Expecting Thunder's Baby

“But we’re keeping it light this time. We’re embarking on friendship.”

“And sex, if you get your way.”

“Sex doesn’t have to be complicated.” He leaned in to kiss her, to taste what he’d been missing, but she slipped away.

Leaving him hanging, waiting and wondering what her final answer would be.

Three

“You’re supposed to talk me out of this,” Carrie said to her mom.

Daisy shook her head. She was sitting on Carrie’s sofa and was wearing pleated pants and a short-sleeved top. Her makeup had been carefully applied and her chestnut-brown hair was coiffed just so, courtesy of the beauty salon she’d been patronizing for over twenty years.

“It’s just a vacation,” Daisy said.

“With my ex-husband.” Carrie was too edgy to sit. She stood beside the gas fireplace she rarely used. The brick mantel was empty—no knickknacks, no family photos—a reminder that she was a longtime divorcée with no children.

“It’s a bit late for this conversation.” Daisy sipped a glass of instant lemonade. “You already told Thunder that you’d go with him.”

And now she was a nervous wreck, wondering what she’d got herself into. “He wasn’t supposed to come back into my life.”

“But he did, and you’re swayed by him. If you don’t do this, you’ll regret it.”

“You’re swayed by him, too.” Frustrated, Carrie glanced at her fingernails, where she’d picked at the week-old polish. “You’re taking his side.”

When the older woman set her drink on the coffee table, her hand lingered, showcasing a manicure that was fresh and glossy. “He loved you, honey. You know he did.”

Carrie’s heart lurched. “He never even said it.”

“But you know it’s true. You know how much he cared.”

“But I wanted him to say it.”

“So tell him that. Tell him how you feel.”

“After all this time?”

“Why not?” Daisy asked. “Besides, I think he still loves you.”

Good grief. She looked at the woman who’d given her life. “You only see what you want to see.”

“Thunder’s mother sees it, too. Margaret told me that her son has been lonely without you.”

“Lonely?” Carrie snorted. “When? In between all of his affairs?”

“Margaret thinks he does that to keep his mind off you.”

“Right. Twenty years of playing around to make up for a short-lived marriage with me. He may have done that in the beginning, but somewhere along the way he started to enjoy that lifestyle.”

“And now he wants to spend time with you.” Daisy stood up. “Just go to California, honey. Give him a chance.”

Carrie sighed. Arguing with her mother was pointless. “It doesn’t hurt that he lives at the beach.”

“Or that he still loves you.”

“Give it a rest, Mom.”

“Well, he does.” Daisy flashed a matchmaker’s smile, then went into the kitchen to put her glass in the sink.

Five minutes later, she left the condo, waving to her daughter. Carrie stood at the doorway and watched her go.

And that was when Thunder showed up and ran into Daisy. He greeted her on the walkway, exchanging friendly words and giving her a heartfelt hug.

After the older woman departed, he headed for Carrie’s condo. She still stood in the doorway, and when he noticed her, her pulse skittered.

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

“I’m making sure you don’t change your mind.”

“I almost did.”

He moved closer, then stopped in front of her, making her much too aware of the words he’d never spoken, the love he’d never confessed.

“I figured you’d try to bail out,” he said.

“My mom was supposed to talk me out of going with you.”

“Fat chance of that.” He nudged her inside. “She wants us to get back together.”

Carrie frowned at him. “She told you that?”

“No. But it’s obvious. With my mom, too.” He took her hand and led her toward the stairs. “Let’s go to your room. To get you packed,” he added, before she could pull away from him.

“Are you this aggressive with the other women in your life?” By now, she was going upstairs with him, letting him call the shots and hating herself for it.

“You’re the only one who’s ever been difficult.” They reached her room, and he studied her unmade bed. “But it’s okay. I like the challenge.”

“Good thing.” She finally pulled away from him. “Because I intend to keep you at arm’s length.”

“Does that mean you’re not going to sleep with me?”

“Afraid so.” She opened the closet and removed her suitcase. Packing made sense, considering they were driving to California tomorrow.

“Then we’ll focus on being friends.” He sent her a bad-boy grin. “While I’m trying to seduce you.”

Carrie knew she was doomed. That sooner or later, she would end up in his bed, hot and hungry and stupidly naked. But she wasn’t about to admit it, at least not out loud. “I’m tougher than I look, Thunder.”

“I’m aware of how tough you are.” His grin faded. “I’ve got the divorce decree to prove it.”