19

‘Gin? You’re not at work yet?’ ‘Do you check up on all your employees?’ She berated Kin over the phone as she drove into the staff car park. There was a momentary silence before Kin responded. ‘Darling, I just wanted to say, “good morning.” She shut her eyes for a second. She was still feeling a bit queasy. There was no need to bite his head off. ‘Good morning,’ she replied. ‘I called your surgery, your assistant said you had not arrived yet.’ ‘Well, I’m here now,’ she walked into her surgery, ignoring the fact that she was an hour and twenty minutes late. At least she’d taken the trouble to call her superior and tell him she was feeling a bit under the weather. If one could term morning sickness as a bit under the weather. ‘Would you like to join me for breakfast in ___.” ‘No! ___ umm ___ thank you, but I’ve had breakfast already,’ she lied. She had not dared to put a single morsel of anything into her mouth, too afraid she’d throw up again. She’d retched three times … on an empty stomach. ‘Okay. Can we meet for lunch?’ Gin could hear his calm manner, she could sense he was smiling. No! ‘Kin ___ I won’t have the time,’ she invented an excuse. I need to go out and get a few things at lunch time.’ ‘Are you avoiding me Gin?’ ‘”Avoiding you” she cringed silently. ‘I’m right here in the hospital and I’m talking to you aren’t I?’ There was that uncomfortable silence again. ‘Look,’ she quickly added. ‘You can come down and see me in my office, if you must, but ___ I don’t have the time to sit down and have a meal with you, sorry.’ She would die of embarrassment, if she got sick in front of Kin. ‘Can I come down in an hour? I have a patient coming in just now.’ ‘Sure,’ she forced a smile, hoping her tone would sound … accommodating Gin actually managed to see two patients before the hour was up. Ten minutes, before Kin could get to her, Gin rushed to the bathroom, she applied some blush over her cheeks and touched up her lips with her favourite lip gloss. Not because she wanted to look good for Kin, she was hoping he won’t notice anything wrong with her. She was just placing her hand bag into her drawer when he walked in. Gin looked up, studied his face, there was no suspicion there…good. In fact he looked good, arresting actually, in a dark suit, crisp white shirt and he smelt divine, she could almost ___. ‘Hi,’ he smiled enthusiastically, taking Gin into his arms. Gin toyed with the idea of telling him she was pregnant, but quickly pushed it to the back of her mind. ‘I missed you,’ he murmured, indulging in a lingering kiss. Gin could not resist, her hands wrapped around his neck, she returned his kiss, savouring his possessive embrace. It was comforting, almost taking the weight of her shoulders…almost. She moaned softly, deepening the kiss, clinging to him. Kin’s arms tightened around her, encouraged by her ardent response, his kiss became more passionate. So involved were they in their passionate embrace, neither heard the door open. Neither saw Nurse Julia stare with her jaw dropping, nor did either of them hear the door softly close again. Some moments later, when Gin drew back to catch her breath, Kin looked into her slate grey eyes and smiled. Admiring her heart shaped, angelic looking face, he let his fingers brush through the soft curtain of her hair. ‘You okay?’ He murmured, pressing his lips to her temple. ‘Yes, why?’ She started to panic. ‘You look a bit pale,’ the back of his index finger caressed her cheek. ‘I ___ didn’t sleep so well last night ,’ she lied. She’d slept peacefully through the night. It was only when she’d tried to get out of bed that she felt like somebody had drained all the energy out of her body and then the waves of nausea had overwhelmed her. ‘Missed me,’ he teased. ‘You’re so full of yourself,’ she laughed getting out of his arms and breathing a sigh of relief. ‘I would love to stay longer Gin,’ he moaned, ‘I ‘m due in theatre.’ ‘Talk to you later then,’ she responded. She knew Kin would be calling or making an appearance later. During the morning, as Gin went on her rounds in the ward, she was getting some very peculiar glances from the nurses. Could they know I’m pregnant? No…it can’t be. Soon Gin would have to see a gynaecologist. She debated whether to see somebody here at Arvis or go to a private specialist outside. She wished she’d fallen pregnant under more conventional circumstances. It would become a sensitive issue if she started seeing doctors outside of Arvis, as if the practitioners here were not expert enough. That would be a poor indictment on her lover who just happened to be the Chief of Staff of this hospital. Gin ignored all the murmurings and the curious stares as she walked back to her office. Shey managed to get through the day without incident. She stayed in her office, not daring to go to the cafeteria. At lunch time, she asked her assistant to get her a green salad and cautiously did justice to it. That afternoon, when she was packing up to leave, Kin strolled into her office again. ‘Thought, I’d walk you to your car,’ he offered. Gin stared at him. He looked tired. She wondered how much longer he was still going to work. In a way, she was glad he would have a break over the weekend. ‘What?’ He smiled, when Gin forgot she was staring. ‘How much longer you got to go?’ she asked conversationally, as she picked up her bag. ‘Perhaps an hour or so with the mountain of paperwork awaiting me,’ he smiled. She wished there was someone who could help him, but as Accounting Officer, there were certain responsibilities he could not delegate. As they walked out of her surgery, Kin curved his arm around her waist. For once, Gin could not be bothered. Last week the gossip mongers were treating her like a pariah. This week she would hazard a guess and say they were betting on how long she was going to last again as Kin’s lover. To hell with it all, she was beyond caring anymore…let them gossip to their heart’s content. As they walked out, Gin could see Nurse Julia hovering in the passage watching them. Again Gin entertained the idea of revealing the pregnancy to Kin, and again, she copped out. ‘Can I come over tomorrow evening and visit Vin?’ Kin held her door opened for her. ‘Sure,’ Gin replied. ‘Thank you. I will call you later tonight,’ he drew her into his arms. ‘Okay,’ she knew he was going to kiss her goodbye, and Gin blushed shyly. He was really taking liberties, was the Chief of Staff, perhaps he had grounds to do so considering he was the father of their son and yet unborn second child. Gin felt only a little guilt, that she was still keeping that secret from Kin. ‘Are you going straight home,’ he murmured against her lips. He seemed reluctant to stop kissing her. She laughed. ‘Do you think, I’m going to stop and have a quickie somewhere with somebody?’ He lowered his head sheepishly. He should trust her, but he had irrepressible jealousy issues. ‘I have to go,’ she slid into the driver’s seat. ‘Kin leaned into the window. ‘Tell Vin I said “hi” and that I’m coming to see him tomorrow.’ ‘Will do, bye Kin.’ He waived her off and returned to his office. The following day, Gin tried to duck and dive from Kin. She avoided the cafeteria. The smell of food made her extremely nauseous. Again she asked her assistant to bring her a vegetarian lunch tray to her office. In the afternoon, for some inexplicable reason Gin found herself drawn to the new born babies ward. She was stunned when she saw Kin there, but thankfully he was busy with some doctors, so he’d just waved and continued with his consultation. She’d spoken to Kin on the phone, but his busy schedule and hers kept them apart… a blessing in disguise It was three days since she discovered she was pregnant. She had not yet taken a pregnancy test, she did not need one. She could do a urine test herself, why bother? When Kin called her to greet her, Gin invited Kin to her office for tea, before he could suggest breakfast. He was pleasantly surprised. Again she lied she had a busy schedule and got rid of him quickly. Gin was beginning to bond with that tiny little foetus growing inside her. She didn’t know if it would be a little boy or girl and she didn’t care. It was hers … and Kin’s and they would love it, even if the father did not love the mother. She had to admit though, these days, Kin was a lot less arrogant and demanding. She was seeing a side of him, she liked very, very much. Again that afternoon, she was drawn to the baby ward. And this time, she could not avoid Kin. He was doing a walk about, inspecting ward. This is the second time, in the week, Kin saw Gin there. His eyes brows shot up questioningly. ‘Gin, you’re spending a lot of time here, these days!’ He leaned over and boldly kissed her on the lips. She can’t stop herself blushing. He seemed to be taking that liberty rather too frequently just about anywhere these days. Gin suspected their love affair must be the most badly kept secret in the Arvis Clinic. ‘I don’t come to Cardiology and question why you’re spending time there now, do I?’ ‘Point taken,’ Kin laughed. She was a pediatrician; she would be in the babies’ ward. He was a cardiologist, nobody would raise their eyebrows about him being in the Cardiology Ward. And because he was also the boss, he was responsible for every single ward and area of the hospital. They gazed into each other’s eyes. Gin wanted to look away, knew that they were attracting interest, knew that she was keeping a secret from him, she should not be keeping, yet she couldn’t tell him. Not just yet. She just couldn’t. Kin didn’t need to know why she was there…not just yet. They would be married tomorrow, if he knew, what he did not know. ‘Kin, ___ can we re-schedule the trip to Franschhoek?’ She pleaded uncomfortably. The nausea was not easing up. She found she could not eat anything until about mid-day. If that continued in the weekend, Kin was bound to catch on. Kin searched her face, trying to find any clues as to her sudden change of plan. He could find none, because she would not meet his eyes. ‘No, Gin. I’ve arranged with surgeons from other hospitals to come in and stand in for me. They have re-arranged their schedules to accommodate me. I’ve also sat with Dr. Jenkins and re-arranged your schedule. ‘May I know why, you’re attempting to renege?’ ‘N___nothing,’ she murmured, attempting to escape, before he interrogated her further. He was quicker. His hand circled her wrist like a steel band. He thought they were making some progress at least. He was deliberately taking things slow, much as he wanted to wine and dine Gin and God knew he wanted her in his bed, but he wanted to prove to her that sex was not the only reason he wanted her. Why? Why was she backtracking? ‘I know you would not change your mind for nothing,’ he spoke softly, but his tone was grave enough, to put fear in her. ‘The staff are watching us,’ she murmured uncomfortably. He exhaled in measured breaths. ‘We’re leaving on Friday morning Gin, got it?’ She nodded. He released her hand. Gin dragged herself away. Gin was at pains to avoid Kin at work. She could not have him guessing about her pregnancy. Stupid really, he was bound to know when she started to show? Why the hell not just tell him, and get it over and done with? Gin suspected he would just drag her to the altar against her will. She wanted to marry a man who would fall in love with her and tell her that he loves her. She wanted to marry a man who wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. She was not comfortable, marrying Kin for the wrong reasons. She was really having a tough time with the morning sickness. She hoped it would end soon. She tried abstaining from breakfast, so she would not be sick, but she knew that was unwise, the baby needed nourishment. The nausea was excruciatingly unbearable. She groaned loudly, thinking about the fact that she needed to tolerate it for the rest of her first trimester, hopefully it would stop then. ‘Have you told Kin, dear?’ Shin tackled Gin after Vin went to bed. Gin sighed heavily. ‘Not yet mum.’ ‘You should have done so, the day you found out Gin. The longer you leave it, the more difficult you’re making the situation.’ ‘I’m trying to find the right moment. It’s just awkward at work.’ Gin cringed silently at her lie. She could have met Kin away from the hospital, if she had wanted to speak to him about it. ‘So you’re leaving in the morning to Franschhoek?’ Shin smiled. ‘Yes,’ Gin secretly hoped some miracle could delay Kin, but it seemed the gods were not on her side. ‘Why don’t you allow Vin to stay behind with me? Use the time for you and Kin to talk things ___.’ ‘No!’ Gin vehemently rejected that proposal. She didn’t want to be alone with Kin. She knew she’d end up in his bed. ‘Kin wanted this trip, especially to bond with Vin. And Vin is actually looking forward to the trip,’ Gin smiled. ‘You heard him at dinner. He could not keep quiet.’ ‘Yes,’ Shin smiled. ‘Gin, Kin is a good man. Give him a chance.’ Gin nodded. Wasn’t she the one always telling Vin to “be nice” to Kin? ‘You don’t have to wake up early tomorrow mum, sleep in,’ Gin urged. ‘Okay darling. Take care of yourself and Vin,’ Shin hugged Gin. ‘See you on Sunday evening mum,’ Gin hugged her mum back. Anxiety washed over Gin. Friday morning was just a few hours away. Kin was excited about the trip. He’d called her earlier, reminding her that they would be together in a mere few hours. And even as Gin was saying good night to Vin, he was also talking non-stop about their trip. Gin was tempted to call Kin, and tell him she was unwell, but knowing Kin, he would come over and see she did not look ill. One could not really call morning sickness, a sickness, after all, once she was finished with the retching business, she felt as fit as a fiddle. So how to keep this secret from Kin … well only until she was ready to divulge this case of history repeating itself? Gin held her breath when the doorbell rang. She knew it was Kin. The moment had arrived. There was no escaping. This weekend was going ahead as scheduled. Kin Arvis had commanded it…so be it. ‘I’ll get it mum,’ Vin was dashing to the door. ‘Morning Kin.’ ‘Hey Vin,’ Kin smiled. ‘You look cool,’ Kin admired Vin’s casual look, baseball cap, worn back to front, T shirt, jeans and sneakers. ‘Thanks,’ Vin smiled. ‘Shall I help you pack our luggage?’ He offered. ‘Yes thank you.’ Kin did not want to reduce Vin’s man of the house status. ‘Shall I help with this one?’ Kin deliberately pointed to the smaller suit case. ‘Okay,’ Vin nodded, carrying the bigger one with two hands. Kin knew the case was heavy, but he was wise not to impede Vin’s confidence. When the luggage was packed into his car, Kin returned with Vin and waited in the lounge. ‘Would you like some tea?’ Vin offered. ‘I’ve just had breakfast, thank you,’ Kin declined. ‘Have you had breakfast?’ ‘Yep and I brushed my teeth,’ Vin nodded, so used to his mum making sure that he did. Kin smiled, spontaneously ruffling Vin’s hair. ‘Where’s mum?’ ‘I’m here.’ Kin turned around, to watch Gin coming down the stairs. ‘Morning,’ she smiled, admiring Kin’s trendy designer look. He was in khaki chinos, a white polo shirt and a black windbreaker. How she wished she could throw her arms around him and kiss him, ‘Morning,’ Kin smiled. ‘You look lovely,’ he complimented. She was in a flowery summer dress that sexily highlighted all her curvy parts. ‘Thank you,’ Gin smiled shyly. She was hoping Kin would like the dress and she’d taken extra care with her make up this morning. She was glad she heard Kin say he’d had breakfast already. She hoped her stomach behaved on the plane. ‘Shall we go?’ Gin asked, when Kin had continued staring. Gin and Vin had already crept into Shin’s room earlier to greet her, so they were ready to leave. What Kin would give to take her into his arms, ravish her with kisses and peel that dress of her and taste her delectable … ‘Yes,’ he agreed. Gin breathed a sigh of relief when the plane touched down at Cape Town airport. It was about a thirty minute drive to Franschhoek. Gin held onto Vin’s hand tightly as they waited for Kin to collect his rental car. She smiled at Vin. He was happy and looking forward to enjoying the weekend. In the car, Gin was quiet as she listened to Kin give geography and history lessons to Vin about places of interest in Cape Town. Amazingly, Vin listened intently with acute interest, asking Kin many questions. Franschhoek is a quaint little town in the Western Cape, with breadth-taking scenery. Nestled between the towering, picturesque mountains and Cape winelands, is the Franschhoek valley. It is one of the oldest tows in South Africa. ‘Why is it called Franschhoek?’ Vin asked. ‘It was named by the French Huguenots who settled there in the year 1688. The literal Dutch translation of the town’s name is, “French Corner,”’ Kin answered. ‘And the heritage of the Cape Dutch architecture in much of the village is unspoilt, restrictions have been placed; to preserve the spirit of the original settlers to the area,’ Kin added. The small city of Franschhoek was also notable for having some of the top restaurants in the country within its quiet borders. Some regard it as the food and wine heartland of the country, serving world class cuisine. This fact, together with the strong wine culture, and pristine natural and architectural beauty has made Franschhoek into what many describe as the "food and wine capital" of South Africa. As they finally entered the long winding driveway of Kin’s vineyard, Gin admired the well-maintained vineyard. Acres of rows of knee high grapes trees were visible as far as the eye could see. Kin stopped the car in front of what looked like a very extravagant European styled country resort. It was all white and marble and looked very classy. Immediately, there were attendants helping Gin out of the car. Kin smiled politely and greeted them. A big burly man arrived. He had a friendly smile and gentle eyes. Apparently, he was the manager of the wine estate. Putting his arm possessively around Gin, Kin introduced her and Vin to the manager who showed them to their suite. They had adjoining rooms, Gin noted. Vin and Gin checked out their room, whilst Kin was on a call. ‘Is this my room?’ Vin asked. ‘Yours and mine,’ Gin answered. ‘This will be my room, you and Kin can have that room,’ he pointed to the adjoining room. ‘What! No! ___.’ Gin was astounded. ‘But Brooklyn’s mum and dad share the same room.’ ‘Well ___ Kin and I are not married.’ ‘But you had me,’ Vin grinned mischievously. ‘Vin!’ ‘Why can’t I have my own room mum?’ ‘Vin we’re in an unknown city?’ ‘Should I book an additional room?’ They both turned around to see Kin standing at the door. Gin squirmed. She wondered just how much had Kin heard of Vin’s comments. ‘No,’ Gin answered. She avoided looking at Kin, though luckily Kin was all polite and playing the exceptional host. He seemed very aware of Vin’s presence. ‘Mum thinks I’m going to get kidnapped.’ ‘I didn’t say that.’ ‘Even when we go overseas, you make me sleep in your room,’ Vin reminded his mother. Gin looked away uncomfortably. Kin came to Gin’s rescue. ‘Mum feels safer knowing you’re close by.’ ‘But I’m a big boy.’ Kin smiled. He walked in, easily hoisted Vin onto the bed and sat next to him. ‘Yes you are a big boy,’ Kin agreed, ‘but crime is very real. No harm in being cautious right,’ Kin smiled. Thank you, Kin. ‘I guess so,’ Vin mumbled. ‘We wouldn’t want mum waking up every hour, worrying about you now, would we?’ ‘No,’ Vin shook his head. ‘This place is safe, very safe,’ Kin vouched, ‘but we won’t give mum any cause for concern, right?’ ‘Right,’ Vin nodded, smiling at his mum. ‘Love you mum,’ he grinned. Hey you’re good at this father – son stuff. ‘I love you too,’ Gin smiled, she reached out offering Vin a loving hug. Kin smiled as he watched mother and son embracing. He waited for the day Vin would return the love he felt for his son. From the day he’d received proof that Vin was his child, a deep love had started growing inside him, every day. It was getting stronger and stronger every day. Kin longed to take Vin into his arms and hold him tightly, but he suspected even though his son was politely tolerating him, Kin was wise enough to know, he needed to be patient, he still had to earn Vin’s love and that was still a work in progress. ‘So what we going to do now?’ Vin asked. Gin looked up at Kin. ‘Shall we take a tour of the place?’ Kin suggested. ‘Do I get to taste the wine as well?’ Vin asked, knowing full well what the answer would be. ‘Absolutely not,’ Gin responded. She was also glad, wine tasting came with spitting buckets. Gin was amazed, at how family friendly the facilities were for teenagers and practical play structure for little children. Kin had waived the manager’s offer of a guided tour, deciding he would be their tour guide. ‘Want to check it out,’ Kin smiled, when he saw Vin eyeing the gaming room. Vin shrugged indifferently. He was not going to let his father know about his gaming obsession. But Gin saw the spark in his eyes. She looked around the fancy gaming room with huge, wide screens, gamer’s paradise,’ she thought. And Vin would easily become a gaming addict, had she not subtly managed his gaming fixation. ‘Go on sweetheart,’ Gin patted his head lovingly. He shrugged again, this time a little weakly. ‘You’ll be okay mum?’ He asked gruffly, his eyes shifting to Kin suspiciously. ‘Yeah, Gin dropped to her knees. She laughed softly. ‘We’ll be right there,’ she pointed to the adults area. ‘Join us ___ me, whenever you’re tired of playing. I know you can play the whole night through if I let you,’ she whispered in his ear. Vin laughed. ‘Okay mum, I’ll try it out,’ he tried to fixed his face with a bored expression, but his eyes were scanning out the different games. Gin laughed as she stood up again. Her eyes met Kin’s. ‘He’ll try it out,’ she smiled. Kin nodded. He signalled to one of the aides, hovering behind him. ‘Take care of my son,’ Kin spoke courteously. ‘Vin will let you know, when he’s played enough.’ ‘Yes sir,’ the aide nodded. ‘Vin,’ Kin placed his arm on his shoulder. ‘Just let David know when you’re tired of playing, he will bring you to us.’ Vin nodded, but he was already moving towards the game room. ‘See you just now, mum,’ he threw over his shoulder. Gin smiled as she waved to Vin. She was happy, that something had already caught Vin’s interest. Gin had thought this would be an adult set-up and that Vin would get bored. She was also very impressed with Kin, he was really trying to reach out to Vin. ‘Shall we?’ Kin smiled, he held his hand out to Gin. She caught her breath. A surge of adrenalin rushed through her. He was not just offering his arm, Kin was waiting for her to lace her hand through his. In slow motion, her hand reach out, her fingers entwined with his. Her eyes locked with his. His disarming smile was making her weak in the knees. Kin’s grip tightened around her hand as he guided her back outside. Gin sensed the unleashed tension in Kin, but he was handling it much better than she was. While he was attentive and polite towards Gin, his attention was focused on Vin. ‘This vineyard is for serious connoisseurs,’ he laughed, easily. ‘Wine tasters and buyers who would like to spend quality time selecting their purchases. ‘With this,’ he waved his arm around the children friendly facility,’ the kids can be entertained while mum and dad sample our products. The vineyard offers family friendly rotisserie lunch and harvest tables, with succulent free range meats on spit , tender grilled lambs; ostrich; chicken, crispy pork-belly; home baked breads, fresh seasonal salads and all sourced from the onsite organic vegetable and herbs garden. Gin laughed softly, ‘so what do you have to brag about? From what I have researched, organic food is not more nutritious. It does not taste better and most importantly, they are still susceptible to deadly bacteria like Ecoli!’ Kin nodded concedingly. ‘All true Dr. Mikhayla,’ he grinned easily. Gin was enjoying Kin’s company, she was enjoying more, their intimate hand-holding. ‘One derives a certain measure of satisfaction, knowing the agriculture is free of chemicals and pesticides and farmed as close as naturally possible,’ he boasted. ‘I have soil samples and the produce tested weekly to main the high standards against bacterial infection.’ ‘Impressive,’ she nodded. ‘The chef goes out each morning selects what fruit and vegetable he needs for the day’s menu. It does not get fresher than that,’ he smiled. ‘There is also a culinary studio,’ Kin bragged, ‘they offer hands-on cooking classes and seasonal courses, including lessons on matching wines for select dishes.’ Gin was impressed. This was quite the food and wine connoisseur’s paradise. ‘Care to sample the vineyard’s premium flag ship brand?’ His eyes raked over her rather suggestively. Gin felt heat wash over her, desire coil deep inside her, fuelling an aching need burning inside her. Gin was speechless. That was the exact same brand stocked in the very fancy hotel they had been booked into in Cape Town. Kin’s wines had to be very famous, to be stocked in the top hotels. Not that she was much of a aficionado, but she knew the top hotels would not associate themselves with just any cheap brand. Heat tinged her cheeks as she remembered their passionate night, that had resulted in her falling pregnant again. ‘It’s too early in the morning,’ she looked away, besides, I do know what it tastes like,’ she answered awkwardly. ‘Why didn’t you say so in the hotel?’ ‘There was much more of interest that night …. than a discussion about red wine,’ he teased. She looked away embarrassed. ‘What’s this?’ Kin laughed, aware she had changed the subject. ‘This may interest you Gin,’ he smiled, curving his arm around her waist. Kin led her into a modern looking culinary shop. Gin laughed, ‘mum’s more the cook, than I am,’ she blushed, as Kin boldly, placed a kiss at her temple. The culinary shop was a discerning cook’s paradise. There was an assemblage of kitchen accessories; equipment; carving knives of many international brands and enticing gourmet cook books. Gin reluctantly let go of Kin’s hand as she stepped closer to the book stands to browse some of the cook books. ‘You’re going to start a new vocation, Dr. Mikhayla?’ Kin stood close behind her, his hands around her waist, his breath fanning her neck. Boy he was turning on the charm. Her body was going to explode from sexual frustration. Just when she wanted to escape from the circle of his arms, he pulled her against his lean hard chest, her shoulder blades pressed against the rippling muscles. ‘I thought, I’ll get mum a book or two,’ she answered, breathlessly, and she’s also been complaining about her old carving knife,’ Gin smiled. ‘Let me know what else you want,’ Kin smiled, removing his credit card. ‘No Kin,’ she tried to stop him. ‘I’ve got it.’ ‘You’re not going to embarrass me in front of my employees now, are you,’ he murmured, close to her ear. We’ll I’m your employee too, damn it! ‘I want the receipt so I can pay you back,’ she demanded softly. That night … It was past midnight. Gin could not sleep. She and Vin were sharing the one suite. Gin was in a big double bed. Vin in a single sleeper in little room inside her suite. Gin dialed Kin’s number. He answered on the first ring. Clearly he was not asleep either. ‘Kin would you ___ like to have a drink?’ Would you like to make love? Is what she was thinking, but could not voice that suggestive comment. ‘Sure,’ he answered, even though he knew that was not what she called him for. The door between them was unlocked, though neither has trespassed, respecting the others’ boundary, until now. Gin yanked the door open and stepped into Kin’s suite. ‘You’re busy ___ sorry! I’ll go back,’ she turned around, cursing silently. ‘Gin no!’ he whispered, reaching her before she could escape. ‘But you’re busy,’ she whispered back, eyeing the paperwork scattered on the table in his suite. Clearly she had interrupted him from work. He’d brought some paperwork with, knowing he would not be sharing Gin’s bed and that sleep would not come easily. ‘I’m busy because I can’t sleep. I can’t sleep because I can’t stop thinking about you,’ his hands gripped her arms tightly. ‘Kin ___,’ her hands flung around his neck. Her mouth sought his with a hunger that was near to an explosive stage. Gin clung to him desperately. She kissed him with agonizing fervor, her hands slipping through his gown, raking over his chest. She knew he was naked beneath his gown. Kin responded to her demands, he returned her kisses passionately, but it could not be said that he was out of control. ‘I’m sorry,’ she whispered. ‘I don’t mean to ___ to ___ knowing we can’t do anything.’ His eyes gazed into hers adoringly. ‘I understand,’ he murmured huskily, gently pressing his lips to hers. ‘Come here,’ he held her in a tight bear hug. ‘Thank you,’ she smiled, removing her arms from around him, glad that he understood about Vin being close by ‘Feel better,’ he exhaled, trying desperately to keep a tight rein on his own rampant desire to carry her to his bed. It would take him all of three steps. She nodded, even though she was not. Kissing him was a mistake. She wanted more. She wanted him. ‘Good night,’ she kissed his lips and rushed out, before Kin could restrain her. Damn, I should have taken up Vin’s offer. Technically, Kin is his father and I am his mother! Gin did climb into her bed and frustratingly spent the night alone. She had tossed and turned for many hours but eventually sleep did come in the early hours of the morning and so did the debilitating waves of nausea and morning sickness. ‘When did you plan on telling me? Ten years from now?’