Have Baby, Need Beau (19 page)

“And what?”

“And she acts like she wants to be friends.” Mimi turned those big baby-blue eyes toward him. “But what if we let her back in and she disappears again?”

Seth sucked in a harsh breath at the raw emotion in her eyes. For the first time he felt as if he truly understood Mimi. She was afraid, afraid of being hurt, of being deserted again. Maybe even afraid of love and commitment for the same reason. “There are no guarantees. I guess you just have to trust your instincts.”

“My instincts get me in a mess sometimes. Look at what happened with Joey, and then…

“Then me?”

She shook her head, regret clouding her features. “I didn’t mean it like that, Seth.”

“It’s okay. I understand, Mimi.” He covered her hand with his. “And I won’t hurt you. Maybe your instincts are improving. Maybe you learned something from Joey.”

She dropped her gaze from his, biting her lip. “She wanted to talk about … the pregnancy. Dad told her. Can you believe it?”

Seth thought about his conversation with Wiley. “How did it go?”

Mimi shrugged, her shoulder brushing his arm. He savored the simple contact, knowing he couldn’t touch her in front of all his patients, but he was proud of her, and he desperately wanted everyone to know she belonged with him. A surge of protective feelings swelled inside him.

“She told me not to let her mistakes or her and Dad’s divorce keep me from doing what I want.”

His heart pounded. “And what is that?”

Mimi’s gaze met his and locked. Tension mounted between them.

“I don’t know, Seth. I want to be a good mother.”

“You will be, Mimi. Look how wonderful you are with these kids.”

“This stuff just comes naturally.”

“I told you you have natural mothering instincts. You obviously take after your grandmother.”

“Yeah. Speaking of Grammy, I wonder if she might be a little bit psychic.”

Ah, the baby blanket and rattle. Seth glanced up and saw his mother frowning in horror at Anita, who had icing smeared from her nose to her toes. Georgie and his dad had their heads bent close, discussing the next phase of their car. Little Laurel suddenly turned with icing-covered hands and darted toward the bathroom, waving her hands in front of her like a white monster. Seth’s mother shrieked and backed a good ten feet away as if she was afraid the child might attack her with frosting.

“I hope your grandmother will spend some time with our baby. My mother certainly isn’t the grandmotherly type.”

Mimi threaded her fingers through his, their hands almost hidden beneath her colorful long skirt. She’d obviously recognized the disappointment in his voice. The intimacy stirred a longing in Seth that was a physical ache. He didn’t want to turn out like his parents. Somehow he had to convince Mimi to marry him and save him from the life his parents had planned for him. The life he’d once wanted with all his heart. The life he’d walk away from in a skinny minute if he could have Mimi by his side forever.

* * *

The next day, Mimi’s stomach quivered as she entered the studio where the new soap
Scandalous
was being filmed. All her life she had dreamed about becoming a star, someone her family would be proud of. Her conversation with Seth the day before replayed in her mind, along with the closeness they’d shared. He’d sounded proud of her ability to work with the kids, as if her lack of a sophisticated job or degree didn’t matter. But how could he feel that way when he worked with women like Hannah and that new ER physician, career women who had looks and respect and intelligence? And how would her baby feel about having a waitress for a mother? A nobody, according to Seth’s mother.

But would she be a nobody to her child if she loved it and spent time with it? Sure, Seth’s parents had prestige and intelligence and respect and careers, but they’d left an emotional void with their own son that no amount of education or money or prestige could fill.

Confusion twisted her nerves and she took a deep breath, reminding herself that this part was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a chance to be recognized, a chance to make it big. She stepped into the auditorium, excitement and anxiety tightening her throat when she spotted the stage and the roomful of other actresses vying for parts on the new show.

A tall female who resembled a Scandinavian goddess and a short man who reminded her of Danny DeVito occupied front-row seats facing the stage. Another group, five to be exact, holding clipboards and pencils sat beside them—obviously judges. A petite woman dressed in a sharp red suit seemed to be in charge, pointing and telling the various wannabes where to wait.

“I’m Mimi Hartwell.” Her bracelets jangled as she spoke. “I came to try out for the belly dancer.”

The woman eyed her appreciatively. “Oh, yes, I have your name here. Just sit down. We’ll call you shortly.”

Mimi smiled and took a seat, studying the other actresses. Some were chatting nervously, others sitting aloof, still others practicing lines.

“Let’s start with those reading for the part of the maid.”

Mimi’s mind wandered while a string of actresses read from the script. She placed her hand over her stomach and thought of the baby lying there. If she did land the part, who would watch the baby while she worked? Hannah? No, Hannah had her own job and a new husband. She would have her own children one day.

Alison? She was busy with her new bridal shop. Day care? A lot of people used day care, although the idea of leaving an infant for long hours didn’t seem appealing. Maybe she could hire a nanny to come with her to the studio … but nannies cost money.

An hour later the director had dismissed several candidates for the maid role and two other female characters, and began the belly-dancing routines. Mimi watched in appreciation and trepidation as each actress performed. Two carried off beautiful routines, while one poor girl fell on her face. Another had the coordination of a bat.

“Mimi Hartwell.”

“That’s me.” Mimi jumped up and pasted on a smile, reminding herself to walk gracefully as she climbed the steps to the stage when the music began, she felt the rhythm deep in her soul, and she began to move her hips, soaring through the routine with confidence and skill, envisioning dancing for Seth as she had so many times. When she finished, she saw the pleased smiles on the judges’ faces and had a gut feeling she’d gotten the part.

* * *

Seth had cleared his calendar for the day to tie up loose ends. Yesterday he’d felt so close to Mimi. Actually each day they were together, their relationship grew. He no longer thought of Mimi as flashy or impulsive, but fun and sensitive and alive. He no longer simply wanted her in his bed, although he wanted that very badly; he cared about her and wanted her in his life. She would make a wonderful mother.

He sensed that Mimi had grown fond of him, too. Her sweet little touches, the way she said his name, so soft and whispery, and those heated looks that passed between them at the most unexpected times. Like last night, when he’d followed her home. He’d kissed her good-night at the door.

Tonight he’d propose to Mimi again. He thought she was finally seeing things his way—they were two decent, caring, mature people who wanted the best for their child. Although opposites, they had great chemistry and had become friends. They could make this work. Maybe in time they might even learn to love each other.

Feeling optimistic, he’d gone shopping first thing this morning, then cleared out the extra bedroom. After lunch he scrubbed the walls and geared up to paint. He intended to surprise her with the nursery. Since they didn’t know the sex of the baby yet, he’d chosen a pale yellow. Hadn’t Mimi said once that yellow was her favorite color?

As he rolled on the paint, he thought about the baby store he’d visited that morning and the different kinds of furniture and toys and accessories. He’d splurged on a big blue teddy bear and a silly rocking horse, but he’d forced himself to rein in his impulses before he maxed out his credit card. He didn’t want to start marriage strapped for cash.

Finishing everything would take some time and research, he decided. Thank goodness they had eight months. He needed to study consumer reports and compare the brands of furniture, the safety rankings on car seats, read up on toys that provided the most educational value…

Two hours later, proud of his logic and progress with the room, he hurried to shower before he called Mimi. Maybe if he had time first, he’d jump on the Internet and scope out the best deal on baby supplies and diapers. Then he could impress her with all his well-laid plans.

* * *

“Congratulations, Miss Hartwell, we’d love to have you for the part.”

Mimi smiled and shook the short man’s hand. Apparently he was the director and had really liked her dancing. “Thank you. I’m delighted.”

“I have to tell you, we’ve had some setbacks, though, and won’t be able to begin production until midsummer. Will you be able to work with us then?”

Mimi mentally ticked away the months. Disappointment momentarily blindsided her. “Will you be filming the belly-dancing role then?”

“Probably July. That character doesn’t appear in the first few episodes. She’s going to start out as a female vixen, but we plan to transform her eventually if she’s popular.”

“Sounds great.” Mimi felt her hopes deflating. “But I’m afraid I won’t be able to accept.”

The director eyed her over his clipboard. “Oh, dear, but you were so good. Can I ask what the problem is? We really want you, Miss Hartwell. Maybe we can work around it.”

Mimi’s bracelets jangled as she tucked a strand of hair back into the headdress. “Actually I don’t see a way. You see, I just learned I’m pregnant and—”

“Oh, dear, that would be a problem,” the woman said.

“A pregnant belly dancer, um, I’m afraid that’s not what we pictured,” the director said. “Now if your … um, if your situation changes, let us know.”

Mimi frowned at his implication, thanked him and headed to her car, her emotions in a tailspin. She’d just gotten the job she’d wanted and lost it in the same day. But it was the director’s offhand comment that really irked her. Her situation wasn’t about to change, not unless something happened and she lost the baby.

Her knees suddenly felt weak and she clutched the door frame as she climbed into the car. The mere thought of something happening to her child made her ill. She dropped her head forward against the steering wheel and forced herself to take a deep breath, to think positively. She would make sure her baby was well taken care of. After all, even though she’d only known about the baby for a few short weeks, her child had quickly become the most important thing in the world to her. The baby. And Seth.

Chapter 17

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S
eth stood on Mimi’s doorstep, his legs wobbling. He’d done everything he could think of the past few weeks to woo Mimi, everything from changing his underwear to trying to be more impulsive, but what if Mimi said no to his proposal? He couldn’t lose her…

He mentally recited the rules for positive thinking he’d used in a recent lecture. Several seconds later Mimi opened the door wearing that sexy harem costume he’d seen once before, a huge bowl of chocolate sauce in her arms, the phone tucked beneath her chin. He saw her body’s natural response to the cold outside—a shiver and…

“Hey.” She clapped her hand over the receiver’s mouthpiece and narrowed her eyes at his dressy shirt and slacks. “Did we have plans?”

“No. But I wanted to see you.”

She waved him in, gesturing that she’d try to end the conversation on the phone soon. “Yes, Hannah, I’m fine.”

He waited to be attacked by her menagerie of animals, but her cat simply raised a head and looked at him, lowered it again down to finish her nap. Wrangler bounced over to him, wagging his tail. Seth fed the dog the treats, then followed Mimi into the kitchen. A three-layer chocolate dessert, drenched in whipped cream and raspberry sauce identical to the one on that truck advertisement, sat on the counter.

“No, I do not want you to come over, Hannah,” Mimi said into the phone. “You have a nice romantic night with your new hubby.” Pause. “Yes, and no. I got the part, but they’re going to be filming this summer, so I’m out.” Another pause.

His gut clenched when he realized Mimi was talking about her audition. So she had gotten the part, but couldn’t accept it because of the pregnancy? How did she feel about her condition interfering with her dream?

“Maybe we can have lunch tomorrow or Sunday. Just give me a call.”

He sank onto a kitchen chair, his gaze fixed on her as she crossed the room and returned the phone to its base. The sheer fabric of the costume billowed out around her dynamite legs, the overlay of dark purples and other bright colors in the headdress repeated in the fabric covering her breasts. Barely covering her breasts, he amended. They were almost spilling from their thin encasement. His gaze dropped to the tantalizing bare skin below the top. To Mimi’s stomach where his baby lay, growing every day. To Mimi’s navel, the place he had tasted and tormented with his tongue.

Her gaze sprang to meet his and she licked a glob of chocolate sauce off her finger, her breath hitching. She saw the hunger in his eyes and mirrored it with her own look of desire. Desire that rocketed through him, hardening his body, tensing every muscle and nerve with the power of it.

“I heard what you said about the part. I’m sorry.”

“It’s not going to work out.”

“Are you okay about it?”

“Yeah.” Mimi shrugged and set the bowl on the blue-tile counter near a portable entertainment unit. Her favorite Dixie Chicks CD played in the background. He imagined her dancing around the kitchen, stirring chocolate, the shimmering material whispering across her body as she moved.

The image had lust pooling in his groin. He moved toward her, mesmerized by the flare of excitement he saw in her eyes. “You’re not upset?”

“There’ll be other parts. Other times,” she said softly.