With my arms wrapped around Kirsten’s tiny body, she felt so fragile. I was afraid to hold her too tightly in fear of crushing her. She was the first pregnant woman I’d ever held this close. I’d often dreamed of having her in my arms again, although this may not have been the exact scenario. Being here to calm her trembling body as she sobbed into my chest . . . well, there was no other place I wanted to be. My place was right here with her.

As she cried, I wondered what had led her here, what made her leave her husband while pregnant, but honestly, I was more mad as hell she was hurting and alone. She didn’t seem like the kind of woman who would separate from the father of her child without a good reason. What had the bastard done to her? My mind raced with possibilities.

I reined in my angry thoughts to focus on what she needed right now. I wanted to do something, anything, to make her pain go away. I wouldn’t let her down this time. I prayed she’d give me a chance to help, even if only as a friend. I couldn’t expect anything more.

Finally, she stirred and her face turned up to mine. I smiled down at her, trying to assure her she was welcome in my arms. I loved having her so close, but she was wreaking havoc on me physically. I tried to ignore the softness of her breasts pressed against my chest. The sweet scent of her perfume. Her hands wrapped around my waist.

God, she was killing me, and I couldn’t push all the lustful thoughts out of my mind. It had been well over a year since I’d had a woman in my arms. And she wasn’t just any woman. She was the one I’d missed and hated myself for losing.

I wanted to kiss her tear-stained cheeks. Feel her soft lips against mine. I felt myself getting hard as my thoughts continued down a dangerous path.

Damn, I shouldn’t have been thinking like that. Kirsten needed a friend, not a man wanting in her pants. Somehow, I had to stop my physical reaction to her. She was pregnant and hurting. Surely, I had enough character somewhere deep inside to stop myself from lusting after her. Although . . . my yearlong celibacy wasn’t helping one bit.

Thankfully, she pulled away from me, her body no longer making direct contact with mine. Then I realized her hands were gripping my waist tightly. Too damn close to where my body wanted her. Still, I could breathe easier and calm my shit.

“I’m so sorry. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’m not usually a crier,” Kirsten said, but I was just relieved she’d calmed down enough to talk. She rubbed her eyes.

“No apologies needed. I’m glad I can be here for you.” I wanted to add, “Like I should’ve been years ago,” but dropped it. That talk would come later.

“I’m sure I look like a hot mess.” She bowed her head, trying to hide from me. “Great impression, right?”

“Like I said, no apologies. No worries.” I lifted her chin, making eye contact. She needed to see I was serious. “And you’ve never looked more beautiful to me.”

“Oh, Colin, you can’t say things like that and expect me not to start crying again.” Her eyes brimmed with tears. “It’s been years since I’ve heard someone call me beautiful.”

Years? You had to be kidding me . . .

That jerk of a husband. He had no idea what he had in her. I felt the anger resurfacing. Joe was a bastard. No other word for him. This woman needed to hear that she was a beauty every single day.

“I don’t know what you’ve been through, but it sounds like you’ve experienced a little hell on earth.”

“You have no idea. But it’s over now. Thank God.” She glanced at her stomach. “Well, it’s not all over really. I can deal with what’s ahead now, though.”

A couple women walked by us as they headed to the restrooms. Their faces showed concern, probably wondering what was going on between Kirsten and me. I smiled and tipped my head their way to give them a little reassurance that everything was okay.

“You’re a brave woman to be facing . . .” I glanced to her stomach, “everything on your own. I have an idea. Did you drive here?”

“I did,” she replied. “I borrowed my parents’ car. Just like being sixteen again.” She laughed, almost seeming embarrassed.

“Dave brought me tonight. I was planning on having a few drinks, but I was thinking maybe we could go back to my house. I have some steaks I could throw on the grill. How does that sound?”

“I don’t know.” Kirsten hesitated, pulling her pouty lower lip between her teeth. Damn if it didn’t turn me on.

“We could sit out on my deck. Enjoy the nice spring evening and catch up.” I was pulling out all the stops and holding my breath, hoping she’d say yes. I’d get down on my knees and beg if I had to.

“Well, I am a little spent and not really feeling up for a big group thing after all. All these crazy emotions . . .” She focused intensely on my eyes before continuing. “I do feel better talking with you, though. You always got me, Colin. I never had to explain myself to you. And God knows I could really use a friend like that now.”

“Right back at you, beautiful.” Without thinking, I let my fingers push a stray strand of her hair away from her cheeks.

It took all I had not to pull her to me again. However, her use of the word “friend” made me realize we had to cross that bridge first—becoming friends again after so many years apart—but I had a feeling we were well on our way.

“Thanks.” She smiled sweetly at me, and I swore my heart skipped a beat. She was killing me, and I loved it.

“Why don’t we stop back by the table, speak to the gang, and then—”

“Head out like a baby?” Kirsten interrupted, then started to belly laugh.

“Damn,” was all I could get out as we laughed together. I think it was just what she needed, too.

I followed her to the table as she walked with my hand pressed against the small of her back. She didn’t seem to mind the intimate gesture. She glanced to the side and a big smile spread across her beautiful face. I grinned and winked at her, hoping my encouragement gave her a little strength.

Matthew was the first one to spot us. He perked up. “Hey, guys,” he said as we stood by the table. Kirsten didn’t take a seat, so I followed her lead and remained on my feet.

“Hey,” Kirsten said back. “Sorry about me leaving the table. It wasn’t my finest moment. I thought I was better prepared for—”

“No need to explain,” Matthew interjected. “Tina gave us a quick rundown. I can speak for everyone here in saying we’re going to do everything possible to help you.”

“Wow, you don’t know how much I appreciate it. I can’t even begin to tell you. For the first time in months, I don’t feel alone in all of this.”

Kirsten’s voice faded away at the end, and I worried she was going to cry again. She turned her head my way and smiled after she spoke. She was okay; she just needed her old friends around her showing they cared and supported her. No woman should go through this alone and she knew she wouldn’t be facing it by herself. We were there for her.

“Would you all be upset if we took off?” I looked around the table as big smiles appeared on everyone’s faces. Yeah, they were probably thinking what I was hoping: Kirsten and I back together, just like old times.

“Of course not,” Tina replied. “We can all catch up later this weekend. Remember, I’m having you all over to my house. Pool opening.”

“Oh, I forgot about that.” I winced, knowing the divorce finalizing had occupied my mind more than it should have. “I plan on being there.”

“Kirsten, I hope you can come, too,” Tina said. “I was going to ask you tonight. Saturday night around seven. Hamburgers on the grill by the pool. It’ll still be too cold to swim.”

“Thanks. I’d love to. I’m glad it’s cold, because I don’t think I’ll let myself be seen in a swimsuit anytime soon,” Kirsten responded.

“Don’t worry. You look terrific. Right, guys?”

Tina looked straight at me with a closed-mouth smile. She knew exactly what she was up to. All the guys spoke at the same time, agreeing with her, and Kirsten beamed. This group of friends was just what she needed to rebuild her confidence.

“Aw, thanks,” Kirsten said sheepishly. “You sure know how to make a girl feel good.”

“It’s true,” Tina chimed in. “I was already a swollen mess at the end of my first trimester. You’re only showing in your tummy.”

“For now. I have a feeling things are going to change.”

Kirsten glanced at me and nodded, so I spoke up. “You ready? I’ve got some steaks with our names on them back at the house.”

“Wow, look at you, Colin,” Dave nearly shouted, and I gave him a not too subtle punch on the arm to get him to shut up. After watching him flinch, I was pretty sure he got the message.

“Sorry, just kidding.” He lowered his gaze as he apologized. Whatever. He teases all the time, but this was a little too much for me, and likely Kirsten, too.

“You all enjoy yourselves. How about we do lunch tomorrow, Kirsten?” Tina asked.

“Sure,” Kirsten replied. “I’d love to.”

“Let’s meet at Cafe Pacific in Highland Park Village about noon.”

“Sounds great. I miss that place. It was one of my favorites.”

Kirsten scanned the table, stopping to make eye contact with each of the guys sitting there.

“Thanks for all your support tonight. I was super nervous about everyone’s reaction to seeing me, especially being in this condition.” She looked down at her stomach, but kept her smile intact.

“I’m so glad you came, Kirsten.” Dave smiled reassuringly at her.

She placed her hand on Dave’s shoulder and bent down to kiss his cheek, which instantly turned red. Who knew old Dave could blush?

“You’re so sweet,” Kirsten said to Dave as she ruffled his hair. Having her here was good for everyone, not just her.

After another round of goodbyes, we finally headed to the door. My hand stayed on the small of her back the entire walk to the entrance. It was hard to believe how this day had turned around for me. I woke up with divorce papers on my mind, and now the body heat of the only woman I’d ever truly loved permeated against my palm. I couldn’t imagine a better ending to this day, and it wasn’t even over yet.