“Thank you,” I say. “I’m looking forward to it.”
“I bet. And you’ll be nine weeks along by that time, so travel is fine as long as you’re feeling well. Just remember to be careful with sun exposure, don’t overexert yourself or lift anything heavy, and just listen to your body.”
“I will.”
“How has your morning sickness been? Still pretty rough?”
My thoughts go to this morning and the two times last night. I’d spent the night at Patton’s, and each time, he’d followed me into the bathroom, holding my hair back as I heaved into thetoilet. Then, he’d wait until I drank some water before wrapping a protective arm around me until I fell asleep.
“It’s been challenging,” I answer, my hand squeezing Patton’s. “But manageable.”
Dr. Gilbert nods knowingly. “The nausea should wane in the next few weeks. In the meantime, eat small but frequent meals and stay hydrated.”
“I will,” I assure her with a smile, but I can’t help the prick of fear inside my gut. My hand travels down to my stomach instinctively, protective but trembling.
What if something goes wrong?
What if I lose this baby, too?
What if I get sick and need medical attention?
My spiraling thoughts must be evident on my face because as soon as Dr. Gilbert leaves and the door clicks shut, I feel the warmth of Patton’s hands framing my face.
“Hey.” His eyes search mine. “I can practically see those wheels turning. What’s going on in that head of yours?”
I guess there’s something to be said for someone knowing you as long as Patton and I have known each other, because he can read me like a book.
I try to force a smile, but it wobbles. “I’m scared. What if something happens while we’re in Cabo? What if I?—”
“Neesh.” Patton’s voice cuts through before I can ramble, firm yet gentle. “Look at me, baby. You’re going to be fine. I’ve hired a private nurse who’ll be on call while we’re there. And if anything at all feels off, we’ll be on the first flight back home. I promise.”
I nod, letting the certainty in his words anchor me.
This isn’t going to be like last time. None of it is going to be like last time.
I’ll have my husband there, and one day soon, I’ll have my baby, too.
Patton’s thumb skims the top of my cheek, a glint of something mischievous in his eyes. “Now, did you hear what the doctor said about not overexerting yourself?”
“As if you’d even let me.”
A sly smile quirks up his lips as his hand travels down, skimming the side of my breast. His thumb grazes my nipple through the thin material before sliding lower, his fingers disappearing beneath the hem of my hospital gown, finding my bare center.
“Guess that means I’ll be doing all the work.”
“Patton—”
“Shh.” His lips brush mine as his fingers circle my clit. “Let me help you relax, baby. You don’t have to do anything but lay back for me.”
My eyes bounce between his, hesitation and desire at war inside me.
This is completely reckless and utterly inappropriate. We might be in a private room and told to push the call button when we’re ready, but if someone walked in here right now . . .
“Patton, the door isn’t even locked,” I whisper, feeling my body revving up despite my protest.
“Then you’ll just have to be quiet for me.”
Putting a halt to my train of thought, his tongue sweeps against the seam of my lips, parting them. And when it collides with my tongue, I moan into his mouth.
