Page 128 of Time To Learn

I take a peek through my fingers.

“Trust your instincts,” she whispers. “You’re not a twenty-five-year-old bored girl anymore—you know all the signs to watch out for. If Kristian makes you feel desired and wanted, enjoy it. Nurture whatever it is the two of you are growing, and don’t hold back. And from the way I saw him looking at you over dinner tonight?”

I take a deep breath as I wait for her answer.

“He’s into you, babe. I mean, completely and utterly gone for you. I’m surprised the stars in his eyes didn’t strike me or something—they were that blinding.”

“Oh, stopit.”

I scrunch up my nose even though my belly does maddening flips at her words.

“It’s true,” she sighs as she leans back in her chair. “Just wait and see. I’m always right about these things.”

“I hope you’re right this time,” I whisper. “This time, it means so much more than it has before.”

“Good luck, babe.”

As we raise our glasses in a silent toast, I try to push away my anxieties.

I focus on the way Kristian makes me feel, and the yearning I feel to go to him comes close to overpowering me. It’s completely irrational, and I know I won’t give in. Definitely not tonight.

Tonight is about being a mummy—not a girlfriend who can’t keep her hormones in check.

* * *

Kristian

“Are you eating properly?”

My mum’s worried voice makes me shake my head, amused by her fussing.

“Yes,” I laugh as I start to park my car. “Don’t worry, I’mfine.”

“Are you sure?” she persists.

“How are things at home?” I ask instead, hoping that’ll divert her attention for a while.

“Oh, they’re the same,” she sighs. “Nothing much happens around here, you know that. But I like my new Zumba classes.”

My hand pauses on the ignition. “Yourwhat?”

“Zumba classes. I told you about them the last time we spoke, Kristian. Don’t you remember?”

Fuckno.

“Right, of course,” I mumble instead and turn off the car. “I’m glad you’re enjoying them. I hear it’s great for exercise and…stuff.”

“It is, but I’m worried about you. When Lise told me you’d moved out to go live on a farm,” she laughs, “I couldn’t believe it. What on earth are you going to do out there?”

I can’t say I’m surprised she’s having a hard time picturing me in the countryside. I’ve always been a cityboy.

Until recently, thatis.

“Actually, I like it there. My flat is big, it’s very peaceful, and the fresh air will do megood.”

So will the company.

“Hmm. Well, as long as you’re happy, I guess. Are you still coming home for good at Christmas? I missyou.”