Page 17 of Given to the Prez
“She’ll have more strength in the morning.Also, you might want to go out for coffee rather than make it.”
“Why?”
“Pregnant women are a lot more sensitive to smells.It could set off her sickness.”
She pouted.She was a grown-ass woman, but she still pouted.“Fine.Fine.Is there anything else I need to know?”
“Pregnant women do get more emotional as each trimester wears on.”
“You know, you’re not painting pregnancy in a good light.”
“It’s different for everyone.”
She didn’t like thinking about Nancy.They were not a couple anymore, but it didn’t feel right talking about his past, pregnant ex.
“Don’t worry.I’m going to be patient.She is glowing, though.Did you notice that?”
“I wasn’t paying attention to your sister.”
“You weren’t?”
“No, you’re the only person I’m interested in.”
“Doc, you made it awkward.”But she felt her stomach twisting in knots.
“What are you wearing?”
She sighed.“If you’re hoping this is going to turn to some dirty talk, you’re mistaken.I’ve got a crop top that has seen better days.It’s more grey than it is white, and I think there is a hole down the side that I really need to fix.Also, a pair of pajama pants.I’m lying in bed, hair pinned up, face absorbing skin care, and a hot chocolate in hand.”
“And yet, you sound exactly how I would love to see you.”
“For real?”Maeve asked.
“Yeah, for real.”
Okay, the butterflies were not going anywhere.She couldn’t help but smile.
“How about you let me in, and I come and snuggle with you?”
Maeve frowned and she got off her bed and made her way toward the window, checking out the backyard.There he stood, phone to his ear, as it was still aglow, and that was how she was able to see him.
“Seriously, how long have you been standing there?”she asked.
“Long enough to make this phone call.”
Maeve stepped out of her room, moved slowly downstairs, and opened up the back door as quietly as she could.Years of having to leave for work made her a master at avoiding all the loose floorboards or creaking spots.
She opened the door, and Doc was there.He banded an arm around her waist and pulled her in close.
“You’ve got to be quiet,” she said.“And you know nothing can happen tonight?”
Her menstrual cycle had started, and it was probably a good thing, seeing as they hadn’t been using protection, and that was not the ideal situation.
“I have no intention of anything happening tonight.I came to hold you.”
It was hard for her to doubt him when he did that.“Hold me?”she asked.
“Yeah, you know, as you fall asleep.Tonight was a lot for you.”
