Page 4 of His Valentine

“Lena?” he chokes out.

Chapter Two

Magnus

Rarely am I at a loss of words.

But seeing Lena—and seeing her aftersix damn monthsof searching for her—well, shit. For a moment, I’m utterly speechless. All I can do is gaze into those baby blue eyes of hers and feel grateful our paths have finally crossed again.

Then I remember that a few seconds ago, I was grabbing the arm of apregnantwoman, and my eyes drop to stare at Lena’s belly.

There are certain things in life that can be understood without words. And my blood ties to that baby is one of them. I know it as surely as I know Lena is standing here before me.

I raise my eyes back to hers. A thousand emotions about the baby are surging through me, but I also know we need to take this one step at a time. I say her name again, but this time, it’s not a question.

“Lena. Hi.”

“Magnus,” she says. Her breath hitches. “How did you—where did youcomefrom?”

“Had a meeting with a client,” I say. Then I remember she doesn’t even know what I do for work. We know practically nothing about each other—well, aside from each other’s taste in music and the taste of each other’s skin. The rest of it we still need to learn.

Lena’s pregnant.It hits me again.Holy shit. She’s pregnant.

“How are you?” I ask her. It’s the strangesthow are youI’ve ever said.

“I’m…” Lena takes a steadying breath. A little cloud escapes from her slightly parted lips, a reminder of how cold out it is right now. We shouldn’t be standing here like this. She shouldn’t have to endure the cold. I feel the impulse to shelter her with my arms, to kiss warmth onto her cheeks.

“Why didn’t you write back?” Lena says. Hurt sears through her voice.

“Write back?” I say, frowning.

“I messaged you. Multiple times.”

I have no idea what she’s talking about. But we can’t keep having this conversation standing out here in the freezing cold.

“Let’s find someplace warm to talk,” I say. “Have you eaten dinner?”

She looks at me warily. Fuck, I hate that something’s the matter. “No.”

“Then let me take you to dinner. Let’s talk about all of this.”

“It’s Valentine’s Day, Magnus.”

Shit. Right. Although, on the other hand, could there be a more appropriate day for us to be reunited? Since the moment I laid eyes on Lena six months ago, I’ve known I’ve wanted her.Allof me has wanted her, not just my cock. Why not reconnect with her over a romantic meal?

But when I look into her eyes, I know it’s not the best thing for right now.

“Let’s go to a diner,” I say. That should be safe from the romantic crowd. “I know a good one.”

She blinks and presses her lips together.

“Okay,” she finally says.

I noticedher the moment I walked into the hotel lounge that night. When a woman is as stunning as Lena, you take notice right away.

Not that any other woman is as beautiful as she is.

I wanted to sit down on the bar stool right beside her. But I also knew I shouldn’t assume anything. Hell, her boyfriend could come walking in any second. The very thought of her being committed to someone else was heart-wrenching, but I knew it was in my best interest to be practical about it.

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