Alex smiled at her friend. "You're an incurable romantic, darling. But remember, I've never been as starry-eyed as you."

"Ranelagh's different though, isn't he, and don't tell me I'm wrong-and don't tell me it's been only a few days." She winked at Alex. "You're mad for him."

The two women had been confidantes since childhood, the London Greek community small and extremely close, their families neighbors. They'd shared girlhood wishes for knights in shining armor, blissful true love, and any number of other romantic ideals.

"I might be just a little mad for him," Alex admitted, grinning. "He's incredible in bed."

Tina giggled, the baby whimpered, and after calming her daughter, Tina returned her gaze to Alex. "I knew it the minute you walked in today. I could tell you were different. He's brought a new glow to your eyes."

"And my body too." Alex couldn't help but smile.

"Better yet. I hope he didn't really leave."

Alex shook her head. "He's waiting down the road." She sighed. "I feel like a schoolgirl waiting to sneak out of the house."

"You needn't wait. Go to him."

"I thought I'd stay with you until you fell asleep."

"Don't even consider it. There's absolutely no need for you to stay. I'm feeling fine, and the baby is a perfect darling, as you can see," she added, the pride in her voice unmistakable.

"Don't rub it in."

"Forgive me. I didn't mean to gloat. Go to Ranelagh now and have a baby of your own."

"Don't put any dangerous notions into my head." Alex grinned. "Especially when I'm feeling so deprived."

"That's why I said it." Tina wasn't above a little matchmaking for her friend, who, in her estimation, had married both times for all the wrong reasons. "I'm just saying think about a baby. You seem enraptured by the man-your excitement fairly glows. So go now, go to your Ranelagh. I'll make some excuse to your mother, I'll tell her I've sent you to the City on an errand for me. Don't I need that lace peignoir you and I saw in Westbourne Grove last week?"

"The lavender one? And Ranelagh's not mine, not in the remotest way."

"Yes, the lavender one, and he's yours right now, waiting for you because he wants to see you enough to drive all the way from London, knowing the entire family is in residence. You have to give him credit for courage," Tina said with a twinkle in her eye.

"Or foolhardiness."

"Not an altogether displeasing trait in this instance. I'd say he wants you badly. Now, go," Tina commanded. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"You're corrupting my nobler impulses."

"Good. It's about time. You have far too many noble causes and charities for a young woman. You spend half your time taking care of others, not to mention the years you tended your husbands. You're allowed to think of yourself, darling, and have a little fun. Now, if you aren't gone in two minutes, I'll call your mother back and make you both play bridge with me after the baby goes to sleep."

"Horrors!" Alex jumped to her feet. "I'd sooner walk over hot coals than play bridge with my mother."

"There," Tina replied brightly. "The very best incentive to go and see darling Ranelagh. Once I'm recuperated, promise to bring him out for tea so I can see the stunning legend for myself."

"Don't say that. I particularly dislike his legendary status."

"But you've brought him to his knees, haven't you, darling? Or at least a long, long way from London. That has to mean something."

"It means he likes sex."

Tina shook her head. "Sex with you, my sweet," she amended. "I doubt there's a dearth of women in town who would be willing. Now, bring the lovely man for tea someday soon."

"He doesn't drink tea."

"What man does? We'll ply him with ouzo."

"I'll extend your invitation. And thank you," Alex said softly, "for all your sensible advice. I really do like him."

"Think about that baby." Tina smiled at her friend.

"You're not exactly helping me to be virtuous."

"You could talk to him about it."

Alex laughed. "And watch him run."

Tina lifted her brows. "Maybe… maybe not."

Chapter Twenty-one

But Alex didn't have the opportunity to say more than yes to Sam's query about sleeping at the Adelphi before he kissed her hard and long and deeply.

Some minutes later, as they sat side by side, gently rocking to the rhythm of the carriage, their hands entwined, their smiles indication of their good spirits, she did mention Tina's facetious proposal.

Rather than shrink from her improbable comments, Ranelagh replied casually, "A baby-really. I haven't thought about it-for say-my entire life."

She punched him then because he was obviously mocking her. Once they were finished tussling, and once they'd stopped kissing again, he smiled at her in a particularly sensual way. "You know, maybe it's not such a bad idea after all."

Her gaze half narrowed. "You know it's ridiculous, and I'll sleep with you anyway, so you needn't be polite. I wouldn't have even mentioned it, except babies are on my mind." She smiled at him. "Tina's little girl is so soft and cuddly and adorable. I held her for the longest time, and she looked up at me with her big blue eyes and I think she even smiled once. I instantly melted in a puddle of love. So you see, I'm not exactly rational at the moment. You needn't take it personally."

"Maybe I don't mind taking it personally."

"Are you proposing?" She fluttered her lashes playfully.

"It depends."

"On what, pray tell?"

"Whether you become pregnant or not."

"Ah…"

"What the hell does that mean?"

"It means-never mind, Ranelagh, you wouldn't understand." She was about to take issue with his callousness and disinterest in love, until she remembered with whom she spoke.

"No, tell me." His gaze took on a challenging gleam. "I think my perspicacity is as good as anyone's."

"I don't want to argue and you don't seriously want a child, so let's change the subject."

"Maybe I like the subject."

"Until I mention marriage."

He tried to conceal his horror.

"There, you see." She grinned. "And I'm not perspicacious at all."

"I'm not completely averse to the idea of marriage," he said carefully.

"So long as it isn't yours."

He couldn't help but smile. "I suppose you're right."

"And I suppose if I'm looking for a father for my child, I should be sensible enough to look elsewhere."

It bothered him more than he thought to consider that alternative, and, conscious he was placing himself in serious jeopardy, he said, "Don't put me entirely out of the running."

"There are certain circumstances, then, in which fatherhood"-she lifted her brows-"and marriage wouldn't be completely anathema to you?"

He swallowed. "I'm thinking there might be."

She laughed. "You certainly know how to charm a lady."

He smiled back. "Consider, darling, I've never even thought of fatherhood until a few minutes ago. Give me a moment or so to adjust."

She glanced at the carriage clock and began silently counting.

"Bitch," he whispered with a grin.

"A very hot one," she whispered back with a delicious wink.

This time he glanced at the clock. "We've forty minutes before we reach the Adelphi."

"More than enough time," she replied cheerfully.

"I thought you'd never ask."

"I didn't know you ever waited to be asked."

"Sometimes I do."

"When ladies are talking about marriage?" she noted archly.

"No." He didn't say talk of marriage always fell on deaf ears. "When I'm not sure how much politesse is required."

"I'm not interested in politesse, darling. Only that." She pointed between his legs.

"Then I have only one question," he replied smoothly. "What do you want to do about a baby? Yes or no?"

She looked at him for a breath-held moment, began to answer, changed her mind, and finally said very, very softly, "Yes and no."

"That's not going to work."

"I know."

"So I should be careful."

"It probably would be best."

"Probably?"

"I want a baby too much right now to answer with any sanity."

"I could be sane for us both if you like."

"I'm not sure I do."

He took a small breath because he suddenly found her ambiguity tempting. When it never had been before. When he'd been scrupulously careful to leave no by-blows behind. When talk of babies in the past would have speedily sent him in the opposite direction. "Why don't I ask you later," he said mildly.

"Tina's little girl is so warm and soft," Alex went on as though he hadn't spoken. "With the sweetest little curls." Her voice went soft. "She has little, little dark ringlets…"

"If you want a baby with ringlets," he whispered, kissing her temple, the pink flush of her cheek, "I could see what I could do." Gently turning her by the shoulders, he brushed her mouth with a smiling kiss. "You just have to put in your order."

A baby of her own-how unutterably priceless. Sam was fully capable of making good on his offer too. And she wasn't completely sure she didn't want him to. "What should I order?" Her voice was hushed; a small, exultant glow lit her eyes.

"Order twins-a boy and a girl and then we don't have to decide which to have first," he answered, confident and assured. He unclasped the pearl and amethyst brooch that secured the white collar of her gown.

"First?" A tiny frisson quickened her senses.

"Of course." He unhooked one of three concealed hooks under the tailored pleats that adorned the front of her green linen bodice. "Don't you want a large family?" A second hook came free.

"I don't know…" Her mind was racing, her pulse leaping at his touch, desire and extravagant hope running riot.