To Have the Doctor's Baby by Teresa Southwick Page B

for donations to put on the fundraising gala. Auction items like spa and golf weekends. Hotel getaway packages including fabulous dinners. Art items. But also services for the event itself. Food from celebritychefs. Flowers. Entertainment. It’s the biggest fundraiser of the year and my work on this will be closely watched.”
    â€œI can personally vouch for your powers of persuasion. If you can get me to chow down a whole-wheat muffin, you’ll have them eating out of your hand.”
    â€œWe’ll see.” She slid off the stool and picked up their dirty dishes and silverware. “I’ll put these in the dishwasher.” Her cell phone beeped just as she turned on the water at the sink. “Can you get that? I hope they haven’t cancelled the meeting on me.”
    Nick picked up her phone and read the text. The words had his body reacting even before the significance of the message got through to his brain. “You’re ovulating.”
    She straightened with a dripping plate in her hand and looked at him. “What?”
    â€œYour ovary is releasing an egg.”
    â€œRight this minute? How do you know?”
    He held up the phone. “It didn’t turn purple or anything but, and I quote, ‘Your fertile window opens today and lasts five more days. Stress can get in the way of conception so relax and get a massage, meditate or do yoga.’”
    â€œI guess I should explain.” She laughed, but it wasn’t sassy and brash like her relaxed amusement while eating breakfast together. Now she was knee-deep in nerves. “In my research, one of the things I found was an alert system. You put in the pertinent personal data and when it’s that time, you’ll get a text message.”
    â€œSo, now what?” Blood pounded in his ears and his body was humming like a tuned up Ferrari.
    She closed the dishwasher door and stood on the other side of the island, her gaze never leaving his. “Now you help me to have a baby.”
    â€œOkay. Tonight will be—”
    â€œWait. It’s Monday. You always get home late. Tomorrow will be okay.”
    â€œCarlton can handle things.” It was one night. Whether or not Carlton Gallagher worked into the practice, for one or two nights—just hours really—Nick could take the time. “I’ll be home.”
    â€œYou’re sure?”
    â€œAbsolutely. Unless you changed your mind?” Part of him wished she had. The other part had his fingers crossed.
    She shook her head. “I’ll be here, too.”
    He wanted to pump his arm and holler hallelujah. Then reality smacked him like a bug on a windshield. Being her buddy was better than being nothing to her. What if this plan destroyed the friendship?
    He had to chance it. The marriage fell apart because of him. He’d disappointed her then and wouldn’t do it now, especially after giving his word. Backing out wasn’t an option.
    So a Monday that started out great now had the potential to end up in awesome territory.
    He had a sex date with Ryleigh.
    Â 
    After work, Ryleigh pulled into the driveway. It was nearly seven, but Nick wasn’t home yet, which was kind of a relief. She had a chance to catch her breath and calm down. Although why she thought calming down was a possibility was anyone’s guess. Her nerves had been on high alert all day because every second that ticked by brought her closer to sex with her ex.
    She unlocked the door and walked inside, turning on lights everywhere on her way upstairs to the guest room to change. Nick had complimented her on the red suit, but somehow it didn’t seem appropriate. After droppingher purse on the dresser, she slipped off her heels and out of the skirt and jacket before hanging them in the closet. Standing there in her panties and bra, she wondered what to put on. A bolder, braver woman might wait for him naked, but Ryleigh wasn’t feeling especially bold or