Finding Perfect by Susan Mallery Page B

do.”
    That almost made sense, she thought. Given that everything about their conversation was beyond believable.
    â€œOkay, maybe,” she conceded, “but maybe you could just donate something to charity instead. You’re a rich, famous guy. You have a life. Probably a girlfriend.”
    â€œI don’t have a girlfriend. I wouldn’t have kissed you if I did.”
    Which begged the question of why he had, but shewould deal with one weird incident at a time. “Raoul, you’re really sweet, but no.”
    â€œWhy? Don’t you trust me?”
    She frowned. “What do you mean?”
    â€œI’m not going to offer this, then change my mind. I’m not going to leave.”
    She did her best not to wince at his words. He knew enough about her past to guess that being left was one of her issues. Slowly, she returned to her chair and sank down. After drawing in a breath, she looked at him, as if she could find the answer in his handsome features.
    There was nothing new there—just the same large, dark eyes, high cheekbones, perfect mouth.
    He pulled up a chair and sat facing her. “I mean it, Pia. I want to help. For you and for Keith. You should let me try. I’m good at getting stuff done. All that quarterback training. What you’re doing is important. Let me help.”
    She might not be willing to accept a man she barely knew would do this for her, but she could almost get that he would do it for Keith.
    â€œWhat does being a pregnancy buddy mean?” she asked cautiously.
    â€œWhatever you want it to mean. Like I said, I’ll drive you to the doctor, go on craving runs, listen to you talk about how your ankles are puffy.”
    Something passed through his eyes—a dark, scary emotion that made her wonder about his past. But before she could ask, the emotion was gone.
    â€œI’ll be there for you, Pia. In whatever capacity you want. No expectations, no rules. You won’t have to go through this alone.”
    That sounded perfect, she thought wistfully, wondering if it was possible. Could she really depend on him, trust him, know that he would be there for her?
    Leaning on other people hadn’t been a big part of her life. Not since high school, when both parents had left her—in one way or another. As she and Raoul weren’t involved emotionally, the situation was completely different from what it had been with her boyfriends. If he chose to leave, it wouldn’t be a big deal. Right?
    Which was what it came down to. Depending on someone she wasn’t sure would come through for her.
    â€œIt’s an interesting idea,” she began. “And I appreciate it. But why would you do this? What’s in it for you?”
    â€œI’ll be there,” he said firmly, “because I like you. And because you’re doing a good thing. Maybe because there are things in my past that didn’t work out the way I wanted them to, and this will make me feel better about them.”
    â€œHow do you know what I’m thinking?”
    â€œI just do, and I’ll be there.”
    A part of her wanted to believe. Being able to depend on someone, especially while she was pregnant and worried about giving birth to three kids and raising them, would be heavenly. But the rest of her knew that leaving was what most people did best.
    â€œLook at it this way,” he said. “Use me shamelessly. Then if I do walk away, you get to be right. A win-win.”
    An interesting point. He sounded really sincere. Not totally sane, but sincere.
    â€œOkay,” she said slowly. “Maybe.”
    â€œI’ll take it.” He leaned in and brushed his mouth against hers.
    Again, the light kiss had her entire body reacting.She wanted to haul him against her and have him put some back into it. Instead, she contented herself with remembering to breathe.
    He stood. “Let me know when it all starts and I’ll be there.”
    She