Heat flooded Tula's face, creeping up her neck and burning her ears. "I didn't leave you for Esag."
Tony raised an eyebrow. "Really? Because I've heard differently."
How had he even found out?
She'd been to Esag's house once, they'd kissed, but that had been all.
Still, there was a kernel of truth in his accusation.
She hadn't left TonyforEsag, but Esag had been a catalyst to end things sooner rather than later because she was curious and wanted to explore this strange connection between them that had blossomed despite her animosity toward him.
The problem was that Esag was walking on eggshells around her, and it was driving her mad. She was impatient and wanted more. She didn't want to be careful. She knew Esag, and with all his faults, he was a decent guy.
There was no nasty fiancée this time, no family obligations, and he didn't owe anyone anything. If he wanted, he could give himself to her without reservation, and she would take him because she knew he would never hurt her.
But apparently, she was going to have to be the one to make it happen because she had no patience and didn't want to wait. The pregnancy hormones were making her feel needy, restless, and desperate for physical affection.
Tony was right there, familiar and available and perfectly willing to scratch that itch if she gave him any indication that she wanted him. But sleeping with Tony again would ruin all the progress they'd made.
She couldn't do that.
Tula looked at her phone, hoping for a message from Esag, but there was none. It was, however, time to go.
She pushed to her feet. "My appointment is in ten minutes. I'd rather be early than late."
The three of them walked together toward the clinic, all of them grateful that it was only a few feet away from the café, so they didn't have to carry on a conversation for long.
Tony opened the door for her, and as she entered, she was greeted by a nurse.
Good. Having a female medical professional in addition to Julian would make things a little less awkward.
"Good morning, Tula," the nurse said. "I'm Gertrude, and I will be assisting Julian today. We're ready for you. Come on back."
Tula followed her into an examination room. She recognized the portable ultrasound machine from a television show about hospital staff that had been approved for the ladies' viewing.
The device sat in the corner, its screen dark and waiting.
"Put this on." Gertrude handed her a hospital gown. "Opening in the front."
When the nurse left, Tula changed quickly, folding her clothes and placing them on a chair. The gown was thin and drafty, and she felt exposed.
A knock sounded at the door. "May I come in?" the nurse asked.
"Yes." Tula prevented the gown from gaping by holding it to her body.
"Let me help you get ready." Gertrude motioned for her to lie down on the examination table and pulled out a sheet.
She covered her legs and her privates with it, then tucked the gown in a way that covered her breasts but left her tummy exposed.
"Okay?" she asked.
"Perfect."
A moment later, Julian entered, followed by Wonder and Tony.
"Good morning, Tula." He smiled at her. "Do you know what an ultrasound is?"
She nodded. "I've seen it done on television. I just didn't know how real it was."
