She nodded her head. “I know. Does your father, I mean, do your parents know about it?” “Yes, they want to know what we’re going to do about it.”
“They left the decision up to you?” She looked up at him. He saw the shock in her eyes.
“No, they didn’t leave it up to me. I know what they’re going to try to do,” he said.
“I don’t know what you mean, Patrick. I’m a little lost.”
Taking a deep breath, he stared into her beautiful lost eyes. She really was a lovely woman.
“Our parents have been working on a business deal together. They want to expand their operations, and the Dixon and Thompson names would be unbelievable.”
The tears filled her eyes as she realised what he was trying to say.
“A marriage between our families would be perfect. So, our incident has given them a bigger opportunity to expand?”
“Yes.”
“Was that night planned?” she asked.
He’d known she’d come to that conclusion. The moment he’d gotten off the phone with his father he’d thought the same way. “After talking with my dad I thought the same thing about you for a second.”
“You think I was there to seduce you?”
“Don’t sound so shocked. You’d be surprised how many women have tried that.” He felt defensive. The incredulous tone in her voice affected him. He wasn’t that bad a catch.
“I’ve never thrown myself at a man because my parents wish it, Patrick. I’m not that kind of woman.”
Patrick squeezed her hand. “It was a lucky coincidence between us, Jennifer. Nothing more. We met, and there was a lot of chemistry.”
She nodded her head. “We’re all acting a little crazy.”
“Look at me,” he said.
Her gaze met his.
“I want you to listen to me, and don’t interrupt. I’ve got an idea that could suit us all.”
“I’m listening, Patrick.”
Licking his lips, he allowed the idea to form and sink in. “What if we don’t get married, at least not right away? I know our parents want us to get married, but we don’t have to do as they say.”
She remained quiet for him to continue.
“We’ll be together, Jennifer. I’ll want you to move in here with me, and we’ll make a go of it. We’ll see if we can be together, and then when the baby is born or before—it’s up to you—we can get married then. What do you think?”
“Our parents wouldn’t allow it.”
“Our parents can go to hell. This is our future. Mine, yours, and the baby’s future we’re thinking about.”
“The media will have a field day with this,” she said.
“Do you really care what a load of papers say about us?”
She shook her head.
“If we do this then you can’t go with any other woman, Patrick. If you go with someone else then the deal is off.”
“Baby, with you here there is no other temptation.”
“We’re really doing this?” she asked.
“I think we’re really doing this,” he said.
“Okay, I’m going to talk to Linda first.”
He smiled. By the end of the week Jennifer would be in his home, by his side at all times. He couldn’t wait.
Chapter Six
“Your parents are going to hit the roof,” Linda said later that afternoon.
“It’s a really good idea.” Jennifer stared at her friend as Linda walked from the kitchen into the sitting room.
“If both of your parents are trying to do some kind of merger, do you really think they’ll settle for the two people who can guarantee its success, simply living together?”
Linda took the seat next to her.
“I hadn’t thought about that,” she said.
“I think it’s a brilliant idea. Your parents won’t. They’re way too controlling to allow anything like that. I’m with you, Jen.” Linda handed her a drink then eased back.
“He thought of it,” she said.
“He seems really nice.” Linda grabbed the remote and pressed the television on.
“What’s the matter?” Jennifer asked.
“Nothing. I’m just going to miss you. This place won’t be the same without you here.”
Jennifer wrapped her arms around her friend. “I’m so sorry.”
“No, it’s me. I’m being silly. I’m so happy for you, and all I’m thinking about is myself.” Linda sniffled. “He’ll let me visit?”
“Of course. Patrick is not some kind of ogre,” Jennifer said.
The rest of the day was uneventful. Jennifer hated the thought of leaving Linda, but she knew she had little choice. Pressing a hand to her stomach she wondered what the future would bring.
The following morning, Patrick picked her up from her apartment. She’d packed two suitcases worth of clothes ready to leave.
“That’s it?” he asked. He looked into the apartment. “None of this is your furniture?”
“It is, but I’m not taking anything else with me. Linda is staying here.”
“Where is your friend?”
“She’s out. She didn’t want to see me leave.”
Biting her lip, she looked back at her apartment. There were so many beautiful memories in the place she’d lived. They’d shared Christmases and birthdays together.
Shaking her head, she turned back to Patrick. “I’m ready.”
“You don’t look it.”
“I’ll be fine in a few days. I’m not used to change, and this should be good for me.” He took her case from her, and then they started walking together down to his waiting car.
“Just so you know, you’ll be sharing a room with me.”
She chuckled. “I never expected anything else,” she said.
“Also, I think we should talk to our parents together. We show a united front, and they’ll back down. I guarantee it.” He opened her door for her.
“Is that where we’re going now?” she asked.
“I thought you’d like to get it out of the way before settling into your new place.”
“You’ve already arranged it all,” she said.
“Of course. I’m efficient. Also, I’ve arranged an appointment for you to see one of the leading birth specialists. I want to be part of it all.”
“Patrick, I’ll take care of the doctor side of things. I don’t want to see someone who I don’t know.”