to New York. Maybe they’d both been too determined not to ruin their time on the island.
Once again when they landed, there was a car waiting for them, and Ryan hurried her out of the cold and into the warm confines of the vehicle.
A mixture of snow and sleet fell from gray skies and she shivered even though the heat was on full blast in the back of the car. It was a shock to leave sunshine and sandy beaches for the bitter chill of New York in the throes of a cold front.
The euphoria that had enveloped much of their stay on the island evaporated and depression settled over her until her mood matched the weather.
Ryan pulled her into his side and kissed her temple. “I have a distinct urge to order in tonight, eat in front of the fire and then make love to you for the rest of the night.”
She sighed and snuggled into his side. Somehow he’d known just what to say to make some of the oppressive worry melt away.
“I had fun with you the last few days,” she said, wanting him to have that admission at least.
“I’m glad. I had fun with you too. It felt like old times, only…better.”
She nodded because it had been better. More honest. Or maybe they hadn’t taken a single moment for granted as they’d done in the past. They’d enjoyed every single minute together, making the most of each one.
They’d laughed and loved and they’d made love. The very last day they hadn’t left their hotel room. Their meals had been delivered and they’d stayed in bed, only leaving it to take a leisurely shower together.
She wished it could have lasted.
But they had to face the music sooner or later.
“I had Jansen make you an appointment to see the doctor tomorrow. I want to be sure everything is okay with you and the baby.”
She smiled, loving the concern in his voice. “Spending the time away with you did more for me than any doctor ever could.”
He looked pleased with her response, pleased that she’d admitted it. He bent to kiss her again as they pulled up outside Ryan’s apartment building.
Ryan hastily got out, helped Kelly from the car and rushed her out of the cold and into the building. As they rode up in the elevator, Kelly realized just how much she dreaded being back here, in this apartment. In this city.
“My driver will bring the luggage up soon. Why don’t you go get comfortable on the couch? I’ll turn the fire on and fix us something to drink. Are you hungry?”
“Hmm, no, but I’d love Thai takeout later. For now I’ll have some juice.”
“Thai sounds good. Get comfortable. Take your shoes off and prop your feet up. I bet your ankles are swelling from sitting with your feet down for that long.”
Kelly chuckled at the mother hen sound to his voice but did as he said and settled on the sumptuous leather couch. She kicked off her shoes and winced at the puffy look of her ankles as she propped them on the ottoman.
She’d have the doctor and Ryan both griping at her, but heck, she’d done nothing except eat good food, rest and relax for the past several days. What more could she do?
Ryan had just set their drinks on the coffee table and settled next to her when his phone started ringing. She supposed it was to be expected since he’d been out of the country. It wasn’t as if his being tied up with work was anything new. In the past, though, she’d never hesitated to needle him or distract him. Something that had both exasperated and thrilled him in equal parts.
But now she sat quietly as he fished his BlackBerry out of his pocket.
His lips thinned a bit before he put the phone to his ear.
“Hello, Mom.”
Kelly sighed. That hadn’t taken long.
Ryan wasn’t one of those guys who was tied to the apron strings, but he respected his mother, as any son should, and like most children, she supposed, had a bit of a blind spot when it came to her.
Or maybe he just didn’t want to see her as the conniving vindictive witch that Kelly knew her to be. Kelly was sure his mother had her good points. She obviously loved her sons. But she’d never be someone Kelly would warm to. Ever.
“Yes, we’re back. Listen, Mom, why did you send Roberta there? I don’t appreciate you interfering. I won’t tolerate any