He Sent Me a Blanket but Hugged His Intern in Bed Chapter 03

He Sent Me a Blanket but Hugged His Intern in Bed Chapter 03

Three days after I moved into the old house, Fairhaven was hit by an early blizzard.

The heating was weak. I sat by the window in a heavy down coat, finishing the final work handoff on my laptop.

On the screen was an email from overseas headquarters.

[Ms. Grant, your transfer request has been approved. After your maternity leave, you’re welcome to join our New York office at any time.]

I typed “Confirm” and closed the laptop.

A dull ache pulled low in my belly.

I breathed through it. The doctor had said it was false labor and nothing to worry about unless it became regular.

My phone buzzed. It was Spencer’s assistant.

“Mrs. Cole? Mr. Cole is at the Grand Fairhaven Hotel for the company gala. He’s had too much to drink. Could you come pick him up?”

I almost said no. Then I remembered the divorce papers had just arrived by courier.

Perfect timing.

“On my way.”

I changed into flats, tucked the envelope into my bag, and took a cab.

The hotel ballroom was loud and warm. I pushed open the heavy doors and scanned the crowd.

There he was—Spencer, sitting at the head table, his collar unbuttoned and his cheeks flushed. And Amber was sitting beside him.

She was wrapped in a man’s black wool coat. His favorite coat.

She held a glass of wine, her eyes red-rimmed, addressing the table of senior executives.

“The data error on this project was my fault. I’ll drink three glasses to make up for it—no one should blame Mr. Cole.”

She raised the glass to her lips.

Spencer’s hand closed around her wrist.

“Enough,” he said quietly, but the entire table fell silent. “It was a minor mistake. The company can absorb it. Your stomach isn’t in good shape. Don’t push yourself.”

The executives exchanged glances. No one said a word.

I stood a few yards away and watched.

So he did know how to care for someone.

He just saved all his patience and protection for Amber.

I stepped forward.

“Spencer.”

The table went quiet. Every eye landed on my pregnant belly.

Spencer’s face tightened. “Why are you out in this weather dressed like that?”

He started to shrug off his jacket—then stopped when he realized it was already on Amber’s shoulders.

She hurried to her feet, fumbling to remove it.

“Mrs. Cole, I’m so sorry. I was cold, and Mr. Cole just lent it to me—”

“Keep it on. I’m fine.”

I looked straight at Spencer.

“Your assistant called. He said you needed a ride.”

Spencer shot a glare across the room, then turned back to me.

“I’m not drunk. You shouldn’t be running around in your condition. Amber had a rough day. I’m taking her home first. Have the driver take you back.”

He didn’t ask how I’d gotten there.

He didn’t ask if I was okay.

He only saw her.

The ache in my belly grew sharper.

I didn’t flinch.

I pulled the envelope from my bag and held it out to him.

“This is for you. Read it. Sign it.”

He didn’t take it. His eyes narrowed, and disgust flickered across his face.

“Natalie, for God’s sake. Are you seriously doing this now—in front of everyone? Amber needs me. Can you be reasonable for once?”

Reasonable.

I lowered the envelope and tucked it back into my bag.

“Fine.”

I forced a smile.

“I’ll be reasonable.”

“You go take care of her.”

I turned and walked away, one step at a time.

With every step, the pain in my belly grew sharper.

At the ballroom door, I heard Amber’s timid voice.

“Mr. Cole… is Mrs. Cole upset? You should go after her. I can take a cab.”

Spencer’s answer was cold and dismissive.

“Forget it. She’s just hormonal. She thinks she can use the pregnancy to control me. She’ll come around in a few days.”

I pushed open the hotel doors.

The wind hit me like a blade, and snow stung my face.

In that moment, I had no tears left.

I pulled out my phone, blocked Spencer’s number, and dialed 911.

“Hello. I’m outside the Grand Fairhaven Hotel. My water just broke.”