Page 53 of Grumpy Orc CEO

"Alright, hot shot. Let's see you do it again," I say, leaning against the counter.

Jarvin grins, his tusks glinting in the morning light. "Piece of cake... or should I say, piece of pancake?"

I groan at the terrible pun, but my laughter is cut short as Jarvin attempts another flip. This time, the pancake sails through the air and lands with a splat on the kitchen floor.

I burst into laughter, nearly spilling my coffee. "Oh my God, your face!"

Jarvin looks down at the pancake, then back at me, his expression a mix of shock and amusement. "Well, I guess that one's for the floor gods," he says, joining in my laughter.

I set my mug down and grab a paper towel. "I'll clean it up, Mr. Pancake Flipper Extraordinaire."

As I bend down to wipe up the mess, Jarvin pulls me back up into his arms. "Leave it for a sec," he says, his voice low. "I think I need a kiss to restore my wounded pride."

I grin, wrapping my arms around his neck. "Well, if it's for your pride..."

I lean into Jarvin's embrace, our lips meeting in a passionate kiss. His thumb brushes against my cheek, sending a shiver down my spine. For a moment, I forget about everything else, lost in the warmth of his touch.

"Mmm," I murmur as we finally part. "Now that's a good morning."

Jarvin grins, giving me a quick peck before turning back to the stove. "Alright, let's get these pancakes plated before they get cold."

I nod, reaching for the plates in the cupboard. As Jarvin starts stacking the pancakes, the rich, buttery smell wafts through the air. Suddenly, my stomach lurches.

"You okay, babe?" Jarvin asks, noticing my grimace.

I force a smile, trying to push down the wave of nausea. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... really hungry, I guess."

But as the scent intensifies, I feel my stomach rebel. I clap a hand over my mouth, my eyes widening in panic.

"Lucy?" Jarvin's voice is filled with concern.

I can't hold it back any longer. Without a word, I bolt from the kitchen, racing towards the bathroom. I barely make it in time, slamming the door behind me as I lurch over the toilet.

"Lucy!" I hear Jarvin's worried voice through the door. "What's wrong? Are you sick?"

I can't answer him, too busy emptying the contents of my stomach. As I retch, I hear Jarvin's heavy footsteps approaching the bathroom door.

"Babe, can I come in?" he asks, his voice gentle but laced with worry.

I want to tell him I'm fine, that he doesn't need to see me like this, but another wave of nausea hits me before I can respond.

I finish retching, my stomach finally settling as I slump against the cool porcelain. Jarvin's concerned voice filters through the door, accompanied by a few more gentle knocks.

"Lucy, please, let me in. I want to help."

I take a shaky breath, reaching for some toilet paper to wipe my mouth. As I do, a realization hits me like a ton of bricks. When was my last period? I can't remember. And now that I think about it, my breasts have been feeling unusually sore lately.

My heart starts racing as the pieces fall into place. The nausea, the missed period, the breast tenderness. Oh my God. I'm pregnant.

"Come in," I manage to croak out, my voice trembling.

The door opens, and Jarvin's large frame fills the doorway. His amber eyes are filled with worry as he kneels beside me.

"Lucy, what's wrong? Are you okay?"

I look up at him, my eyes wide with a mix of shock and wonder. "Jarvin," I whisper, my voice barely audible. "I... I think I'm pregnant."

Jarvin's expression shifts from concern to surprise, his tusks parting slightly as his jaw drops. "Pregnant?" he repeats, his voice teeming with disbelief.

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