Truly Madly Deeply Boxed Set(180)
“So what’s the verdict?” he asked.
Dr. Molloy glanced down at the paperwork on her cluttered desk. “The exam was fine, no problems for the last two weeks. You’re ending your first trimester. I don’t see any reason why you can’t get back on your feet as long as you take care of yourself. Frequent rests and don’t overdo it. No waitressing,” she said pointedly.
“I think Nicole and I have already reached an understanding there.”
Nikki ignored his attempt at asserting control. “I wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize the pregnancy,” she assured the doctor, whom she’d come to trust.
With a smile, Dr. Molloy closed the manila folder she’d scribbled her notes into. “Any other questions?”
“What’s the policy on...” Kevin cleared his throat. “What I meant to say was, how would you feel about us...” Nikki looked at him, waiting to hear his question.
“You can resume sexual relations any time, no restrictions—except nothing too strenuous,” Dr. Molloy warned them.
The answer was so unexpected, Nikki nearly choked on her own saliva. She coughed and Kevin grabbed her arm. “Are you okay?”
She was fine—she hoped. In all her hopes for the future, she’d forced herself to forget the possibilities of making love with Kevin. But once the doctor put the notion out there, Nikki couldn’t help thinking. About how solid and secure she’d felt in his arms or about the waves of pleasure he was capable of giving.
She wrapped her arms around her chest, as if the small gesture could ward off the sexual awakening. With difficulty, she turned and met his gaze. His cheekbones were flushed with color. At least he’d thrown himself into turmoil too. “Did you get the correct answer?” she asked.
“No, but I like the one I got,” he murmured, soft enough for only her to hear. His voice was a low growl and her insides turned to mush with a rush of desire.
“I’m sorry. Did I misinterpret the question?” Dr. Molloy asked.
Kevin shifted in his seat “Actually, yes. My concern was very different.”
Some kind of internal radar went off in Nikki’s brain. She couldn’t put her finger on the reason, but Kevin’s flat tone made her wary. So did his sudden shift in body language. Stiff posture, squared shoulders, and clenched jaw. Nikki was certain neither she nor the doctor would like what was to come.
Dr. Molloy clasped her hands and leaned forward in her seat. Did she sense an upcoming problem too? “What can I do for you, Mr. Manning?”
He leaned forward in his seat. “It’s not that I’m questioning your qualifications or abilities.”
“But?”
Nikki shut her eyes, now realizing where he was headed. “Kevin,” she said, clear warning in her tone. Her choice in doctors was a topic they could discuss in private.
The doctor waved her hand. “Let him speak. He’s entitled to his opinion.”
“However wrong it may be,” Nikki muttered.
“I haven’t voiced one yet,” he said. “Look, forgive me for any inherent bias, but we’re in a clinic in an area far from where Nikki now lives. As far as I can tell, she’s got a risky pregnancy.”
“Actually, she doesn’t. What Ms. Welles had is perfectly common among pregnant women. We restrict their activity as a precaution and to avoid miscarriage. Though there are schools of thought that say if a miscarriage was going to occur, bed rest couldn’t stop it.”
“Regardless, there’s another school of thought that adheres to the expression the best money can buy. It’s not that I question your abilities, but I wonder whether a private doctor would...”
“Charge a higher price that I can’t afford, for one thing.” Nikki rose from her seat and turned to face him. “Are you nuts? I thought we agreed to let me live my own life. And here you are, questioning my choices in front of my doctor. Gee, that shows a lot of faith.”
“I believe I said I wondered whether a private doctor couldn’t offer you more. I was asking Dr. Molloy’s opinion, not questioning your choices. You made an excellent decision to come here. Under the circumstances,” Kevin said.
“Excuse me.” Dr. Molloy cleared her throat “Didn’t I mention that stress isn’t good for mother or child?”
With a loud exhale for exaggerated effect, Nikki lowered herself back into her seat. Just when she’d decided to try to build a relationship, he placed unexpected roadblocks in her path.
“The most I can do is offer you some pros and cons and suggest the two of you talk this over rationally at home.”