Total pages in book: 135
Estimated words: 135955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 680(@200wpm)___ 544(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 135955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 680(@200wpm)___ 544(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
“She reviewed your messages on the patient portal and would like to run a few tests.”
“I haven’t been sick in almost a week.”
Until now, the smoothie I had for breakfast threatening to make an appearance.
“That’s good news, but she’d still like to check your vitals and do a quick lab work-up.”
“Should I be concerned?”
“Not at all. Can you be here this afternoon?”
I check my calendar, noting the day is clear for me to catch up on administrative tasks. “How about an hour?”
“Great, tell the receptionist you’re an OB Stat and we’ll get your blood drawn. Please arrive with a full bladder. We’ll need a urine sample, too.”
She prattles on clinically, completely devoid of emotion. Meanwhile, my heart is racing as my nerves ratchet upward.
“See you then.” She disconnects, leaving me holding the phone with a shaking hand.
I stare at my laptop screen, not seeing a thing.
Don’t panic. This is probably routine. My rational subconscious instructs.
Something’s wrong with the baby! My dramatic flare takes me to a place of fright.
Instinctively, I cradle my stomach, the fear paralyzing. Maybe I haven’t been sick because I’m no longer pregnant. Wouldn’t I know?
Hot tears burn my eyes, and I swipe before they can fall.
Call Major. My sensible brain breaks through, my fingers typing his number on autopilot.
“Babe,” he answers on the first ring, sounding out of breath. Loud music and metal clanging fill the background, meaning he’s at the gym.
“Major,” my voice cracks.
“Jewls, what’s wrong?”
I gulp sharply, willing my emotions under control, then repeat the details of the call.
“I’ll be there in fifteen.” He’s on the move, the background noise growing faint.
“We can meet there.”
“Fifteen.”
“What about my car?” My question is met with dead air.
I pack my things, knowing no matter what happens, I won’t be back at the office until tomorrow.
Less than ten minutes later, he pulls right up to the curb, ignoring the no-parking zone. He jumps out, and my nerves dance for another reason entirely. I momentarily forget about all the insane scenarios running through my head and take a few seconds to admire the man stalking my way.
He was definitely at the gym. He’s wearing is Metro PD shirt that stretches and clings across his broad chest and shoulders, black athletic shorts that hug his hips, and his favorite hat turned backward. The mirrored aviator glasses help seal the deal.
The man is sex on steroids.
My nipples harden, and a low burn coils low in my stomach.
He makes it to me, taking my oversized work bag and tugging me into his hard body. I inhale; even sweaty, his scent is all him. Immediately, my nerves settle and my arms automatically go around his waist.
“I’m okay.”
“You’re scared.”
“I was terrified until you got here. Now I’m not.”
He blows out a loud breath, his mouth coming to my ear. “Baby, it’s alright.”
“I know, no matter what happens, it’s alright. Because of you.”
His body jerks against mine. “Jesus, Jewls. You truly believe that?”
“Yes, you’re a superhero with the power to calm this pregnant lady with just your touch.”
“Let’s get this done.” He takes my hand, and when we approach the truck, the passenger door flies open, Talon jumping out.
“What are you doing here?”
“They were with me when you called,” Major clarifies, and I wonder who completes the ‘they’—Ford or Ace?
“Okay, but why are they here now?”
“We checking out the baby or what?” Talon opens the back door and my question is answered when I spot Ford.
“You want to go to my appointment?”
I can’t be sure, but I think he shoots me a confused look before scowling at Major.
“I couldn’t shake them. Go with it.” Major helps me into the passenger seat.
When he closes me in, it hits me exactly why they are here. Brothers by bond. If something is wrong, they want to be close. I swallow down the lump in my throat and turn to them.
“Thank you.”
Ford jerks his chin, and Talon mumbles under his breath, “She finally gets it.”
The cab is silent except for me giving occasional instructions to the office. When we arrive, all three men get out, and it’s then I notice they’re all similarly dressed.
“Y’all can not go in there.”
“Why not?”
“Because you’re hot! Like off the Richter scales, out of this world, good-looking. This is an OB-GYN office filled with pregnant women. You may not make it out alive.”
Ford drops his chin, his lips jerking. Talon outright smiles. “Hot, huh?”
“You shouldn’t encourage him.” Major takes my hand.
“Aren’t these women married?” Talon continues.
“Hello.” I gesture to myself. “I’m not married.”
Major stiffens, and even with his head tilted, I catch Ford cutting his eyes to him.
“Let’s go.” I’m drawn gently toward the entrance.
The waiting room is packed, and as suspected, all eyes come to us. Most all the women, even ones with partners, gawk at the god-like specimens ushering me. “Told you,” I murmur, the nerves returning.