Page 37 of Final Chance At Love (Chance At Love Duet 2)

The next two weeks flew by in a blink of an eye. I felt exhausted all the time and my nausea kept coming and going at random times. I missed Kristoff’s chef.

I decided I’d see a doctor as soon as things calmed down at work and with the kids. The school year was coming to an end and there would be more time then. I knew feeling exhaustion like this wasn’t normal and I had to take care of it. I kept delaying my doctor’s appointment although I knew I shouldn’t. I felt like the train ran me over on most days and the only thing that got my adrenaline spiking was Kristoff's touch. He started to notice my exhaustion so he’d urge me to go home and nagged me to see the doctor.

No matter how busy things were at work, Kristoff always found a moment for us. Whether it was a quick lunch, early dinner, or mindblowing sex. With each passing day, I fell more in love with him.

I felt like Kristoff was on steroids when it came to business. There was nothing stopping him till he got things exactly the way he envisioned them. It was scary and fascinating at the same time.

Observing his persistence took me back to our contract talk while camping. Seeing his relentless persistence to get everything he wanted during negotiations made me appreciate his trust in my promise even more. Although, in the back of my mind, I questioned why he made that provision for me. It seemed so contradictory to his style and personality during negotiations.

The Monday morning started off late. It was the last day of school. The kids were mad that they couldn’t stay home since most kids would. I felt sick that morning again, worse than ever. I threw up twice. Saoirse decided to throw a tantrum about what she was wearing, while Sienna took her sweet time dragging out of bed. I kept getting the feeling of nausea and I worried whether something was seriously wrong with me. I have been feeling sick for weeks now.

Finally, we were out of the house, and a round of school drop offs happened. As I dropped off my youngest lovebug at daycare and walked to my car, my phone rang. Thinking it must be Kristoff since I’m running late, I didn’t even bother checking the caller ID and I answered, “I’m on my way, Kristoff. I’m so sorry.”

“Hey, beautiful,” Rick greeted me with a chuckle in his voice. “Are you running late?”

“Don’t ask,” I answered, feeling exhausted and it was barely past eight in the morning. “Are you back from your trip?”

“Yes,” he replied and then added in a hopeful voice. “I wanted to ask if you’d have time for lunch today.”

“Yes, today actually would work well.”

“Great,” he answered. “We can grab lunch at Panera by your work.”

“Okay. Should I meet you there?”

“Yes, twelve o’clock?”

“Sounds good. I’ll see you there, Rick.”

When I got to work, it was like everything happened at the same moment and it was another busy morning. Kristoff was visibly agitated, and I made an effort to avoid him as much as possible. I felt exhausted and drained, and it was still morning. My nausea never lifted off, and I kept nibbling on dry crackers hoping it would help.

It was almost eleven a.m. when I could no longer avoid Kristoff since he called me into his office.

I stood up and told my counterpart, “So much for avoiding him today.”

She laughed, and replied, “Better you than me, Gemma.” She was still chuckling behind me as I walked into Kristoff’s massive office.

“Hello, Kristoff,” I greeted him as I walked towards him.

“And where have you been hiding today, Gemma?” His voice was deep and he patted a spot in front of him. I came around the table and leaned against the table, my body facing Kristoff.

“You have been in a pretty foul mood so I stayed away,” I answered, smiling tiredly.

“You look pale… and tired. You alright?”

“Yes, I’m fine.” His gaze pierced me. “Really, I am fine Kristoff. I just feel a bit off today.”

“You should go home and get some rest. Maybe that hike was too strenuous.” His hand reached and gently grazed my cheek. Such a small gesture, but so intimate. I leaned my cheek into his touch, closing my eyes. “I won’t need anything for the rest of the day. Just go home and get rested.”

“Maybe I will… I’ll stay till lunchtime though. Want me to bring you lunch? I saw on your calendar you have a meeting during lunchtime with Samuel Sr. I don’t want you to get mean because you are hungry.” I couldn’t help but laugh at him.

“Don’t worry, beautiful. I am having lunch brought to the meeting so I won’t get hungry.” He leaned over and kissed me on the neck. “But thank you for thinking about me.”

“Always.” The words came out before I had the sense to think twice about it, and how it would sound. But thankfully, Kristoff didn’t say anything and kissed me on the mouth, his arms wrapped around me.

“You sure you don’t want to just go home now?” he asked.

“Yes, I am sure,” I answered.

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