“Of course I will,” she said. “But it won’t be for a few months at a time, like this winter. A week here, a week there . . . and, well . . .” She drew back to look at him as she said quietly, “Have you thought about that it might be hard for you to see the baby once he or she is born? I know you’re giving up your rights gladly; right now it’s just an idea. But . . . it may hit harder when you actually see the baby. And if so, I don’t want to do that to you. I might stay away more than not.”
He hadn’t considered that. Suddenly he could barely breathe. But he looked her right in the eye as he said, “That’s kind. But I’ll be fine with it.” His voice was husky, his chest tight as he stared at her. “Don’t worry about me. And definitely don’t stay away from Aspen because of me. Okay? Everything will be fine. I promise.”
She only smiled, tender warmth in her gaze. “Let’s go to dinner.”
They went to Sophie’s Bistro. He knew it was one of her favorite restaurants and he liked the warm, cozy atmosphere, but he’d also chosen it for another specific reason. As they walked inside, he confessed he wanted to wipe away the memory of their last meal together there, when he’d bolted and left her there. “This time,” he said, “we’ll replace that debacle with a nice memory.”
She smiled, clearly touched. Her hand lifted to give his beard a quick, affectionate rub. “That’s very thoughtful. Thank you.”
Something like affection unfurled in his chest. “I even asked for your favorite table, that one in the back that’s hidden away.”
“How very Valentine’s Day of you, Mr. Carter.”
“I’ve done romantic in my time, you know,” he said, quirking a grin. “I’m rusty as hell at it, but for you tonight, I’m trying.”
“Nice work, fake boyfriend.” Tess winked as they were shown to their table. “It’s very appreciated. Everything you’ve done tonight. I haven’t been romanced in any way in a long time.”
“That’s criminal,” he murmured as he sat.
Dinner was lovely, the food delicious, the vibe between them genial and relaxed, as it usually was. They talked about random things, from movies and TV to their college coursework two decades ago to the work he’d done at the Andersons’ property and the work she’d done long distance the day before. The dim lighting, warm earthy colors of the restaurant, and tea light candles flickering in a bowl on the tabletop, all served to reinforce Logan’s opinion that Tess was the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid eyes on.
Her hair sometimes reminded him of a mermaid’s storied mane. Tess’s thick, dark curls fell over her shoulders, way past her breasts, the ends spilling onto the table. No matter how often she swept them away, they always seemed to reclaim their position around her face, as if they had a life of their own. Her high cheekbones, generous mouth, and wide blue eyes were so strikingly shaped . . . Her lithe body always called to him, making his blood stir. But all that, as incredible a package as it was, wasn’t what made her so out-of-this-world stunning.
It was the light inside her. She was so easy to be with, while at the same time, he felt like she was way, way out of his league—and he couldn’t believe she continually chose to hang out with him. Tonight, he couldn’t stop gazing at her, filled with appreciation and warmth, drawn to her with an almost magnetic, unearthly pull.
He supposed it was because their friendship had become so solid, so genuine. They had each other’s backs in a way that he . . . Truth was, he hadn’t felt so supported, understood, or appreciated by anyone in a really long time. She’d filled a void in his life he’d refused to acknowledge existed. What would he do when she went back to New York?
As it had been earlier, the thought was a kick to the stomach, and his fingers actually flexed at the unwelcome idea. It’d only been a short time, but he liked having her in his life and had grown comfortable with it. With her. Jesus, how had that happened, much less so quickly?
“Dessert?” the waitress asked.
“No, thanks,” Tess murmured with a smile. “We’ll have that at home.”