Читать книгу Maitland Maternity: Triplets, Quads and Quints - Kasey Michaels - Страница 15

“Bri, do you want me to bring you some lunch?” Lisa asked, interrupting Bri’s concentration.

“No, thanks, Lisa. My dad is taking me to lunch.”

“Okay, I’ll switch the phones to voice mail until I get back.”

Bri muttered “Okay” without looking up. She was trying to find a solution to the head nurse’s rotation problem. It looked like it was going to cost more money and the budget was already tight.

Several minutes later, someone knocked on her open door. “Just a minute, Dad,” she said, again not looking up.

“I didn’t know we were that friendly, Bri. Besides, I’m older than you, but not all that much.”

She looked up to find Hunter standing at her door.

“What are you doing here?” Not exactly a gracious response, but he made her nervous.

“Wondering what you were doing for lunch. Surely you weren’t planning on skipping it?”

“No, my father—oh, hi, Dad,” she said as her father appeared behind Hunter.

Hunter turned around and extended his hand. “Mr. McCallum, I was hoping to meet you soon. I’m Dr. Hunter Callaghan, the new head of obstetrics for the McCallum Wing. It’s a fine facility.”

“Dr. Callaghan! I’m glad to run into you. I apologize for missing the party yesterday, but I had an emergency come up at my company and couldn’t get away.”

Bri watched the two men uneasily. She didn’t want her father getting too chummy with Hunter. “Are you ready, Dad? I can go now.” The sooner the better.

“You’re taking your daughter to lunch?” Hunter asked, an easy smile on his face. “I was just checking to see if she’d share lunch with me. I don’t know too many people yet.”

Bri froze. He managed to inject a lost-puppy tone in his voice, and she knew what was coming next.

“Well, feel free to join us. I’d love to have a chance to visit with you. You don’t mind, do you, Bri?”

Oh, she minded. But it would make her father suspicious if she insulted her new boss.

“Um, why don’t the two of you go ahead, and I’ll take a rain check, Dad? I have a lot to do.”

“No way,” Hunter said. “I’m not going to ruin your lunch. I’ll—I’ll go down to the cafeteria.”

She wanted to tell him to quit acting. But her father immediately insisted they all three go, leaving her no choice.

“I’ve noticed Bri works too hard. I’m trying to talk her into working half days until the babies are born,” Hunter said with a smile, as if he was only concerned with her health.

Of course, she couldn’t think of another reason why he’d want her to work half days, but there had to be one.

“Not a bad idea. Come on, Briana. I’m hungry for a juicy steak,” Jackson McCallum said, motioning for her to join them at the door.

“Hmm, I like your taste, Jackson. A steak sounds perfect. For Bri, too. She needs protein.”

“We think alike, Hunter. I’m going to feel a lot better about Bri continuing to work knowing you’re keeping an eye on her.” Jackson beamed at the other man, and Bri ground her teeth.

“Dad! You know I can take care of myself!”

“I know, sweetheart. Come along now.”

Jackson had a driver and a limo waiting downstairs to drive them the block and half to Lone Star. The hostess seated them in a circular booth, roomy for three, but Bri, seated between the two men, thought it was too small.

Once they’d ordered, Hunter began a flattering conversation about the wing Jackson had paid for, and the good it would do.

Jackson liked hearing all the praise. And it left Bri completely out of the conversation. She was glad about that. She was afraid her father might notice her antagonism if she was forced to converse with Hunter.

“And how do you feel about having triplet granddaughters?” Hunter asked, suddenly claiming Bri’s attention.

“Wonderful!” Jackson said, beaming at Hunter. “I didn’t spend much time with my children when they were babies.” He frowned. “I was too busy mourning their mother’s death.”

Hunter murmured a sympathetic phrase.

“But I’m going to take more time for these babies. Bri is going to name the firstborn after her mother. I’m pleased about that. And it’s perfect timing. Adam is doing well with the company. We made all our money in oil well supplies. But times are changing. Adam is prepared. I’m not. So I’m retiring and playing with the girls.”

“And she’s naming one of the others after my mother,” Hunter added.

Jackson stiffened. “Why?”

“It’s purely accidental, Dad. When I chose the names, I didn’t even know Hunter’s mother’s name.”

Jackson stared at his daughter. “You didn’t even know Hunter, I assume. Or is there something you’re not telling me?”

Bri wanted to bury her face in her hands and curse Hunter Callaghan. But that would make her father even more suspicious. “Don’t be silly, Dad. He just got here yesterday.”

“He seems to have covered a lot of territory in two days,” Jackson pointed out.

Hunter still seemed relaxed, unconcerned. “Of course I have. I asked for all the files on our multiple-birth patients at once so I could get up to speed. But I’ll admit, I’ve given a little more attention to Bri than the others. That’s because she’s the favorite of the entire staff.”

Jackson relaxed a little. “Yes, I’ve noticed that. They all check on her all the time.”

“That’s because she works too hard. They all know she pushes herself.”

“I am still sitting here,” she said sharply. “I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t talk about me as if I weren’t.”

“Sorry, sweetheart. Do you have children, Hunter?” Jackson asked.

Bri froze again. She wasn’t sure Hunter had believed her lie. What would he answer?

With a laugh, as if he were telling a joke, Hunter said, “Not that I know of.”

She slowly let out her breath. Hunter went on to explain that he hadn’t found the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.

Bri picked up her glass of water and sipped. After he’d made love to her, she’d thought for sure she had finally found the man of her dreams. Too bad he hadn’t felt the same way.

“I guess Bri hasn’t, either,” Jackson said with a sigh. “We’ve tried to get her to tell us who the father is, but you’ve probably discovered she’s pretty stubborn.”

“Dad!” she protested.

Jackson ignored her. “I have three children, and only one has married.” He frowned. “And I hope that marriage holds together.”

Bri reached over to take his hand as it rested on the table. “It will, Dad. Adam and Maggie will get past the problems.”

“Sure. Of course, you’re right. But it’s ironic. My daughter-in-law wants a baby more than anything, and here Bri is, unmarried, but having three.”

The waitress brought their steaks. Bri had such a nervous stomach, she didn’t think she could take a single bite.

Jackson cut his steak and put a piece in his mouth. After chewing, he added, “Caleb, my third child, I don’t think will ever marry. He keeps to himself.”

“Dad, I’m sure Dr. Callaghan isn’t interested in our family.”

“Nonsense, Bri. I find it fascinating,” Hunter assured her, a grin on his face.

“Then you should reciprocate. What kind of family do you have?” Bri hoped to irritate him, but he seemed pleased by her question.

“My mother passed away about three years ago. My dad is a retired doctor, my brother a corporate attorney. We all lived in Chicago until I moved.”

“Did the move upset your father?” Jackson asked.

“Somewhat, but my brother is married with a couple of kids. Dad wants to stay close to his grandchildren. But he’ll be coming to visit soon.”

“Let me know when he comes, Hunter, and we’ll have a family dinner. Two old bachelors can compare notes.” Jackson grinned, obviously looking forward to entertaining Hunter’s father.

“Great. I’ll do that. Dad would enjoy meeting—” he paused and looked at Bri.

She froze again. He wouldn’t! Surely he wouldn’t!

“—some of the people I work with, and another bachelor with grandchildren.”

Bri slumped back against the booth.

“Sweetheart, you haven’t eaten your steak. Don’t forget the good doctor said you need the protein.”

Without looking at either man, she took a bite of potato. Then she cut a small piece of steak and valiantly chewed it. She only hoped the lunch would end soon, before she lost everything she managed to get down.

WHEN BRI GOT BACK to the office, she made a few quick decisions. Then she loaded up her briefcase with other problems to solve and moved to Lisa’s desk. “Lisa, I’m a little stressed today, so I’m taking half a day of vacation and I’m going home. If anything comes up that can’t wait, call me at home. Otherwise I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Can you drive yourself home?” Lisa asked, standing, an anxious expression on her face.

“Lisa, I’m going home to put my feet up. Don’t worry about me.”

“Should I call Dr. Abby or Dr. Callaghan?”

“No!” Bri took a deep breath. “Just let me take the afternoon off without any complications, Lisa. That’s all I want.”

She hurried out of the office to get away from any more questions or suggestions. She appreciated everyone’s concern for her and her babies, but sometimes she wished she’d moved to a town where no one knew her.

Half an hour later, she was feeling much better. As soon as she got home, she’d stripped and filled the tub with warm water and bubble bath. She stretched out in the oversized tub and breathed deeply, trying to forget about the stressful lunch. It had lasted forever because neither man would leave until she’d finished every bite of her steak and potato.

She wanted to murder Hunter Callaghan. He’d known what he was doing with each teasing response. He’d even known she was upset. What a jerk!

“You should’ve known better. That was what you thought he was seven months ago. People don’t change.”

She shook her head. “And now I’m talking to myself. What am I going to do?”

She slid a little lower into the water, trying to clear her mind. She didn’t want to think about a future with Hunter Callaghan around.

The phone rang. She considered getting out of the tub, but with her bulky shape right now, she’d never get to the phone in time to answer it. Besides, she had her answering machine on.

She could vaguely hear a man’s voice, but not loud enough to recognize it. She’d check the message when she got out.

Ten minutes later, when her skin felt as though it was shriveling, she began the laborious task of getting out of the tub. Once she was upright, she wrapped her body in a big bath towel, thinking she looked like a house moving down the road. All she lacked was a tow truck.

The doorbell rang, and she frowned. No one should expect her to be home, so who could it be? She decided not to answer it and continued down the hall to her bedroom.

But she stopped because the caller abandoned the doorbell and began beating on the door itself, yelling her name. Afraid a neighbor might call the police, she rushed to the door. “Who is it?”

“Bri? Open the door!”

Recognizing the caller as Dr. Hunter Callaghan, Bri wasn’t inclined to follow his order. “What’s wrong?”

“I want to make sure you’re all right!”

“I’m fine. Go away!”

“I’m calling an ambulance and the police if you don’t open the door in one minute.”

“Why?”

“I have to check your blood pressure!” Then he began pounding the door again.

With a sigh, she opened the door. “Stop that! You’re going to upset my neighbors!”

Hunter stared at her, reminding her she was wrapped in a bath towel. She began shoving the door closed, but he stuck his foot in it.

“I’m coming in, Bri. I want to check your blood pressure,” Hunter insisted.

“Fine! I have to go get dressed.” She gave up the battle with the door and stomped out of her living room. She came back a few minutes later, wearing a muumuu she’d bought in Hawaii several years ago. It was the easiest thing to wear when she was relaxing.

Hunter was pacing the room, checking his watch every few seconds.

“Don’t let me keep you if you’ve got an appointment,” she said, her chin in the air.

He immediately opened his medical bag. “Sit down. I want to check your blood pressure. I noticed you were stressed at lunch.”

“Of course I was stressed!” Bri yelled at him. “You were upsetting me on purpose.”

“What?” Hunter responded, shock on his face. “I did not do that! I was visiting with your father, that’s all.”

She still stood, staring at him, when he reached out. “You’re weaving. Sit down before you fall down.”

She sank into the nearest chair and leaned back. “Look, just go back to the hospital and leave me alone. I’ll be fine if I get some time alone.”

Her phone rang again.

She stared at it, amazed that she was getting all these calls when she should’ve been at work.

Without asking permission, Hunter snatched up the receiver. “She’s okay, Lisa. I don’t know—why didn’t you answer the phone?” he asked Bri.

“Because I was taking a bubble bath to relax—until someone began pounding on my door.”

He only repeated the first part of her sentence. “Yeah, I’ll stay with her a little while until I’m sure she’s okay. Yeah.” He hung up the phone.

“Don’t mind me,” she muttered.

“Sorry, I should’ve asked permission, but I was sure it was Lisa. When I called and couldn’t get an answer, we both panicked.”

She closed her eyes. “I didn’t think you knew where I lived,” she muttered.

“Lisa gave me directions.”

She opened her eyes when he put the blood pressure cuff on her arm.

“Just lie back and relax,” he said softly.

The problem was she knew her blood pressure was high. She didn’t want him to order her to the hospital.

When he released the pressure and took the cuff off without saying a word, she prompted him. “Well?”

“It’s a little high, but I know you don’t want to go to the hospital. I’ll agree to that if you’ll let me treat you here.”

“What kind of treatment?”

“Remember when I told you I gave great foot massages?”

“Yes.” He couldn’t mean what he was implying.

“I’m going to give you a foot massage.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m fine.”

“Stay calm. It won’t hurt.”

“I don’t want you touching me.” She was afraid it would remind her too much of making love with the man.

“Bri, either you let me rub your feet and calm you down, or you will have to go to the hospital.”

“No, I—Okay. A foot massage,” she rapidly agreed. Even if she protested going to the hospital, it would only take one call to Abby or her father for Dr. Callaghan to make it impossible for her to stay home.

“Let’s go to your bedroom.”

“No! I can sit on the couch.”

“We’ll be more comfortable on the bed. Do you have any foot cream?”

“Yes. It’s in the bathroom. It’s pink, scented peppermint. I’ll—”

“Go on to your bedroom and pile up lots of pillows behind you. I’ll get the cream.”

He entered the room only a couple of minutes later while she was still piling up pillows on the bed.

“I found the cream and a towel. Now, do you have a book to read, something you enjoy?”

She nodded. “I—I started a book last night, but I fell asleep.”

“Get it while I pour you a glass of milk.”

“But I just ate!”

He ignored her and headed for the kitchen.

“Fine. Bring me milk. If it will get rid of you, I’ll even drink it!” she muttered. Then she grabbed her book, turned on the bedside lamp and crawled up in the middle of the bed.

Hunter put a glass of milk beside her on the lamp table. “I’ll have to turn my back to you to do a good job, so just relax and read, drink a little milk.”

Somehow, having his back to her made everything easier. He pulled her muumuu up to her knees, but no higher. Then he poured cream into his hands, holding it there for it to warm. He took her right foot into his large, warm palms and began to rub in the cream. His strong fingers kneaded the sole of her foot and she sighed.

“I’m not hurting you, am I?” he asked.

“No. No, it feels—good.” She hated to admit it, but it did feel great. She hadn’t seen her feet often in the last couple of months. Though she wore sensible shoes, as her weight increased, her feet grew more stressed.

Her left foot edged toward her right one, as if making its own plea not to be ignored.

Half an hour later, Bri lay back against the pillows, the milk glass empty and her eyes closed. She hadn’t read a single page of the romance novel. She’d been too busy indulging in her own fantasy.

WHEN HUNTER finally felt he’d done all he could, he peeped over his shoulder to discover a relaxed Bri, her eyes closed, breathing deeply. He rose from the bed and moved around to the side, putting his fingers on her pulse.

She was doing much better. When he called her name, she didn’t respond, and he realized she’d gone to sleep.

Excellent. He’d felt so guilty when he’d reached her office, and Lisa had said she’d gone home because of stress. He hadn’t intentionally teased her about the babies being his. Well, maybe a little. But he hadn’t realized how fragile she was.

And they were his babies. He felt sure of that now. Otherwise, why would she be so worried about him talking to her father? She’d denied his fatherhood and lied about an ex-boyfriend. That wasn’t fair.

But he couldn’t put any pressure on her. Just hinting that she might have lied could’ve brought on early labor. He was going to have to be very careful until she went into labor.

No offer of marriage.

No claim of fatherhood.

No seducing her.

It was amazing that he still found her sexy when she was seven months pregnant with triplets. But he did. He’d like to kiss her, just to be sure the magic was still there, but he felt sure that would bring on more stress.

He wanted to cup her cheek as she lay sleeping, but he couldn’t even do that.

With a sigh, he pulled the cover over her so she wouldn’t get chilled. Then he left the bedroom. Picking up the phone, he called Lisa. “She’s gone to sleep. I need to know the best place to order her a decent dinner. Someone who delivers.”

“Well, mostly fast food does the deliveries. I could get her some supper from Austin Eats and take it by there after work, if you’d like.”

“That would be great, Lisa. I’m on my way back to the office. I’ll stop by and give you some money.”

“Oh, that’s okay, I’ll—”

“I’ll be there in a minute.”

Now he’d know she would eat a good dinner and then go back to sleep. And while he knew she had plenty of money to pay for her meals, it pleased him to pay for it himself. After all, she was the mother of his children—whether she admitted it or not.