Nearly eight weeks had passed since I saw Colin at my first Love Handles gathering. That night was nerve-racking, crazy, and wonderful all mixed into one. In my mind, I could still see his face as he walked through the doors of the pub. He took my breath away then, and still did.

We’d left the pub early and went back to his house, a lovely home in Highland Park, not far from where he’d grown up. I knew he’d done well for himself. Tina had told me a few bits and pieces over the years; nothing specific, though. I’d never asked questions, either. I didn’t want to hear about him being happy with someone else. But I had no idea what he’d been doing to achieve the kind of wealth a home like his would have cost. It was phenomenal. Over the top beautiful. And big—Texas-sized big.

However, in all its beauty, the house seemed lonely to me. A big mansion with only him wandering around in it. The thought of this made me sad. All the achievement on his part, but no one to share it with. Perhaps that was why he wanted to bring me back to his house. He’d been alone for too long.

Colin grilled up some delicious steaks and never let my drink get even half-empty. He was so attentive and caring. The sweet boy I’d known had become a beautiful grown man. Thankfully, the sweet in him had never left or changed. He was the same Colin I remembered and adored from high school—the one I knew before he slept with someone else.

After dinner, we sat on his patio by the pool, gazing off at the fading rays of light. He gradually started to open up to me about his life as the last of the sun disappeared and twilight wrapped around us. Perhaps it shielded us from seeing each other’s faces, protecting us as we spoke of our hurts and disappointments. Our dark days stayed there in the dark.

His failed marriage was the first topic he had brought up. How it was doomed from the start. He’d met his now ex-wife in college. Her father owned a large defense contracting company in Dallas and needed a male heir to take over his company when he retired. His father-in-law felt his daughter wouldn’t have been taken seriously in the male dominated defense industry and thought Colin had been a perfect fit, a natural-born leader and sharp as a tack.

For Colin, it was a twofer—a wife and a company. For a guy getting out of school without a job secured, he caved and grabbed the carrot dangling in front of him. He thought he loved her, and they seemed like a happy couple the first year, then he faced the stress that came with running a large company. He shared being overwhelmed with Natalie, but she accused him of being weak. He realized early on their marriage was more like a partnership and ended as a failed business agreement.

His share of the business had been substantial since he’d helped take the company public. Once that had happened, his portfolio had become worth millions, but his personal life had added up to nothing, and before long, he and his wife were sleeping on opposite ends of the house. This part of his story was difficult to hear. I knew all too well what it was like living inside a passionless marriage, since the touches I’d received from Joe never made it to my heart. The act of sex in our marriage was just that for me—an act.

He and I had been through some shitty years. We’d both married the wrong person, and it had taken years for us to realize or admit our mistake. I told him how Joe had been waiting for me when I arrived back at Baylor after leaving UT so many years ago. Mentioning that fateful day was difficult. I could feel the tension between us increase, but it had to be said. There was no moving forward without speaking about our past.

I softly spoke of the day I’d left him standing in his fraternity room, telling him I’d called Joe in tears as I’d tried to drive back to Waco. Joe had almost talked me into pulling over and waiting for him to come get me, but somehow, I’d gathered myself together and made the two-hour trip.

Once he’d seen my car pull into the parking lot of my dorm, he had come for me and engulfed me in his arms.

Looking back at that young, vulnerable girl, I knew the truth about Joe’s comfort. It was a cold and calculating love meant to get him what he wanted: to possess me.

I’d never quite figured out why Joe decided I was the girl for him. The one. The only. Maybe I was the unattainable prize or conquest, but once he’d put on his charms, I was really no match for him. I was sad and broken. He’d been too eager to fix me, so I’d let him. It became a pattern for us. Joe deciding what was best. Joe dictating what I would do.

I remembered Colin trying to apologize to me. He begged me, actually, and I’d told him we were both young and needed to look beyond that day. I shouldn’t have run off, but I had. We each had regrets, and if we were going to continue to be friends, I felt the past should be buried along with our marriages. We needed to start our friendship or whatever we had anew.

Initially, I worried our reconnecting was on overdrive, progressing far too fast. But after a couple weeks of trying to keep things between us as friends, I had decided to give in and follow my heart, throw caution to the wind.

I was so thankful I had. It led me back into the arms of the most beautiful man I’d ever known. Every time we talked on the phone, exchanged texts, or got together in person, our relationship grew and became stronger.

He was patient when it came to the physical part of our relationship and didn’t push me, and under the circumstances I found myself in, I appreciated his restraint. I could tell he wanted more between us from almost day one, but it took me a little time to come around. I was pregnant, newly separated from Joe, and facing a world of problems trying to divorce him.

All my troubles, not to mention the pregnancy, didn’t seem to bother Colin. He took all the insanity in stride. He held my hand and encouraged me every time I felt like giving up, which happened countless times a day. He kept my head above water when I felt like I was drowning. I owed him so much . . . especially after today.

We were on a plane heading to Atlanta to have a meeting with Joe and his attorney. I felt queasy at the thought of facing Joe again. It was D-day for me, and Colin too. He was going to be face-to-face with my tormenter and had to remain calm even when he wanted to confront Joe man-to-man.

Joe had stalled on every attempt to settle our divorce quick and painlessly. He wanted me to suffer. His threats had become outrageous as my newly hired divorce attorney fought for me. My attorney said he’d dealt with many control freaks in his days, but he’d never seen anyone like Joe. His behavior was apparently epic.

The first thing my attorney did for me was secure some funds for my living expenses. Legally, Joe was required to give me access to the accounts we’d shared when I left him. He had no right to take the money from our joint account and reopen it under his name only. Pretty arrogant move on his part considering he was a lawyer and knew better.

I really didn’t care about the money too much, though. Sure, I needed some for the baby and myself, but I just didn’t have any fight left. Maybe it was the struggles I’d had over the last few years being married to a harsh man. Trying to be the perfect wife. Hoping he would notice me for who I was and not always trying to get me to be something I wasn’t. Live up to some imaginary standard he had in his mind. Joe had basically worn me out.

Colin listened to me for hours as I shared how Joe controlled me in every aspect of my life. How he kept me dependent on him from day one by limiting the amount of knowledge I had with our finances.

He would give me a certain amount of cash each week, treating me like a teenager receiving their weekly allowance, not a wife sharing a life with a man she loved. If I ran out of money, I had to beg him for more. It was a game of sport to him. Watch the little wife plead while he held all the power.

Colin wanted to right any wrongs he could, so I let him help with the divorce. Maybe he shouldn’t have stepped in, but he insisted and I was truly thankful for his help. I couldn’t do it on my own as exhaustion ruled me most days. Maybe it was the pregnancy and moving back home under the circumstances. I wasn’t sure, but I needed support from someone who cared about me, wanted what was best for me, and perhaps even still loved me.

Colin and I hadn’t brought that word up yet, but we loved being together. He said he loved my hair, my lips, and the sound of my voice. The list of what he loved about me and what I loved about him were pages long. We hadn’t admitted to being “in love” with one another again, but for me, I had never stopped.

Today, I was the lucky one. Not only was he in my heart and mind, he was also sitting beside me on the plane. His fingers weaved through mine, and I opened my eyes to find him smiling reassuringly at me. He knew I was nervous today—petrified, if I was being honest. I knew he was anxious, too, but he didn’t show it. He would be strong for me, and I would be forever grateful to him.

“We should be landing in a few minutes,” he said, rubbing the top of my hand with his thumb. His touch soothed me and gave me strength.

“I figured we were close.” I tried to smile back, but I just couldn’t find one in me without having to force it.

“Hey, it’s going to be okay. I promise.” His stare became serious, as if he wanted to scare the worry away.

“You’re right. We’re prepared, but nothing could be worse than having this divorce drag on for years and years.”

“I don’t think Joe wants this divorce to drag on. He just wants you to cave. Give into his demands. He didn’t figure on you having an army to back you up.”

“True. I think he thought I’d be a pushover just like I’d been in our marriage.” I searched his face before I continued. “You’ve saved me in so many ways.”

“Likewise.” He brought my hand to his lips and gently kissed my knuckles. “I’m here for you and the baby. In all ways, if you want me to be. Remember that today when we’re sitting across the table from Joe. I’m the one who cares for you. The one who lo—”

I knew what he wanted to say, but he stopped himself for whatever reason, and I wouldn’t ask or beg, even if I was dying to hear him tell me he loved me.

“Damn it, Kirsten. I wanted to tell you how I truly felt about you when we were doing something special. Like staring at the starry sky while I held you by the pool. After today’s meeting and this mess was over. Not like this . . .”

“You here with me is special.” I squeezed his hands, hoping he’d continue.

“Okay then.” Taking my other hand into his, he leaned closer, a whispered breath away. I prepared my heart for what he was about to say to me, my vision blurring with unshed tears.

“The very first time I saw you, I knew there was something different about you. When you looked up at me, stared back into my eyes for the first time, I felt a special connection that’s still there for me today.” He took a breath. “It never went away. It’s like I carried around a piece of us, together, in my heart. My love for you was always there inside me. Never dying and probably keeping me from loving anyone else. It’s only been you, Kirsten. Only you.”

Damn pregnancy hormones. My eyes were spilling buckets of tears. One after the other, after the other. He brought his hands to my face, our fingers still entwined, and wiped the streams away. His lips brushed over my cheeks as he kissed the salty torrents away. They all belonged to him now. His lips tenderly caressed and comforted me.

“I love you with all my heart, Kirsten Parker.” He kissed me again. “You are the love of my life.”

My breaths were short and labored as he spoke between his kisses. His words. Oh, his sweet, sweet words. I could have survived on them like manna. They nourished me. Made me feel whole for the first time in years.

“Colin, you’re the love of my life, too.” His lips finally found mine. We had kissed a few times over the last few weeks, but nothing like this. The passion was intense. I wanted to crawl onto his lap and get lost in him. I didn’t even care that we were sitting on a crowded plane. After a minute, or a few seconds—who knows—I pulled away for air. His kisses left me lightheaded and dizzy.

“I love you.” I tried to catch my breath. “No one but you.”

“We can make this work.” He used a spare cocktail napkin to wipe new tears from my face. “I want to make this work. For better, for worse. No matter what we face today. Do you understand what I’m trying to say?”

I stared into his eyes in disbelief. Did he mean marriage? I wasn’t even officially divorced. It should have been wrong to even think about us married, but the sweet idea of us together forever . . . well, I couldn’t think of anything I wanted more in the whole wide world.

“I think I do,” I replied. “The thought of not having you in my life to love and be with makes me feel ill. I need you, Colin.”

“You’re mine, Kirsten. Mine.” A shiver went down my spine as desire swept over his face. I needed this man like no other. I wanted to be his and make him mine.

“I’m yours.” My words were quietly spoken. Nothing more needed to be said. He placed his hand behind my neck, weaving his fingers into my hair, and drew me to him for another kiss. His lips pressed hard and passionately to mine once again, and heat flashed through me. My body ached for his touch. Every cell of my being was on fire. In all the years I’d been married to Joe, nothing came close. Nothing.

“Yes, mine,” he said between hungry kisses. We were shamelessly making out like teenagers, our hands wandering everywhere they could without touching too intimately. I placed my fingers on the skin of his back beneath his shirt, going for broke, letting my fingernails rake over him, and this time, he was the one with shivers.

I wanted this man. Needed this man. I moaned quietly, and the sound of my own voice startled me back to reality. We were on a plane. In public. What was I thinking?

God, we needed to stop. If no one had been around, our clothes would’ve been off in seconds, but the poor flight attendant was likely getting the full show.

That thought made me release his lips, rise up in my chair, and glance around the cabin. No one was watching us thankfully. I smoothed down my top and looked into his eyes. He moved closer to me, if that was even possible.

“I want you so much, Kirsten.” He took a few deep breaths, trying to calm down. “I’ve never wanted anyone like this. I got a bit carried away. I’m sorry.”

“I feel the same. And, yes, we were a little out of control. But to be honest, I loved it.” I giggled like a schoolgirl. That’s how I felt. Young and discovering love all over again. A heady and happy rush.

“Tonight,” Colin said in a deep voice, earning my undivided attention. “We have two adjoining rooms at the hotel. I don’t want you stepping a foot into yours. You’ll be sleeping with me.”

My heart skipped a beat. We had purposefully chosen to stay chaste as our relationship crossed beyond friends. For some reason, I thought it was best to wait until I was divorced. Add the baby to the mix and things got confusing fast.

I wasn’t sure how to handle being pregnant with one man’s baby while making love to another. It was hard to wrap my head around. Seemed a bit warped, but my whole life was a big mess. The only positives were Colin and the precious baby growing inside me.

But his kiss. His hands all over me. I was done with the worry. I was done for him. I wanted him in all ways. No holding back. We had years to make up for, and nothing was going to stop me.

“I like the sound of that,” I purred, reaching up to caress his cheek. “What do you have in mind?”

“My lips everywhere on that sweet body of yours. My fingers following them.” I shifted in my seat as the heat of his words set me back on fire.

“You’re killing me,” I whispered. “I’m about to go crazy.”

“Oh, believe me, you will later. I promise. I can’t wait to get my hands on you.”

“I don’t feel too sexy right now, though.” I glanced down at my stomach, pointing at my belly, although I was sure he knew what I meant.

“You’re sexy as hell to me. Don’t forget it.” I cuddled into his side.

Colin has been so supportive of the baby and me. He’s even gone with me to my last two doctor’s appointments and laughed when they called him the baby’s father. Never once had he corrected the nurse or doctor.

There was so much to think about today, though. Joe and his reaction to our meeting stayed at the forefront of my mind, overshadowing everything. Joe had become our future’s biggest obstacle. My mood became graver, as if a dark cloud had moved over us.

“What if Joe stalls? Doesn’t agree to my attorney’s offer?” Fear rose up inside me again. I couldn’t help being afraid of Joe’s reaction. I knew him. I’d seen him cut his adversaries down to nothing. He used his power as a deputy district attorney to crush people and leave them a whimpering mess. Hardened criminals feared him. A wayward pregnant wife was no match against his brutality.

“Please don’t get upset,” Colin said, trying to soothe me. “I can see it in your eyes. You’re going there again. Remember we have the best lawyers in Dallas, paired with the best in Atlanta.”

“You’re right . . . I think.” I knitted my brows as his words sank in. “I want to believe you, Colin. You have no idea how much I do, but I lived with that man. I know what he’s capable of. Me leaving wounded his pride. Embarrassed him. Joe doesn’t do embarrassed.”

“We have some arrows to shoot at him, Kirsten,” Colin said reassuringly, reminding me of the plan. “Ones that would be even more embarrassing to him. It’s his political future now that’s his main concern.”

As I was getting ready to respond, the flight attendant’s voice came over the intercom. “The captain has just turned on the Fasten Seat Belt sign. Electronic devices must be turned off and stowed at this time. Seats and tray tables must be returned to their upright and locked positions as we prepare for landing.”

“Hey, Kirsten.” Colin’s hand wrapped around mine. “Trust me when I tell you it will all be all right. We’ll walk out of that office with papers signed. Okay?”

“Okay.” I sat up taller, my shoulders pushed back, trying to convince myself Colin was right.

After landing uneventfully and getting off the plane, we gathered our bags at the luggage carousel. My attorney from Dallas flew on our plane too, even staying at the same hotel so he joined us as we waited at baggage claim.

My doctor told me I’d be okay to fly, just to drink more than my normal amount of water, which led me to the next question for my escorts.

“I need to stop at the ladies’ room before we get in the car to the hotel.”

“Sure.” Colin scanned for the nearest restrooms. “I think they’re down this way.”

He motioned to our right and reached for my hand. “We’ll be right back, Jensen. Would you mind staying here with our bags?”

“No problem,” Jensen answered. “I’ll make a quick call and let our Atlanta office know we’ve landed on time.”

We arrived back to find Jensen turned away from us, engaged in a deep, heated conversation. My heart started to pound when I heard him say Joe’s name laced with disgust. I felt nauseated. I knew it was a bad idea coming here. I wanted to back away from them. Run. To where, I’m not sure. Colin wrapped his arms around my trembling body and whispered in my ear.

“It’ll be okay. Please don’t worry. Trust me.”

All I could do was nod. Jensen slowly turned around and froze when he saw us, the phone still stuck to his ear. He looked away and continued his conversation.

“Listen, Greg. I need to let you go. Thanks for giving me the heads up. I’ll discuss this with my client.” Jensen listened intently. “I agree. He doesn’t have a leg to stand on. I wish we could throw more at him too, but it will just delay things, so let’s stick to the plan we agreed on.”

What were they talking about? Was Joe’s attorney’s pulling out something fancy to use against me? My head started to swim and I became faint. Colin’s strong arms circled tighter around me, holding me up.

Jensen ended the call and muttered under his breath.

“Let’s head to our car. It’s waiting for us outside.” Jensen grabbed the handle of his luggage and pivoted toward the exit. Colin and I did the same and followed dutifully behind.

The walk to the outside pickup area seemed to take forever. I couldn’t wait to know what Jensen had learned. I glanced at Colin, who was dragging both of our suitcases. He appeared as tense as I was. It was the unknown eating at us.

Jensen flagged a car holding up his name. The driver pulled the car in front of us and jumped out to handle our bags. Silently, we climbed into the car. Nothing was said until all the doors were shut.

“Here’s the deal,” Jensen started. “Joe has decided to play hardball. We figured he would, but his attorney’s claiming he has an old prenuptial agreement you signed, Kirsten. Do you remember signing one?”

“What?” I felt like someone had slapped me in the face. A prenup? He had to be lying. “I don’t remember signing anything like that.”

“Do you remember signing anything before the wedding?” Jensen asked.

“I signed some papers related to his family’s company. He told me they would protect me if anything happened to him. I’d be fine financially.”

My mind raced. I tried desperately to envision those papers again. It’d been a crazy time, and I’d been right in the middle of last minute wedding plans. I think he’d even brought them to me at the country club when I was going over the seating chart.

“I’m worried you signed something he can use against us. Our office here is emailing me a copy. They’re just waiting for Joe’s attorney to fax it over.”

“Jensen, what does this mean?” Colin questioned. “In layman’s terms. Will this affect what you’re planning on presenting today?”

“I’m not sure yet. I’ll know more when I get my hands on a copy of that document. I still think we have the upper hand. Joe and his team have no idea Kirsten is coming today. They believe I’m here representing her.

“It’s best we stick to the plan no matter what happens. When you walk in seven months pregnant, the game totally changes.”

“Thanks, Jensen. It’s hard to believe Joe has kept his lawyers in the dark about the baby. It’s a game changer for sure.” Colin was pleased with what he heard.

I was still struggling, on the other hand. Maybe it was all those years living with a tyrant. Those kinds of memories faded slowly, if at all. I knew what this man was capable of. I hadn’t followed his orders to get rid of the baby. And when I’d left him, even though he didn’t want me back, he had a point to prove. No one left Joe. He was the one who decided who left him. He would be out for revenge, and it was likely to get ugly.

Finally, the car pulled up to the hotel in the downtown area. I scooted out of the backseat, and Jensen helped me out of the car. Once on my feet, Colin was right behind me. He grabbed my hand and our fingers once again intertwined. His touch gave me support.

“I’ll have the bellhop take the bags to our rooms. We need to discuss what’s going to happen again over a quick lunch. You all go ahead. Get Kirsten out of the sun. They have a nice restaurant and it’s usually quiet. I stay here when I’m visiting our Atlanta firm.”

“Sounds good, but make sure they place Kirsten’s bags in my room. She’ll be staying with me. That’s protected information. File it under attorney client privilege, okay?” Colin smirked.

“Got it.” Jensen winked back at us.

Oh, great. Nothing like broadcasting we’re going to be sleeping together later. But I really couldn’t think about that now. I needed to focus on the matter at hand.

Colin led me into the hotel. It had a beautiful lobby with shining marble and sparkling crystal light fixtures everywhere. There was a restaurant off to the side and we made our way toward it, walking side-by-side. It felt like we were one and the same. I found him gazing at me lovingly. His affection was really all I needed when it came down to it.

There was definitely something about this moment when our eyes met. A calm feeling washed over me and made me realize what was important.

Colin, my future, and the baby. Until now, I’d lived my life on what ifs. Paralyzed by fear. I was sick of being weak, so it was time to change—starting now. Somewhere, I had the strength to fight this cruel man, and I wasn’t alone this time. I had the love of the man standing beside me, and he was beautiful, inside and out.

“You know what, Colin? I can do this—we can. No matter what happens, at the end of the day, I have you. I can’t ask for anything more.”

Suddenly, I found myself pulled into a corner next to some big tropical plant with his lips all over mine. He kissed my face, behind my ear, and up and down my neck.

Oh good God, his lips on my neck. I hadn’t felt them there in years. It was so intense. He had just a touch of scruff that tickled my skin. I was getting so worked up and felt hot all over. My knees wobbled as he made his way back up to my mouth. His arms were the only things supporting me. I couldn’t believe the way just a few kisses made me go mad. I’d probably combust later in his room.

His lips left mine, and I moaned in protest. He cupped my face, holding me tenderly, preciously. We gazed at one another. Words of love didn’t need to be spoken. They were felt somewhere deep down inside. God, how I loved this man.

“I’m tempted to tell Jensen we’re skipping lunch. Damn it, having you in my arms, kissing you, it’s maddening.” Colin’s hands left my face and moved to my waist—what little waist I had at seven months pregnant.

“I know, but we have so much riding on today. We need to keep our heads on straight and not get swept away. It’s like we’re teenagers again.” I giggled and leaned into him, laying my head on his chest.

“You’re right, but it’s tempting knowing we have a bed somewhere upstairs just waiting for us to ruffle it up.”

Colin hugged me, then led me into the restaurant. We entered just as Jensen arrived. His eyebrows rose when he saw us. I was flushed, and probably looked a bit dazed. He was a smart man, so I was sure he figured out what we’d just been doing.

“You two need to get a room.” Jensen grinned and shook his head at us. Who knew he had such a sense of humor? He’d been Mr. Play Hardball for weeks.

“Got one for later, thanks,” Colin quipped.

All I could do was roll my eyes as we followed the hostess to our table. Jensen went over the plan again, detail by detail. Nothing had changed. His office said the prenuptial contained a clause about what I’d receive in a divorce if I committed adultery. I choked on those words. So did Colin, especially knowing Joe was the one who’d admitted to being a cheater.

Either way, Jensen said the settlement he’d put together would blow away anything Joe’s attorneys would offer. Jensen had played this game before, and I had to have faith in him. He’d done Colin right, and I had to believe he would do the same for me.