Page 24 of Dante
"Italian." The idea of the rich sauce and heavy cuisine had her stomach protesting.
He glanced over at her. "You don't like Italian?"
"Usually, yes." She put the cup down and rose. She was going to disgrace herself and there was no way around it.
"But?"
She pressed a hand to her stomach as if she could stop what was coming. "I'm so sorry. Please excuse me."
When she dashed out of the office, he rose, a frown etching his brow. She had looked positively ill. Undecided what to do, he stood for a few seconds, tapping his fingers on the desk.
Then hissing out a breath, he strode forward and stood just at the bathroom door, his body clenching at the sound coming from behind the door. She sounded as if she was dying in there. Shoving his hands into his pockets, he rocked back on his heels and wondered if he should call an ambulance.
"Ms. Vernon?" Lifting a hand, he rapped his fist on the door. No answer. He tried again and heard her telling him in a weak voice that she was fine.
Pressing his lips together, he shoved the door open and reeled when he saw her seated on the floor, her head between her knees.
"I'm calling a doctor."
She lifted her head and leaned back on the tiles. "There's no need. Will you please leave? I'll be fine in a minute. This is the worst it has ever been."
"What?" He crossed to her and crouched down. "Are you ill? Of course you are. What the hell is wrong with you?"
She sighed shakily and tried to get up. When he took her hand, she gripped it and rose with his help. "I'll just rinse my mouth out and..." She sucked in a breath. "There's something I must tell you. Would you please go back to your office? I'll be right there."
When he hesitated, she gave him a pleading look. "Please."
She waited until he had left before standing in front of the mirror and staring at herself. She looked drained and exhausted. Her eyes were red and runny.
Turning on the tap, she cupped her hands under the water and splashed some on her face. Using the towel, she patted her facedry, uncaring that she was removing her makeup. It was just as well, she thought wearily.
She was going to have to reveal her utmost secret. Taking a deep fortifying breath, she took another moment to try and steady herself.
It was her fault, or it was Caleb's fault and hers for listening to him in the first place. She should have told him from the beginning that she was with child and let the chips fall where they may. Now he was going to despise her and fire her for keeping something as important as a pregnancy from him.
Taking another breath, she headed out to face the music.
Chapter 7
He stopped pacing when she entered the office and felt his heart jitter at the wan look on her face. A look that made him want to gather her into his arms and rock her until she was feeling better. The idea of it made him so pissed, he had to turn away.
Marching over to the cabinet, he poured a glass of water and practically shoved it into her hands.
"Sit." His tone was quiet, but with a leashed fury that did not escape her.
It was going to be worse than she anticipated. Lowering herself onto the chair, she wrapped her fingers around the glass and frantically tried to figure out the best way to tell him her news.
"I'm waiting." He was leaning on the front of the desk, arms crossed. She absently admired the play of muscles on his forearms and the way the black sweater stretched across his chest.
"I wanted to tell you from the beginning."
"Tell me what?"
She took a sip of the water and quenched her parched throat.
"I just want you to know that it's not something I planned."
"Ms. Vernon, get to the damn point."
