Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 55458 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 277(@200wpm)___ 222(@250wpm)___ 185(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55458 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 277(@200wpm)___ 222(@250wpm)___ 185(@300wpm)
Persy’s smile came slow and bright. “Then let me be the first to congratulate you.” She leaned in close and wrapped me in a tight, supportive hug. “Whatever you need, I’m here.”
“Thank you, Persy.” It meant a lot to know I would have a support system here. It filled me with confidence that I would be able to do this alone. Mostly alone, anyway.
“No problem. I’m prescribing you basic prenatal vitamins, but I recommend you make an appointment with obstetrics right away, unless you plan to go somewhere other than JRMC to protect your privacy?”
I laughed. “That would be pointless since I’m keeping the baby and eventually will start to show.” Jackson’s Ridge was a small town and it wouldn’t take long before someone put two and two together to realize that Gavin was my baby’s father.
“Maybe Gavin will be happy about the baby,” Persy offered with a hopeful smile.
I shook my head, knowing he wouldn’t be. Without breaking Gavin’s medical privacy, I sighed and told Persy the truth. “His stay here is very temporary and it would be stupid of me to think otherwise.”
His voice was getting stronger by the day, and I knew I had weeks, possibly days, before he left Jackson’s Ridge in his rearview. Maybe forever.
“It doesn’t matter what he thinks because I’m having the baby, but I will let him know so he doesn’t find out from someone else.” However Gavin reacted, I would handle it the way I handled bad news, adversity, or trauma—with my head held high. And a plan.
“I’ve done it, so if you need any help or just an ear to listen, I’m your girl.”
“Thank you, Persy.” I dressed and hugged her again before I made my way back home to think, and to plan.
Having a plan in place would make everything less scary.
Gavin
My fingers itched to get into the studio and start singing the songs for real. I had more than an album’s worth of music already and if half of the songs were any good, the label would be more than pleased despite the delay.
I fidgeted in Dr. Parnell’s office, waiting for the older man to return and give me the verdict.
“Mr. Ross. How are you feeling? It’s been almost eight weeks now, any problems?” Parnell flashed a friendly smile that put me at ease. He would be more sober if the news was bad, wouldn’t he?
I nodded and leaned against the back of the cushioned chair. “My voice feels stronger with each passing day, but I wanted an all-clear from you before I hit the studio.” I really wanted him to tell me I could spend long hours in the studio recording my next album. Or two.
Dr. Parnell nodded slowly, his expression blank. Unreadable. “You’re all healed, Gavin, but this isn’t the type of problem that we remove and it’s gone forever. Polyps can grow again, so I want you to listen to your body. Pay attention to any fluctuations in your voice, any pain or fatigue, and act accordingly.”
I slid to the edge of my seat, excitement electrifying my fingertips. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying, Doc?”
A slow smile spread and Dr. Parnell nodded. “You’re cleared to start singing again, but I can’t caution you enough against overdoing it. Don’t ruin my hard work by being overzealous.”
I jump out of my seat with a loud cheer. “I won’t, Doc, I promise. I can get a lot done in a short time now that the words and music are written.” Sure, it would be less than I normally spent in the studio, but it was doable. “Thank you, Dr. Parnell. I owe you, big time.”
“Pay me back by treating your vocal cords better.”
I flashed a wide smile and walked backwards toward the door. “You’ve got it.”
I left his office, my steps lighter, my gait more relaxed. I was back, baby! With excitement humming through my body at the good news, there was just one person I wanted to share it with.
“Knock, knock.”
Suzie looked up with a heart-stopping smile that stole my breath. “Gavin. This is a nice surprise. What are you doing at JRMC?”
I liked that she was so calm and level-headed. That she always seemed happy to see me. “Just met with Dr. Parnell.”
Her green eyes were wide with anticipation and excitement. “Well, don’t keep me waiting. What did he say?”
I took one step inside her office and then another, and kicked the door closed. “Good news. Great news, in fact. He’s cleared me to go into the studio.”
Suzie stood and froze. “Really? Oh, Gavin, that’s great!” In just a few steps, her body was pressed against mine, her arms wrapped around me in a tight congratulatory hug. “I’m so happy for you.”
Having her tempting curves in my arms felt different this time. I couldn’t describe it, but my heart thumped so hard I could hear it, my palms felt slick and a little sticky. My mouth was dry. And with her tits pressed up against me, all I could think about was that silent fuck on my sofa. It was the hottest damn encounter of my life. I couldn’t seem to get enough of this woman.