ONCE PREGNANT, TWICE SHY by Red Garnier Read Free Book Online

Landon nor he was ecstatic at the possibility. Clarks was the biggest fish in their pond, and if they were smart—which the Gage brothers were—they would secure it at all costs.
    When evaluating the big picture, six months wasn’t a lot of time, if it meant getting Clarks into their pocket. And Garrett had everything riding on this project. Currently, Clarks posed a threat. But once they’d acquired the company, it would be a huge asset for the Gage conglomerate.
    But at the cost of a fake wedding?
    Hell, it’s not like you plan to ever marry. Why not at least do some business?
    The two large doors of the conference room knocked open, and in strode Julian John, casual as could be, blond and Hollywoodesque, an hour after the scheduled meeting time. Behind him, one of the secretaries rushed to close the doors.
    Jules never said good-morning, but then they were brothers. They didn’t have to.
    He regarded the pair of somber men seated at the conference table and remained standing. “I had something to do, so drop the long faces, both of you.”
    Landon arched a challenging brow and leaned back in his chair. “I hope it was business and not you playing around while we try to take over Clarks Communications.”
    “Do you even remember I no longer work here? I’m here to offer my assistance, that’s all. Molls needed me this morning.”
    “Tell Molly to leave the baby-making for the evening,” said Landon with a devilish smile.
    Heading to his chair, Julian rolled his eyes at his brother. “I picked up some medicine for Kate, idiot, after Molly took her to the doctor. And if I want to make babies in the morning with my Molls, I sure as hell will make them without your permi—”
    “What the hell is wrong with Kate? Is she sick?”
    Julian’s attention swung back to Garrett, and his blond eyebrows flew upward. “Why? Are you a doctor?”
    “Is Kate,” Garrett slowly enunciated, “sick? Ill? Feeling badly?”
    Julian’s eyes twinkled like they did when he was up to no good. “Don’t you think it’s about time you did something about how you feel for her, Dr. Garrett?”
    “I feel responsible for her, that’s how I feel,” he gritted out. “And right now I’m going to punch your face if you don’t tell me what’s wrong with her.”
    Plopping into his chair, Julian grabbed his folder and started scanning the contents. “She’s running a fever. A high fever. Molly took her home to stay with her, and I was the guy who picked up the prescription and dropped it off.”
    Garrett’s overwhelming protectiveness surged with a vengeance. Kate was never sick. Ever. He didn’t like knowing she was sick at all, and now, he felt sick inside. “I could’ve picked it up for her.”
    “And tear you away from Cassandra Clarks and our plans for world domination?” Julian said. “No, bro. If that girl is selling anything, she’ll sell it to you. I saw her with you at your party. I think she digs you even if you don’t dig her.”
    “She digs him enough to marry him.” Landon filled his brother in, then broached the topic currently setting Garrett’s brain on overdrive. “Is Kate still planning to move to Miami?”
    “As far as I know, nothing has changed her mind. But Molly’s privately freaking out about it,” Julian said, his expression going somber. Garrett knew his younger brother was intensely territorial and protective of Molly, and even if he was usually cool as a cucumber, it must irk him not to be able to do anything to spare her any pain.
    “So is Beth,” Landon murmured sadly.
    Garrett looked down at the conference table and scowled. Nobody in this goddamned world could be as freaked out about it as he was.
    He pictured Kate in Miami, sick and alone. Who would take her to the doctor? Who would even know that she was sick? The thought was so disturbing he pulled at his tie, feeling choked to death.
    But as much as he loathed that she was sick today, maybe this would provide an opportunity to