Page 87 of Crazy Imperfect Hearts

She pushes a button on the keyboard, and we hear a fast-pacedthump thump thumpecho throughout the exam room. “Fetal heart rate is one hundred sixty beats per minute. Perfect.”

Regan lets out a huge sigh.

Dr. Russo points out some anatomy that I have trouble deciphering. “This bulge is the heart. Right now, your baby is in the fetal pole stage, which means it’s curved and has a tail similar to a tadpole. When we do the anatomy scan between eighteen and twenty-two weeks, you’ll see quite a difference.”

Regan rises up on her elbows. “So everything looks normal?”

“It does. You’re measuring right at seven weeks. And based on your last menstrual period, that puts the due date at—”

“March 14th,” I say.

The doctor looks up. “I see you’ve been doing your homework.” She removes the wand, throws out the condom thing, and places it back in the holder. “I’ll step out for a moment to let you put your pants on, Regan. Normally, I’d have you come to my office for a talk, but why don’t we just do it here to reduce the risk of prying eyes. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” She hands a strip of black-and-white photos to Regan. “These are for you.”

As she leaves the room, Regan stares at the printouts. “It’s really happening.”

I pull the chair closer, but I’m not looking at the photos. I’m looking ather. She’s so happy she’s practically glowing. And she’s so goddamn beautiful.

She looks up from the photos and chuckles. “Why, Lucas Montana, don’t tell me you’re getting all teary-eyed over this.”

I sniff and straighten my spine, trying to man the fuck up. “Me? No, uh—”

She touches my arm and a bolt of electricity shoots through me. “I’m kidding. But isn’t this exciting!”

“That it is.”

She sits up and makes a face. “Lucas? Can you hand me some tissues? I’m all lubed up down there.”

I swallow and try to think of anything else but how slippery she might bedown there.

Well, shit.

I curse my burgeoning erection as I hand Regan the tissues.

She doesn’t fail to notice my rising problem, and her eyes home in on my crotch. “Are you seriously turned on right now? Here. In the doctor’s office?”

“Like I can help it.” I sit back down, hoping for some camouflage. “It’s a perfectly natural physiological reaction to a beautiful half-naked woman talking about how slippery her pussy is.”

She laughs out loud. “Did you just say pussy?”

“I did. Why? Did it turn you on?”

She laughs again. But I swear, for one brief moment, she’s trying to decide if it did.

“Lucas, I threw up five times this morning, and my boobs hurt so much they’re practically throbbing. If you think there’s any way in hell I could be turned on right now, you’re crazy.” She wipes her crotch. “Anyway, your job is done.” She holds out the tissues. “Here.”

I look at the soiled tissues like they carry the plague.

Her eyes roll. “Lucas, if you can’t touch a few tissues with KY Jelly on them, how will you ever change a diaper?”

I take them from her carefully, holding them only with the tips of my fingers, and cross the room to deposit them in the trash. Yup, that did the trick, my boner is definitely gone.

Regan gets off the table and puts on her pants. Well, not pants. Tights. Bright blue ones. And damn it if I don’t feel another tingle below the belt.

“How are things going with Ryder?” I ask.

“Fine. He’s manning the shop.”

“Ryder? Selling women’s clothing? I find that hard to believe.”

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