I sigh in relief. “Thank God!”
I’m quickly handed some tissues from a smiling nurse, and I wipe myself down before pulling up my jeans and rushing to the toilet. Once I’m finished, I rush back outside where I see Drake in a heated discussion on his phone. Once he spots me, he quickly hangs up, and I run straight into his waiting arms. “I’m so happy the baby’s okay.”
He squeezes me to him. “See, I told you everything would be okay.”
“Who was that on the phone?” I ask, pulling away.
He smiles down at me and kisses my lips. “No one important.” He kisses me again and rubs his nose with mine. In this moment, I couldn’t be happier.
“Would it be okay if you came round to my place for dinner? I don’t really want to let you go now. Besides, I think this is cause for a celebration, don’t you?”
I bite my lip, silently wondering if I should go. I haven’t been to Drake’s since I left all those weeks ago. It’s crazy really because I’ve been pining over Ireland, and I’m desperate to see her.
“Okay,” I answer without a moment’s hesitation.
Drake smiles, takes my hand, and leads us out to the waiting car. “Oh, what about another appointment?” I ask as we’re nearing the car.
“Don’t worry. I sorted that when you went to the toilet. You have to go for another scan in about five weeks. It’s then we can find out the sex of the baby … if we want.”
I get into the car wondering if that is what I want or not. I decide finding out is easier because at least I will know whether to shop for a boy or a girl that way.
“Where to, sir?” Kane asks as we settle in the car.
“Home, please, Kane. Evelyn and I are celebrating.” Drake looks across at me with a smile, and it’s then that I feel my heart ache for this man. All this time I have been trying to deny my feelings, but I know that in this moment, I definitely have them.
As we drive back, though, I wonder to myself whether or not I’m just getting caught up in the moment. Do I want Drake, or am I just being swept away by this awesome and precious moment between us? Right now, a big part of me just wants to take Drake into my arms and tell him never to let me go. But, come the light of day, would I end up regretting that decision?
“We’re here,” Drake announces.
I look out the window—only now realising just how deep in thought I really was. In front of us, the all too familiar gates open and we drive through. A little pang hits my stomach as we approach the stairs that lead toward the entrance. A small part of me feels like I shouldn’t be here, but this is the first step towards trusting Drake, and I believe him when he says that he won’t hold me prisoner.
“Can we go see Ireland first?”
Drake smiles. “Of course. I know she’s missed you.” I bite my lip as the guilt washes over me. “Come,” Drake commands. “Let’s go inside.”
We get out of the car and make our way into the house. Some guards I recognise are here, and they greet us as we walk in. “Where’s George?” I ask, looking around. I’ve actually missed him in my own way.
“George is taking some time off, but he will be back this evening to make us dinner. Do you have a special request?”
I smile. “How about steak?”
Drake smirks. “I thought so, but I wanted to be a gentleman and ask.” He then takes my hand and immediately leads me out back towards the stables. I practically run towards Ireland, kissing that little map on the top of her nose. She nuzzles into me, and I inhale, taking in her smell.
“I’ve been regularly exercising her in your absence. Every time I take Max out, she comes with us.”
“Thank you,” I reply, kissing her head again. “I suppose I shouldn’t ride her now … just in case.”
Drake frowns. “Hmm. Until you have the baby, I think that’s wise. We can’t have anything happen to either of you.” He walks up to me and places a hand on my belly. When he captures my eyes with his, lust like never before courses through me. I find I can’t look away. Visions of him ripping my clothes off and taking me in the barn run through my head. Right now, I don’t care about the consequences of demanding that he does exactly that. I just know that if I don’t, I will burst.
Gripping his shirt, I pull him towards me. The air has shifted between us. It almost feels like a huge electric charge, and I’m burning from the inside out. I need to have him inside me at any cost.
“Drake,” I say breathlessly as I pull him even closer to me. I feel once his erection presses into my stomach, and I know he wants this just as much as I do. “Drake, I—”