Chapter 77

Cole's smile vanished when Hailey stopped, hand flying to her mouth. He was about to ask if she was alright when she fled, dashing into the adjoining bathroom. His frown deepened as the sound of vomiting followed.

Cole quickly moved to the table opposite Hailey's desk, placing the gift bag and flowers there before going to the adjoining bathroom. He found Hailey bent over the sink, rinsing her mouth.

"Babe? You okay?" he asked, concern evident in his voice as he approached. Hailey turned off the tap, dabbed her lips with a napkin, and turned to him.

"Hi," she said, forcing a smile, her voice low.

"You okay?" Cole asked, gently caressing her cheek and gazing into her tired eyes. Hailey remained silent.

"Should I take you to the doctor?"

She shook her head.

"What's going on? Is there something you're not telling me?"

"You worry too much. I'm fine," she said with a small smile.

"You had a huge smile, then got sick."

"Let's get you out of here before you get sick again." Cole intertwined their hands and led her to her desk, sitting her on his lap. He possessively encircled her waist.

"It's okay if you don't want to go to the hospital. I hate hospitals too. I'll call someone to check on you."

"Thank you for caring, but it's nothing."

Cole shook his head. "I've never seen you sick, and I don't want you to start now."

"It was a smell that upset me."

"I thought it was my cologne, but it's not. Maybe the flowers. Where are they?"

"On the table," Cole pointed. "That's strange, since you love roses."

"I do! But they were probably too strongly scented."

"You don't need to act happy if you're not feeling it. We've been busy, and haven't had time to hang out, but your health comes first. We can postpone."

Hailey shook her head, unbuttoning the top two buttons of his shirt and reaching inside to caress his chest.

"No. I was excited for tonight. I wouldn't lie to you; I'm fine."

"So sorry about the flowers. I wanted to be a gentleman." He looked at her sincerely.

"Oh, you mean you wanted to seduce me?"

"Yes, and to impress you."

Hailey giggled. "I'm sure the staff stared at you on your way here."

Cole shrugged. "I'm used to it, but I had my eye on the goal."

"Which is?" Hailey smiled, still caressing his chest.

"You."

"I'm one lucky woman, aren't I?"

"No, I'm the lucky one," Cole mumbled, slipping his hands under her top, making Hailey giggle.

"We should stay here a few minutes before leaving. I don't want you to get sick in the car," Cole said, adjusting her bra and touching her breast. He gently squeezed her left breast and then fondled her nipple.

Hailey bit her lip, trying to stifle a moan.

"You okay?"

She smiled and nodded. "It feels extra sensitive. I don't know why."

"Pain?" Cole asked, lessening the pressure.

"Both. It hurts, but I don't want you to stop."

"Want me to help you feel better?"

Hailey nodded, her heart racing. She blushed as Cole raised her top, exposing her left breast. He then freed her right breast from her bra and began to massage it.

Hailey softly cursed, throwing her head back in pleasure.

"Feels good?" he asked softly, his mouth still on her breast. Hailey nodded, eyes closed. Cole moved to her other breast. He kissed it, then pulled away. He adjusted her on his lap and unzipped his pants, his erection becoming visible.

Hailey blushed. She was still a little shy with him during intimacy, but it was better than their first few times. Cole pushed up her skirt; she was wearing a thong. He positioned her on his penis.

Cole groaned as Hailey's eyes rolled back. She adjusted to his size and began to slowly ride him. Cole watched, his hand rubbing her clitoris in circles as she continued. Her office wasn't soundproof, but she tried to muffle her sounds. They both came simultaneously. She hugged him, and he hugged her back.

He kissed her head. "Feel better?"

She nodded. "I feel better. This office has never seen me have sex before."

"Regret it?"

She pulled away from the hug, looked into his eyes, and shook her head.

"Just that the memories will taunt me when you're not here."

Cole smiled. "I can always come over for a quickie. My office isn't far."

Hailey blushed. "Don't we look like horny teenagers?"

Cole shook his head. "Who cares?"

Hailey shrugged. "The sex is always good. You're making me addicted."

Cole kissed her forehead. "It's your fault for being irresistible."

"I can say the same about you."

Cole chuckled. "We're going to be late. Let's go."

Hailey nodded. They went to the bathroom to clean up.

Forty minutes later:

"You don't like it? We can order something else," Cole said, watching Hailey examine the food.

She smiled. "Isn't this too much?"

Cole shrugged. "We'll eat what we can."

"Thank you."

He raised an eyebrow. "For what?"

"We're always around the kids. It's nice to have time alone. I can't believe you booked the entire VIP section," Hailey said, glancing at the empty room.

"Anything for you. I want you to feel safe and free."

"Thank you," she said, taking a sip of wine, then frowning.

"What's wrong?"

"This tastes weird."

"Like what?"

Hailey shrugged. "Unusual. I know this restaurant wouldn't serve bad wine, but it tastes like it."

Cole took a sip of his wine. "Tastes good to me."

"Really?"

Cole nodded. She tried his; it tasted the same.

"That's strange. I'll just have water."

"Are you sure you're okay?" Cole looked at her suspiciously.

Before Hailey could answer, a woman called out, "Cole Matthis!"

Both turned to see an unfamiliar woman. Hailey felt nauseous. As the woman approached, Hailey excused herself and went to the restroom. Cole stood to follow, but the woman volunteered to check on Hailey. She found Hailey doing breathing exercises.

"You only just met me. Don't judge me," Hailey said, her back against the counter.

"I'm sorry I interrupted your dinner. I couldn't resist saying hi. No harm intended," the woman said. "I used to like him, but he rejected me for Vanessa."

"Why are you telling me this?" Hailey asked.

"So you won't be intimidated. Cole always knows what he wants. If he's with you, he deeply wants you. Why are you here?"

"Cole was worried, so I came to check on you. You seem pale. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Hailey replied, wiping away a tear. "I heard you complaining about the wine."

"I appreciate your concern, but isn't it rude to pry?"

The woman smiled. "I'm a nurse; it's common for me. Does anything else taste weird? Like food? Are you nauseous or dizzy?"

Hailey stared at her in disbelief. The woman said, "You may have dysgeusia. A distorted sense of taste. It's common in early pregnancy."

"What?!" Hailey exclaimed.