That V between his eyes deepens. He’s worried. When he worries, my heart flutters because Ryder doesn’t worry about many. “I’ll take you,” he offers.
“No. You stay here and have fun. I’ll beall right,” I pat his chest and begin to turn, but the damn floor starts moving again, making me stumble.
“Bloody hell, pixie,” he growls. “How much have you had to drink?” He looks from me to Heidi. “How much has she had to drink?”
“None as far as I know.”
He looks back to me and I confirm what Heidi just said. “I’m okay, Ry. I’ll just go home.”
“Yeah, and I’m taking you.”
“No,” I demand firmly. “I don’t want to ruin both of our nights.”
His jaw clenches, but I’m not giving in on this. He finally releases me with a sigh. “Fine, but I’m walking you out.”
“I’d like that,” I tell him then turn around again.
Except this time, the floor doesn’t just move. It vanishes altogether and my vision begins to spot. I feel like I’m free falling, except I never hit the floor.
“That’s it,” he growls as he scoops me up. “I’m taking you to the hospital.”
“No,” I argue but it kind of sounds pathetic.
“Yeah. I’m not arguing.”
“Then at least let me walk. It’s kind of humiliating for you to carry me out like I’m helpless.”
“Fine.” He grunts, setting me to my feet.
We begin walking to the door. We probably make it five feet when the same feeling comes over me more intensely. I don’t even get a chance to regret my decision to walk before everything goes black.
I lay back on thehospital bed with another grumble. I’ve been here for hours. And I’m alone. Even when I told them it was fine, they wouldn’t let Ryder come back with me.
He’s been texting me from the waiting room since we got here. Along with Maddox, Heidi, Dane, and everyone else. If I have to be tortured, at least I know there are people out there waiting for me.
Finally, the doctor comes in to give me the news. She looks over at me with a fake smile then down at the computer in her hand. “How are you feeling since we’ve gotten you hydrated?” she asks in a tone that screamsI don’t care.
I grit my teeth against the remark that wants to fall from my mouth. “Better, thank you.”
“Well, I have some good news and bad news,” she tells me without looking up.
“Okay?” I swallow as sweat breaks out across my forehead.
“The bad news is you have the flu. You’ve got several more days at least of the dizziness and nausea but I expect body aches and chills will be coming soon enough. You’ll begin feeling better in about a week to ten days, but I’m afraid the nausea may last a few more months. Which brings me to the good news. You’re pregnant. Given your hCG levels, you’re at least seven or eight weeks along. Congratulations. That said, what we can give you for your flu symptoms is different, but the best thing for you right now is rest. I’ll leave some prescriptions with the nurse for you at discharge. You’re ready to go as soon as the paperwork is complete.”
She turns around to leave without another word. She just dropped the bomb on me and left. I can feel the panic building up in my chest as I replay everything she just said in my head over and over.
Tears begin to build as I try to figure outhow. We have always been careful. He has always been careful. Only one time has there been an accident. It wasn’t his fault the condom broke, but I was certain we were safe.
This is my fault. I should’ve gotten the pill or something months ago. I shouldn’t have left him to shoulder all the responsibility. If I’d been on the pill, we would’ve been double protected.
Then I think about telling Ryder. I have no idea what his reaction will be. I know he’s not opposed to kids altogether, but we’re still kids ourselves. How will he handle this?
Another half an hour passes, and I’m finally walking out the doors of the emergency room. I feel like a zombie as I walk out, not reallyunderstanding anything around me.
Ryder reaches me first. He grips either side of my face, making me quickly jump away. “Stay away,” I order. “I have the flu.”
He chuckles then pulls me back to him. “I think we passed the point of exposure earlier, pixie.”
