Shelter in Place: Quarantine Romance Collection Includes New Novella

by Jamie Knight

  I slowly pull out of her and collapse on the bed. She looks at me in surprise. Breathing heavily, I look back at her, and reach for her hand. I lie there just holding onto it.

  I can tell I've surprised her even more with this gesture. Once I catch my breath, I prop myself up and look at her. She is sitting across from me on the bed now. I take her other hand in mine. I'm scared about what I'm about to say, but I do it anyway.

  "I want to be with you, forever. When we are done with this quarantine, I want to marry you, and someday have a baby with you,” I confess, before I lose my nerve.

  I glance at her face. Her expression is one of shock and skepticism. This must be so sudden for her, just like it is for me, so I expected this, but I know I need to convince her of my sincerity.

  I am holding both of her hands tightly now. I look deep into her eyes as I continue talking.

  "I promised that I would take care of you, and I want to do that forever. There's something about you that I can't resist. You made me realize different things about myself in just one night. You have made me feel emotions for you that I never thought I could feel about anyone. I don't want to lose you now, or those feelings," I finish softly.

  She stares at me for a few moments, studying my face and considering my words. Then she says, “Yes. Yes, Ben, yes!” in an excited voice that makes my heart so fucking happy.

  I can't help but smile as I pull her into my lap. I hug her to my chest and sigh happily as I rest my chin on top of her head. She sits a little stiffly at first, but eventually she loosens up and snuggles up against me. I'm surprised by how much I’m enjoying that.

  "You know this is all very shocking, right?" she asks me.

  I have to laugh.

  "Of course. I think it surprised me more than you," I admit. “But we are living in crazy times and that causes us to do crazy things.”

  I hear her laugh for the first time, and I love the sound.

  "I seriously doubt it," she answers back. “You weren’t more surprised than I was.”

  I have to think maybe she's right. I'm sure a proposal wasn't what she was expecting when she agreed to this arrangement just yesterday. As we cuddle, I gently massage her back.

  "That feels nice," she sighs softly.

  I start to think about what our life together could be like, and I find myself smiling again.

  I decide I will always do everything I can to prove to her how much I love her and want to be with her. I say this to her.

  She laughs softly and tells me, "That's not necessary," in a kind voice.

  Deep down, I know that showing her my heart is something that I need and want to do. I want her to always feel loved and wanted. Though the way it started was unconventional, but I want her to truly believe that our love is real, and lasting.

  I look at her once more, and for the first time in either of our lives, I give her a soft, real kiss.

  Epilogue - Samantha

  Two Years Later

  The quarantine ended long ago. The virus was contained after a vaccine was developed and administered to everyone. I continued to live with Ben, and we have both been very happy, especially me.

  Today I am happy for a very different reason, though. It's my wedding day. Ben was true to his word. Once the quarantine was over, he took me out on a very romantic dinner date, and proposed the old-fashioned, official way. I was honored he wanted to make a big gesture out of it.

  I said yes right away, of course – I had already said yes. Not just that night in his bedroom but as soon as he had asked me to come stay with him. Not only my body, but my heart, had bene saying yes to him all along.

  We had a night of hot passionate sex, and then I started planning the wedding. Now, it's a full house. All of our family and friends were able to attend, and we’re both very excited about that.

  I can't stop staring at myself in the mirror. I love the way my wedding dress fits. The white dress shows off that I have a little color to my skin. As soon as we came out of our isolation, Ben took me on a trip to the beach, where we both got a little tan.

  This dress is fitting a little snug, though. I adjust it as best as I can. Aside from the wedding, I have a surprise planned for Ben later. Though I'm bursting to tell him about it, I have to be patient and wait.

  I think about how I can't believe how my life played out. I went from being homeless to marrying a gorgeous millionaire.

  A soft knock on the door interrupts my thoughts. I know that's my cue. I fix my dress and grab my bouquet. As the music starts to play, my dad walks me down the aisle. I can hear small gasps from everyone as they see me in my wedding finery.

  My eyes are fixed straight ahead on Ben. A tingle runs through me every time I see him, and I think he looks more handsome today than ever before. I can see happiness in his eyes when he looks back at me.

  Mr. Barker is standing up there next to him, with a small pillow on his collar that carries our ring. Our big dog is making a great ringbearer. I’m so glad Ben let him move in, because now he’s a happy part of our little – and growing – family.

  I try not to cry as we recite our vows to each other. Ben leans forward and gives me a soft and lingering kiss. Desire courses through me. It always does whenever we are together.

  After our kiss, we are surrounded by all of our loved ones. Mr. Barker lives up to his name by barking out his own congratulations.

  We spend a few minutes hugging and celebrating with them. They shower us in well wishes for a happy future. Ben and I hug and smile with every one of them.

  When we finally have a few moments to ourselves, I pull Ben aside. He looks at me with concern.

  "Are you ok?" he asks.

  "I’m great. I just want you. Husband. Meet me in the bathroom," I whisper quickly.

  Mr. Barker was safe with Sue, my maid of honor, for the time being.

  I kiss him before slipping away.

  He stares after me in surprise.

  A few minutes later we are locked in the bathroom.

  "This is interesting …" he comments.

  I nod.

  "Well, we have a few minutes before the reception, and I wanted to surprise you," I admit.

  He laughs softly.

  I smile at him, then hold my hands up in front of him. He looks at me curiously.

  "Use your tie," I tell him in a seductive voice.

  He looks at me, first in shock, then with lust in his eyes. He undoes his tie, then quickly binds my wrists. He bends down to lift my wedding dress. I need to tell him now, before we do anything else.

  "Be gentle," I caution him.

  He looks at me, understandably confused.

  We always have rough sex. He knows I love it – I’ve never even had to use the MoFi password, not even once. We also have gentle lovemaking. But I know he’s expecting to fuck me hard on our wedding night.

  "Why?" he asks.

  I blush and look down at my stomach.

  "I'm pregnant," I reply softly.

  Ben looks shocked, surprised, and happy.

  "I'm going to be a dad!" he practically cheers.

  I laugh and tell him to hush before someone hears us.

  For the first time, we have hot honeymoon sex. He kisses me deeply as he thrusts into me. It feels a little tight this time, but he still feels so good.

  I want him to do me in the ass, but he reminds me that we only have time for a quickie before the reception. I try to keep my moans quiet as we both cum. He kisses me deeply.

  "You know I'm going to love you forever. I really can't wait to be a dad," he says happily.

  I smile at him as he unties my hands.

  I wiggle my dress back into place.

  "I know, I'm excited about it too, and also a little nervous," I admit.

  "Don't be nervous." He consoles me with a hug. "I'm always right here by your side."

  I lean into his hug.

  "Ready to go celebrate with everyone?" I ask.

  He nods with joy.

&nbs
p; Before we leave the bathroom, he leans down and gives my belly a tiny kiss.

  “Hello, baby,” he says. “I know you’re in there. This is your daddy.”

  "But I'm not showing yet," I gasp.

  "I know, but our baby is still growing inside there," he replies, opening the bathroom door.

  My heart does somersaults. That was so sweet and unexpected of him. He has really changed since I first met him, long ago when I was just his receptionist and thought that even though he was handsome, he was a player.

  I did not think any of this was possible. Though I love his kinky sex games, I can’t get enough of this sweet gentle side that he has shown me.

  And although it took a while, he has been true to his word and has kept every promise that he ever made to me. Even if it's in the smallest way, he always does things to show me how much he loves and cares for me. I feel like a princess that's finally met her Prince Charming.

  I follow him out of the bathroom. We join all our friends and family on the way to the reception. One of the ushers has graciously taken Mr. Barker home.

  We spend the rest of the night partying and dancing. All of our friends and family members come over to say congratulations. Sue’s there, as my matron of honor, and says she’s so happy for me. Even our colleagues from MoFi came, and are acting happy for us, even if it’s probably to enjoy our open bar.

  Ben goes out of his way to take care of me, bringing me extra food and showering me with love. By the end of the party, I feel so full and tired, that I'm ready to fall asleep right there.

  Ben carries me to the limo in his arms. I try not to drift off on the ride to our hotel, but it's impossible. When we get home, he cradles me in his arms, and I fall back asleep, dreaming of our happiness and our future together.

  I can't wait to grow old together and see what great things are waiting to happen to us.

  THE END

  Under His Protection

  Copyright © 2020 Jamie Knight Romance.

  Jamie Knight –

  Your Dirty Little Secret Romance Author

  All rights reserved.

  Chapter One - Dixie

  I knew Shawn was too drunk before he even took a swing at me. There’s drunk, and then there’s mean drunk; Shawn was the latter.

  Living together was a bad idea, especially since we weren’t married, and I had told him I didn’t want to have sex until we were. Shawn had agreed, but I knew in my heart he thought he could wear me down.

  I stood my ground. I loved him, but we had only moved in together for financial convenience; t was close to where we both worked, and it would save us both on rent. We were saving up and the math was clear. But Shawn couldn’t wait.

  “C’mon, Dixie,” he whined. “No one has to know! I’m not going to tell anyone!”

  “That’s not the point, Shawn, and you know it,” I said, trying to reason with him. “When a woman walks down the aisle dressed in white, it’s supposed to mean something. You think I want to lie? To my friends, my family – my parents?! In a church?!”

  “God is fine with this!” he said jokingly. “You said you were going to lose your virginity to me, anyway! What difference does it make?!”

  “It’s important to me, Shawn!” I shouted, starting to cry.

  “Oh, here it comes. Now you’re gonna cry. That is so unfair!” he said. “Whenever I try to have a discussion with you, this is how it ends! Why do you have to be such a big baby? Why can’t you just talk like a grown up and stop crying?”

  “Stop it, Shawn! Stop it!”

  Shawn wasn’t the biggest guy in the world. He was 5’10” and skinny, with a lanky build. But that was still taller than little ole’ 5’2” me! I was petite and curvy. Our prom picture made us look like mismatched salt and pepper shakers.

  He had never hit me, but he had loomed over me a few times. It was intimidating. Each time, he got a little closer, a little bolder.

  One time, he had leaned onto me, using his body, but not his hands; he had cornered me in the breakfast nook and screamed in my face. I sensed he was going to try it again, so I shot out of my chair to move away.

  This time, he tried to grab me, but he was really drunk. I started to pull away, but it hurt my wrist.

  “No, Shawn!”

  “C’mere!”

  I was freaking out. I was dressed in nothing but a long t-shirt and panties; I didn’t even have any shoes on. We’d been relaxing after work, trying to unwind, but Shawn unwound with fifteen beers.

  Normally, he’d just pass out in front of the couch until it was time for bed, but not this time. He was angry, and I was petrified of what he might do to me.

  I ran through the house, Shawn stumbling after me. He tripped over the leg of a kitchen chair and fell against the counter; he must’ve really stubbed his toe or something, because he lost it.

  “Ow, fuck! You stupid bitch! Look what you fuckin’ did!”

  “Shawn, I’m sorry—”

  I was so scared, I started laughing. It was just pure nervousness on my part, but it made things so much worse for him. The angrier he got, the more I kept laughing until – Suddenly, he shoved the chair into me and lunged. The chair hit me in the side, and I ran away as he reached for me.

  Screaming, I ran down the hall, charging into the bathroom. Shawn was coming after me, but he was so drunk that he bounced against the sides of the hall. He was cursing, promising to “lay down the hammer.” Could he even manage to do that, in his inebriated state? I didn’t want to find out.

  After locking the door, I sat against it and cried. Some part of me had always known that I didn’t want to lose my virginity to Shawn, but I guess I never wanted to admit it.

  You get caught up in a relationship and the momentum just carries you. The next thing you know, you’re living together, and nothing works. Right from the beginning, I knew. Maybe we both knew but didn’t want to admit it to ourselves.

  “Shawn! Please!” I said. “Just stop! Please! Stop it!”

  Shawn was muttering gibberish; I couldn’t understand a word. Sometimes, it sounded threatening, or like he was singing a song. I could no longer tell. I just wanted out.

  I thought about climbing out the bathroom window, but I needed to get my stuff. What was I supposed to do? Show up to my parents’ house, half-naked and crying? It was bad enough that I had moved in with him and didn’t tell them; they were very strict and didn’t believe in living together before marriage. I hated to disappoint them.

  Finally, I heard a thud. I waited a few minutes, then peeked through the keyhole. While the bathroom door, fortunately, had a newer, sliding lock, the old-fashioned keyhole was still there.

  He was lying on the floor, completely still. Probably passed out. I carefully opened the door, wondering if it was a trick. If it was, my plan was to run out the front door and scream.

  “Shawn?” I whispered.

  He mumbled, but didn’t move. I crept out into the hall, then made a left toward the bedroom. Locking myself inside, I quickly got dressed and started packing. This was no time to be clever or neat; I just dumped whole drawers full of underwear and bras into my suitcase. Anything that was loose and not on a hanger, I shoved inside the suitcase.

  After that, I got dressed. I wanted to be prepared to fight my way out of there if I had to. I put on a pair of jeans and some boots, then tied my hair back in a scrunchie.

  I peeked out of the bedroom, but saw and heard nothing. I crept back to the spot where he had passed out and found that he hadn’t moved, though he was still breathing. He’d probably have a wicked hangover tomorrow, but he’d have to take care of it on his own.

  While loading up my car, I couldn’t help but go over our entire relationship in my mind. We had met in high school. Shawn was a bit of a class clown; he had a reputation for being a bad boy, and I had convinced myself I could change him. The red flags were as clear as day now.

  Shawn was always the one to score booze for a party. He’d sometimes cut school to get
drunk with his friends. One time, he and his friends raided his dad’s garage to steal beer he had stockpiled for a barbecue. They were heroes back then, but I guess Shawn just never grew up.

  The pressure he put on me to have sex was pretty constant. I guess I just told myself he loved me, rather than being smarter and judging him by his actions. He said the right things, but he didn’t do the right things. How could I not see it? How could I be so stupid?

  Finally, with the car packed, I made one more check of the house we were renting. There were a few things we had bought together, but I left them behind with the memories.

  Taking one last look at Shawn lying on the floor passed out, I wondered if I should leave him a note.

  Really, though. What was there to say?

  He had crossed a line, and this time, I was standing up for myself.

  I was glad I had stood my ground and never had sex with him. Clearly, he wasn’t the right person. Most of it was on me, though. I was lonely and he was attractive.

  For a few minutes, I was lost in thought, just standing there. I had to leave before he woke up and started apologizing. I couldn’t let myself stay here. It was over.

  Sighing, I started walking out. I said farewell to the furniture we had picked up at IKEA together. Even then, Shawn had been pressuring me for sex. He made jokes about humping on the couch and asked if we should get plastic slipcovers to protect it.

  Then, when we got home, we started making out on the couch; when he made a move, I stopped him, and we ended up in another fight. Fortunately, there was no drinking then. He just got frustrated and went into the other room to play video games.

  Maybe Shawn was right on one point. Maybe I was a baby. Too young to really understand what a committed relationship was about. I’d concede that point.

  Maybe I didn’t know, but I knew in my heart that it wasn’t this. This was just misery, and it had to stop. Better that it stop now than after we were married or, worse, had a baby.

  As I walked out of the house, I told myself to never look back. I was done with Shawn, and I was moving ahead, towards whatever the future might hold for me.