Page 74 of Tell Me What You Want, Or Leave Me

Fifteen minutes later, my love and I excuse ourselves to go up to our room. We’re beyond exhausted, and when we undress and get in bed, Eric caresses my head the way he knows I like.

“Sweet dreams, sweetheart.”

I snuggle into his arms, and, feeling happy and lucky, I fall fast asleep.

13

Two days later, I find myself feeling out of sorts.

My belly hurts, and I assume I’m getting my period.

When I get to the bathroom, I realize I already have it. I take something to ease the pain. Between that and my music, I can try and relax. I grab my iPod, put on my headphones, and let Pablo Alborán’s voice relax me to sleep.

Soft, sweet kisses awaken me, and I take off my headphones.

“Hi, sweetheart, how are you?”

“Not great.”

He looks alarmed.

“I got my period.”

“There’s a very good German remedy so it won’t hurt so much.”

“What’s that?” I ask, hopeful.

I’ll do anything so I won’t be in such misery.

“Get pregnant, and you don’t have to worry about it for almost a year.”

I’m not amused.

“You don’t think it’s a good solution?”

“No.”

“A little dark-eyed girl...with your little nose...your little mouth...”

“You see her quite clearly,” I grumble.

Eric kisses me.

“She’d be beautiful. I know it.”

“Then you have her...smart-ass.”

“If I could, I would.”

I scratch my neck.

“Look what you’re doing to my neck. Will you please stop?”

He laughs. Goddamn it. I hit him on the head with one of the pillows.

If he keeps laughing, I’m going to strangle him. In fact, he laughs even harder.

“Could you please be so kind as to leave me alone until these cramps go away?”

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