And there was the Ari she knew, ever the selfless. She couldn't hurt him with the truth and she knew that now, but maybe, just maybe, she should not have covered the truth up with a lie of this magnitude. She was not sure where to go from here; she could demand that Ari be the father and then tell him now wasn't the right time of the month, which would allow her some time to walk herself out of the lie. Another option would be to say she intended to find a gentleman so he would not be forced to lie with her, and then later she could say that she just couldn't find one...
Clearly she had options. Now she only had to decide which one would do the least harm.
She finally found the strength to meet Ari's eyes, and to loosen the tension she tried to smile. "That is my concern," she said, shaking her head. No, she didn't want Ari to bring her to bed, not while knowing he didn't want to be there. "I only want what makes you comfortable, and—well, I only meant to ask your permission to seek out someone willing to help me. The last thing I wish to do is spring a child on you with no prior knowledge." She let out a breath. This was good. This made sense.
Clearly she had options. Now she only had to decide which one would do the least harm.
She finally found the strength to meet Ari's eyes, and to loosen the tension she tried to smile. "That is my concern," she said, shaking her head. No, she didn't want Ari to bring her to bed, not while knowing he didn't want to be there. "I only want what makes you comfortable, and—well, I only meant to ask your permission to seek out someone willing to help me. The last thing I wish to do is spring a child on you with no prior knowledge." She let out a breath. This was good. This made sense.
