Maitland Maternity: Triplets, Quads and Quints. Kasey Michaels
start now.”
He stared at her and she fought to keep her gaze level to his.
“I’m prepared to marry you,” he said abruptly, leaving her without anything to say.
When she didn’t respond, he said, “I assumed that’s what you would want, now that you know how to locate me.”
She leaned back in her chair and lifted her chin another inch. “You’re wrong, Dr. Callaghan. I’m not carrying your children, and I don’t require such a sacrifice of you. You made your feelings toward me and any commitment quite clear that day in New York City when you disappeared.”
“I told you, I was coming back. Of course, then I thought you were a working stiff, like me. Not the incredibly wealthy Ms. McCallum, hiding behind a title.”
Bri tried to remember the need to keep her blood pressure down. Drawing several deep breaths, she counted to ten. Several times. Finally, she said, “You may not care for me personally, Dr. Callaghan, but I will not accept such disparaging remarks about my work.”
“So I’ve heard. All people have done is praise your work. They always mention how hard you work, how efficient you are. I figured you shoveled all of it to your assistant’s shoulders. They’ve assured me that’s not true.”
She gave silent thanks for the support she’d received. She’d worked hard to ensure that no one thought she was taking an easy ride because of her name. “I hope you’re satisfied, then.” She’d discovered the hard way that people assumed wealth meant no work on her part. That she would snap her fingers and get what she wanted.
“Not yet. I like to see things for myself.”
“I understand. And if I don’t meet your standards, I’ll expect you to let me know.”
“You can be sure of that. Are these my babies?”
She stared at the sudden switch of topic again. “No, these are my babies, no one else’s. Now, if you’ve finished with your questioning, I’d like to go home and rest.” She’d like to get away from him, so she could relax. The tension was getting to her.
He stood, but instead of leaving, he came around the desk and began taking her pulse.
“What are you doing? You’re not my doctor. I don’t want you—”
“It’s high. Are you on any medication for high blood pressure?”
“No! And my blood pressure will go down as soon as you leave!”
“How far away do you live?”
“That’s none of your business. Go away!”
He smiled, which, seven months ago, would’ve melted all her resistance. She was made of sterner stuff now.
“I can’t let you drive with such high blood pressure. I’ll drive you home.” He took hold of her arm as if he intended to pull her to her feet.
“Turn me loose. I can stand by myself.”
He lifted his hands, as if surrendering, and stood silently watching her.
Just what she wanted. Her ex-lover to see how awkward she was. “When you leave.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“I’ll stand when you leave.” She sat in her chair, glaring at him.
“I’m afraid that’s not acceptable. I can carry you, I can call an ambulance, or I can call your doctor. You may choose which option you prefer. Or you can stand now and we can walk out to my car.”
She felt herself begin to shake, knowing she was pushing her limits. It was time for her to eat, too. Abby had explained the importance of eating regularly. Without saying anything, she stood. Then she bent over to pick up her bag. As she walked to the office door, she was aware of him following her, his tall form leaning protectively toward her.
Even on the nights when she’d hated him, she hadn’t forgotten how protective he’d been—until he walked out on her. She made it to the elevator without him touching her, which was a major accomplishment. But it took a lot of energy to control her reaction.
It didn’t take long to go down one floor. When the door opened, Hunter took one of her arms.
“You’re trembling!” he exclaimed. “Are you all right?”
“It’s time for me to eat. I’ll fix something as soon as I drive home.”
“You’re not driving home. I’m driving you. But there’s a café right here. Let’s grab some dinner there before I take you home.”
Bri debated her choices. If she ate, she should be able to drive home by herself. That would be better than this man taking her home. She opted for the Austin Eats Café, a favorite place of hers. “I’ll go eat at the café. You don’t have to join me. After I eat I’ll be okay.”
“We’ll see,” he said mildly, keeping hold of her arm. “Besides, I don’t like to eat alone.”
“Dr. Callaghan, you’re being outrageous,” she protested.
He pulled open the door to the restaurant. She saw several people she knew, since many of the staff at Maitland Maternity hung out at the diner. She could protest and they’d come to her aid, but how would that look? If she acquiesced to his company, everyone would think she was welcoming the new obstetrics chief.
“A lot of hospital people eat here. Unless you want to start rumors, we’d better pretend to be friendly.”
“Why, Bri, we are friendly,” he assured her with that lopsided smile, one that she’d never forgotten.
“Bri, how are you?” one of the waitresses called as she saw her enter. “Come on in. We’ve got a vacant booth back here.”
Bri cringed as she knew what was coming next. She’d dined in here just recently.
The waitress pulled the table between the two bench seats all the way to one side. Then she looked at Hunter. “You don’t mind sharing the same side with Bri, do you? She needs more room than most people these days.”
“I’d be delighted to sit beside her,” he said with a smile that had the waitress fluffing her hair. “Thank you.”
“Glad to be of service. What can I bring you to drink while you’re reading the menu?”
“I’ll have ice water, please,” Bri said before the waitress forgot she even existed. Hunter had that effect on women.
“Coffee for me,” he said, then added, “Decaf if you have it.”
“Sure do. I’ll be right back.”
After the waitress hurried away, Hunter leaned back and surveyed the diner. “Nice place. Very attentive service.”
Bri rolled her eyes. “Duh. I wonder why?”
“Because you look like you’re about to give birth at any minute?” he said, smiling down at her.
She looked away. “No. Because the waitress can’t resist your smile.”
“Some women manage.”
It was on the tip of her tongue to point out that if she’d been able to do so, she wouldn’t look like a blimp ready to pop. But then she remembered that he would realize she was carrying his children. And she didn’t want that. She wasn’t going to let a heartless man into her life. He might hurt her babies.
She flipped open the menu, though she practically knew it by heart. Not that she could order her favorite things right now. The girls didn’t like the chili or the enchiladas she loved.
“What’s good?” Hunter asked.
She pointed out several of her favorites, but when the waitress came to take their orders, she asked for