“Is there a reason you were in there?”
“Not a good one.” Tears built in her eyes. “I’m not really sure why I did it. I was feeling jealous of Cara and her pie, and then somehow I started to think about Annabelle, and I wanted to know what she looked like. So I went to see if you had a picture.”
“Did you find what you were looking for?” he said in as stern a voice as he could.
“Yes, she was beautiful. So was your son.”
He was a little confused by what was happening here. Women were such a mystery. Somehow, Cara and a pie had made Julie think about Annabelle, which in turn caused her to sneak into his room. He supposed it sounded logical but not a whole lot.
“I’d appreciate it if next time you asked. I would’ve gladly showed you some pictures.” Who knew what state his bedroom was in. He likely had dirty underwear in a corner somewhere.
“You’re right, and I’m sorry.”
The tears were still in her eyes begging to release. He hated seeing her so upset. He didn’t even have time to get mad about it when all he could see were her eyes, ready to stream tears any moment. He motioned to her, and she walked to him. Wrapping his hands around her waist, he pulled her to him and kissed her. He’d been dying for an excuse to taste her again, and this seemed as good as any.
His fingers tugged at her shirt until he was able to get it un-tucked, and his hands slid underneath to her warm skin. As he caressed her back, she arched into him, her hands gripping him by his hair, sending waves of pleasure through him.
Julie pulled away and stared up at him. “Make love to me.”
There was no way he could resist. “Are you sure? The baby?”
She grinned. “You can’t hurt the baby. And yes, I’m sure.”
That was all the convincing he needed. He picked her up and she entwined her legs around his waist. Now where to take her? He decided the other guest bedroom was a good place. That way it wasn’t his room or her mother’s.
As he crawled onto the bed with her still wrapped around him, he gently laid her back onto the pillows.
“This is my old bedroom,” she whispered, never taking her eyes from his.
Looking around, it looked as if it still belonged to a teenage girl. He’d never really noticed it before, but then again he’d never had a reason to come in here. This was, in some ways, kind of erotic.
“Does this bring back any memories?” He kissed her neck.
Her fingers dug into his shoulders. “Oh, no, I was a good girl. A very good girl.”
He laughed. “I’m not so sure about that.”
With a sultry grin, she said, “Why don’t you kiss me again and find out how good of a girl I am.”
She didn’t have to say anything else—he was sold. He yanked the quilt out from under her so she wouldn’t get cold, but he planned to keep her plenty warm. His lips trailed down her neck as he lifted her shirt over her head. He kissed and licked his way down to her belly as he worked on removing her pants. With just a few tugs, he was able to toss them aside and take in her beauty. Long legs, slightly parted, with a pair of baby blue panties. He couldn’t wait to explore further.
Julie sat up and tugged his shirt over his head. Her hot mouth found his chest, and his eyes closed. She licked her way to his neck and let her tongue swirl around his earlobe then gently bit down. If he wasn’t already hard, he would have been then. She definitely was a good girl—with her tongue.
He pushed her back so she lay below him again. She stared up at him, her eyes dark with passion. He’d never seen a woman more beautiful than Julie. His heart swelled with new feelings, and as much as he wanted to push them away, he couldn’t. Not right now. He needed her.
He nudged her legs open and brought himself between them. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
He removed his pants and boxers, making sure to grab the condom from his wallet he kept there just in case. He tore the foil open and rolled it down his shaft, she watched. With his cock still in hand, he teased her opening with a finger to make sure she was ready. He didn’t have to play long, she was wet for him. He gazed longingly into her eyes as he entered her. Oh God, she was tight and hugged him as though she’d been made for him.
Waves of pleasure spiraled though him. He had never felt this connected to anyone before. It was as if literal fireworks were going off in his body. As she panted under him, digging her nails into his lower back, he hoped she was enjoying this as much as he was.
Her grip tightened and she bit into his shoulder, she was close. He wanted this to be as good for her as it was for him. He grabbed one of her legs, pulling it up so he could deepen his thrusts. He sped up, and she cried out. He pumped harder, unable to control himself. His stomach tightened and release was right there. He didn’t think he could hold back. Julie cried out, her back arching as she came. He cried out as his nerves shot off like fireworks as his release burst out. After a few more hard thrusts, he collapsed on top of her. Her breathing was heavy like his.
This wasn’t the wildest sex he had ever had, but it sure topped the charts at being the best. Being with her seemed to intensify his feelings for her and the connection. It really was like they had joined together as one.
Once he caught his breath, he rolled off of her, pulling her to him. “That was amazing.”
“I agree.” She caressed his cheek. “I could do it again.”
“We’re all out of condoms unless you have some.” He licked his lips, savoring her taste.
“I don’t. Guess tomorrow we’ll be making a trip to the drugstore.”
Just knowing she wanted to do it again made his heart thump in happiness. Julie was a girl who was easy to fall for and, at this moment, it seemed like he just might be. Frankly, he was okay with it. It felt good to feel alive again.
“I don’t know about you, but I’m starved.” He kissed her cheek before sitting up.
“I stuffed myself at Luigi’s this afternoon, but I’m hungry again.”
He let his hand rest on her belly and gazed into her eyes. She was no longer smiling but had a serious look on her face.
“That miracle inside of you can easily make you eat more than usual.”
He removed his hand and planted one last kiss on her swollen lips. As he found his clothes, he tossed her onto the bed. He would much rather stay naked, but it was a bit chilly, and there was a certain part of him that didn’t do so well when it got cold.
Julie sat huddled under a blanket with Mark enjoying the pecan pie and a cup of decaf coffee. They were just finishing up a movie. She yawned and knew once this was over, it would be time to crawl into a warm and fluffy bed. She was thankful for the power and not having to sleep anymore on that hard floor. Thank goodness her mother had never put the hardwoods in like she’d talked about for years.
Setting her plate down, she then enjoyed the last few sips of bliss the beverage was giving her. Why had she never thought to get decaf? There was just something about coffee that made everything better.
Her cell phone rang. She glanced at the clock and wondered who would be calling at this time. She grabbed the device from the side table and on the screen she saw Jeremy’s name. Fluttering started in her belly and not the good kind. She excused herself and disappeared to her mom’s room before saying hello. She didn’t want to air her dirty laundry in front of Mark.
“You finally answer,” Jeremy said on the other end.
“My phone was in the car for days, snowed in. A blizzard hit,” she explained and then wondered why she was. Ending things meant she no longer had to.
“I find that hard to believe. You always have your phone.”
“I’m on vacation.” Why did she answer? She was having a wonderful evening, and now he was ruining it. If she’d been smart, she would’ve let it go straight to voicemail. “What do you want?”
“We need to talk about our situation.”
“Okay, let’s see. We’re over. I’m keeping the baby, and that’s about
it. Anything else?” She grabbed a pillow from the bed and threw it down.
“I don’t want to be a father.”
“Then don’t be.”
He huffed. “You think I’m stupid? You’ll come after me for child support and everything else. I’m not supporting it until it’s eighteen.”
“I’m not having an abortion!” she said sternly, fighting the tears. How could this asshole reject the baby—his baby.
“Well, you’re not keeping it.”
She rolled her eyes. “Yes, I am.”
“If you do, I will make your life hell,” he threatened.
“What are you going to do exactly?” Her blood was boiling. To think, she actually considered marrying this guy.
“You know what, it probably isn’t even mine. You’re a slut, and I’ll let everyone know. You’ve been fucking everyone, and you don’t even know who the father is. That’s why you left me and ran home to mama.”
Her mouth dropped open as a tear trickled down her cheek. “You. Are. An. Asshole.”
“You want me to stop? Get rid of the baby.”
Julie heard footsteps then Mark took the phone from her hands. “Leave Julie the hell alone, do you hear me? You’re a pussy of a man.” He sat quiet for a moment, and she could only imagine what Jeremy was saying back. “It doesn’t matter who the hell I am. Just do her a favor and sign away your rights. You would make a pathetic father.”
Mark hit the end button then tossed the phone onto the bed. Julie gazed up at him. She couldn’t believe he had just done that. Part of her was in awe that he’d stood up for her, but she was also afraid of how Jeremy was going to react. He was a jealous man and knowing she was here with another man now was going to be icing on the cake.
“I won’t let him do anything to you,” Mark assured her.
“I never knew he would be like this.” Or maybe she hadn’t wanted to see it.
“It’s not your fault. People can come across any way they want to.”
He was right about that. “I think I’m just done for the day. I’m going to turn in.”
Mark took her hand and pulled her into an embrace. “Can I spend the night with you?”
“I would love it.”
Taking a step back, she held his hand and led him toward her childhood bedroom. Once inside, she climbed into the bed, noticing it was still in an array from earlier. He was an amazing lover. So thorough and kind, making sure her needs were met before his. A connection clung between them—something she had never experienced before.
Pulling the covers up, she turned toward Mark. “You know we are just going to sleep, right?”
He chuckled then kissed her. “This isn’t about sex, Julie.”
The flutters returned, but this time it was the good kind. An instant smile crossed her face, and there was no way she could wipe it off even if she tried. This man renting her mother’s house was something else. Perhaps another blizzard would hit, but this time they’d be stocked up with lots of condoms.
Chapter Ten
The next day wasn’t going any better for Julie. Her phone had been ringing nonstop, and she had to be on several conference calls. It was like everyone forgot she was on vacation. If it wasn’t for her hoping her mom would call, she would most likely have buried the damn thing out in the snow.
She stepped out of the shower, letting her toes touch the cool tiled floor that actually felt nice after the hot and steamy shower. She wrapped her long hair up into a fluffy blue towel. Her mother’s ugly orange robe hung behind the door. Slipping it on but not tying it, she went to find something to wear in her suitcase. She paused in front of the full-length oval mirror. Turning to her side, she pulled her robe back. Her stomach had a slight pouch to it as though she’d over eaten. Rubbing her hands along it and seeing the bulge was firm made her finally realize that she really was pregnant. She was going to be a mom—a single one at that.
She recently read the baby was now the size of an apple. It definitely looked like she swallowed one whole.
She was going to have to get some new jeans soon. Hers thankfully rode on her hips, so she wasn’t having a hard time buttoning them yet. But it wouldn’t be long. She read that one night her belly would suddenly just pop out and then the growing would really begin.
Digging through her suitcase, she found some warm clothes to put on. Overnight, they’d gotten a few more inches of snow, just as she’d thought they would. What was another two inches after a blizzard? The sun was out today at full blare, and things were slowly melting. It couldn’t melt fast enough.
After she was dressed and had styled her hair, she put on a light layer of make-up. Seeing her hair slightly curled and wearing nice clothes lifted her confidence. And she needed it. The publishing house was urging her back to New York. She was able to buy a few more days of vacation, but that was it. Her gut told her that if she didn’t go back soon, she would be out of a job, and that was the last thing she needed. At this point, she was the only one this little apple had.
Maybe a trip to town would lift her spirits some more. She’d wanted to try the little coffee shop, The Roasted Cup, she’d seen next to The Reading Corner bookstore. A little caffeine wouldn’t be bad, and she could use the jolt.
Collecting her purse, she snatched her blinking cell phone, not caring what messages awaited her, and tossed it in then took her keys out. She opened the front door and bumped right into a hard, muscular chest. Mark was home. She smiled.
“Where are you headed?” He took her hand in his.
“Coffee shop. It’s been a long day here.”
“Well, hop in the truck. I have a surprise for you. Then I’ll treat you to coffee.”
She hesitated, never being one for surprises.
“Oh, come on. You’re going to love it.” He gave her no choice as he pulled her outside, closing the door behind her.
She climbed into the passenger side and watched as he walked around to his side. It had been a long time since she’d been in a truck. It was different and really strange for someone besides a taxi driver to be driving her anywhere. She didn’t use her own car much.
“Where are we headed?” she asked.
“My lips are sealed.”
“Can I have a hint?”
He shook his head. She could tell his lips were shut, and he wasn’t telling her anything. She couldn’t help but be giddy that whatever he was doing, he had taken the time to put it together.
As they rolled through town, she noticed children had been out building snowmen. She couldn’t wait to come home to Brookfield with her little one to build them at Christmastime. It was always so fun rolling the balls and then finding things in the house to decorate it with. Her and her mom always used wacky things. Their snowmen always had a few kitchen utensils jammed in somewhere.
The truck’s blinker came on, and they pulled up to Brookfield Family Practice. What kind of surprise was this? Who the hell ever wanted to go to the doctor?
Mark hopped out of the truck, raced around to her side, and opened her door. Holding her hand, he helped her out. She bit her lip nervously, but Mark led her inside, a huge grin on his face the entire time. She was happy to be out of the cold but not to be here. What was he up to?
A lady in the reception area greeted them and knew right away who they were. Julie gave Mark a confused expression. Before she even had time to ask him once again what he was up to, a nurse came out and called them back to an exam room.
“Hop up on the scale, please.” The nurse pointed.
“No. What’s going on?” She glared at Mark, wondering who the hell he thought he was.
“Um, well, we can wait on this step.” The nurse appeared confused. “Let me take you to the exam room. Dr. Blossom will be right in.”
Julie followed her into the room and once the nurse was out of sight, she spun around. “What is going on, Mark? Why are we here?”
He rubbed his palms together. “I thought you would like this.”
“To g
o to the doctor?” She shook her head in frustration. “This isn’t your place. I’ll go when I’m ready. It isn’t like I wasn’t going to.”
“It’s past time to go. You should be going monthly right now. They need to do blood work. You have a glucose test soon.”
Her eyes were wide open. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “Okay, I get that. But I could do that all back in New York. I can do this.”
Mark didn’t say anything, just stood there with a hurt look.
“This is just crazy,” she softly said.
He cleared his throat. “I just wanted to do something nice for you. So I set this up personally with Dr. Blossom. I didn’t realize it would upset you so much.”
Right as she was about to speak, an elderly lady in a long white jacket came in.
“Hi, I’m Dr. Blossom. You must be Julie Miller.” She offered her hand.
Julie shook it. “I am.”
“It’s so nice to meet. Tell me, how far along are you?” She took a seat on the spinning doctors chair.
Julie started to relax and she sat down on the patient table. “Three months, I think.”
“Well, you’re in for a treat. How about you lay back, and we’ll have a peek.”
“A peek? At what?”
“The baby, silly.” Dr. Blossom chuckled.
She was going to get to see the baby. It felt like she was going in slow motion as she sat and followed the doctor’s order to lift her shirt and unbutton her pants. A clear, warm, goopy liquid was squirted on her belly.
“Dim the lights, please.” Dr. Blossom asked Mark.
Julie didn’t know what to think. In fact, her mind was blank. Dr. Blossom picked up some crazy-looking contraption then turned on something that looked like a computer monitor. She started to rub the tip of the contraption across Julie’s belly, and suddenly there was a sound like a heartbeat coming from the monitor.
“Is that…” was all Julie was able to say.
“It is.” Dr. Blossom smiled. “We like to make sure things look healthy at the first appointment. Ah, and this is your baby.”
What to Read After FSOG: The Gemstone Collection (WTRAFSOG Book 3) Page 159