Page 43 of Pregnant by the Texan
When they flew back to Royal on Saturday afternoon, she had eight more big checks to deposit in the Royal storm recovery fund. As they sat in the plane, she was aware of Aaron studying her. “What?” she asked. “You’re staring.”
“I’m thinking about all the changes in you. Now you’ll be the talk of Royal with your makeover, plus the money you’re bringing in to help everyone.”
She laughed. “I’ll be the talk of Royal maybe for five minutes. But the checks will last for quite a while. Aaron, I’m so thrilled over the money. People have been really generous. Thank for your introductions.”
“Thanks, Stella, for talking to all of them. You’re doing a fantastic job. As for the talk of the town—it’ll be longer than five minutes. I suspect some guys are going to ask you out. I think I should make my presence known.”
She was tempted to fling What do you care? at him. How much did he care? He acted as if he wanted to be with her. He had done so much for her—in the long run, the results had been for Royal, so she didn’t know how much of his motivation came from feelings for her or if it was for the town. Even the jewelry had been for her because she was having his baby—not necessarily because he loved her for herself.
She didn’t know any more about what he felt now than she had after their first night together.
The sex was fabulous, but did it mean deeper feelings were taking root with Aaron or was it still simply lust and a good time?.
Aaron would talk to Cole Saturday or Sunday and then she would know if the TCC had made any more decisions about the Christmas festival. It could be so much fun for everyone if they opened it up for all to attend.
She hoped to get into her town house soon and have her own little Christmas tree. Each day she was in Royal, she noticed more trees going up in various places in town. Some Christmases they had had a decorated tree on the lawn of the town hall. She wanted to ask about putting up a Christmas tree on the town-hall lawn this year because she hated for the storm to destroy any customs they had.
“You have appointments for us starting Monday with a lunch in Austin and dinner that night. The next day we go to Houston and Wednesday, we have a noon meeting in Dallas. We won’t be back to Royal until after lunch Wednesday. No more until after Christmas, Aaron. I need to be in Royal so I can focus on the Christmas gift drive.”
“You’ll be back Wednesday afternoon. Then you can start catching up.”
After landing she ate with Aaron at the Cozy Inn, sitting and talking until after ten. At the door to her suite, she glanced at him as she inserted the card in the slot. “Want to come in?”
“I thought you’d never ask,” he said. He held the door for her and she entered.
She turned to face him. “Want something to drink?”
He walked up to her and pulled her close. “No, thank you. I want you in my arms.”
She kissed him, wrapping her arms around his narrow waist, holding him, wondering if they were forging any kind of lasting bond at all.
* * *
After appearing in Austin for a TV interview on Monday, they flew to Houston on Tuesday. During the flight, Stella turned to Aaron. He was dressed to meet people as soon as they landed. He had shed his navy suit jacket and loosened his matching tie. He sat across from her with his long legs stretched out in the roomy private jet.
She was comfortable in her new navy suit and matching silk blouse. She, too, had shed her suit jacket.
“Still no morning sickness?” he asked.
“Not at all,” she said. “Aaron, I’ve had three job offers this week.”
His eyebrows arched. “Oh? Who wants to hire you?”
“The Barlow Group in Houston. They want me for vice president of public relations. It’s a prestigious Texas foundation that raises money for good causes.”
“I know who you’re talking about. I have a friend on their board. Who else has made an offer?” he asked, frowning slightly as he waited.
“A Dallas charity—Thompkins Charities, Ltd. They also want me for director of public relations.”
“Another prestigious group that does a lot of good. That’s old oil money. I have several friends there.”
“The third one is No Hungry Children in Dallas who want me for a coordinator-of-services position. The only one I’m considering is the Barlow Group in Houston. I’m seriously thinking about taking that job. It pays more than I make now. It would be in Houston, which would be nice. I can help a lot of people—that would be my dream career.”
“Congratulations on the offers. Frankly, you’re needed in Royal, though.”
“Royal is beginning to mend. They can get along without me.”
“People have talked to me and I think the whole town wants you to step in and become acting mayor.”
