Page 65 of Flynn

Her lashes made crescents on her flawless cheeks, and she was so still he thought she wasn’t breathing. Taking one slender hand in his, he kissed it softly.

The heaviness that had been pressing against his chest was slowly dissipating. He had ridden with her in the ambulance, with the technicians monitoring her vitals and trying to make her comfortable. He had offered her reassurances, murmuring as he held her hand. And he had wiped the tears from her cheeks.

“I don’t want to lose my baby.”

He assured her that was not going to happen while trying to quiet his own fears. He was afraid that if there was no baby, she would want to leave him and back out of their agreement.

Well, now, at least, she would have to stay put, whether she liked it or not. And knowing her, it was going to make her itchy and restless. Harsh, he thought. He had not been able to deal with Daley yet; he still had the information he planned to use.

The man was eerily silent, making Flynn nervous. With Ryleigh being put on bed rest, she would be well-guarded. Bending his head over their joined hands, he breathed a word of thankfulness- something he hadn’t done in ages.

*****

“You are not supposed to be out of bed.” He remarked as he strode into the room and saw her approaching the sofa. She had been discharged from the hospital after two days, during which the doctors had ensured that she and the baby were doing well. Flynn had insisted on staying with her, leaving only to make a quick trip home to shower, change, and return.

He had worked from the hospital room, armed with his laptop, briefcase, and phone. Whenever he needed something from the office, it would be sent to him by messenger. Ryleigh had argued that he did not need to stay, but it was as if she was talking to a wall. He had chosen to ignore her.

Her mother, Rosalyn, and Michael had been by to visit with her briefly.

“I have been in bed for the entire day. I just need to stretch my legs.” Propping her hands on the small of her back, she rubbed at the knots and saw when his amber eyes went straight to the spot.

“It’s nothing. I have just been lying in one spot for too long. Are you going to the office tomorrow?”

“I am working from home.” Bridging the distance, he took her hand and led her to the sofa.

“How long are you going to babysit me?”

“As long as it takes. I asked Mother to send up something for you to eat.” His eyes searched for her face. “You look rested.”

“It would be difficult for me to look otherwise, considering that I am not even allowed to watch television.” She complained, looking at him darkly. “What do you think? Something on the news will upset me to the point where I start stressing?”

“Yes.” A smile touched his lips as he stared at her frustrated expression.

“I am not allowed visitors-”

“You could always invite your friend Michael to drop by.”

“For how long?” She asked, giving him a suspicious look.

“For as long as you like, as long as he does not say anything to upset you.” Lifting a hand, he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. They both looked up at the discreet knock on the door. “That would be our meal.”

Later that night, after they were both tucked in, she wrapped her hands around his narrow waist and placed her head on his chest, uncaring that the hairs were ticking her skin. She had argued and bitched about having to stay home for a period of two weeks or more, but she could not complain about the treatment.

He hovered, making sure that she did not overextend herself. Julia was also on hand, and the entire staff had been instructed to do her slightest bidding.

She was fortunate, and she knew it.

“Flynn?”

“Hmm?”

“Are you asleep?”

His deep chuckle made her smile. “What do you think?”

“I think the fact that you answered means you are awake.”

“No wonder you are a lawyer. You are very astute.” He winced when she poked a finger in his stomach.

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