Page 79 of Duke
It’s all right. This sucks, but we’ll figure it out.
He doesn’t say the words. He doesn’t need to.
“I think we need some more time.” I glance at Duke. “Right?”
He nods. “More time sounds good.”
“Of course,” Dr. Martinez replies. “I’ll put the information we talked about in your MyHealth portal so you’ll have that to reference as y’all make your decision. I know it’s a lot, so please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.” She stands and looks me in the eye. “Whatever you decide, I fully support you. Trust yourself to make the right call, okay?”
I nod. “I really appreciate that. We’ll be in touch.”
“And you keep doing that dirty work.” She taps Duke on the arm with the manila folder she’s holding.
He smiles. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Andhe’s polite. Good Lord.” Laura uses her hand to fan herself. “I need to take five, Christina.”
“I think we all do,” Dr. Martinez says as she ducks out of the room. “Karl! Where’s my fan?”
Duke keeps a hand on the small of my back as we leave the office. I don’t miss the way the women in the waiting room check him out.
I feel myself biting back a smile. Having arm candy is kinda fun.
Duke’s vintage Chevy stands out in a parking deck packed with shiny Range Rovers and souped-up BMWs. It’s old but immaculately restored and maintained. There’s not a speck of dirt or dust on the white and cocoa-brown colored paint. My chest does that squeezing thing when I wonder if he ran the truck through the car wash on his way to Dallas.
Did he get her all dolled up for me?
I climb onto the vinyl-covered bench that runs the length of the cab. It smells like Duke inside, and I have to close my eyes and remind myself to keep breathing as a wave of longing rips through me.
Nausea too.
What a mess.
We’re quiet on the ride back to my house. I have no idea what Duke is thinking. I have no idea whatI’mthinking.
All I know is that he looks so damn sexy when he’s driving. One hand on the wheel, the other draped casually over the gearshift becauseof coursehe drives stick.
I swear, the man is out to give me a legit heart attack.
“I’m not tryin’ to be weird or quiet or whatever,” he says at last over the faint strains of Lainey Wilson playing on the radio. “I just don’t wanna say the wrong thing. Put my damn boot in my mouth. Because I’ll support you in whatever you decide too, Wheeler. I meant what I said about another road trip.” He turns his head. His eyes look so,soblue in the sunlight that slants through the windshield. “I also don’t want to put the burden of making that choice solely on you, because that sure as hell ain’t fair.”
Truth is I don’t know how I feel. Maybe because I’m still in shock? Am I in some kind of state of denial, even though a medical professional just confirmed that I am one hundred percent pregnant?
I think part of it is Duke’s hotness scrambling my brain. I can’t think when he’s around.
At the same time, I don’t want him to leave.
“Duke, I have no idea what I’m thinking.” I press my fingers to my forehead. “First off, these laws are fucking stupid.”
“No shit.”
“And the timing couldn’t be worse, right? You have all that exciting stuff happening at the ranch, and Bellamy Brooks is finally doing well. You and I aren’t dating or anything. Having a baby right now…” I shake my head. “It’s a terrible idea.”
Adjusting his hand on the wheel, Duke is quiet for a beat. He shifts gears. The engine roars.
“Timing’s not great,” he says. “We obviously weren’t planning for this to happen. And I know with everything going on with your parents…”
I scoff. “Right. That shit. Another reason why having this baby wouldn’t be the smartest move.”
