Light Her Fire (Private Pleasures 2)

“Your what?” Ellie’s brow scrunched, but then smoothed as her eyes rounded. “Oh.” She took a step toward the closet where they kept supplies, including pregnancy tests. “Did you take a test, by any chance?”

Second, third, and a whole separate set of tests from a different kit. Ginny and Roger had practically invaded her bathroom Friday night to supervise, to the point she’d felt like the subject of a state-ordered drug test. Melody reached into the drawer, pulled out two additional wands, and flashed the plus signs at her boss. “Check, and double check.”

“Okay. So the next step would be a blood test. The lab has already picked up today, so let’s do a draw first thing tomorrow morning. If we’re lucky, we’ll get results by Friday. In the meantime”—she turned and reached into a drug cabinet in the office area—“if you want to cover your bases, we’ve got samples of a good prenatal vitamin with lots of calcium, iron, and folic acid.” She held out a handful of single-dose envelopes. “Just in case.”

As Melody took the packets, a brilliant glitter on Ellie’s hand snagged her attention. “Oh my God. What is on your finger?”

Ellie blushed and stuttered. “Nothing. A ring. It’s not important right now.”

She grabbed Ellie’s hand and held the classic diamond solitaire up to the light. “How did I miss this all day?”

“I’m guessing you had other things on your mind.”

True, but still… “Dr. Swann, that is one gorgeous ring. Congratulations to you and Tyler.”

“Thanks. Okay, enough about me. Let’s get back to you.”

“There’s not much more to say. I might be pregnant. If I am, it’s completely unplanned and—”

“And Josh would be the father?”

She nodded.

“Have you told him, or are you biting your nails all alone?”

“I thought I’d hold off until I knew for sure.”

“Kind of a big answer to be waiting for on your own, especially considering you didn’t create the question all by yourself.”

“No, but I’d just as soon postpone the whole family-and-future conversation if there’s no burning need to have it now.”

“I understand, and I know you have good friends and family close at hand, but I want you to know you can talk to me if you have any questions, or concerns, or just need an ear.”

“Thanks, Ellie. That’s kind of you.”

“You inspire kindness. When I dumped my whole misguided agenda with Roger on you, you were incredibly diplom

atic, and discreet, and supportive. Now I have a chance to return the kindness. I want to help, however I can.”

“You’ve signed up for more than you know by offering to draw my blood tomorrow morning. I’m a fainter.”

Ellie simply smiled. “I’m a good phlebotomist. By the time you realize I’ve got a needle in your arm, I’ll be done. In the meantime, get out of here. Go do something you enjoy. Something that relieves stress and helps you relax.”

She didn’t need to be told twice. She headed home. The weekend had stretched her nerves to the fraying point. Ten minutes after saying good-night to Ellie, she walked into her bedroom, kicked off her shoes, and opened her closet with the idea of grabbing her fluffiest robe and taking a bath. Her phone rang at the same time her gaze landed on her cheerleading outfit, fresh from the dry cleaners.

A glance at the clock on her nightstand told her it was almost six. She lifted the phone. “Hello?”

“Where are you?”

Josh. “I’m at home.”

“I’m off shift in five minutes. Unlock your front door, take off all your clothes, and pick a surface.”

Her body reacted oh-too-predictably to his words. She slipped her hand under the plastic protecting her wool and polyester past. A size four she could squeeze into at the moment, after lots of dieting and jogging. For how long? Pregnant women don’t wear a size four.

“That’s a very interesting offer,” she replied, mostly to drown out her inner voice. Too bad her stubborn good-girl conscience refused to shut up. Playtime is over. He asked you to keep him posted.

“‘Offer’ is the wrong word, Bluelick. Those were instructions.”