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“Are...you guys havingsex?”
There was a thump and a sharp inhale as James muttered, “Fucking hell.”
His thumb was bleeding profusely as he dove for the paper towels and wrapped one around the wound.
It was quickly soaked in blood.
Hand over her mouth, Rowan rushed for the sink and threw up.
Nina stood between them and said, “I’m not sure who to help first here…”
“Help James,” Rowan muttered. “It just hit me wrong.”
She heard her friend say, “It’s deep, James. You might need stitches. I’ll drive you.”
Rowan rinsed her mouth. “I’m sorry, James. Bloodneverfreaks me out.” Facing them both, she asked weakly, “Stitches, huh?”
“You up for a little drive?” Nina asked. Rowan shook her head and propped her upper body over the sink again. “Alright, let me get Mary-Margaret.” A minute later, she returned with the assistant in tow. “I’m going to check out this wound and see how bad it is. If necessary, I’ll drive him into town.” Taking his arm, she said, “Let’s go, Grace.”
They disappeared down the hall to the bedroom he slept in on the first floor.
The moment they were out of earshot, Mary-Margaret whispered, “Those two keep secrets like no one else.”
“I think they’re having sex.”
“Agreed. How’s your stomach?”
“Heaving. I need to stay here for a minute.”
There was a tap on the kitchen door and Gage opened it. “Are you alright? What happened?” Mary-Margaret filled him in and Gage walked around the island to gather Rowan’s hair off her neck. “Still queasy?” She nodded. “Let’s stay here just a minute then.”
The assistant busied herself straightening the kitchen. Then she turned to them and said, “There’s no way you’ll be able to eat for a while. You relax while I finish going through your emails, alright?”
“Thank you, Mary-Margaret,” Rowan replied weakly.
“Call me if you need me, Gage.”
“Sure thing.” He rubbed Rowan’s back gently. “Once you settle, we’ll sit on the porch while you sip some water. Just focus on breathin’.”
“Can you get my toothbrush? I feel so gross.”
“Be right back.”
Once she rinsed and brushed her teeth, Rowan felt like she could straighten. She held her stomach with one hand as she braced herself on the counter.
“Better, I think.” Smiling at him, she said, “You didn’t have to take on babysitting duty. The rest of the team is here and Mary-Margaret. I’ll be fine. Were you busy?”
“Nothin’ that can’t wait. It’s not babysittin’ duty, Rowan. I want to help. James says you’re a little skittish with the other security guys you don’t know as well yet.”
Sighing, she nodded. “Outside a few people, I don’t want anyone touching me.”
“You’re about to deliver. Feelin’ protective like moms do. It’s okay. Nothin’ to be shy about.” Putting his arm around her waist, he guided her to the porch and held her as she lowered into the chair. “Let me get you some water.”
They sat together, enjoying the silence, and watching the sun get higher in the sky.
Birds played in the little statuary bath. Bugs hopped in the grass. A stray cat stalked along the fence looking for prey.
Rowan wasn’t uncomfortable around Gage anymore but there was a persistent feeling inside her when he was close.
