got the lecture about how trust is a big deal in a relationship and unless you have it you’re going to keep screwing up until it’s too late.” He blew out a sigh, his voice filled with regret. “He was right even if I didn’t want to hear it. But after the call, I started thinking about what was right in front of me.” Neal reached across the table, clasped her hand in both of his. “You. Us. I’ve been such a fool and I’m sorry I hurt you. Sorry for pretty much every time I caused you pain.” His voice turned hoarse, his eyes bright. “And if you think you can find it in that big heart of yours to give me another chance, I promise to spend the rest of my life trying to make you happy.”
The rest of his life? Rachel swallowed, fought to keep her voice even, failed. “What are you saying?”
“I’ve done so many foolish things to keep you away, to hide myself...to pretend I didn’t care. If you give me this one last chance, I promise I will work very hard to be the man you deserve.” His voice spilled emotion. “The husband you deserve.”
“Husband?”
“Rachel Reese, I love you in ways I never thought possible, and if you feel the same way, marry me. Let’s make a life together.”
She smiled, let him see the love in her heart. “I love you, Neal. I’ve loved you for a long time, even when I didn’t know it.”
“Is that a yes?”
She brought his hands to her lips, kissed his knuckles. “That’s a definite yes.”
“You know you could’ve held out and asked me to rename a restaurant after you.” His lips twitched. “It worked for your brother, and I would have done it.”
“I have other things I want from you.” She brushed his knuckles against her cheek, then eased her hand away. “Stay right there.” Rachel scooted from her seat and joined him on his side of the booth. “A proposal should be accompanied by a proper kiss.”
That made him laugh. “Most women would say it should be accompanied by a gigantic rock.”
“Not this woman.” She flung her hands around his neck, pressed her body against his and kissed him.
“You’re getting the rock, so don’t argue.” He pulled her closer, murmured, “I’ve missed you so damn much.”
Another kiss, this one longer, deeper, filled with hope and promise, and so much sizzle. It was the sizzle that left Neal breathing hard and when she slid a hand up his thigh, those beautiful blue eyes glittered. “Why don’t we order to go?”
He traced the neckline of her dress, made her shiver. “We can take the food back to my place...feed each other in bed...”
Rachel sighed with pleasure and anticipation. “I was thinking of ordering the veal medallions marsala, but who can pass up the Neal Alexander special?” She placed a hand on his chest, whispered, “I could never resist it.”
He trailed a finger along her jaw, his expression filled with such love it stole her breath. “And now you don’t have to...”
31
Harrison Alexander never disappointed. When the call came from an unknown number late one afternoon, Neal answered it.
“Well, I hear you’ve been busy doing something with your life. Congratulations.”
That was as close to a compliment as he’d ever received from his father. “How did you hear that?” Neither said “Hello, how have you been,” because that would be a nicety and an attempt at decency.
