Bear My Babies

Thomas looked down and scowled at the top of her head. Her answer shouldn’t have disappointed him the way it did. His bear was slamming against his senses to claim her as his, and she was basically telling him to date other women. Her clinical tone set him on edge. She was exasperating.

His arms fell to his sides and Melissa stepped away from his body leaving a cold spot where her body heat no longer resided. She turned around, her eyes shut down of any emotion, blocking him from finding out what he wanted to know.

“I think we should do it in a hotel. I was going to suggest my office so I have all the equipment readily available, but that’s too clinical for me.” She smiled at Thomas, but it didn’t reach her eyes.

Thomas crossed his arms over his chest so he wouldn’t grab onto her shoulders and shake some sense into her.

“A hotel?” he asked, his voice gruff.

She nodded her head, her eyes drifting away from his face, no longer making eye contact. “Yes, a hotel. There won’t be any distractions and we can get it done with quickly. It also provides amenities such as a restroom and shower. I know a couple that have vacancies.”

Thomas stopped her before she could keep talking. He was angry with the way she was planning on making their child. He knew they agreed on just what they were doing, but he didn’t like it. His hand reached out and gently grasped her chin, lifting it so she had to look at him.

“I’ll take care of the hotel. I will pick you up at five on Wednesday.”

Her eyes widened as he spoke. She nodded her head and he felt a sense of victory run through him.

“Get what you need and I’ll walk you to your car. My crew should be here any minute.”

“You don’t have to wait for me,” she stared to protest.

“Melissa, get your stuff,” he told her, pinching the bridge of his nose. She had him all over the place and he needed to stop letting her get to him.

She turned around and unlocked the cabinet in front of her. She pulled out seven vials and syringes. Thomas took in everything she was doing for him, and his heart softened. The vials were big and some of the liquid looked thick and had to be painful when inserted. He felt guilty. They talked every day and she explained to him what she was doing with the injections, but seeing it firsthand made his stomach churn at the pain she was subjecting herself to. He also realized she wasn’t being completely honest with him about how brutal the treatments really were.

“Melissa, I’m sorry,” he whispered, the anguish in his voice apparent.

She turned to him, holding the black padded bag her she had placed everything in for transport. “What are you sorry for? I’ve already told you this isn’t your fault.”

“This is my fault,” he said, running his hands through his hair in frustration. “You are doing all of this on your own. All I have to do is get you pregnant. You are the one sacrificing everything.”

Her eyes softened and a small smile appeared on her face. “Thomas, I want this baby just as much as you do. Parents sacrifice for their children. I don’t mind the pain because I know it’s going to be worth it when I get to hold our child.”

Thomas’ heart beat hard in his chest. He wouldn’t have been surprised if it leaped out of his chest and fell into her hands. She was dangerous. Everything she said to him was perfect, and he was afraid he was going to do something to ruin it. He needed to keep his distance.

“You are already an amazing mother to our child. I appreciate you so much.”

The wonder in his voice made her smile notch up, taking his breath away.

“Thomas, your crew is here.” Tilly broke into the bubble they had surrounded themselves with.

Melissa blinked, the smile disappearing from her face. “All right. I’d better go get these shots in. I know Bruce has patients today and I don’t want to disrupt his schedule anymore today. I guess I’ll see you on Wednesday.”

It was Thomas’ turn to smile at the pink in Melissa’s cheeks when she mentioned c-day. As much as she pretended he didn’t get to her, every once in a while and maybe a couple of flushed cheeks and he knew the truth. She had an amazing poker face, but even the best couldn’t hide it all the time.

It took more willpower than he wanted to admit walking away from Melissa when he walked her to her car. Tilly was ordering his crew around like a drill sergeant. Thomas was confident the office would be in pristine condition soon enough. He couldn’t resist pulling Melissa into one more long hug before letting her get in her car and back away. He could have asked her if he could come along on her trip to Bruce. It wouldn’t have been a crazy request; she was doing this for their baby. The question was on the tip of his tongue, but he was able to hold it back long enough to get her away from him.

Thomas climbed in his car and backed up while dialing Blair. Melissa may have been convinced that her ex wasn’t behind the threats, but he wasn’t going to be positive until he had some proof. And God help the person that was doing this to them. He would make them regret it.

“What’s up? Did you fall in love yet? I need to get to the sheet to find out who picked today.” Blair answered the phone with the background noise that sounded as if he was in a construction zone.

“Where are you?”

“Spying on a pretty lady I met last night. I want make sure she wasn’t lying about some of the things she told me.”

“Well, you’re going to have to put it on hold. I need you to track down Nathaniel and make sure he doesn’t have any connections that he could pull to destroy Melissa’s office.” He didn’t mention the men threatening him the other night. Right now, protecting Melissa and getting some answers was all he was worried about.