Her Focus: Exposed to Love: Book Two

by Joyce, Savina

  Phaedra blinked several times. She didn’t know what more to say. There was no way she could be pregnant. Was there?

  Phaedra rushed out of the park and headed to the nearest pharmacy. She could barely get up the nerve to go to the family planning aisle and pick up a pregnancy test. Phaedra felt a lurch in her stomach and wasn’t sure if it was nerves, or the baby the woman warned her about.

  Warily, she grabbed the nearest digital test and headed for the register. There was no room for confusion today, so she needed a definitive yes or no. This was not the times for lines or pluses. Knowing her luck, Phaedra would probably get an inconclusive triangle or something.

  She also grabbed a small tub of ice cream. No matter how this test turned out, Phaedra got the feeling that ice cream would be needed. She couldn’t meet the cashier’s eyes as she paid for the test. Phaedra knew the cashier would give her the same smile as that woman at the park. She couldn’t bear to see it again.

  * * *

  Back at her apartment, Phaedra put the ice cream away and did anything else she could think of to avoid taking the test. River was uncharacteristically quiet. The cat watched from the doorway as Phaedra puttered around the house. She even sneered while Phaedra cleaned the kitchen.

  Unfortunately, one of the things she did was drink a glass of water. She couldn’t avoid the bathroom much longer. Time to pee on the stick. It was going to be negative, anyway. Might as well get it over with.

  Phaedra took the test and waited. The urge to call Logan was strong. He was such a comfort whenever she was worried or stressed. If she called him now, though, she would have to tell him why she was worried. It wasn’t worth the risk. Phaedra didn’t want to get him upset about a test that was going to be negative, anyway.

  The instructions said to wait three minutes, but the results didn’t take that long. As soon as Phaedra peered at the test, she saw the results:

  PREGNANT

  Phaedra stared at the test in silence. She sank to her knees, hands shaking. How could this have happened? She was always so careful. There was no question about the father. It was definitely Logan’s baby. Phaedra was in the midst of the longest dating dry spell of all time when she met him. She had sacrificed her social life for her career. Now, she was pregnant.

  The phone rang. Phaedra yelped. She had been so lost in thought that she wasn’t sure what the noise was when she first heard it. Picking it up, she looked at the screen and was almost sure that her heart stopped. It was Logan calling.

  Phaedra stared at the phone, terrified. Did he know? Had Shelly mentioned anything? No. That was impossible. Shelly was trustworthy. She had to be. She was Logan’s right hand. Maybe someone on the custodial staff? Phaedra knew she couldn’t keep pondering this. She had to pick up the phone. Whether Logan knew or not, she couldn’t avoid him.

  Chapter Eight

  Logan

  Logan hadn’t heard from Phaedra all day. That wasn’t like her. Normally she would at least send him a sweet text at some point during the day. He knew that she had a shoot today, but she should have been done by now. He missed her. Logan missed Phaedra any time that she wasn’t around.

  Before Phaedra, Logan hadn’t been the type to miss anyone. Women were for dates to formal functions and for the occasional distraction. Phaedra had changed all of that. From the first time that Logan laid eyes on her, he knew she was special. If he had never seen Phaedra, he probably wouldn’t have come up with the idea to ask her to pose as his fake fiancé. That wasn’t his style.

  In hindsight, Logan knew that he was probably just looking for a reason to get close to Phaedra. He never expected things to take this turn, but he did want to spend more time with her. Logan had definitely gotten more than he bargained for and he was so grateful. Now she had a key to his place and he could see her all the time.

  Logan realized that he never went to see Phaedra at her place in Connecticut. He always waited for her to come to him. If he wanted her to keep surprising him, he had to be willing to do the same for her. After work, he headed home to change and immediately left for Phaedra’s house.

  He was more nervous than he had anticipated. All of Logan’s experiences with Phaedra told him that she liked surprises, but what if she wasn’t home when he got there? Everyone had to run errands. He decided to call her just to be on the safe side. The phone rang and rang before Phaedra finally picked up.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey good looking. How are you? I’ve been thinking about you all day,” Logan said.

  “I’m fine.”

  “Are you sure? You sound…off. Is something wrong?”

  “Nothing’s wrong. I was just editing some photos. It’s not the most exciting work, but it is important.”

  “I don’t want to keep you from your work. I know how long that can take.”

  “Great. Thanks. I’ll call you when I’m done if it's not too late.”

  Logan knew that there was something more going on. He hated to hear Phaedra upset. He pressed his foot down harder on the gas pedal. He had to get to her to make sure that she was alright.

  Over the course of his drive, the buildings went from being nearly on top of each other to few and far between. He was glad that he had taken 15North instead of the main highway. It was a much more picturesque drive. Logan could see why Phaedra chose to live out here. He felt like he could finally breathe. Logan made a mental note to take Phaedra for a walk as soon as he found out what was bothering her.

  He was excited to see what her place was like. Logan knew it would be an extension of Phaedra. He hoped it would be sweet and creative. Phaedra was obviously worried, and that made Logan concerned. She never seemed like the type to let stress get to her. It could be something serious. He had to get to her.

  Time flew as he made the drive. Connecticut was the state right next to New York, so it didn’t take long. Before Logan knew it, he was at Phaedra’s door. It was only then that he realized he had shown up empty-handed. Actually, his hands were sweaty, but that wasn’t a gift anyone wanted to receive. Logan hoped that his presence would be enough of a surprise to make her smile.

  Chapter Nine

  Phaedra

  After she hung up with Logan, Phaedra just sat on the floor stunned. Of course, he would call right at that exact moment. She had to pull herself together. Ice cream would be a good place to start. Phaedra stumbled into the kitchen. She pulled out the carton of ice cream, grabbed a spoon, and sat on the counter to eat.

  She focused on nothing but the taste of ice cream and the feeling of River rubbing her tail on the bottom of her feet. Normally, that would tickle. Today, Phaedra’s reaction was numbed.

  She wasn’t sure how long she sat there shoveling ice cream into her mouth. The only thing that shook her out of her stupor was a sudden knock at the door. No one ever came to her house.

  Phaedra slid off the counter and crept to the peephole. She saw a familiar man’s profile standing outside of her door. He turned and stumbled back from the door. It was Logan. She was torn between being happy to see him and feeling terrified that he would find out about the baby. On the phone, he seemed totally unaware, but how would she hide it now that he was here?

  He knocked again. Phaedra had no choice but to open the door. River ran off to the bedroom.

  “Logan! What are you doing here?”

  “I know that you said you were busy, but I thought I would surprise you.”

  “I am definitely surprised.”

  Phaedra froze. She remembered that the pregnancy test was on the bathroom counter. Logan must have seen the fear in her eyes.

  “Did I do something wrong?” he asked.

  “Nope. I just need to make a quick bathroom run.”

  Logan laughed as Phaedra did her best not to sprint down the hall. “When you have to go, you have to go,” he called after her.

  Phaedra rushed into the bathroom, locking the door behind her. The wrapper and the box were on the floor while the test sat right on the edge of t
he sink. She wasn’t sure what to do. She couldn’t very well hide it in the cabinet. What if he needed an extra roll of toilet paper?

  She frantically ripped up the box and the instructions and flushed them down the toilet. In commercials, people flushed golf balls, so hopefully cardboard would flush, too. There was a tense moment when the toilet looked like it might back up, but everything went down in the end.

  The test just stared up at her from the countertop. Phaedra knew that would never flush. With no other options, she quickly wrapped it in toilet paper and buried it in the bottom of the bathroom’s trashcan. She silently prayed that Logan wouldn’t have any reason to check there.

  Phaedra washed her hands and peered at her reflection in the mirror. She looked wild-eyed like a feral cat. She took a deep breath and splashed some cold water on her face. The least she could do was look presentable.

  After spending a few minutes applying mascara and pulling her hair back, Phaedra at least looked like a normal person again. She calmly came out of the bathroom to find Logan rummaging around in the kitchen cabinets.

  “Can I help you find something?” she asked.

  “I went ahead and put that ice cream away. You might actually need some real food. I think I found the proper ingredients to make a decent Alfredo sauce. Do you have any noodles?”

  “In the cabinet next to the fridge. I’m not really that hungry.”

  “Really? I’d wager that you haven’t had a decent meal all day. You’re never the same when you’re hungry. What else have you eaten today?”

  Phaedra thought back to her meals for the day and shook her head. “I had a smoothie earlier.”

  “Exactly. A smoothie isn’t food. Don’t worry. My sauce will fix you right up.”

  Phaedra snorted. His ‘sauce’ was exactly what had gotten her into this.

  Logan raised an eyebrow. “Before you laugh at me, you should at least try my cooking.”

  “You’re right. I’m sorry. I’m sure it will be delicious.”

  “Just like you,” Logan said, pulling her closer for a kiss.

  Phaedra thought she would melt in his arms. They shared a brief, passionate kiss before Logan went off in search of pasta. How could she worry about anything when he made her feel such bliss? He might even be excited about the baby.

  What if he wasn’t?

  Logan was pulling long hours at work and his career was just starting to take off. Their relationship was still new. They had never even discussed children. It might be best to keep this to herself for a while. For now, she just needed to focus on keeping down the amazing dinner that Logan was preparing for her.

  Chapter Ten

  Logan

  Logan went to work in the kitchen. Cooking for Phaedra made him feel right at home. She was still distracted, but she seemed to enjoy watching him in the kitchen. In his experience, there was nothing that a good meal couldn’t fix.

  Once the food was done, Logan was pleased to see that Phaedra had a bigger appetite than usual. He took it as a testament to his amazing culinary skills. He was too much of a gentleman to point it out. While she ate her third bowl of fettuccine Alfredo, Logan looked around her place. It had a sweet seaside New England vibe. There was even a large sailors’ knot used as a door stopper. It gave off a cozier vibe than his place. He might ask her for some decorating pointers.

  After eating her weight in fettuccine, Phaedra quickly fell asleep. Logan gazed at her lovingly. This was truly how he wanted to spend the rest of his life. Feeding her and watching her fall asleep. She could help him with the dishes once in a while, but not tonight.

  Logan hoped they could seriously see this thing through to marriage. He hadn’t bothered to mention it to Phaedra. Lately, he spent a lot of time thinking about what would come next. Would she move to New York to live with him? Or, would they relocate to Connecticut, closer to where she lived? A lot of people commuted from Connecticut. It was probably a better place to grow a family.

  The thought of kids stopped him in his tracks. He didn’t even know how Phaedra felt about kids. She had photographed some cute kids over time, but they had never talked about starting a family. Logan wondered how many kids she would want, if any. Looking down at her nestled on the couch like this, Logan wanted some. Maybe two.

  How could he not want to have children with her? She was smart, attractive, and creative. Phaedra was the total package. His job kept him busy, but Logan knew that he could make time for her. After all, the higher ups only made family men partners. They avoided single men at all costs, too irresponsible. Surely, they would give those same men the time to spend with their families.

  Logan would need to look into that further. He could ask Shelly to find out. Since everyone believed that he and Phaedra were really engaged, no one would question his interest. Shelly was discreet enough to keep this inquiry off of Phaedra’s radar. Logan smiled to himself. He always liked to strategize.

  Slowly, Logan inched himself out from underneath Phaedra’s sleeping head. Once he was free, he picked her up and carried her to the bedroom. It felt as if she weighed nothing at all. It didn’t matter to him what size she was, as long as she was happy.

  Logan was excited to cook for her again and see if she responded as well as she had tonight. He liked to think of himself as a good cook, but eating herself into a near coma proved that Logan was better than he thought. His mother would be proud.

  Chapter Eleven

  Phaedra

  Phaedra woke up the next morning in a state of shock. She was in bed and Logan was there. They were both in her bed. She wondered how she’d gotten there. He would’ve had to have carried her. Was she any heavier in her first trimester? She wasn’t sure. Phaedra was growing a person. Crazy. Either way, she didn’t feel heavier. And if she was, she hoped Logan hadn’t noticed.

  As if hearing her concerns, Logan sighed in his sleep and rolled over. He huddled closer to Phaedra. He was always the big spoon to her little spoon. Phaedra lived for moments like these. She wasn’t sure if it was his close proximity or her hormones, but suddenly she had to have him.

  Phaedra arched her back, pressing her ample bottom against him. Logan pulled her closer and nuzzled her neck. His breath blowing over her skin made her shiver. Phaedra moaned softly.

  Logan began to stir. His hands gripped her thighs, pulling her closer to him. He pressed his firm member against her. Phaedra smiled and turned over. She kissed him while she placed her hand on his shoulder, pushing him on to his back. She slid one leg up the length of his before straddling his waist.

  Logan slid his hands up Phaedra’s legs before gripping her hips. He lifted his hips up to meet her before sliding his hands up to cup her breasts. Phaedra began slowly rolling her hips. She leaned down and kissed him, trailing kisses down his neck.

  Phaedra reached down and guided Logan inside of her. She sat up tall and smiled down at him. Slowly, she began moving again. Logan rocked his hips to match her rhythm. Phaedra moaned and threw her head back.

  Logan sat up and wrapped his arms around Phaedra’s waist. He buried his face in her chest, kissing her hungrily. Phaedra squealed. She put her hands on Logan’s shoulders and pushed him back down to the bed. Using her hands to brace herself, she shifted from her knees to her feet, and increased the tempo. There wasn’t anything Logan could do but hold on and enjoy the ride.

  Phaedra was moaning and crying out. Logan could feel it when she came. He couldn’t hold on much longer. Phaedra moved back down to her knees. She laid against him, whimpering in his ear. That only made things worse. His eyes rolled back.

  Logan grabbed Phaedra under her chin, pulling her face to his. He kissed her, moaning into her mouth as he came. Phaedra’s breath was ragged. She slowed to a stop. She pulled away, kissing him on the nose.

  Phaedra slid off Logan and laid on her side with one leg draped across him.

  “Good morning to you, too, Ms. Sparks.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Logan

  Log
an didn’t know what had gotten into Phaedra, but he liked it. No. He didn’t just like it. He loved it.

  She was in the shower now and Logan was tempted to join her. He needed time to recover. He still had to work in the morning, so he couldn’t run the risk of oversleeping. They were already off to a late start. Phaedra was distracting in the best possible way.

  He hated to leave her. Logan didn’t even want to go to work. He reminded himself that it was too soon to move in together. He had just given her his key.

  Logan got the feeling that he was being watched. He looked up to find River, Phaedra’s cat, staring down at him from the dresser. He had forgotten all about her cat. This was his first time seeing River in person. Based on her disdainful expression, she didn’t approve of his presence.

  Logan had never had pets growing up. He didn’t dislike cats. He just didn’t have a lot of personal experience with them. Between school and work, he had never had time for a pet. He thought it would be cruel to keep an animal cooped up in the house while he was gone for twelve hours a day. Things might be different if he had someone like Phaedra to help.

  Logan tried to lure River over to him by making kissing noises and calling her name. Her only response was the twitch of her tail followed by the flick of her ear. He was sure that he would win her over, eventually. He got up and slowly approached her, making sure not to startle her. River watched him warily. Once he was within a foot of her, she jumped down from the dresser and stalked off to the kitchen.

  Never one to be dissuaded, Logan followed her to the kitchen. He was not one hundred percent sure, but he thought there might be some leftover shrimp from dinner the night before. He opened Phaedra’s fridge and searched around. There were leftovers. He hoped that Alfredo sauce was safe for cats. It was only a little bit, so she should be fine. He casually pulled the shrimp out.