Page 36 of Vegas Baby

He cocked his head and raised an eyebrow. Not the question he was expecting. Was it possible she didn’t know? Or was she playing innocent? She played her cards tight to her chest on many occasions yet overt vulnerability exuded from her. “It’s positive.”

“Oh Lord,” She hiccupped a sob. Tears fell onto her cheeks and she hugged the briefcase to her chest once more. “I’m pregnant.”

“It appears so.” He wanted to say more but the words wouldn’t come. Perhaps it was the knowledge that if he spoke his thoughts out loud, they’d be true. And if they were true, his entire life was about to change. Regardless, his life had changed and he needed to face this head on. “Now the question is, what are we going to do about it?”

“I never meant for you to find out like this.” She drained her glass, the ice tinkling against the crystal before she lowered it.

“How long have you known?” He studied her heart-shaped face for signs of dishonesty. This woman was the mother of his child. Wow. Never in a million years would he believe he’d be in this predicament.

“I took the test right before you arrived. I’d planned on taking it earlier but I became sidetracked and then you showed up early.” She bit her bottom lip and nodded, as if making up her mind. “I’ve missed my period and I’ve been sick for a week. I figured it wouldn’t hurt to take the test.”

“And were you going to tell me? Assuming it’s mine.” Anger surged inside at the thought of her sleeping with someone else while she was married to him. He’d passed up at least a dozen invitations. Why, he had no idea. It was old fashioned but he had his own sense of morality. Losing his temper wouldn’t help the situation. If the test had been negative, he wouldn’t have been the wiser. Ignorance is bliss.

Unless, she was pregnant before Vegas.

“Yes, it’s yours and yes, I had every intention of telling you because I have every intention of having the baby.” She stood and set the briefcase on the table. Shoulders back, she met his stare straight on. Confident, in-control Raina reemerged, determination in her steady regard. “I’ll have no issue doing a paternity test, if that’s what’s bothering you. I don’t expect anything from you. If you want to walk away, it’s okay with me.”

“I’m not okay with it.” He clenched his teeth, annoyance pushing through his forced calm. She’d sprung this on him and now she was trying to push him out of the child’s life. Wasn’t going to happen. “If you think I’d walk away, you’d best think again. I’m not about to let my child grow up without a father.”

“I’m glad you feel that way.” She lowered her lashes, and nodded. “We have plenty of time to hash out the details but honestly, I’m exhausted. I’ll get your keys and wallet and send the briefcase out to be cleaned.” She disappeared into the bathroom and shut the door.

He walked to the window and leaned his forehead against the cool glass. Married and with a child on the way. Sam would be throwing him shit until he was knee deep in the stuff. His phone vibrated and he read the text from his assistant, Leo, barely able to absorb the words. He was going to be a father.

The creak of the door sounded, followed by the soft padding of footfalls behind him. He looked up and caught Raina’s reflection in the window. Her face was flushed from the sickness but she was still the same woman who’d leaned against him in the pool, the perfect height to tuck into his body. Beneath the conservative black dress was a small waist, rounded ass, and soon to have a rounded belly where his son or daughter would reside. “What do we do now?”

“I’ll make an appointment with a doctor and let you know.” She reached out and handed him his keys still damp from where she’d washed them. His wallet hadn’t fared well. The leather, soaked but free of foul debris, was folded into a clean linen towel.

He accepted the items, numb to anything but the reality of what was happening. He was going to be a father. The room started to close in on him and he tugged at his tie. Him, a father. It was too much to absorb. He snatched up Veer’s file folder, needing to leave but reluctant to run out. “Are you okay? Can I give you a ride home?”

She shook her head, offering a shaky smile. “I carpool, so don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. I’ll call you; I promise.”

“I want to go with you.” What the hell did he say that for? The last place he wanted to be was a doctor’s office confirming his wife’s pregnancy.

“You want to go with me to the doctor? I haven’t even thought, I –"

“Well, we have time. Let’s find a doctor.” Since the words were out, he’d stick to them. Life had taught him to pull the bandage off fast and not to anticipate the pain. He’d be a part of the child’s life if it killed him. He pulled out his phone but she held up a staying hand.

“I know a good doctor. My friend had a baby but I’ll need to make the appointment.” Her voice shook the slightest bit, her nervousness increasing his own.

“I have a plane to catch in about four hours. Should I cancel it?” And do what? Act like an idiot? He was doing a fine job of that already.

“No, don’t cancel your flight. I’ll make the appointment tomorrow and I promise I’ll let you know as soon as possible.”

He should have been happy with her answer but it made him more uneasy. Time was his only recourse and he’d have to curb his impatience until he heard back from her. He prayed it was soon.

Chapter Fourteen

“Would you please sit down; you’re making me nervous.” Raina leaned back in the chair in the sterile examining room, legs crossed, hand gripping the glossy magazine in her lap. Her stomach was in knots and not because of the pregnancy. In the two weeks since she’d found out about the baby, she’d been a hot mess. Her entire life was topsy-turvy and the man pacing the small room wasn’t helping.

He plopped down into the chair next to her, phone cradled in his hand, thumbs typing out a text. From the second she’d met him in the lobby, he’d been quiet, barely saying a handful of words to her. Judging by the sternness of his profile, he was equally uneasy.

She cleared her throat and when he glanced up, a jolt of awareness sped along her nerves. He’d shaved his beard, and the faint tick in his jaw was a noticeable tell. The smell of his aftershave drifted in the air between them, triggering a deep need burning a path between her legs. She clutched the magazine tighter, horrified by her physical reaction to his nearness. Her attraction for him was what got her into this mess to begin with. Raising her chin, she pointed to the sign on the back of the door reading No Cellphones.

Scowling, he slipped it into the pocket of his navy suit as the door opened.

A woman in a lab coat entered wearing a serene smile, her black hair pulled back in a severe bun. “Hello Raina, Xavier. I am Dr. Lopez.”

Unexpected panic hit Raina, and she willed her breathing to remain steady. In a matter of minutes, everything would be official. She’d have her concerns answered and then they’d have to figure it out from there. Her temples began to pound, every scenario she’d imagined in the last few weeks rolling around in her head. The baby would live with her and Howler would have visitation, but mostly the burden would be on her. No, not a burden, her child would never be a burden as she’d been with her parents. Trent said he’d help but she’d be the primary caregiver. Alone. By herself. When she pictured having a baby, this wasn’t the scenario she wanted to be in. What other choice did she have? Howler wasn’t exactly relationship material, nor was he in love with her. The thought stung her pride the tiniest bit before she shrugged it off. Loving Howler would bring nothing but heartache. No, being a single mother was the hand life dealt her and she’d persevere, she had no other choice.

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