Pulse (Collide, #2)(66)



She shook her head. “It’s not called a transvaginal amnio, psycho Caveman.” His smile faltered, and if Emily wasn’t mistaken, he appeared slightly embarrassed. Nonetheless, he looked adorably sexy.

“It’s called a transvaginal ultrasound,” said Blondie, looking equally embarrassed by the conversation. “Dr. Richards sent the paperwork up. Will two-thirty next Tuesday over at the Freeman building work for you?”

“Will a woman perform this test?” Gavin questioned, no longer looking embarrassed or confused. Now he just looked all-out concerned, and Emily couldn’t help but laugh again.

“I can put in a request, but I can’t guarantee it’ll be a woman who does it.”

“That’s fine.” Emily reached for Gavin, quickly leading him toward the exit. “Two-thirty, next Tuesday, the Freeman building. I’ll be there. Thank you.”

“A woman,” Gavin called out as Emily tugged him into the hall. “We want a woman.”





Emily stepped out into the frigid night air, the mid-January wind needling her face as she waited for Gavin to pull around to the front of his building. With her glove-covered hands tucked deep into the pockets of her pea coat, she shook as she watched motorists fly by. Glancing to her left, she caught Gavin’s Ferrari rounding the corner of the underground garage. She puffed out a smoky sigh of relief and made her way to the curb. Reaching for the handle as he stopped, she swung open the door and climbed in, her body nearly frozen from the few seconds outside.

Gavin frowned, a perplexed look on his face. “I was getting out to let you in.”

She pressed the control panels on the dash, blasting the heat. “You’re too ki… kind,” she stuttered as she pulled the seatbelt across her waist. “But I wasn’t waiting. It’s cold as hell out there.”

“Hell’s not cold, sweets.” He stroked his knuckles against her neck as he eased into traffic. “But you are. Why didn’t you wait in the lobby?”

“I think I’m a glutton for punishment.” She pulled out her cell from her purse and hit the button for Olivia. After a few rings with no answer, she sent a text instead. “It’s either that or… yeah. I’m a glutton for punishment.”

Gavin stopped at a light. Sliding his arm over the back of her seat, he lifted a brow. “You did pass on a romantic evening of watching reruns of the Honeymooners with your man. Maybe you do deserve a little punishment.”

Bringing her eyes to his, she slid her phone closed. “You’re just saying that because we’re meeting everyone at Pacha.”

“Right. A crazy club. Somewhere you don’t belong considering you’re pregnant.”

Emily sighed, amused at his remark. She knew where it came from. She’d won the dispute while getting ready, but he wasn’t hot on the idea. “Gavin Blake?”

“Miss Emily Cooper.”

“Stop being an ass.”

Gavin chuckled. “An ass?” Traffic light green, he brought his arm down to pop the car into gear.

“Yes. An ass. We went over this. It’s a club, not a mosh pit. We haven’t been out with everyone in a while, and in a few months, I won’t be able to.” She kissed his cheek, placing her hand over his as he glided through the gears. “So, I suggest you zip it, Caveman, and show off your hot girlfriend before it’s too late.”

Grinning, he shook his head. “That’s twice today.”

“Twice what?” Emily questioned, pulling down the visor. “That I’ve called you Caveman?”

“Yes. But it’s also twice today you’ve rendered me speechless.” Gavin tried to keep his eyes on the road, but it was close to impossible. Emily’s vanilla-scented perfume drifting through the car was making him high. Shifting in his seat, he glanced in her direction, taking in her sweet, puckered lips. “I’m starting to like it more than I should.” She smiled as she checked her makeup in the mirror. “Either way, this caveman’s keeping his hot girlfriend tucked close while we’re there.” He pulled his eyes from her beautiful smile back to the road. “I’ll deal with your punishment later, Cavewoman.”

By the time they found parking, Gavin had explained, in great detail, the many ways he planned on punishing her when they returned home. Needless to say, Emily was starting to regret ever going out. His pleasurable torture tickled her senses as they slipped from the car, heightening her regret. After a short but very cold walk around the block to the club, they cleared the VIP line. Gavin pressed his hand against the small of her back, guiding Emily upstairs to the Mezzanine level where Olivia was gyrating against Mr. Fluffy Pink Towel’s pelvis. Music pounding through her ears, Emily could still hear Olivia’s squeal from a few feet away. She all but sprinted toward Emily and Gavin.

“My friend!” After a near fatal collision with a metal pole and a few tables, Olivia pulled Emily into her arms. “You won the battle with the man! I’m so happy you didn’t let him defeat you, and I’m wasted. Yay me! This is going to be a night!”

Emily giggled, slipping her coat from her body. “Yes. I did win the battle.” She smiled at Gavin. He grinned, taking her coat. “And, yes, you’re looking mighty toasted.”

“I plan on constant, warm fuzziness tonight.” Olivia smiled and reached for Emily’s hand, dragging her to the balcony overlooking the dance floor. “See, Emily!” she yelled, her arms flared open wide. “The world is my people!”

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