Temptation(18)

“There you go Lucy, you’re doing so well, deep breaths, suck that gas in and try to relax. Your son will be in your arms soon, just focus on that.” A midwife came in and announced that Nicole Smith was outside.

“Ah, there you go, Nic is here, I’ll go and get her.” I pried my hand out of hers and gave her shoulder a squeeze, I looked up at Bryce and smiled. He managed a half grin, this must be so hard for him. Letting myself out of the birthing suite, I found Nic pacing just outside the door, she gave me a ‘who the hell are you look’.

“Hi Nic, I’m Alexis, you can go in now.” She left no time for thanks and burst into the birthing suite.

One of the nurses directed me to a waiting room where I made myself a cup of tea and took out my phone. Firstly I needed to call Abigail and advise her that the Penthouse was unattended. I cancelled Bryce’s 11:00am but with only 15 minutes to spare. Mr Jackson the VIP services Co-Ordinator, was very understanding about the late notice. I also called House-Keeping to attend to the mess Lucy had left behind in the bathroom and I left his 5 o’clock appointment as is, I figured I’d talk to him about it when he came out, together with the appointment with ‘Jessica’. I gave Rick a quick call to let him know about my exciting morning so far, the over exuberant salary increase and the fact I could possibly be late home.

“Melbourne Mortgages, you’re speaking with Rick.”

“Hi it’s me.”

“Hey, your number didn’t come up?”

“Oh yeah sorry, I’m calling from my work mobile.”

“What’s up, did you find out the salary figure?”

“Yeah I did, steady on, I’ll get to that in a minute. I’m just letting you know that I’m at the Royal Women’s, Lucy has gone into labour.”

“Oh, nice, so why are you there?” He sounded confused.

“She was anxious and didn’t want me to leave her, I think my experience in the whole pushing out babies department was comforting for her. We flew here in the company helicopter!”

“Fair enough, well why wouldn’t you?” He was so blasé about this stuff.

“Anyway, I negotiated my salary with Mr Clark this morning. He wants to pay me, wait for it.........$500k, but, it will mean I need to attend out-of-hours meetings and events possibly starting with tonight.”

“Fuck, $500 grand, are you for real?”

“Yes, I know, it’s ridiculous, but that’s the figure and conditions, thought you’d be happy.”

“Happy, maybe I should get you to negotiate with my boss! Shit, I’m speechless. Wow, Lexi the bread winner, never thought I’d say that.” He was laughing, more like mocking me. I rolled my eyes.

“Is that right Mr Summers? Well seeing I am the household bread winner now, I expect a hot cooked roast dinner on the table waiting for me when I get home and an hour long foot rub, because these shoes are starting to punish me.”

“Your wish in my command Miss half-a-Mill.” I laughed, he really did know how to make a joke about pretty much anything.

“Don’t you forget it. I’ll call you later when I know what’s happening. Love you, bye.” I hung up just as Bryce walked around the corner, he literally fell into the lounge.

“Is everything alright, how is Lucy?” I got up and sat next to his seat, he seemed in shock. “Bryce?”

“Yes, yes she’s fine.” He snapped out of it.

“She’s terrifying, but fine. Guess what? I’m an Uncle.” He looked up, I could see his eyes start to well with tears.

“I’m an Uncle Alexis, Uncle Bryce.” He jumped up and pulled me into his arms. Geez he’s strong. He hugged me so tight and practically spun me around.

“I’m an Uncle.” He gently put me down and apologised, he ran his hands through his hair. Ooooh Fuck, he looks hot when he does that.

“Sorry, I’m just so, so, shit, unprepared.” He slumped back down on the lounge.

“I don’t know the first thing about being an Uncle.” This man was like no other, rich, powerful, strong, obnoxious, a force to be reckoned with, yet he was also kind, caring, selfless, scared and unsure of himself.

“I’m not an Uncle, but I am an Aunty and all you need to know is how to love your nephew, I think you’ve already got that down pat.” I touched his leg and gave him a reassuring look. I really needed to avoid touching him, the feelings and sensations that coursed through me were very hard to cope with. I retracted my hand and stood up. I turned my back to him in the hope he couldn’t sense my embarrassment.

“I don’t know what the coffee is like but the tea is alright, can I make you one?”