Page 97 of Forbidden Grumpy Boss

“Ihatetrial and error.”

But I know she’s right. Silas and I just aren’t meant to be, and it hurts to admit that to myself. It hurts to think about the fact that Caleb is just gone from my life, and that’s it.

Finito.

Penny shakes my shoulder. “Come on, a bath and then a walk, and you’ll feel a little more like yourself. I promise, babe.”

I know she’s right.

I should be doing anything but lying here, wallowing in my own mess of emotions. But every time I try to think about getting up, there’s this overwhelming wave of nausea that settles in my stomach. And if I’m honest, I can’t tell if it’s Silas or something worse.

I force myself to sit up to make her happy. The room spins for a second, and my stomach churns. I squeeze my eyes shut, taking a deep breath. Penny’s hand finds my shoulder, steadying me.

“You okay?” she asks, and even though my eyes are closed, I know her eyebrows are knitted with concern.

“Yeah. Just a little dizzy,” I mutter, brushing it off. “And nauseated.”

I’ve felt like this for days now—bloated, queasy, and tired. It’s as if my body’s taken on my emotional weight and decided to add a few extra pounds for fun. Maybe Penny has the right idea about joining a gym.

“You sure?” Penny presses, watching me closely.

“I’m fine. Probably just . . . the breakup.” I shrug as if my stomach isn’t flipping like a roller coaster.

“Breakups don’t usually make people feel like they’re gonna barf,” she says skeptically. “You look pale, too. When was the last time you ate something that wasn’t half-melted ice cream?”

I think about it, and the answer isn’t great. I can’t remember the last proper meal. “Ice cream counts as a food group, doesn’t it?”

Penny sighs and helps me to my feet. The moment I stand, my stomach revolts. A nauseating wave hits me, and before I can even register what’s happening, I’m rushing to the bathroom, Penny hot on my heels.

“Leah!” she calls, her voice echoing behind me.

I barely make it to the toilet before I’m retching, my stomach emptying itself in the most humiliating fashion. Penny’s right there, holding my hair back, murmuring comforting nonsense while I grip the edge of the toilet, waiting for the nausea to pass.

I don’t get sick. Even as a kid, my mom always said I was the best kid to have for a new mother because I took whatever came my way and kept on playing. I don’t get sick—ever.

So, what the hell is going on?

When I finally pull back, wiping my mouth, I lean my head against the cool wall tiles. “What the hell is wrong with me?”

Penny’s hand is on my shoulder, rubbing soothing circles. I meet her eyes, and I can almost see the gears turning in her head. There’s something on her mind.

“What?”

“What do you mean?”

“Out with it, Pen, or I’ll squeeze it out of you.”

She rolls her eyes. “You’re in no position to be making threats, babe.”

“Talk!”

“Fine.” She purses her lips, and I feel my pulse hastens.

Penny isn’t one for tact, so if she’s thinking before she speaks . . .

“Have you considered that you might be pregnant?”

“What?” I freeze, staring up at her in shock. “Pregnant? Me?”

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