Chapter 17
TRAVIS
When I arrived at Dr. Taylor’s office, the receptionist told me Bonnie was already inside. I knocked at the door and opened it the second Bonnie’s voice said, “Come in.”
She was lying on the bed, pale and trembling a bit.
"Bonnie, are you alright?" I asked. She was alone in the room. Where the fuck is Dr. Taylor? "Why are you alone?"
"Dr. Taylor already checked me," she whispered. "It's okay. The baby's okay. Still alive." The anguish in her voice sliced through me. "She'll be right back. Thanks for coming."
I went next to the bed, taking her hand in mine. "Bonnie, I'll always be here."
She scratched her nose. "I don't like it here."
"Neither do I. Let's see what Dr. Taylor says. Then I'll get you out of here as soon as possible."
Her eyes lit up at that.
"Are you in any pain?" I asked. "Did you have any symptoms?"
"No, just spots of blood," she said. "No pain at all."
Dr. Taylor stepped in at that moment.
"Travis, you’re here. Good. It's always good for both parties to hear this. So, after running a few tests, I can confidently say you’ve got nothing to worry about. Some spotting is normal in pregnancy, and I’ve ruled out any potential issues.”
She looked straight at Bonnie. “Today, you should reduce movement as much as possible. Maybe tomorrow too. Avoid going up and down stairs too much.”
Fucking hell. There was no question in my mind now, I was going to take care of her and the baby. She wouldn't need to worry about anything. My mind started churning with things I wanted to do to keep Bonnie and the baby safe and comfortable.
"Anything else?" the doctor asked.
"No, not that I can think of," Bonnie said. "I'll get in touch if I think of anything."
"You do that. And for this weekend, no penetration allowed, all right?" Dr. Taylor said.
I nearly choked on my breath. Bonnie turned red.
She patted Bonnie’s knee, then looked back and forth between us. “I’m needed in the room next door. Have a good day, and take it easy."
After Dr. Taylor left, Bonnie ran a hand through her hair. I sat down on the edge of the bed again.
"You're going home with me, babe," I said.
She snapped her head up, locking eyes with me. "What?"
"You heard me. You're going home with me."
"Travis. I can’t—"
I cut her off before she got any further with her nonsense. "Dr. Taylor said you need to limit movement this weekend. I remember you telling me that you have stairs at your place."
Her eyes softened. I knew I was getting to her. I needed her to agree to this weekend. There was no way I could let her return to her place. She had stairs. I didn't. The solution was simple.
“I'll pamper you. I'll get pineapple cupcakes."
She laughed, putting a hand on her belly. "You're bribing me."
"Yes, I am."
"It's working. I don't want to lose the baby."
"You won't." I put my hand over hers and looked her straight in the eyes. "I don't want you to worry about anything."
"But I am."
"Bonnie, I can take care of both you and the baby. You know that. You don’t even have to go to work if you don’t want to."
"That's not how I want to do things," she murmured. She was a proud woman. I got that and loved it. But even proud people needed to ask for help sometimes.
But I didn't have to win all fights right away. That was not my MO. I took wins as they came, and convincing her to stay with me for the weekend was a huge win in my book.
"We can go straight to your place, and while you wait in the car, I can pack a bag for you."
"No, that's not necessary. My friend Ashley has a key. I can tell her to pack a bag. She doesn't live far away. Then I can just ask her to meet us in front of the building."
"Do that. Are you sure Ashley's home?"
"Yes, I texted to ask her if she could come over later and help me with some things."
"You texted Ashley."
"Yes."
"Why didn't you text me?" I tried to keep the hurt out of my voice, but what the hell? First she called an Uber, then texted her friend. What was I, chopped liver?
"I don't know, Travis. It was my first instinct, and I followed that."
I stared at her, deciding not to push the issue for now.
"Fine. Text Ashley."
Ten minutes later, we were already in the car. When we reached Bonnie's building, a redhead with a huge suitcase stood in front of the building.
"Is that Ashley?" I asked.
"Yes. My God, what did she do, pack my whole apartment?"
"Kudos to Ashley. Stay in the car. I'll get it and put the bag in the trunk."
I stepped out of the car and walked over to Ashley.
"Hey, you must be Travis," she said, eyeing me up and down. "I've heard a lot about you."
"I am. Nice to meet you, Ashley. Thank you for packing Bonnie’s bag. I’m sure you did a better job than I would have."
"How's she feeling?"
As I was about to answer, I heard, "You can ask me yourself."
Turning around, I saw Bonnie had lowered her window. Ashley went to talk with her while I rolled the suitcase to the trunk, taking a bit of time so they could talk before I climbed inside the car. Once I was in, they chatted for a few more minutes. She seemed to be close to Ashley.
After their goodbyes, I drove to my place. When we arrived, I went straight into the underground garage.
"Wow. This is amazing. I noticed you've got a huge park next to you too."
While I parked the car, she turned to me abruptly. "I forgot to ask. Do you have two bedrooms?"
I fought laughter, but the corners of my mouth twitched, "I do, Bonnie. Even if I didn't, I'd take the couch." I leaned in. I couldn't help myself. “One bedroom or seven, it wouldn't make a difference.”
“Why?” she whispered.
“Because fighting my instincts is becoming a full-time job.”
She drew in a sharp breath, looking away.
I took the key out of the engine and stepped out of the car.
"Stay in," I told her.
"What? Why?"
Going around the car on her side, I opened the door and said, "You have to limit movement, remember?”
“So what will you do? Do you have a wheelchair?”
"No, but I can do something better. I'll carry you."
She burst out laughing. I just kept looking at her.
Her smile faded. "Wait, you're serious, aren't you?"
"Fuck yes, I am."
"The doctor wasn't that literal. I can walk."
"You could, but you don't have to. You have me."
“You’re ridiculous.”
“I know, but I don’t care. Don’t fight me on this.”
"Fine, I won’t. Can you even carry me?" she asked. "I'm not as light as I look."
"Let's try." I put one arm under her knees and wedged the other between her back and the seat, then hoisted her up. She put an arm around my neck, clinging with one hand to my bicep.
"You're strong," she whispered.
I closed the door with my foot and headed straight to the elevator.
“Thanks. I'll come back for your bag and coat afterward.”
She’d taken off her coat, throwing it on the back seat with her other things.
"Are you sure I'm not heavy?"
"No, you're not." But being this close to her was testing all my self-control and self-restraint.
She smelled amazing. She had on the same perfume I remembered from Oceanwell Bay, and it brought front and center the memories I'd tried to bury.
I remembered the taste of her skin and her sounds of pleasure.
Her breast was pressing against my chest. It felt as if she wasn't wearing a bra, and I almost turned hard at the thought.
Damn, my self-restraint was vanishing by the second.
“The key is in my front pocket," I told her. "Take it out and unlock the door.”
“You can just put me down.”
“Not yet.”
“My God, there is no reasoning with you when you’re like this.”
“Exactly.”
She took the key from my pocket, awkwardly unlocking the door. Then I pushed it open with my shoulder.
"You can truly put me down now," Bonnie said, looking around. Her voice sounded strangled. I looked her in the eye, and she quickly averted hers. This was testing her self-restraint just as much as it was mine. Almost involuntarily, I looked at her lips. That mouth. I wanted to claim it right now.
"I'll put you on the couch, and then we'll see. Actually, wait, I'll put you directly in the guest bedroom."
"Oh, Travis."
I shouldered that door open as well. As I lowered her, I moved my hand, and it accidentally grazed her nipple. I noticed it was a hard nub. I was already sporting a semi erection, and touching her this way was not helping.
"I'm going downstairs to bring up your bag. Do you want anything to drink?"
Her cheeks were red. "No. Thanks.”
I nodded, walking out. On the way to the car, I had an idea.
I called Reese in the hallway where I still had signal. She answered right away.
“Finally! I thought I was going to have a heart attack. I didn't want to text you or call you. What happened?" she rushed out.
"She's good, but the doctor told her to limit movement this weekend. I convinced her to stay with me."
"Cousin, I've never been prouder of you."
"I'm quite proud of myself too. Listen, she loves pineapple cupcakes."
"Okay."
"I'll talk to Liz and ask her if she can prep a few. Do you mind going to pick them up? I’d do it, but I really don't want to leave her alone."
"Don't say another word. I'm on it. You don't even have to call Liz. I’ll take care of everything. Also, kudos for knowing her favorite dessert. I always think that's crucial information to know about your partner. It can solve so many problems. I’ll be at your place as soon as possible."
"Thanks, Reese. See you later."
I went straight to the parking lot, retrieving the bag and her coat and other items, then headed back upstairs. I was thinking of ways to convince Bonnie to stay long-term. Every instinct inside me wanted to keep her here and make sure she was safe, make sure she had everything she needed.