Total pages in book: 43
Estimated words: 40206 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 201(@200wpm)___ 161(@250wpm)___ 134(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40206 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 201(@200wpm)___ 161(@250wpm)___ 134(@300wpm)
I blink the sleep out of my eyes and immediately realize I'm not in my bedroom where I’m usually surrounded by light and airy hues. The walls in my house are a soft cream and the light from the windows always lets the sunshine in, creating a kaleidoscope of colors. Not to mention my bedroom has a bohemian vibe. It's the exact opposite to this room. The walls and ceiling are a dark knotty wood, similar to what you’d see in a log cabin. There’s virtually no light except for an open door, which I’m assuming leads to a bathroom. Someone must have left it on and the door slightly ajar.
The call to use the restroom becomes too strong. I lift the covers off me, glancing down and realizing a different situation entirely. I’m not in my clothes. My fingers grasp the collar of the men’s shirt I'm wearing and I bring it to my nose.
“Lawson,” I say his name so low it’s barely above a whisper. It smells warm and rich, with hints of leather, wood, and amber. I inhale as deep as my lungs will allow before I exhale. He must be here somewhere close, and once I take care of business, I’m going to give him a piece of my mind. That is once I’m finished dealing with myself. The past few days have been rough, and it doesn’t seem like there’s an end in sight. I guess the good news is I was able to get in with my obstetrician the same day I saw Doctor Jimenez. Thankfully, she gave me some medicine to help combat the all-day sickness that will no doubt last for at least my first trimester. The only problem with the medicine is waiting for the pharmacy to get it in stock. Apparently, it’s not widely needed in town, so I’m waiting for them to get in, and then I’ll be able to start it immediately. For the time being, I’m stuck in the limbo of feeling great to all of a sudden being back to hugging my best friend, the toilet.
I lift myself up into a sitting position. Since I'm feeling okay, I spin my body so my legs are dangling over the edge. I flex my feet back and forth, making sure dizziness doesn’t take root before I stand up. The last thing I want is to fall flat on my face.
“What the fuck are you doing trying to get out of bed?” I’ve barely scooted to the edge. Jesus, this bed is massive, dark, and definitely manly, a lot like what I’m assuming is his owner.
“Going pee, so please get out of my way before I lose my bladder.” There’s no way I’ll be able to have the conversation of who, what, when, where, or how until I take care of business.
“Doc said bed rest. I’ll carry you.” Lawson’s tone isn’t leaving a whole lot to reason with. I’m all for angering the beast, when I’m not doing it peeing myself, that is.
“Lawson, if you pick me up, it’ll be a bad idea. I promise you this.” I stand up, and he’s instantly at my side.
“Juniper,” he starts to talk, but the look I send his way must make him have enough sense to shut his trap. His hand goes to my elbow, guiding me toward where the door is open and a light is shining. I glance at him out of the corner of my eye. He’s wearing nothing except a loose pair of flannel pajama pants. They’re hanging low on his hips and showing off his trim waist. And now, I really need to get away from Mister Sex-on-a-Stick. My hormones are in overdrive when I’m not losing what little food I have in my body. Lawson is doing me absolutely no favors, and the small grin he has plastered on his face right now tells me he knows exactly what he’s doing.
“I can handle it from here,” I state once we’re at the doorway.
“Juni, the last time you went to the bathroom, you didn’t get up on your own.” I can hear the gruffness, and I’m well aware of what he’s talking about. I shouldn’t have gone in to work. I should have kept my butt at home. Constantly running to the bathroom and heaving knocked me flat on my ass. At least I sat on my ass before I lost consciousness, and I guess Lawson is the one who found me.
“I’m okay.” I give him a small smile.
“Leave the door open. I’ll give you my back. And, Juniper?” His request is more of a demand.
“No, there’s no and. What the hell, Lawson? I’m not doing that. You have no problem knocking a door down. You’ll be just fine.” I yank my elbow away from his hold, march my ass into the bathroom, closing the door in his face before he can so much as utter another word, and lock it, too.