Adrenalin was still rushing through Lyssaâs body in tremors, provoked by that instant of locked eyes, that brief connection, the reflection of her own awareness in Ricâs eyes.
She knew all the reasons why she should stay away from him, and they were numerous. Yet still, if the chance arose, she would not back away from kissing Ric. She would grab itâjust to find out what it would be like to be kissed by him, to be held in his arms.
There. Sheâd made a decision. No more doubts. Just to satisfy her curiosity, sheâd seize the moment. Then heâd go back to his world full of beautiful women, and sheâd go back to hers. To the reality of raising a child alone. But at least she would have her memories.
BABY ON BOARD
From bump to baby and beyondâ¦
Whether sheâs expecting or theyâre adoptingâa special arrival is on its way!
Follow the tears and triumphs as these couples findtheir lives blessed with the magic of parenthoodâ¦
Thereâs twin trouble in February
with Caroline Andersonâs latest Romance: Two Little Miracles
Dear Reader
One of the best things about researching the location for PREGNANT: FATHER WANTED was trawling through recipe books and drooling over tempting pictures of southern Italian dishes.
One of the worst things? Gaining weight as a result of trawling through those same recipe books, drooling over those tempting pictures and then satisfying my self-induced hunger!
But, aside from the food, research for this book was particularly enjoyable. Lyssa is a travel writer, so she was on the move and I saw the Amalfi Coast through her eyes. Of course she was also falling in love, and this might have coloured her view a little. Only a little, though. Renowned for its rugged terrain, scenic beauty, picturesque towns and diversity, the Amalfi Coast is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
I hope you enjoy visiting the Amalfi Coast, and taking an emotional journey with Lyssa and Ric.
Best wishes
Claire
www.clairebaxter.com
CHAPTER ONE
âYOUâRE going to Italy?â
Lyssa Belperio grinned as she nodded at her friend Chloe. âSo, do you mind keeping an eye on the apartment as usual?â
âOf course not. But Iâm so jealous. Come inside and tell me about it. Iâll make a coffee.â
âNo.â Lyssa waved her palms at Chloe as she stepped into the neighbouring apartment. âNo coffee for me, remember?â
âOh, thatâs right. I nearly forgot you were pregnant because you donât show. I have herbal tea. Peppermint, rosehip or chamomile?â
âPeppermint, please. You know the new travel magazine I told you about? The ultra-glossy one that I wrote that small piece for?â
âAbout shopping in Hong Kong. Yes, I remember.â
âWell, the editor emailed, offering me a commission. She wants a feature article written with the same wit and humour as the last one.â She made air quotes around the key words. Sheâd written the article in her natural voice and couldnât imagine writing any other way.
âThat sounds good. She must have liked your work.â
Lyssa gave a modest shrug. âI guess so. Anyway, this feature is about touring the Amalfi Coast.â
Chloe squealed. âYou lucky duck. All expenses paid?â
âUh-huh. Itâs being sponsored by a tour company. Theyâre going to provide a private driver and tour guide, and everything.â
âBlimey. Do you need someone to take photos for you? I have a camera phone.â
Laughing, Lyssa shook her head. âMatilda said theyâll buy them directly from a local photographer. No amateur shots needed.â
âCan you squeeze me into your suitcase, then? Iâll be good, I promise.â
âI wish I could, but I travel lightly, remember?â
âCheeky. Iâm not that heavy. Anyway, youâll soon be much heavier than me.â Chloe dropped the teabags into the bin, then adopted a more serious tone. âAre you sure itâs all right to travel in your condition? What if something happens while youâre away?â
âNothingâs going to happen,â Lyssa said firmly. âIâve been all over Asia; Iâm sure I can handle Italy. And anyway, Iâm only a little bit pregnant.â
âAs opposed to completely pregnant?â Chloe held out the mug of herbal tea.
Pulling a face at Chloe, she took the mug and settled on one of the comfortable sofas. âThereâs no problem with travelling at this early stage and, as I donât show yet, I figure thereâs no need for anyone to know.â
âAre you going to tell your parents before you go?â
âOh, Chlo, theyâll be so upset.â She took a moment to swallow the lump that had jumped to her throat at the mere mention of breaking the news to her parents, then sipped her tea before going on. âYou know what theyâre like.â
âTheyâre protective.â
âTheyâre incredibly old-fashioned.â
âEven so,â Chloe said gently, âtheyâll have to know.â