Return of the Secret Heir by Rachel Bailey Page A

perhaps have a shower stool so you can sit down. Try to take showers when there’s someone else around.”
    Her fingers wrapped around each other tightly. She’d lived alone since moving out of her college dorm—how was it possible to have someone around when sheshowered? She licked dry lips and decided to work that out later. In the meantime, there was another issue. “What about my job?”
    â€œThat’s entirely up to you,” Dr. Crosby replied. “It depends on whether you feel safe there. Also, we want you to keep your stress level under control because of the potential effects it could have on your system.” She looked down at her notes. “You’re a lawyer, aren’t you?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œIs it mainly desk work?”
    Meetings and appointments off-premises were fairly regular, but she could try to rearrange things to stay in her own office each day. “I can probably make it a desk job for the short term.”
    â€œIt should be no riskier than being at home, but it’s hard for me to make that judgment without knowing the details of your schedule. Although something to consider is that your stress will adversely affect the baby, so we want you to be safe and to have you feel safe. You certainly don’t have to stop working, but maybe you could take steps to balance your load. Only you know if the stress you’re under now is too much. But keep in mind that if you have an episode of low blood pressure, you’ll need to feel comfortable about managing that by lying down or at least putting your head down.”
    Dr. Crosby’s words replayed in Pia’s mind during the cab ride home. Precautions needed to be put into place, no question, but how many? How much was enough? She desperately wanted the partnership at her firm, but never at the risk of losing another baby.
    She laid her head back on the headrest behind her and closed her eyes. Four weeks ago, JT had been a distant memory and the partnership had been the most important thing in her future. Too much had changed too fast.
    The cab pulled up in front of her apartment and JT paid the driver and followed her in without invitation. Which pretty much summed up their situation now—JT looking after things and being an unquestioned part of her life. And every time he came here, or they were out together, they ran the risk of being seen, of her career exploding in her face. Everything was spinning out of control, and in the midst of the mess, she had to ensure that keeping emotional distance from JT remained a priority. She would soon be a mother, and needed to keep her head straight, to be the strongest and best version of herself for the baby’s sake. JT and keeping her head straight were not compatible.
    He stood before her, dominating her living room, strong hands on his lean hips. “What will you do about your job?”
    â€œTake time off,” she said. She’d turned the elements of the problem over and over on the ride home, looking from all angles, searching for a solution that would suit all her needs. But ultimately—no matter how small the risk her job was to her baby—there was only one plan she could live with. “It’s not just the work but the commute, too.”
    He cocked his head to the side, his eyes intent on her face. “I thought this promotion meant the world to you?”
    â€œIt did. It does ,” she corrected. “But the baby means more. I’ll have some files sent over and can work from home. There’s not that long before the second trimester starts and, if my blood pressure is better, I’ll go back then.”
    Warm approval flared in his eyes. “And I’ll be here at night.”
    Her heart missed a beat, both at his words and the casual way he delivered them. “What makes you think you’ll be here?”
    â€œDr. Crosby told us to minimize your time alone. I’ll sleep on the couch and