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“Ha! All right, I get the message. I’m going to the bathroom. No need to get violent.”

He leaves, and moments later, the water turns on. Aidan hums to himself while he washes. I get up and make the bed then fold the blankets I gave him last night. As I do, I remember there’s no lock on the bathroom door. It’d be the easiest thing in the world to walk in on him right now. I sent him away so I didn’t have to be near his almost-naked body, but was that because I didn’t want to see it or because I was worried about the effect it was having on me?

Aidan is an attractive man, and he’s in great shape—there’s no point denying that. And while we’ve already slept together, that was fast and intense and offered no opportunity to properly explore and appreciate his physical form. Heat floods through me as I imagine going into the bathroom. How would he react?

He doesn’t seem to know the meaning of modesty, so I’m sure he wouldn’t shy away from my gaze. No, he’d let me admire him for as long as I liked. More than that, he’d invite me to remove my pyjamas and join him under the water—he’s already joked about it. Sex in the shower with Aidan . . .

Desire courses through my body, and my limbs tremble with a jittery energy. God, what is wrong with me? I have to put a lid on these feelings. They’re what got me into this situation. I’m excited about becoming a mother, but I have to be more careful from now on. My daughter deserves to have a positive relationship with both her parents, and she should see us interacting in a mature, amicable way. That’s only going to happen if we keep this platonic. Aidan is a womaniser—he doesn’t do commitment. If we bring sex back into this, things will only get messy.

I pop on the kettle then slide some bread into the toaster and look out butter and marmalade. I set the table for two and am just placing down a pile of toast when Aidan comes out, a white towel wrapped around him, his wet skin glistening, his hair tousled and damp. A droplet of water trickles from his chest down to his abs then disappears from view. A waft of my own mint shower gel hits me.

“Sorry, I’m just grabbing some fresh clothes.” He reaches for his bag, his muscles flexing enticingly.

Jesus.

“I’ve moved on to a morning tea since I got pregnant,” I say, trying to distract myself. “Would you prefer a coffee?”

“If you don’t mind, that’d be perfect. I’ll pop these on then be right out.”

A minute later, he emerges in jeans and a T-shirt. I’ve just sat at the table, and he joins me.

“Oh, wow! Marmalade, nice. London’s most famous bear would approve.”

I can’t help but giggle. “You’ve got some funny references, Aidan. You know that, right?”

“How so?”

“Well, you’ve got a reputation as a ladies’ man. I’m not sure mentioning beloved children’s characters really fits with that image.”

He tuts and shakes his head. “I don’t see why not. Who doesn’t love Paddington? Those stories were great. We’ll need to read them to our wee lass.”

My heart flutters, though not with desire, as earlier, but with something else altogether.

It won’t be easy navigating parenthood with Aidan. For a start, we live on opposite ends of the country—that alone complicates things. But although I’d never have expected it, Aidan may actually make an okay dad. I won’t know until the time comes, of course, but there’s been the odd hint here and there. His insistence on the video calls. His attendance at the scan. And . . . his familiarity with Paddington Bear.

I didn’t grow up with a father figure in my life, but maybe my daughter will. I’d like that.

Aidan grabs a piece of toast, spreads on butter, slathers on marmalade, then munches on it. “Mmm, so good.”

“The coffee is just instant, I’m afraid.”

“That’s okay.” He takes a swig. “Anyway, a question for you: have you always snored, or is that a pregnancy thing?”

“Excuse me?” I nearly choke on my tea. “I don’t snore!”

He pulls a face. “Right, except . . . I just slept in the same bed as you, and you were definitely snoring.”

“Well, I . . .” I don’t know what to say, so instead I kick him under the table.

“Ow! You’re vicious!” Aidan’s loud laugh echoes around the small room. “Don’t get me wrong, it was quiet, lady-like snoring. Very cute.”

I scowl at him. “I can only assume your chat is better when you’re picking up women. Otherwise, it’s a miracle you’re not a virgin.”

“Ha! Good one.” He grins happily. “You’re pretty fun, Grace. I enjoy hanging out with you.”

“Yeah? Well, you won’t be able to for much longer.” I glance at the clock on the wall. “I’ve got classes today and need to go soon. What are your plans?”

“Oh, I’ll take in some sights. I’ve also heard there’s a great yoga teacher around these parts.” He winks and takes another sip of coffee. “Maybe I’ll check out one of her classes.”