Page 41 of The Doctor's Promise
“Ssh,” Noemi said, nodding to the closed office door as his voice got louder, but then she shrieked with laughter as Rafa picked her up and swung her around.
He set her down on her feet and took her face in his hands. “You have made me so happy, Noemi Castor. So very happy.”
“As have you, my darling.” She tangled her fingers in his dark curls. “I love you.”
Rafa kissed her, then splayed his hand over her belly. “Two of them,” he said, his tone incredulous.
“I’m about six weeks,” she said. “Can you believe it?”
He kissed her again, his lips pressed hard against hers. “I can’t believe how lucky I am.”
Rafa asked her to sit with him for a time, and they talked excitedly about their children. Then Noemi grinned. “Zani looked drained. You been driving him hard?”
Rafa rolled his eyes. “If you asked him that, he would definitely say yes. To anyone not spoiled? He got off easy.”
Noemi laughed. “Poor little rich boy.”
“Indeed.” Rafa sighed. “Thing is… he’s not untalented. He could really make an impact. He’s much more sociable than me. His natural charm? He could charm snakes from trees.”
“You’re pretty charming yourself, Mr. Genova.”
Rafa grinned and kissed her. “You’re the only person I want to charm.”
“Done and done.” She laid her head on his shoulder, feeling tired. It had been a weird morning. “Listen, I’ll leave you in peace.”
Rafa kissed her temple. “You don’t have to go.”
“I should.” She smiled at him. “After all, I’ve got to go pack some stuff, bring it over, you know. Can you spare a drawer?”
Rafa laughed. “Every drawer. You just take all the space you need. Listen, you need anything, just charge it to my credit card.”
“Nuh-uh.” She wagged her finger at him, and he chuckled.
“Fine. But look, I want it to be our home, so you want to change anything? Go right ahead, rip out walls, paint it neon pink, anything.”
“I’m tempted to paint it neon pink just because now,” Noemi giggled. “You madman. Look, we can nest all we want later.” She kissed him and got up. For a second, she was tempted to tell him about the creep in the park, but then why upset him? Her news had put him in such a good mood, and it wasn’t like she’d ever see the guy again—with any luck.
“Hey, listen, I overheard Mary talking about this great baby store in the city once.”
“Honeybees, I know. Leo went there when Jack was born.” Noemi swallowed over a sudden lump, and Rafa noticed. He put his arms around her.
“I’m sorry, honey.”
She shook her head. “No need. I saw Leo this morning. She seems to be… coping. Maybe a little too well. I’m glad I have this time off work because I think, whether she likes it or not, I should keep an eye on her.” She chewed her lips “The twins…”
Rafa nodded at her hesitation. “We don’t have to tell anyone yet, baby. We’ll work it out.”
Noemi tookMouse into the city and found the baby clothing store. She was about to tie Mouse up outside when the owner waved her in. “There’s no one here; bring her in.”
The owner was clearly a dog lover. She fussed over Mouse while Noemi looked around and chatted to her. Noemi bought a few things and thanked her.
She walked slowly back to the parking garage, and she was already sitting in the car before she saw the photograph stuck to her windshield. A Polaroid? She didn’t even think they made those anymore. She got out and plucked it from under the wiper blade.
A shiver went through her. The photograph was of her, chatting to the woman in the baby store. Less than a half hour ago. “Jesus Christ…” she whispered. She got back into the car and banged the locks down, looking around. She couldn’t see anyone else in the garage, and she started the car and drove out as quickly as possible.
But now she knew. It wasn’t her hormones making her paranoid.
Someone was watching her.
