Page 68 of Protector Daddy

“On?”

“Well, lots of things. How well you know your body. If you’ve been pregnant before. If you’re having twins.”

My vision grayed around the edges and I leaned against the nearest wall, praying it would keep me upright. “If I faint, just leave me where I am until I come to.”

She smiled sympathetically. “I’m assuming you’re asking for you?”

“I’m not not asking for me.” Lightly, I banged my head against the wall. “You’d think people would know better. They know what’s in the water in this town and yet people still insist on having sex. What’s wrong with them? Me? What’s wrong with me?”

“The problem is having sex is very hard to resist, especially with the right man.” Vee leaned against the wall beside me. “Especially those Masterson men.”

I wasn’t blushing. I hoped. “Mmm-hmm.”

She shifted toward me. “Look, I know we don’t know each other that well, but I can come with you if you want to take a test.”

“I’m not pregnant. For one, it’s only been a few weeks.”

“Right.”

“No, I’m serious. I was just upset by some news I just got. That’s all. I didn’t feel sick or anything beforehand.”

There was no possible way I could be pregnant. We were so careful. Condoms every time. I took my Pill religiously. Sure, there could still be lapses, especially in this town, but not this time. Not with us.

He’s a known sperminator. This man has impregnated before!

I rubbed my now aching forehead. I was about to spiral. Hard.

The bathroom door opened. Vee whirled to hold up a hand to Mrs. Busbee. Of course. Another busybody, reporting for duty. “Sorry, this one is being cleaned.”

Mrs. Busbee cocked her head. “But these are the only bathrooms here.”

“Yeah, sorry. It will only take another couple minutes to finish cleaning.” Vee coughed loudly. “Sorry! Come back in five minutes.”

Mrs. Busbee left, muttering about not being able to get worthwhile employees anymore.

“I’m sorry for causing so much disruption.” I took a deep breath. “No more talking serious stuff over lunch. And my pita pocket and fries were delicious. I really wanted to eat the rest of them.”

“I’ll package you up some soup and crackers for later when you’re feeling up to it.” Vee rubbed my shoulder. “I’m pretty much immune to morning sickness at this point. Well, not immune, but it’s almost routine. This is our last one.” With her other hand, she patted her pleasantly round belly.

I eyed it as if her child might spring out fully formed at any second, ninja-style. “How far along are you?”

“Not as far as it looks, but that happens once you’ve had a few. You’ll see.” She laughed and then choked as if my face looked as horrified on the outside as I felt on the inside. “I mean, I’m sure you’re not. Might not be. I’m sure.”

“Are you just going from Cove lore? I don’t have some telltale sign.” I rushed over to the sinks to examine my face in the mirror just in case. Nope, I looked exactly the same as I had that morning as I’d gotten ready for the day.

With Christian standing behind me kissing my neck.

I buried my face in my hands. God.

“You look perfectly fine. It doesn’t show on your face.” Vee came up beside me, a few inches shorter than I was but somehow so much more formidable. And I wasn’t even referring to her baby belly. She just exuded strength. “I’m guessing you aren’t ready for a baby.”

“No!” At my outburst, I turned on the faucet and cupped cool water in my hand to splash my face. “Sorry. I’m flipping out. I know I am. I was flipping for one reason and now this.”

Christian was going to be known as the sperminator in my head going forward. Probably was a good thing he’d taken so many years off in between seminations. Who knew how many kids would be running all over if he hadn’t?

Vee rubbed my back. “If it makes you feel any better, Christian’s a stand-up guy. You don’t have to worry about him bailing. Trust me on that.”

“You’re biased.”

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