Smooth Moves by Betty McBride

though…Rich, don’t start hoping.”
    He couldn’t help it. A grin spread over his face, making his eyes twinkle, as he watched her brush her teeth. Starting the water, he said, “After we shower, I’ll run down to the pharmacy and buy some tests.”
    She groaned around her toothbrush but had to admit the possibility. Even though it scared the hell out of her, she knew deep down that she loved him. Her insecurity rose up to ensure her that he’d have to stick around if she were with his child. Frowning to herself, she thought of his declaration of love. Still unable to truly believe that he loved her, her mind flew to Nadia once again.
    If she were with child, no other woman would be able to claim him. Seeing the pregnancy possibilities in a new light, she had no idea that her own lack of self-esteem and high self-loathing played a role in her inability to believe that a man would ever love her. She stepped into the shower, warming to the idea of pregnancy but for all the wrong reasons.
    He slowly washed every inch of her, exploring as he lathered, while she did the same. By the time they were finished, she was so aroused that she was hinting about shower sex. He grinned, “With your uncle and Nadia in the next room, they would hear every bit of it.”
    Grumbling over a lack of privacy, she winced when the nausea returned. He rushed them through rinsing, helped her out of the shower, and wrapped her in a thick robe before demanding that she get back in bed.
    “I’m going down to get those tests. Do you need anything before I leave?” When she shook her head, holding up the crackers, he said, “Ask Nadia to get you stuff. That’s what she’s paid for.”
    At the mention of the nurse, Candice’s eyes narrowed. Detecting a bit of attitude, Rich asked, “What? You don’t like Nadia?”
    “It’s not that I don’t like her. She’s got her eye on you.”
    Amusement cut across Rich’s face, “She grew up with us. She’s just flirtatious. You should see her around Ben.”
    “She told me she doesn’t like Ben but will chase you.”
    “Really?” She glared at him when astonishment replaced the amusement, practically snapping, “Hey, I might have a baby on board over here.”
    He sank down onto the bed beside her, “Candice, I care about Nadia as a friend only. I can’t imagine life without you because I love you. There’s a huge difference. If she were to return to her homeland tomorrow, I wouldn’t chase her. You, on the other hand, I would follow wherever you ran.”
    A part of her wanted to believe him so badly that it hurt but the other part was scared of being hurt. She muttered a hasty thank you before stuttering, “I…um…Rich, I think…”
    He put a finger over her lips, “When you’re ready, Candice, the words will come.”
    She slid her fingers into his hair, bringing his face to hers for a kiss. Already missing him even though he was only traveling to the pharmacy, she broke the kiss and asked, “When do you think we could…?”
    “After Nadia leaves and your uncle is asleep.”
    She scowled, aching so bad she squirmed as he stood to leave. Rich ducked into her uncle’s room, telling them both, “I’m going to run into town for a few supplies that I forgot.” His focus shifted to Nadia, “Thanks for whatever you told her. It worked like a charm but now you can back off a bit.” His gaze flew to Uncle Mike, “Are you feeling better? Do you need anything?”
    “I’m good. Nadia is keeping me captivated with stories about her relatives in Sweden.”
    Grinning, Rich patted his hand and told Nadia thanks before leaving. He missed her sly expression as she turned back to Mike. She’d been truthful with Candice about chasing Rich. She’d seen this as prime opportunity to get what she wanted; a place in the Danton household.
    Candice quickly dressed in the transparent shirt with lacy panty and bra set underneath. Sinking beneath the sheets and blankets, she thought about the