Free Daddy by Christmas by Patricia Thayer Page A

hand went to her stomach protectively. Was she having a contraction?
    He picked her up in his arms and carried her across the room.
    â€œWhat are you doing?” she demanded.
    â€œTaking you where you should have been in the first place. To bed.”

CHAPTER SIX
    M IA was fuming as Jarrett walked out the door, leaving her alone on the bed. His bed. What she hated the most was that she didn’t have much say in the matter.
    All her life, she’d had to do what she’d been told. Go to the best schools, make the best grades, be the perfect daughter. It had taken years, and although she’d made many bad turns she’d finally gained her independence. She wasn’t about to give it up now. Not even for a man.
    She glanced around Jarrett’s bedroom. Large, dark furniture dominated the spacious room, including the king-size bed with the carved headboard. The walls were a taupe-gray and the floors a wide-planked dark wood. Two honey-colored leather chairs sat in front of huge French doors that led out to a deck and the wooded area beyond. It was definitely a man’s room, which reminded her she shouldn’t be in here.
    Mia’s thoughts turned back to Jarrett McKane. What had possessed her to let him kiss her? She shut her eyes reliving the feel of his mouth against hers, his strong arms around her. What she hadn’t expected was the way she had reacted to him.
    Of course, she would react to the man—any man for that matter. How long had it been since she’d been in arelationship? She couldn’t even remember that far back. Not that she was eager to start one now. There hadn’t been any time for a man. Then Mr. Hotshot McKane had stormed into her life, with his good looks and his take-charge attitude. No, she didn’t need him in her life.
    She started to get up when she felt the mild contraction and covered her midsection with her hand.
    â€œOh, please, no.”
    After several slow, relaxing breaths she eased back against the pillows and shut her eyes. Why had she come here today? Okay, she’d wanted to come to the party. And Dr. Drake had said she could be out for a few hours if she was careful and didn’t overdo things.
    Mia caressed her stomach, feeling the tension slowly ease from her body.
    There was a soft knock and the door opened and Jarrett came in carrying a tray with a slice of pie. He stopped at the side of the bed, frowning. “You okay?”
    â€œI’m fine,” she fibbed. “I’m just resting.”
    He continued to stare at her. “You don’t look fine.”
    She closed her eyes again. “Then don’t look at me.”
    He sat the plate on the nightstand. “Are you having contractions?”
    She opened her eyes. “Just a little one.”
    Jarrett pulled out his wallet from his back pocket and took out a business card. He grabbed the phone off the table.
    â€œWhat are you doing?” she asked.
    â€œCalling your doctor.”
    â€œYou can’t, it’s Thanksgiving.”
    â€œThen we go to the emergency room.” He paused. “Your choice.”
    Â 
    Jarrett had worried this might happen if Mia left the apartment. They were lucky that Dr. Drake was on call today, and it only took her minutes to return his call.
    The doctor talked with Mia, who didn’t look happy when she handed the phone back to Jarrett.
    â€œYes, Doctor?” he said.
    â€œI instructed Mia not to get out of bed for anything except to use the bathroom, and I want her in my office first thing in the morning. Could you bring her in?”
    â€œWe’ll be there when your doors open.” He ended the call and hung up. “Looks like you’ll be staying here tonight.”
    He watched her eyes widen. “I can’t stay here. It’s not fair to you.”
    â€œHey, I haven’t been staying here anyway.”
    â€œBut this is your room, your bed.”
    Smiling, he glanced around at the large