Love and Astronauts

It was the worst day of my life. The doctor walked in, told me the horrible news, and then my husband asked for a divorce two weeks later. Six months have passed and I'm in a much better place, but I'm pretty sure I'll never really get over it . . . Then my best friend introduces me to her brother-in-law, Neil Crimson, the world's most famous astronaut. He's just returned from a voyage to the moon where he's overseeing their new Lunar Labs project-and he's smokin' hot. Against my will, she sets me up on a date with him-and he actually says yes. Fresh off a divorce, I'm looking for something fun and easy, and since Neil is busy being the hottest astronaut that's ever lived, fun and easy is perfect for him too. He was a test pilot in the military, so I expected a reserved man that doesn't have much to say, but he's the most charming, outgoing man I've ever met. Like he's building an engine, he puts me back together piece by piece, restores my self-confidence, and heals wounds that I didn't realize were still bleeding. It was supposed to be no attachments, no commitments, but I've fallen head-over-heels for this wonderful man. But I can never tell him-because he's leaving for this next mission in just a few weeks. Who knows when I'll see him again-or if I'll ever seen him again. Contains mature themes.

Neil Crimson is back home. After three months on the moon, he's back in Houston, and after agreeing to be only friendly and platonic, being in the same room with him is torture. He's just as handsome as I remember, with those blue eyes that make me go weak. In the silence between our words, he stares at me just the way he used to-like this is torture for him too. We agreed to be friends, but when I look at Neil Crimson I don't see a friend or Stacy's brother-in-law. I see the best I've ever had, the man that makes my toes curl with just a single look. I haven't been with anyone else since he's been gone, and now that he's home I definitely can't imagine someone else. One night, he shows up on my doorstep, his eyes packed with heat. "I don't think I can be friends with you, Charlotte. I thought about you the whole time I was gone, and you're all I've thought about since I've been home. Tell me you feel the same way . . . " My heart broke when he left, and if I say yes, it'll break even more the next time he leaves. But if I say no . . . that'll somehow hurt even more. Contains mature themes.

I can't believe it . . . I'm pregnant. Kyle told me he was the one unable to conceive, not me, and now I'm pregnant with Neil Crimson's baby because I skipped the contraceptives . . . because I assumed I didn't need it. The father of my child has already launched for Mars-leaving the two of us behind. The happiness wears off once I realize my predicament. While I'm happy to have Neil's baby because he's the man I love, I know this isn't something he wants. He's always said he didn't want to have a family, and now my carelessness has put him in an undesirable situation. Then Kyle makes me offer. "I'll be his father-and I'll love him like he's my own. But in return, I want you." I'm loyal to a man that's not even on the planet because I still love him so much. A part of me, buried deep down, believes that when Neil returns . . . we might have something. But then I see the news . . . that NASA has lost contact with Neil's ship . . . and they aren't even sure if he and the crew are alive. Now I have to decide if I should move on . . . or hope he miraculously makes it home. Contains mature themes.