Chapter Thirteen
Taylor
I’ve been looking forward to going out with Jack all day and when he picks me up from the lobby of the hotel, all the tension from yesterday is gone. I’m going to enjoy a virgin pina colada, a delicious dinner, and Jack’s company.
He greets me with a smile and pulls me in for a hug, which makes me feel good and relieves any anxiety I’d had over seeing him again. I breathe him in and bask in his masculine scent, arousal flooding my veins.
Releasing me, he steps back, giving me the chance to take him in. I love looking at casual Jack. I take the time to admire him in a pair of dark jeans and an island-patterned short-sleeve collared shirt in a variety of blues that bring out the color of his eyes.
“You look good,” I tell him, leaving out the fact that I want to grab his hand and drag him up to my room.
“Thank you.” He smiles and I’m drawn to his tempting mouth.
“You’re stunning,” he says, and I realize he’s eyeing me the same way I’m looking at him.
“Thank you,” I tell him, blushing and not caring a bit. “I spent the day shopping for clothes for this sweltering, humid weather.”
For tonight, I found a pretty pink cotton poplin dress, shirred from the waist down, in a boutique earlier today. I paired it with an LV handbag with the monogram in pastel colors and white chunky-heeled sandals. I love clothes and this purse especially, which is why I packed it.
His gaze skims from my face down to my white-sandaled feet. “Like I said, stunning.”
I touch my warm cheeks, then explain further. “I’m also having pregnancy issues. The waistband of my own clothes feel tight.”
He crinkles his eyes in confusion. “I wouldn’t think you need larger clothing yet.”
“Me neither. But I did a deep dive on the internet and learned that some women lose their waistline quickly and apparently, I’m one of them.” I gesture to my flat stomach, but I know my waist is gone.
“I’m guessing I have a lot to learn about pregnancy and babies,” he says.
I laugh. “You and me both.”
Reaching out, he slips his hand into mine. “Do you mind if we walk to the restaurant? It’s close by.”
“Sounds good.” I nod and lecture myself about ogling my date.
Hand in hand, we stroll to the restaurant, making small talk and weaving around people walking in the opposite direction. Once we get to our destination, Jack pauses outside the window that is brightly decorated in reds, greens, and yellows and gives off a welcoming vibe.
“Do you want to check out the menu first? Just in case?” he asks.
I shake my head. “I’ve been looking forward to this dinner all day.”
He squeezes my hand, then releases it and opens the door for me to precede him.”
We walk into the restaurant, and I inhale the garlic and citrus smells of the food.
Under any other circumstances, dinner would be the only thing on my mind, but my stomach rebels at the mixture of scents. “Oh, God.” I turn to the hostess. “I need the ladies’ room,” I tell her, hoping she hears the urgency in my voice.
She points toward the hallway in the back.
I glance at Jack. “Be right back.” I sprint toward the restroom, bypassing a waiter with a heavy tray as I keep going.
I wrench the door open. It’s a single stall and I drop to my knees, just making it in time.
I feel awful, dry heaving, bathed in a cold sweat.
I flush the toilet and lay my forehead on my arms with a groan.
Footsteps come up behind me. The door closes and I feel a strong hand on my back. “Are you okay?” Jack asks in a gruff voice.
I moan. “I’m so sorry.” I lift my head and turn to meet his gaze.
“There’s nothing to apologize for. Can I help you up or do you need more time?” he asks.
“Up.”
He places his arm around my waist as I push up. He steadies me, not letting go. Then, he lowers the lid and sits me down. While I wait, he pulls paper towels from the holder and runs them under water before wringing them out.
He takes my chin in his hand and pats my face with the cold towel, then reaches around to the back of my neck, applying the compress there. I’m so appreciative of his gentle touch and caring nature. If I could pick anyone to be the father of my child, this man would be it.
“That helps,” I murmur.
“Good.” He looks at me with concern in his gaze. “Can I get you ginger ale or see if they have decaf tea?”
I shake my head. “A mint would be great, though.” Now that the urgency has passed, I’m mortified.
He rubs my shoulder. “We’ll see if they have them on the way out.”
I push myself up and take a deep breath, making sure I can stand without another wave of nausea hitting me. “I’m okay.”
He wraps an arm around me again. “Come on,” he says and leads me out of the bathroom.
To be safe, I don’t meet anyone’s gaze as I leave, hoping the length of the hallway prevented anyone from knowing what happened. Jack whispers something to the hostess that sounds like an apology for not staying, and he slowly walks me back to the hotel.