Page 60 of When the Smoke Clears

“You thought we were going to have sex last night?”

Keeping her face covered, she nodded.

“I did too. But there’s always tonight.”

“What?” She dropped her hands to her lap. “No. We can’t do that now that I vomited. You saw it. Heard me. Smelled it. You probably felt like you could taste it.” Her nose wrinkled. “How are we supposed to have sex now?” She glanced out the window on a huff. “Oh my god!” When she saw her reflection, she bolted to the bathroom. “I hate my life.”

I chuckled. “Comb your hair, brush your teeth, get on the bed, and spread your legs. We can get this over with right now.”

Chapter Twenty-One

Everleigh

As I finish dictating notes into my phone, there’s a knock at my office door.

“Come in,” I call, dragging my feet off the desk and sitting up straight as Jamie pokes her head inside.

“Oh.” I smile. “Hi.”

“Steph said you were done for the day. Do you have a minute?”

I nod. “Absolutely. Is this about Will?”

Jamie closes the door. “Uh, no. Why? Is something up with Will?”

“He popped in earlier. No big deal.”

Except, we kissed!

I swallow my excitement and clear my throat so I don’t say those words aloud. “Have a seat.” I nod at the chair.

“Thanks. I wanted to let you know that I’m looking for temporary work, but I don’t want to travel. So if you ever need help, or if any of your nurses have vacations planned, I’d love to fill in.”

“Sure. That would be great. Why have you decided to stay in town? I thought you loved the travel nurse gig.”

“I do, but my circumstances have changed.”

“Is everything okay?”

“Can you keep a secret?”

“It’s why they pay me the big bucks.”

Jamie curls her hair behind her ears and rolls her eyes. “True. Well, I’m pregnant, but we’re not telling anyone yet.”

I grip the side of my chair and smile.

Jamie focuses on my hands for a second. “You have to keep it a secret, but you don’t have to hold in your reaction.”

“Yes!” I jump out of my chair. “Congratulations. I’m so happy for you two.”

She stands, and I hug her.

“Thank you.”

“Does Fitz know? Maren? Am I the first to know?”

Jamie giggles. “Fitz knows. That’s it.”