“And say what?”
“She would tell it all about us and the life we were building. We made promises,” he said wistfully. “Learning the gender ahead of time is a new concept for me, but it’s not necessary inorder to bond.” He put his hands over mine. “A piece of you is in there, and you are remarkable.”
He bent down and whispered against my belly, “Your mother is also stubborn.” Atticus strode to the cooler and opened it. “What do you thirst for, my love?”
“More of what we did earlier.”
“Is that so?” After slamming the door, he kissed the back of my neck and made me giggle.
I plated the cheese and then faced him. “Why do you like me?”
He jerked his head back. “What do you mean?”
“Men envied my glamorous lifestyle—it was part of the fantasy. The travel, the money, the attention—you have to understand that there was a time in history when impersonators were worshipped in the Breed community. We weren’t a novelty act like with humans. It’s like we were an alternate version of those individuals because we weren’t human. But now I’m a pregnant woman who doesn’t do much with her life anymore except knit. I’ve never felt this insecure, but I can’t figure out why a man like you would be so interested in an ordinary woman.”
“The ordinary is extraordinary. Most people don’t learn that until they’re close to dying. Those men didn’t love you; they loved a life they couldn’t attain, a woman they couldn’t earn. How many took the time to know you? To please only you? To imagine a future with you?” Atticus caressed my cheek. “I wake up every day worried that I don’t deserve your love.”
“Is that why you keep sending me flowers?”
Color rose in his cheeks. “I send those because you enjoy them. Now I can see my mistake.”
“What mistake?”
“You think I’m trying to buy your love.”
I held his wrist. “I would never think that. The homemade cake and blanket were thoughtful, but not as thoughtful as the notes.”
He inclined his head. “I’m searching for the way to your heart.” Atticus put his arms around my waist. “You like thoughtful gestures more than grand ones.”
“And what do you like? Who is the real Atticus Rain?”
He arched his eyebrows. “What do you wish to know?”
“Anything.”
“I’m a man of routine, so staying here is an adjustment. I collect books and art, as you know. I like dancing with beautiful women, riding my motorcycle, and sailing. I haven’t sailed in ages, but the world is so big when you’re floating on the ocean. You already know about my family and my past. Ask me anything.”
I regarded him. “Why did you name your club Dragonfly Bar & Grill?”
He laughed heartily. “Of all the things you could ask, why that?”
I fiddled with a button on my white nightgown. “Well, when you give something a name, there’s usually a meaning behind it. Whether it’s a business or a child, a name is important. I can’t imagine you just drew it out of a hat.”
Atticus rubbed his chin. “Dragonflies symbolize change. Running a club is a new endeavor for me, so it seemed an appropriate choice. I can earn money in other ways, but I like being around people—especially Shifters. Do you find that strange?”
“I’ve never dated Shifters. Do you findthatstrange?”
“Maybe there’s a reason we’re drawn to a different way of life. Grab the plate, and I’ll get the drinks.”
“I’m not eating in bed, if that’s your idea. We’ll sit at the table like civilized adults.” I set the plate on the unobtrusive round table in the center of the room.
After pouring the milk, he brought our glasses to the table and sat across from me.
“This is refreshing,” I said after a bite of crisp apple.
“I chilled them in the cooler.” He took one for himself. “Modern technology is fascinating. We lived a difficult life, and suddenly, within the span of a hundred years, there are so many conveniences.”
“Tell me about it. I was born during many of them, but I still remember what it was like to not have air-conditioning or even electricity. I’ve heard ancients have trouble adjusting to change. Is that true?”
