Page 53 of Abel

“Y-yes.” I stutter.

Get it together Ivy.

But then, he surprises me when he puts the clipboard to the side, and asks, “Why did you leave me, Ivy?” And there it is. I didn’t really think he’d do this while here, but clearly he has no chill. “Why did you leave in the middle of the night with no way for me to contact or find you?” He drops down to his knees in front of me, laying a hand on my stomach.

I can feel the baby moving, like it knows something I don’t. Like it knows I should confess everything to him, right here, right now.

I open my mouth to spill my secrets, but then the door opens and in walks Cam… Looking like a… Hot dad.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t here before they called you back, honey.” Cam’s deep voice says, making my eyebrows bunch together at the sudden octave change when I see Abel get up. “Am Iinterrupting something?” Cam asks, staring me right in the face waiting for me to send him away so I can tell Abel the truth.

“No, Dr. Iverson was just counting the baby’s kicks.” I lie again. If I don’t quit all this lying, I’m gonna go straight to the fiery pits.

“Yes, the baby seems to be moving just fine.” Abel says, clearing his throat rising up. “Have you learned the sex yet?” He asks, taking a seat at his little desk off to the side.

“No, not yet.” I smile. “Am I able to find out today?” I feel the heat from Cam’s hand on my shoulder, giving me comfort. “I mean, are we able to find out?”

Feeling a burning sensation across my face, I lift my head up to see Abel staring at me again. I’m not sure why his gaze seems to make me this hot underneath these clothes, but it does, and can’t seem to tear my eyes away from him.

Camden must see the exchange between us because he quickly intervenes. “Darling,” he says, “I need to make a quick call. I’ll be back before you know it.”

“Okay. Go ahead, I’ll be alright.” I say when he leans in and kisses my forehead. A low growl has me looking over in Abel’s direction, and I know he can’t stand the exchange between Cam and I.

If only he knew the truth.

Thankfully he waits for Cam to leave the room before he gets out of his seat, stalking towards me. “You expect me to believe that he’s the father of your baby? You can’t sit there and tell me you don’t feel something for me, the same way I feel it for you.” He whispers, reaching his hand out. As it lands on my cheek, I feel a burst of warmth there.

His other hand closes around my arm as the pad of his fingertips make small circles across my skin, drawing goosebumps in the same spot. “Abel.” I whisper, fighting to hold back the tears prickling the corners of my eyes.

“What is it,Marrone Dolce?Why would you leave me like that?” He asks.

“Abel, I have to tell you something.” I watch hope form on his handsome face and hear it within his voice, but the door opens and in walks Camden… Again.

My chest caves in watching the way Abel’s face falls as his hands do the same. “We’ll schedule your ultrasound for next week. Are you both free?” Abel asks, looking between me and Cam, waiting for confirmation.

“I have an art show that evening, so that’ll work perfect for me.” I answer.

“Oh my God, you do?” Cam says, nearly forgetting about the fake tone he had moments ago. Clearing his throat, he says, “I’m sorry, honey, my schedule is made two weeks in advance, and I probably won’t be able to make it.” Without using his words, he ever so smoothly nods his head in Abel’s direction, telling me that’ll be my chance to come clean.

Ignoring him because I can come alone, but if we’re faking this relationship, I’ve gotta at least pretend to be upset. “You can’t switch your off days around?”

Cam smirks, for my eyes only, shakes his head, and says, “Unfortunately I can’t.”

“You’ll be in good hands here, Miss Carnimchael.” Abel interrupts, making me smile on the inside. “Emily will be here to assist alongside Darla.” He says, standing. “We’ll get through the rest of the appointment and get you all scheduled on your way out.” He smiles, but it doesn’t reach the sky.

“Thank you.”

Cam’s phone goes off again. Flipping it over to see the caller, he says, “I’m really sorry, I have to head back to work.” Leaning down and kissing my forehead, he asks, “Will you be okay?”

“She’ll be fine.” Abel answers for me, prompting Cam to smirk again while mouthing ‘Talk to him.’

I shake my head no. “I’m good. See you later.” He gives my hand one last squeeze then turns around and leaves

The silence is so loud and the air thick with tension as Abel flips the pages on his clipboard before he puts it down. I look anywhere but at him but his words cut through the eerie silence. “Give me your number.” He demands.

Hearing him say something like that turns me on. I want to see his reaction when he hears me say, “No.” Cocking his head to the side, eyebrows arching with a smile dancing on his lips… He looks good enough to eat.

“What do you mean, no? I wasn’t asking, Ivy.”

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