Page 166 of Labor of Love

“Okay. Well, dads, your little boy is doing fantastically. He’s right on target for weight and growth, and the scan isn’t picking up any abnormalities.” Zion clicks the roller mouse a few times, and behind him I can hear a printer.

“We’re having a little boy,” Gideon leans in and whispers in my ear before kissing the top of my head. I know it was pretend, him just keeping up appearances in front of the doctor, but it was making me feel tired and worn out.

Zion notices, as he hands me a wipe for the gel. “I know you Rowan, so make sure you’re resting, eating well and not working too hard.”

Wiping away the stickiness, I right my clothing and swing my legs over the edge of the bed to sit near the end. I’d been trying to take better care of myself, but it was becoming more difficult to make sure I was still performing at my best at work. Baby brain was a genuine thing, and so were the rampant hormones that made me want to cry at least four times a day. I’d been deadly serious when I told Gideon a baby wasn’t going to affect anything up until it was time for me to fully hand everything over to Henry. I’d just underestimated how hard that was proving to be.

Zion hands me the printed images in a cute little envelope. “I also want to stress that you may notice an increase and instability in your pheromones during this trimester. Regular infusions of alphas pheromones and ejaculate should help to balance that out.”

What? Did he just…say what I think he said?

“Any questions?”

Questions? I was still processing the need for cum to calm the hormones!

Gideon offers me my coat and bag, sounding entirely too interested as he asks, “Isn’t sex dangerous for the baby?”

With a humming noise and a quick look in a drawer, Zion produces a leaflet about sex during pregnancy, handing it to Gideon with another one of his smug smiles. “No, as long as you aren't trying anything too adventurous. In fact, we recommend regular sex unless you experience any discomfort or pain. And be careful when knotting, it can be great for stretching the muscles ahead of birth, but don’t go overboard.”

Stretching the muscles ahead of birth? Goddess, was he trying to make my brain explode? I was already hormonal and horny, and now he was placing temptation in my path.

“Zion…” I warn, tugging on my coat, struggling a little to do it up around my expanding waist. Gideon has wandered ahead, back into the waiting room, reading the leaflet as he leads the way.

“Yes?”

I raise a brow and nudge the doctor. “What are you playing at?”

“He’s the father, isn’t he?” His eyes twinkle mischievously. “I’m advising you the same way I would any of my patients.”

When Gideon’s driver doesn’t return us back to the office, I’m confused but secretly relieved. When he then follows me up to my second-floor apartment and joins me inside, confusion is only one emotion at play.

The appointment had taken it out of me. I’d loved seeing our baby, seeing him happy and healthy on the screen and hearing his heartbeat, but my guilt and indecision over telling Gideon was tarnishing the whole thing. I was almost too tired to protest at his presence. But he was still my boss, and it was time to re-draw some boundaries.

Helping me peel off my coat, Gideon hangs it up and places my satchel on the small table by the door. As if he lives here with me, he slides his shoes off and adds them to the rack next to mine before gently guiding me into the living room and onto the sofa.

“Woah, what are you doing?”

“The doctor said you need to rest,” he warns me in a serious tone. I feel like I'm living in another world or tripping off my balls as I watch Gideon Carrington, millionaire business tycoon, potter around my kitchen, making me herbal tea in his socks.

“Okay, and I will.” I slide forward, intending to push to my feet, but it takes a little more maneuvering than usual. “Gideon, get out of my kitchen—you’re my boss.”

“No. Right now, I’m just Gideon.” He comes back and hands me an apple he’s taken from my fruit bowl. “Your friend. And one time lover. Eat this while I order some groceries. Why is your fridge empty?”

“It was technically more than one time…” I quip as a blush spreads across my skin as I bite into the fruit. Gideontaps out something on his phone while rummaging around my cupboards. “And I haven’t been to the store yet.”

“What was that?” he asks with a smile as he returns with the herbal tea in hand. He’s removed his tie, tucking it into his pocket and undone a few of the buttons on his shirt. His jacket is draped over one of my chairs.

“Nothing.” I grumble as I swap the apple core for the steaming mug. Why does he look so good in my apartment, like he belongs here?

“Let me take care of you. For my peace of mind.”

4

GIDEON

It’s no wonder Rowan was looking tired and a little pale these days, given how he barely had time to shop for groceries. Once the food arrives, I make him a quick and easy pasta dish, put the leftovers in the fridge for later, and make a mental note to hand over more of Rowan’s duties to Henry. I wouldn’t have him working himself to the point of exhaustion when he was busy growing another human.

After my stubborn Executive Assistant has been fed and watered, I put a movie on the TV and sit next to him, angling his body and turning him into me.

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