Risk (Desired Affliction Book 3)

by C. A. Harms

  She placed a piece of her sandwich in her mouth and began to chew, obviously ready to move on from our current topic. “So what about you, Adam? I know Kate, and she’s amazing; what about the rest of your family?”

  I had a kickass family. I was pretty lucky in that sense. “Well, my dad’s a cardiologist and my mom stays at home. They are both just as amazing as Kate.” My parents were great and always had been. Two of the most loving, supportive people in the world. “I have a younger brother Brock, who’s twenty.”

  That’s when a thought hit me. “Hey this sounds odd and I really I should already know this, but…how old are you?”

  Hearing her laughter felt good. All the times we had been together lately led to fighting or her crying. I found that her laughter warmed my soul.

  “Yeah, we kind of skipped the get-to-know-you stages, and went straight to getting busy, huh?” We both laughed and I watched her eyes closely. For once she truly looked happy. “I’m twenty-one, Adam. My birthday was a week after the reunion. How about you?”

  “Twenty-five, until December.”

  Four and a half years isn’t as bad as I feared.

  Natalie and I spent the rest of the night talking and sharing things we should’ve already known about one another. Our likes and hates, those things that drove us crazy or the things we truly enjoyed. We laughed and later when she passed out on my couch, I sat silently watching her sleep.

  It felt good seeing her rest so soundly. I’d been the last thing this girl needed in her life. But I vowed in that moment to be more than I had been. It was time to grow up and make some changes.

  In the beginning, Natalie was just the hot girl who helped me get through the dreaded reunion. Even when I moved here and saw her again, my thoughts were not so innocent, I’ll admit it. I instantly thought of the night I couldn’t remember much of and thought of repeating it, sober this time though.

  Now as I sat on the other end of the couch and watched her sleep, it all seemed to shift.

  Natalie was carrying my baby. A part of her and I combined to make something so amazing it still felt so unreal.

  When I looked at this beautiful girl I now saw a future that I didn’t think I wanted. A happiness that I had long ago decided wasn’t possible. Nate and Breann had taken those thoughts and tainted them with their deceit, demolishing my trust in people. If two people I loved, my best friend and the woman I thought I’d someday marry, could hurt me the way they did, than anyone could.

  Why fall for someone when in the end you were left empty, alone and hopeless?

  I felt different about Natalie, maybe not in the beginning but now it seemed as if I was unable to control it. I had the urge to protect her and shelter her from anything that could hurt her, or my baby. Maybe it was crazy, but they were mine now, mine to keep safe.

  A smile pulled at my mouth as her lips puckered within her sleep. A sexy pout.

  Natalie was no longer just the girl I had a one night stand with. Now she was the woman who held my future, literally, and the fact that I wanted that future still shocked the shit out of me.

  I had to do this right. For once in longer than I could remember I was allowing myself to feel a connection that extended much further than just sex.

  Natalie was the girl who had my mind racing with ideas and plans. I knew I needed to treat her gently because the last thing I wanted to do now was mess this up.

  But I was ready for this.

  I was ready to start new, and I wanted it with this dark-haired beauty.

  Chapter Eleven

  Natalie

  “I woke up in Adam’s bed this morning.” I whispered.

  Okay so maybe it was louder than a whisper.

  I looked up from my menu and into the faces of my two silent but shocked best friends. We always met once a week for lunch to catch up.

  Today was our day.

  “Are you kidding me? Natalie’s getting some.” Megan laughed and I rolled my eyes.

  “Oh my God, smartass, we didn’t have sex, we’ve just been hanging out.” Megan was a dude inside a woman’s body, I swore it. “We’re taking our time and getting to know each other, something we should have done first. Every night this week he has either kidnapped me to his apartment for dinner or come to mine. Normally he walks me home or tells me goodnight and then walks himself home.” I smiled at the thought of last night. “But last night it got late, and he insisted that I spend the night. I took his bed and he slept on the couch.”

  Both of them continued to watch me waiting for more details, but that was it.

  “He isn’t as bad as we all thought. Adam’s actually a nice guy.” I knew there was more to him than what I did know, but for now I was just happy finding out that he was not the ass we thought he was. “I think he just puts up a wall around people. All of us have things in the past that change us along the way.”

  “Wow.” I looked up at Lexi as she watched me with a huge smile.

  “What?” I asked.

  “What?” she repeated, still grinning. “Oh, nothing besides the fact that you’re falling for Adam.”

  I glared at her. “Whatever.”

  “That’s it? You have nothing else to say but ‘whatever’?” Now both Megan and Lexi were watching me closely. “Natalie, I think it’s great, honestly. You deserve to be happy. And from what Kole says, Adam has been in a pretty good mood all week, too.”

  She shifted in her seat, leaning forward to rest her elbows on the table. “I think his exact words were ‘Adam has been a pretty decent guy to be around this week. I think he may actually be tolerable’. Now we all know for Kole and Adam to be getting along there has got to be a huge change in Adam’s attitude, and Kole obviously is giving him a chance.”

  I let my mind wonder over the things Lexi said.

  Could I be falling for him?

  Was I fooling myself to believe that he and I actually had a chance to be more than two people that had one night together that resulted in an unplanned pregnancy?

  The remaining time with my best friends consisted of wedding talk and more about me and Adam. I was exhausted by the time lunch was over. My girls were amazing, but a few hours in their presence was enough when you were already being drained by a growing little human.

  By the time I got home I was in desperate need of a nap.

  I lay down for what felt like only a moment when I heard my phone beep with an incoming text. I looked at the time and was surprised to see it was already five-thirty. I had slept for over four hours.

  Adam: Hey, Beautiful, are you two hungry?

  I had to smile; Adam had been mentioning the baby a lot over the last week. Every time he asked me a question regarding food, sleep or illness it was always “you two”. The whole thing was actually really sweet.

  I found myself looking forward to spending time with him daily and longing for his texts and phone calls. I still felt shocked over the route our lves have taking in such a short time.

  Natalie: I think we could eat. What did you have in mind?

  I tried not to question what it was we were doing, but it was hard not to. Where we a couple? Friends?

  I was too afraid to ask him because I feared what his answer would be. We were developing a comfortableness with one another and I was fearful of disrupting it, but the questions were always there, lingering in the back of my mind.

  Adam: Whatever you want, baby.

  I secretly loved his endearments. I also loved when he acted sweet and flirtatious.

  Granted we’ve managed to keep our time together friendly, but the occasional touch or brush of the legs, were a nice addition too.

  Sometimes I would find myself watching his mouth praying he would just kiss me and break the tension I’ve felt over our time together.

  Natalie: Pineapple pizza?

  I laughed as I hit send, picturing the look of disgust I knew would be on his face when he read it. I loved making him cringe with nasty food combinations, which had nothing to do wit
h being pregnant. I just liked weird things.

  Adam: Only if I can get it half combo.

  Just as I suspected, he refused to try pineapple on pizza. He says fruit is not meant to be placed on pizza.

  I found myself grinning as I typed out a response.

  Natalie: Okay, Mr. Anti-pineapple. Are you ordering it or am I?

  His response came back quicker than I planned.

  Adam: I got it, relax. I’ll be there soon.

  And he wasn’t kidding. With how fast he arrived he had to have already ordered the pizza knowing that it was what I would choose.

  The excitement raced through me when I opened the door to a very handsome man holding Tropley’s Pizza in his hands.

  He looked so damn good and I’m sure he did it on purpose to torture me. Those broad shoulders were hugged tightly by the tight shirt he wore. And those damned washed out, worn jeans gripped his body in all the right places. He was mouthwatering and it was getting harder to resist the urges that raced through my mind whenever he was near.

  “Are you checking me out, Miss Ryan?” Great, I’d been caught and the cocky smirk on his face confirmed it.

  “Yeah right. I was checking out the food you’re holding, because I’m starving.” Real smooth, Natalie, you weren’t obvious at all. I probably had drool on my chin.

  I turned quickly and walked to the kitchen. I could hear him shut the front door and follow closely behind. Reaching into the cabinet to get plates I felt his body behind mine and I held my breath for fear of moaning in delight.

  Adam reached up over my shoulder and pulled the plates out, placing his other hand at my hip. When he sat the plates onto the counter he never stepped away and my heart began to race. I could feel his breath on my neck but I didn’t turn around to face him.

  “Be honest with me, Nat, you were checking me out, weren’t you?” he said in more of a whisper.

  Did I really want this to go where it was about to? Things had been so calm and there had been tension, but I think it was only on my part as Adam always appeared so kept together.

  I took a steadying breath and decided what the hell.

  “Maybe,” I replied.

  “Natalie.” It sounded more like a warning. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”

  One more deep breath in and I turned to face him, our bodies practically molded as one. “Why? Does it really even matter?”

  He nodded, telling me without words that it mattered.

  “Yes.” I looked away from his prying eyes. “I was admiring you.”

  He placed his finger below my chin and lifted upward, forcing me to look at him. “I’m glad you like what you see,” he confessed.

  My heart was racing and it felt like I had a million little butterflies flipping around inside my stomach. On instinct, I licked my lips and Adam’s eyes flipped to my mouth, only enhancing the excitement of the moment.

  After a heated stare down, he spoke again. “Natalie, I’ve fought against my impulses so often over the last few weeks. I’ve told myself to go slow with you, but going slow gets harder every day.” He shook his head lightly as if clearing a vision or thought. When he focused back on me he was closer and looking me directly in the eyes, with such intensity in his expression.

  He brushed the tip of his nose along mine and my throat instantly tightened. Just above a whisper he spoke, “I wanna kiss you so bad, but I don’t want to screw this up with you.”

  It felt great to hear he wanted it as badly as I did. And now that I knew there was no way I would allow him to talk himself out of it. “I want you to kiss me,” I said almost breathlessly.

  He ran his hand around the back of my neck and pulled me closer, knowing now that there was no resistance from me.

  Our lips were barely apart and I could feel his warm breath against me. “You’re so beautiful, Natalie,” he said against my lips just before he closed the distance.

  Adam gently kissed me and I let go of the tension that had built and focused on nothing but how right it felt to be sharing this moment with him. I placed my hands around his neck and gave myself over to our kiss completely.

  The smoothness in the way his lips moved against mine caused chills to run down my arms. It was as if we had been sharing moments like these forever and knew just what the other wanted and needed.

  His tongue brushed across my lower lip and a rush of lust ran throughout my body. I needed more.

  Sucking on the tip of his tongue, I pulled it into my mouth, massaging his with my own. I heard a deep groan from within him and I moaned in return.

  Our bodies were pressed tightly together with my back still firmly against the countertop. I was pinned and I loved the feel of it.

  A hunger for more intensified within me. “Baby, you taste so sweet,” Adam praised. “I’m sorry I was too stupid to remember our first kiss.” Adam kissed me once more. “I know I don’t ever wanna forget this.”

  My mind felt like it was jumbled up and I couldn’t think. I craved his touch, his voice. What the hell was wrong with me?

  I felt like I was drowning, fighting for air, and Adam was the last ounce of oxygen that could be found in order to survive.

  I wanted more, so much more. I needed it.

  “More, God I need more…please.” I practically begged.

  I was pulling on his hair frantically and grinding myself against him trying to gain any form of relief.

  “Natalie, I didn’t come here for this.” His lips trailed across my jaw and down my neck.

  “I know you didn’t.” But it was too late to stop. “Now shut up and kiss me.”

  I heard his chuckle and then his tongue brushed against my collarbone. I instantly felt like I could explode. This was amazing. I knew being with Adam would be explosive. For one night I wanted to let go of all my worries and just give myself to the attraction I had for him. I wanted to feel desired.

  Adam gripped my hips and lifted me onto the countertop, taking his place between my thighs. On instinct I wrapped my legs around his waist and pulled him closer.

  “You are so gorgeous. I’ve dreamt of this so many times, I want you so much,” he whispered between kisses and my insides were on fire.

  “I want you too, Adam,” my words ending with a satisfied moan. “Oh my God I want you.”

  The doorbell rang and we both froze.

  No one ever visited me, like ever. Why tonight of all freaking nights did someone choose to show up?

  “Just ignore it.” I grabbed his face and pulled his lips back to mine, attempting to regain his full attention.

  “What if it’s important?” he asked.

  I shook my head. “Believe me it’s not. Just ignore it please.”

  Adam grinned against my lips as he began to kiss me once more.

  The doorbell rang once more. “Damn it,” I groaned and he chuckled.

  “Let me just check the door. You wait right there.” He pointed to the counter, “Just like that, and don’t move.” He looked at me appraisingly and stepped back shaking his head. “So fuckin’ sexy,” he mumbled, adjusting himself just before walking away.

  After a few seconds I heard mumbled voices and wondered who it could be. I leaned forward and listened closely trying to decipher the words being spoken.

  “Yeah, well, I got this.” Adam said sounding irritated. “It really isn’t your place to be taking care of my girl.”

  I could hear the possessiveness in his voice. “Not that I should be explaining myself to you but Natalie and my baby are my responsibility and I can guarantee you they’ll be taken care of.”

  I slid from the counter and walked through the kitchen, just as I came around the corner, Adam closed the front door and turned to face me.

  “Who was that?” I asked.

  Adam had a perplexed look on his face. “I thought you said you and that douche didn’t have anything going on?”

  I could sense the anger he was trying to hold back in his voice.

  And in that moment I
immediately knew who it was. “Noah is my friend, Adam, nothing more.”

  Wow, jealousy looked hot on Adam. It actually felt amazing to know that the thought of me with someone else could get beneath that hard exterior Adam tried to maintain.

  No guy ever cared enough about me in the past to get jealous.

  Adam walked toward me and stopped within inches of his body touching mine. “I don’t want to share you,” he confessed. “I want this with you fully, I want everything. I thought I never would again, but I want this with. I won’t compete with some asshole who thinks he is gonna step in and take what’s mine.”

  My heart was racing. “Yours?”

  Adam reached out and brushed my hair away from my face. “Yeah mine. You…” he placed his hand on my stomach, “…and our baby.” Without any further pause he leaned forward and kissed me softly. Before pulling back he allowed his lips to linger. “Mine, Natalie,” he whispered. “I want both of you in my life from this point on.”

  My eyes filled with tears. “Really?”

  Adam gripped my face in his hands and got eye level with me. “Yes, really,” he said with a smile. “I want you and me to build something together for our baby. I just have to know you’re in this fully too.” He kissed me once more. “I care about you, Natalie. Tell me this is what you want because I couldn’t bear losing the two of you to another guy.”

  I smiled up at him through my tears. “I’m not going anywhere. I want this, too.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Adam

  I couldn’t believe the things that were running through my mind; I said I would never do it again.

  I told myself over and over that I wouldn’t fall for any girl but that didn’t seem to matter with Natalie. I was doomed from the beginning. She was so amazing for a million different reasons that no matter how hard I fought it, the outcome was inevitable.