The thought brought a heavy pang.
But on the other hand, she knew it was for the best. At seven weeks pregnant her stomach was still as flat as a board, but there was no telling when the sporadic nausea spells she’d been having all week would chip in. She had a feeling that Luke, with all his medical experience, would sense the truth right away. She didn’t even want to think of the possibility.
Dana was still riding her ass to tell him, but the more days went by, the less she felt inclined to. And she knew she made the right decision. Luke would probably resent her—and their baby—for something that could have been avoided. She didn’t need him or his support. She was perfectly capable of raising a child on her own.
“I’m busy, too,” Luke said. “But here I am.”
She reached for a file folder beside her and tucked a printed report inside. “I can’t talk right now, ok?”
“Did I do something wrong?”
“No,” she replied. “You didn’t. But I’m really busy.”
“You weren’t busy when you left me hanging in the parking lot.”
“That was…”
“Rude.”
“Wrong. I’m sorry. But it was so overwhelming. I never thought I’d see you again.”
“And you didn’t want to.” His pleasant expression turned into a small scowl.
“That’s not it. Listen, Luke. I don’t know what you want, but whatever it is, I can’t give it to you. I just got out of a bad relationship. I’m not looking for another one.”
Luke’s face fell, and so did her stomach. She hated being the cause of the despondent look he wore. If only she could wipe it away with what he wanted to hear. But it wouldn’t have been fair to him, her baby or her healing process.
Luke’s cellphone beeped. He removed it from his pocket and checked the screen. “Shit.” He spun to go, but turned back to look at her. “Can I see you later? Just to talk.”
“Luke…”
His phone beeped again and he gave her a pleading stare. “Please.”
“Fine. I leave at six.”
He backed away with a grin. “I’ll see you, then.”
She watched him hurry away, his white coat billowing at the sides. Oh, no, you won’t. Her shift ended at five. She had every intention of leaving right on the dot.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Luke tapped the elevator handrail impatiently as he ascended, his anxiety lengthening the ride. It was almost six, close to Isabel’s departure time; too close for his comfort. Isabel had a track record for running away, it seemed, and he wanted to beat her at her own game.
The night in the parking lot seemed like a lifetime ago. The past three weeks had been torture, with her being so close. But he’d decided to give her space, and although it was so hard to do, he knew it was the best strategy.
At least, he thought it was. The hope that Isabel would come around died a slow death with each passing day. He realized that, if they were to reconnect the way he wanted, he would have to be the one to make a move.
So, here he was, rushing down the hall that led to her unit as fast as his long legs could carry him, his fingers crossed with a hope for the best. Isabel had a stubborn streak, yes, but it was no match for his resilience. He knew she wanted him. It was more than clear from her response to him. That was all he needed to keep breaking down her barrier.
He swiped his access card at the door and pushed it open, entering to find a tall, middle-aged woman with a short bob swiping a radiology screen, her brows knitted in concentration.
“Hey, Claudia,” he greeted the woman while scanning the office. Two other technicians sat behind their computers, their focus solely on the screen. But no Isabel.
Claudia tore her gaze from the screen to look at him. “Dr. Abrahams. It’s been a minute since I’ve seen you in this neck of the woods. What, are your interns out sick?” Her following grin triggered one of his in return.
“I’m off the clock. Looking for Isabel, actually.”
“Ooooh…” Claudia leaned against the table with a sneaky smile. “There’s a story there, I presume?”
Luke and Claudia’s association went way back to the first year of his internship when he spent a great deal of his day to and fro the radiology unit. He’d learned a lot from his time with the commanding woman with a voice that sounded like she had a constant sore throat.
“Not yet,” he replied. “Where is she?”
“I don’t know… I think she left,” Claudia said.
“About an hour ago,” one of the technicians chimed in. “Her shift ended at five.”
Luke chuckled with a head shake. Isabel’s deliberate attempt to deceive him should have brought discouraging feelings, but it didn’t. He was all for the chase. He knew she was worth it.
CHAPTER NINE
“You, my friend, are a goddamn mess,” Dana said, plopping down on Isabel’s bed beside her.
“It’s self-preservation,” Isabel replied.
Dana scoffed and tossed a pillow at her head. “No, it’s not. You’re being a coward, Iz. You dodged Luke for no reason, while time’s running out. In a few weeks you won’t be able to hide your baby bump, not with those close-fitting outfits you wear.”
“I had a reason.”
“Really? Care to share?”
She sighed wearily. “Luke doesn’t want kids, Dana. I’m trying to spare him.”
“Did he tell you that?”
“Yeah, the night in his apartment.”
‘Listen, honey,” Dana said, scooting closer to her. “People will say anything when they’re not faced with reality. Who knows, maybe the news will change his outlook.”
“And if it doesn’t?”
“You have to take the risk. It wouldn’t be fair to deny him the opportunity to raise his child. Besides, what are you going to do when you start showing? Don’t you think he’ll wonder if it’s his?”
“It doesn’t have to be. Maybe I’ve been with someone else.”
“So, you’d rather live a lie than give him a chance. You surprise me, Iz. You were raised without a dad; would you want the same for your child?” Without waiting for a response, she made to roll from the bed, but Isabel reached for her hand.
“Ok. Ok. I’ll tell him. Not now, but soon.”
“Promise?”
“Yes, mother.”
Dana chuckled. “I’m just trying to get you to do the right thing, that’s all. I’m not suggesting you become one big, happy family, but give him a place in the baby’s life.”
An image of her and Luke together, happy, with their baby took center stage in her mind. She could not ignore the longing that lodged in the pit of her stomach. In another life, Luke would have been the perfect match as a partner and the father of her child; handsome, successful, smart—all qualities on her checklist.
But sadly, this was the wrong time.
Her cell phone rang with the ring tone she’d set for her mom. Since she left New York, Olivia Delgado’s checkups had become a daily ritual, with a constant enquiry on how much she’d eaten, if she’d slept well or if she’d put enough gas in the car. She tolerated her mom’s fussing because she understood how much she missed having her close.
The apartment that Isabel shared with Karim was only two blocks from Olivia’s townhouse. Now she was miles away. And as the only child, she suspected her mom’s loneliness.
But there was no going back. Not even for her mother’s sake.
Swinging her legs from the bed, she rose in a rush, just as the room spun. And before she could take a step, all went black.
CHAPTER TEN
Isabel stepped from the elevator while searching her bag for the access card to her department. It was way past eight, which meant she was almost an hour behind her schedule. But there was nothing she could have to done to avoid being late, not with the ill feelings she’d been experiencing all morning.
She’d woken way past the alarm time, feeling like a truck had run over her. From the minute she set h
er feet on the floor, the overwhelming urge to empty her stomach had beckoned. And even as it reigned, the dizziness joined in and fought to take control.
She hoped to God she wouldn’t pass out like the last time. It had given Dana a major scare when she collapsed on the floor. But Isabel, when revived, eased her panic by assuring her that it was a result of missing two meals that day.
This morning, after struggling to get ready, she’d checked her reflection in the mirror, shocked to see the dark circles around her tired eyes. She needed rest, but her dilemma and the growing baby kept her up for most of the night. Add that to the pregnancy symptoms that had gone into overdrive, she was in for a hell of a day.
It was a struggle, this pregnancy, with the everlasting nausea and exhaustion. But with each passing day, the bond with her baby grew stronger, and she couldn’t imagine another reality than this.
Sure, it happened by accident, but her child was a blessing, meant to restore healing to her damaged heart. She only wished she could share it with Luke.
His attempts for them to reconnect was driving her up the wall, for more reasons than one. Besides the secret she carried that she feared he would discover at any minute, there was also the mounting temptation to succumb to him. She wished he would just stay away; wished she could find the words to keep him away. But her constant rejection did nothing to thwart him. He kept coming back, with his sweet talk and sexy smile that triggered a slew of unclean thoughts. God, he was making it so hard!
Any day now, she would begin to show. Her first trimester was coming to an end, and with it came an added roundness to her figure. She had begun making changes to her wardrobe by shopping for looser clothing, but soon there would be no way to hide the truth.
It was inevitable; the confrontation. Would she have the nerve to lie to his face?
Why would you need to, anyway? Her conscience asked. Why don’t you just tell him the truth?
Because he’ll hate me for it…
“Hey, Isabel, you ok?” Carey, an intern asked in passing. His look of concern made Isabel believe she looked way worse than she did before leaving home that morning. And from the hot-cold feeling that came and went, it seemed more than likely.
“I’m fine, Carey. Just a mild flu. Thanks for asking, though.” She shot him a smile and swung the bag strap over her shoulder with her access card now in hand.
Her thoughts returned to Luke, and she recalled the panic in his eyes the night she asked about the picture on his dresser. He did not want to be a father, that much had been clear. To upset his world would do more harm than good.
His pursuit of her would become the opposite. The adoring look that graced his eyes when he was around her would fade. He would feel nothing more than disdain at the inconvenience in his life. She wanted to spare him—her child—from that reality.
She walked down the hallway and past the main entrance to her department, opting for the side door where she could hopefully get in unnoticed. Not that she was in any trouble. Claudia was the coolest boss ever. But she knew the minute Claudia took a look at her disheveled state she would give her an order to return home.
She needed to work. The distraction would allow her to forget about her problems, if only for the rest of the day.
Swiping the card at the door, she pushed it open, just as another wave of giddiness took over. She stumbled, just as Dylan, another technician appeared from behind his cubicle.
“Sneaking in, huh?” he said, giving her a conspiratorial smile, just as the room spun and the floor rose up to meet her.
***
“One meal a day won’t cut it, Isabel,” Dr. Evans the OB said, her arms crossed while giving Isabel a stern look. “You have a life inside you that needs nourishment.”
“I know. It’s just…” she wiped the sudden tears. Was she a bad mother, already starving her baby? “The thought of food makes me sick.”
“An empty stomach makes the nausea worse. How about eating in small portions, some fruit and crackers for a start? That will help.”
“Ok.” She leaned against the pillow and caressed her belly. I’m so sorry, baby.
“But that doesn’t explain the fainting spells. I’ll run a blood test, but it will take a day or two before we get the results. But I think you may be anemic. In the meantime, I’ll put you on some iron supplements.” She scribbled on a chart. “Now, get some rest.”
Isabel turned to her side and placed a hand over her belly just as the door opened and Luke stepped in. “Dr. Evans, I have a pregnant patient who needs—” He stopped short at the sight of Isabel.
Surprised, she raised up on the bed and the hospital gown pressed against her stomach. Luke’s eyes dropped to her belly, and a dark frown crossed his face.
Oh shit, she thought. Busted.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Luke stared at Isabel, feeling like he’d gotten a solid punch in the gut. He knew his eyes weren’t deceiving him; the small pouch around Isabel’s middle section wasn’t there months ago. It certainly wasn’t there the night they made love.
He’d been in the medical field long enough—hell, he’d been around long enough to know a pregnant woman when he saw one. Standing there, it was like his world was coming to an end.
Was this why she constantly rejected him? Because she was carrying another man’s child? The thought brought a crushing feeling.
“Dr. Abrahams?”
Dr. Evans’ voice cut into his misery and he looked to her. “Uh… there’s a pregnant patient on the way up from the ER. She’s been in a major accident, now she’s having contractions. I wanted to give you a heads-up.”
“Ok. I’ll handle it.” She placed Isabel’s chart down on the table and pointed to her. “Do not leave this bed.”
“I promise.” Isabel settled back as Dr. Evans left the room. With a tentative expression, she watched as Luke approached her bed.
“Do I even need to ask?” he said.
She shook her head and placed her hands over her tummy. “I am.”
“Whose is it?” Does it even matter, Luke? She’s clearly moved on.
“Just let it go, please.”
“Why should I, when you haven’t been honest with me?” She could have made it clear from the beginning, instead of having him hang around like a love-sick puppy. How she must have laughed behind his back!
“Luke…” she sighed and drew a hand over her face. “Just go away.”
“You’re something else,” he said with a scoff, backing away from the bed. “I won’t come near you again.” His heart hammered in his chest as he spun and headed for the door.
“Luke, wait.”
“For what?” He whipped around and gave her the biggest scowl he could muster. “You don’t need to say it. I get it; you’re starting a family with someone else. At the very least you could have made it clear, instead of having me make a fool of myself.”
“I’m not having a baby with someone else,” she replied, her calm tone contradicting the turmoil he felt inside. She clasped her hands together and took a deep breath before replying, “it’s yours.”
For a moment Luke swore he hadn’t heard right, so he said, “what?”
“The baby’s yours, Luke.”
He moved closer to the bed, and the pounding in his heart had another rhythm; this time, a happy one. “Mine?”
Isabel nodded with a tiny smile, one that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“How?”
“Something must’ve happened with the condoms the night we slept together. I haven’t been with anyone else.”
“I wasn’t suggesting—” he ran fingers through his hair, unable to hold the big smile that spread across his face. “Wow.”
Her eyes narrowed and she folded her arms across her chest. “This wasn’t the response I expected.”
“What do you mean?”
“You said you didn’t want kids.”
Luke expelled a rush of air. “I know… but this is changes everything.”
/> “Well, it doesn’t need to,” she said.
“Huh?”
“I don’t want to trap you with a life you don’t want, Luke. You have no obligations here. It’s okay if you want to walk away.”
“Have you lost your mind?”
Isabel shuffled on the bed, her expression now mirroring the frustration he felt. “You don’t want to be a father. Those were your words, not mine—”
“I admit that, but I have the right to change my mind.” He pulled a chair to the bedside and sat as close as possible. “I want to be in his life, Isabel. Sure, I’ll need more time to process this because I think I’m still in shock, but there’s no doubt where I want to be.”
Where he needed to be; with Isabel and their child. He’d never been so sure of anything in his life. This all felt like a dream, but he hoped to God it wasn’t, for this had to be one the happiest days of his life.
For months he’d pursued her and tried to charm his way into her life, fearing that each rejection pulled them further apart. But all along the perfect tool for winning Isabel lay within her, growing stronger each day, just like his feelings for her.
A baby…wow. He was still waiting for it to sink in. His initial decision to not have kids had nothing to do with his love for them. In fact, he adored children. But the thought of having another human being—a tiny human being depend on him brought a terror he could not overcome.
Until now.
He looked at Isabel’s belly, seeing the soft rise that gave him a rush of pride. Beneath the surface lay a piece of him and her, joined together as one. Just as how he wanted them to be.
Reaching across, he caressed her belly, grateful when she did not push his hand away. “This is… unreal.”
“I should have told you, I know,” Isabel said, a clear contriteness on her face. “But I was so afraid it would ruin your life.”
Her words brought him fully to the present. “I don’t blame you for keeping it a secret, Isabel. If I were you, I would have done the same. But I’m telling you now that I’m not going anywhere. I’m in this for the long haul.”
The Secret Baby: A One Night Stand Romance (Medical Heart Throb Series Book 1) Page 4