Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 71275 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 356(@200wpm)___ 285(@250wpm)___ 238(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71275 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 356(@200wpm)___ 285(@250wpm)___ 238(@300wpm)
Lifting my head, I looked at the toilet, then laid my head back against the wall. I needed a shower now. I was sure I’d gotten vomit in my hair. I could smell its sour stench. That scent was going to make me puke again. I had to get rid of it. With a sigh, I stood up and walked over to the shower to turn it on, then began to undress while the water heated.
I’d like to think I had a stomach virus, but I’d read enough books. I knew this was the beginning of morning sickness. How long did this last? Could I take something to stop it? I needed a book about pregnancy. I’d have to ask Maeme to get me one. I knew so little about it.
The steam coming from the shower caused me to pause. Was hot water bad for the baby? Why hadn’t I asked more questions when I found out? I literally knew nothing.
Reaching in, I turned the heat down some until it was more warm than hot, then stepped inside. I sighed with relief as the water ran over me and seemed to refresh me from my moment of yuck. I wasn’t going to be able to hide this from King. If he had been here, he would have witnessed my getting sick. I couldn’t very well say it was a stomach virus if it lasted for weeks. He would know. I had to go see Maeme as soon as I got dressed.
I quickly washed my hair and cleaned my body. Getting out of here before King returned was the only way I was getting to talk to her alone. He’d go with me if he got back first. I skipped drying my hair and got dressed before hesitantly brushing my teeth again. Thankfully, it didn’t send me running to the toilet this time.
My stomach growled as I started out the door of the bedroom. Frowning, I looked down at it. How was I hungry after I just puked up my guts? The thought of waffles with berries and bacon made my mouth water. It wasn’t Sunday, so there wouldn’t be any waffles at Maeme’s, but perhaps I could ask her for some. Would that be bad?
Just as I passed the open door to the lounge, I heard noise and stepped back. Was King here? He’d stop me or go with me if he saw me. I waited and listened, but whoever it was had gotten quiet. Easing up enough to peek inside, I saw Thatcher holding a coffee mug with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth.
“You need something?” he asked, not looking up from his phone.
I didn’t say anything, not sure he was talking to me. He hadn’t actually put his eyes on me. Maybe he was talking on speakerphone.
He lifted his head then and locked his gaze on me, then took the cigarette from his mouth. “Do you?” he asked.
I walked fully into view then and managed a smile. The man made me nervous.
“Uh, no. I was … I just didn’t want to bother you.”
He took a drink of his coffee as he studied me.
“I, uh … I was going to Maeme’s.”
He put the cigarette back between his teeth, then started in my direction. “All right.”
I stood there, unsure if that was the end of our conversation or not.
He walked past me. “You coming or not?”
Coming? With him? No, that would not work.
“What?” I asked, stalling.
He sighed heavily, then turned back around and looked at me. “You can’t walk to Maeme’s alone. I’ll drive you over.”
Okay, that wasn’t a completely bad thing. I’d get there a lot quicker and have time with her before King showed up. I doubted Thatcher was going to stay and visit.
“Oh, um, thank you,” I replied.
He turned back around, and I followed him outside into the warm morning air, then toward a black SUV parked closest to the barn. I watched him toss his cigarette onto the ground and put it out with his boot. At least I wouldn’t have to worry about the secondhand smoke. I was pretty sure that was bad for the baby. He didn’t open my car door, but I hadn’t expected him to. I was just so used to King, Sebastian, and Storm doing it. I thought maybe that was a thing with these men.
Once we were inside, Thatcher said little as he backed up and turned the vehicle toward the exit. My hands fidgeted in my lap nervously, and I kept my eyes on the road. Being alone with this man wasn’t something I had ever planned on doing, but I could survive it to get to Maeme’s.
“You pissed he didn’t come back?” Thatcher asked, breaking the silence.
I glanced at him. He had one hand on the steering wheel, and the other still held his mug as he rested it on his thigh.