Page 105 of Trapped
He laughed. “I made smart investments and saved most of my money while serving in the Navy.”
I bit my tongue instead of telling him he sounded like a banker.
“If you finished your book, you could make money, right?”
“If people bought it, yes.”
Marketing was the difference between two equally good books making the bestseller list. And I’d be able to market the hell out of my book. I just had to write one people wanted to read.
“So you’d have an income.” He turned his head and grinned. “Plus, you could hold off on volunteering for the Wyatt Foundation until your book made you money.”
“Where are you going with this?” The Wyatt Foundation paycheck wouldn’t pay the rent, and unless I got a publishing deal, it could take years to make any real money if I self-published.
“Would working part time give you the financial safety net you seem to think you need?”
My head whipped around to stare at him. He’d hit the bullseye of my fear, despite my not actually saying I was afraid.
“Don’t look so surprised. I get paid to hear the unsaid.”
“I don’t know. I’ve never thought about it.”
“Fair enough. Will you? Think about it?” He paused.
“Let me get through today first.” I still wasn’t sure how either of us would feel after Doc confirmed my pregnancy.
I’d taken a play out of romance books and claimed him last night. He hadn’t hesitated to accept and return the favor. But that was in the heat of the moment.
Would he still feel the same watching me get fat with another man’s baby?
Nathan insisted on coming into the clinic with me. Thankfully, he agreed when I said he had to wait in the lobby. No way would I let him in the exam room.
“I love this building,” my voice shook as I made small talk.
“What do you like about it?” he asked, reaching over and resting his arm behind my chair.
The move reminded me of awkward dates as a teen when the guy would yawn and throw his arm around me hoping to cop a feel. Only Nathan played with my hair in the most distracting way, while offering comfort.
I appreciated his steady support, offered without thought or need for credit.
“It’s not sterile like most doctor’s offices. And Doc Greenfield takes her time with her patients. That’s why I had Gran’s care transferred as soon as it was practical.”
He looked around. “No white anywhere.”
“Nope. The exam rooms are pale pastels. Only the cabinets and sinks are white.”
“You like Dr. Greenfield?”
“I do; she’s been our family doctor forever.” I laughed. “You’ll get to know her soon enough; she treats a lot of SSI’s injuries.” The only time she didn’t was if the injuries required an ER visit. Like when Jack got shot rescuing Meg. Or after Jay and Cate were held hostage and tortured.
“Good to know.” He laughed. “Do the guys get hurt a lot?”
I regaled him with some stories that involved SSI needing some medical support. It was usually for minor things, like stitches.
“And when they rescued Blake, John got shot. Mary almost had a heart attack. But luckily it wasn’t too bad.”
“Ashley?” The medical assistant called my name. I stood, squeezed Nathan’s hand, and followed her to the back. I prayed the entire time.Please don’t let me be pregnant.
After taking my vitals and weighing me, Sheila left me alone with my thoughts. I scrolled on social media to keep my mind busy so I wouldn’t freak myself out.
