Chapter Ten

~ Janos ~

"Someone will be by first thing in the morning to take samples from each of us for testing," I told Gianni after hanging up with Lester. "I have a guestroom if you want to stay over."

Gianni nodded, but he was staring absently over the scene of the sun setting off in the distance. I could tell his mind was elsewhere and I couldn't blame him. If what we suspected was true, our world had just been turned upside down.

"How are you feeling about all of this?"

It was a lot for both of us to take in. If what we suspected was true, that meant we had slept together and created a new life. Our child. It also meant there was someone else involved, someone that did not have good intentions.

Gianni let out a heavy breath before turning to look at me. "Do you really think this could be your kid?"

"I think it's a strong possibility," I stated. "The timelines match up. But I also I think we shouldn't freak out until we know for sure," I continued, hoping to settle him a bit. "Nothing needs to be decided right now. We have time."

Gianni gently patted his abdomen. "We have about six months."

I chuckled lightly. "I think we can figure things out before then."

It was a hope at least.

I could see that Gianni was wrestling with something. His brow was furrowed and his eyes kept darting from me to the sunset and then back to me.

"What is it?" I finally asked. "Whatever it is, you can just say it or ask it. I'll answer you honestly if I can."

"What if this is your kid?" Gianni asked. "What then?"

"Well, I would definitely want to be a part of the child's life. This could be my son or daughter we're talking about. I don't have any other kids or any plans for others kids. Besides my grandmother and my sister, I don't really have anyone in my life."

That was kind of sad when stated like that, but it was true.

"So, you'd want a shared custody type of deal?"

That didn't sit right with me, but I wasn't sure how to explain it to Gianni. I wanted full custody, but I wanted to share that custody with Gianni.

"I think I'd prefer if we just got married and gave the child a real family. I don't like the idea of him or her bouncing between homes, never feeling secure in either of them."

Gianni's lips parted, his eyes growing round. "You want us to get married?"

Why did he have to say it like it was an alien concept?

I gestured between the two of us with my hand. "You do get that I've been trying to date you, right?"

Gianni's flush was instant. "Yes, but—"

"I know why you said we could only be friends, and if friends is all we can ever be then I accept that, but I hope us dating isn't totally out of the realm of possibilities."

A small smirk curved up the corner of Gianni's mouth. "If I wasn't pregnant, I'd be all over you like white on rice."

I swallowed tightly. "Really?"

I could only hope.

"I've always found you attractive," Gianni replied. "That was never the problem." He waved his hand toward his abdomen. "This is. I don't know if this is your kid or not. Until tonight, that thought never even entered my mind."

"And now that it has?"

Gianni shook his head. "It's just wishful thinking."

"It doesn't have to be," I insisted.

"Janos, this might not even be your child."

"That's true. We won't know until the test results come back, but that doesn't change the fact that it will still need a family."

Gianni's dark eyebrows drew together. "What are you saying here?"

I wasn't sure.

"I'm saying don't give up on the idea of us just because you're pregnant." It was the best way I could explain what was going through my head. "I realize that anything that might happen between us means you come as a package deal, but so do I."

"What do you mean?"

"If this kid isn't mine, then there is still someone out there pregnant with my child. I would still want to be a part of that child's life. I'm assuming, if you ever discovered who the father is, he'd want to be a part of your child's life as well. That's the deal. I have baggage and you have baggage, and guess what, it's kind of the same baggage just different manufacturers."

"So, we both might have a child with someone we don't know or we could be sharing a child..." Gianni's eyes narrowed. "But that shouldn't stop us from dating?"

Sort of?

"We like each other. We're attracted to each other. Under normal circumstances, we'd both want to date each other. Why let a little thing like a baby or two stop us from getting to know each other and deciding if we're a good fit?"

Gianni snorted as he glanced away. "A little thing like a baby or two. Seriously?"

"My hope is that I am the father of your baby," I admitted. "I'd be thrilled if you were carrying my kid and not some random stranger’s. You need to remember, I tried to date you before I even knew you were pregnant so this isn't about the baby. It's about us."

That was as real as I could get at the moment. I felt as if we were both holding our breath until we got those test results back. We were in limbo, not being able to go forward and not being able to go backward.

"There's nothing we can do anyway until we get the test done and the results come back, but I would like this all to be out there in the open. I want to date you, whether it is your baby and my baby or our baby, with the idea of pursuing a possible future with you."

Gianni just stared at me, making me grow nervous. Was he against the idea of us dating? He had said he wasn't in a place in his life where he could date, but that was before his admission that he was pregnant. Was that still true?

"What do you think?" I finally asked, growing nervous. "You haven't said a word."

"You really want to date me even knowing that I could be pregnant with some random stranger's baby?"

"Yes," I said without hesitation. "If you understand and accept the fact that there might be some random stranger out there pregnant with my baby."

After a moment, Gianni nodded and my heart began to flutter with joy. "Do you mean that? You'll date me with the idea of a possible future together?"

"I think at this point, we should stick to the getting to know you phase, but I suppose you could consider this our first date."

I mentally thrust my fist into the air.

"Okay then." I grinned at Gianni, flashing him my brightest smile.

Vasso delivered our dinner right after that. I could barely contain my excitement as we began to eat. Gianni had agreed to date me. It wasn't marriage by any means, but we could work up to that. I wanted him to know I was serious about us. I wasn't just trying to get him into bed.

"You said you planned to take a year off?"

Gianni nodded. "Once the term ends, which is in a couple of weeks. I don't think it's a good idea to be pregnant and working my crazy schedule at the same time."

"So, what are your plans then?"

"I don't have any actually. I'll be moving back to my parents' house for right now. Whether I remain there or move out on my own remains to be seen. I'm not going to make any major decisions right now."

That was probably a good idea.

"If you ever need a sounding board or just someone to talk to about everything, I'm available."

Gianni smiled brightly. "I appreciate that."

Our conversation was stilted for a bit and then it wasn't. The more we talked, the easier it seemed to get. By the time dinner was done and Vasso had cleared away the dishes, we were both relaxed.

I think that was a good thing.

"So, do you like my view?"

Gianni chuckled. "I do. It's very relaxing."

I'd always thought so.

"It's especially nice in the summer months, but the winter is nice, too. I tend to stay indoors then, of course, but I like keeping the curtains open so I can watch the snow fall. Up here, looking down on the city when it's covered in snow, it's kind of magical."

"Do you ever dance in the rain?"

I blinked at Gianni. "I haven't in the past, but I'd be open to it." If Gianni wanted to dance in the rain, I'd be right there holding my hand out to him.

"I love to dance in the rain," Gianni admitted. "Not storm rain, but just your normal every day rain. There's something cleansing about it."

I guess I could see that.

"We should probably think about turning in for the night," I said as I stood. I tossed back the last of my drink and then set my glass on the table before holding my hand out to Gianni. "Come on, I'll show you to the guestroom."

Gianni stood up and set his glass down on the table. His cheeks flushed in the most adorable way as he took my hand. I admit I was a bit surprised. Gianni seemed so self confidant. It was odd to see this shy side of his personality.

I led Gianni back inside and through the house to the guest bedroom. I opened the door and waved my hand for him to enter before me. Once he did, I followed him in.

"The bathroom is right over there." I pointed. "It should have towels and everything in case you want to shower. I'll go get you something you can sleep in and something for you to wear tomorrow."

We weren't the same size, but I was sure I could find something for him to wear.

"Thank you," Gianni replied.

I nodded to him before forcing myself to turn and walk away. I headed straight for my bedroom. There was something stimulating knowing Gianni would be wearing my clothes, even if they didn't quite fit him.

I would describe my feelings as feral and possessive.

I shook my head at my ridiculous thoughts. Gianni was his own man. He'd proven that when he went his own way instead of joining his family's business. If I tried to dominate him, he'd probably hand me my head, but I couldn't deny that the desire was there. I wanted to pin him to the bed and ravage him.

Probably not a good idea with him being pregnant and all.

I found clothes for Gianni to wear to bed and in the morning, carrying them back to his room. I knocked before opening the door. Gianni stood on the far side of the room looking out the window. He turned when I walked in.

I frowned at the somber look on his face. "Are you okay?"

Gianni drew in a deep breath before answering me. "Yes. I'm just thinking about everything."

I wasn't sure if that was good or bad.

"Anything I can help with?"

"Not unless you can fast forward to the test results."

I set the clothes down on the end of the bed and walked over to stand in front of him. My touch was gentle as I pressed my hand against the side of his face and tilted his head until our eyes met.

"No matter what the test results are, you're not in this alone."

Gianni gave me a weak smile.

"I mean it, Gianni." I wrapped my arms around him and pulled him up against my larger body. I pressed a small kiss to his forehead. "We're doing this, right?"

Gianni let out a little laugh. "Yes."

"Then believe me when I say you are not alone," I stated firmly. "I am right here beside you."

If I had my way, I'd always be beside him.