Free Bound by the Unborn Baby by Bella Bucannon

boat. When she returned with her meal he was waiting by her chair, studying his food across the table. She held her breath while he took his seat.
    The sparkle in his eyes when they met hers was unnerving. ‘This didn’t come from my hotel kitchen, did it?’
    ‘No.’ She broke eye contact, her heart sinking. Took a sip of water. If the difference was so obvious she’d already lost.
    ‘Hmm...’ He poured gravy, put sour cream on his potato and began to eat.
    Her breath caught behind the lump in her throat. Her whole body felt primed for his reaction. She so wanted his approval.
    ‘It’s good.’ His smile caused her lungs to deflate, the lump to dissolve.
    ‘Not what you’re used to?’
    ‘Better.’
    She bristled. She didn’t need or want pseudo-compliments. ‘You don’t have to butter me up. I know there’s no comparison.’
    ‘I promise I will always tell you the truth, Alina. Since the accident I’ve ordered meals. They came. I ate often while still working, usually too focused on facts and figures to taste or enjoy it. At home I lived in a void. My way of blocking out the grief, I guess.’
    That she understood. ‘And I made it worse with my bombshell.’
    ‘No—no way.’ He dropped his knife, reached across and took her hand. ‘It was as if nothing had real purpose. I avoided thinking about Louise and Leon because then I’d have to accept they were never coming back. I hated knowing I should have been there for them much more than I was.’
    She laid her free hand on top of his, subconsciously acknowledging its male texture.
    ‘You felt guilty? Oh, Ethan, there was never, ever, in any conversation I had with them, the slightest hint that you had been anything but a loving and supportive brother and friend. One who’d be there for them in a heartbeat if they needed you. I don’t know why they kept their problem a secret. Maybe because shielding those you love from worry goes both ways.’
    ‘Maybe. I keep wondering if there was anything else I could have done for them. All I know is that you’ve given my life meaning again. I wake in the morning knowing my sister and best friend aren’t completely lost to me. I feel—’
    He broke off, slowly withdrew his hand, as if unsure of revealing too much emotion.
    ‘Best we eat while it’s hot. What other culinary delights do you have planned?’ He helped himself to a serving of salad.
    ‘You mean it? You’ll really need more than one meal to make a sound judgement.’
    ‘Bring them on.’
    His smile as he raised his drink ignited trails of heat along her veins, threatening the solid barriers she’d sworn to maintain.
    ‘Here’s to many more home-cooked dinners together.’
    They clinked glasses. Alina let her water slide, cool and refreshing, down her throat.
    ‘It’s on the understanding that you tell me if it’s not good or not to your taste. If I take over the housework as well it’ll fill my days. I’m rethinking the courses idea.’
    ‘I’m locked into a cleaning contract, so that’s a different proposition. Anyway, in a few months you might be grateful for the help.’
    And with the purchase he’d arranged today she might also reconsider.
    She pondered his statement as she cut into her steak. ‘You may be right. It’s not easy work, but it pays the bills. Losing their hours here may cause hardship for someone.’
    ‘You discuss what you’d like done with whoever comes. I’ll notify the company that you have the authority.’
    ‘Thank you.’
    So she’d also done cleaning during her nomadic life, had not been too proud to accept domestic employment. Showed consideration for other manual workers. Every conversation gave Ethan more insight into her—thankfully without her realising how much she revealed.
    ‘Are you a sports fan?’ she asked. ‘I know Leon and Louise were Sydney Swans supporters and watched the games on the internet. You don’t appear to have much free time.’
    ‘We never missed a home game when