Text copyright ©2017 by the Author.
This work was made possible by a special license through the Kindle Worlds publishing program and has not necessarily been reviewed by Rochelle Paige Popovic and Elle Christensen. All characters, scenes, events, plots and related elements appearing in the original Sex, Vows & Babies remain the exclusive copyrighted and/or trademarked property of Rochelle Paige Popovic and Elle Christensen, or their affiliates or licensors.
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Claim Me, Baby
Heather Stone
Contents
Foreword
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Epilogue
Afterword
Acknowledgments
Also by Heather Stone
Foreword
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the Sex, Vows & Babies Kindle World! In this combination of my Sex & Vows and Yeah, Baby series, we’ll bring you new books by some truly amazing authors. From sexy stories of married couples fighting against outside forces to keep their happily ever after, to unexpected pregnancies that lead to forever afters… the Sex, Vows & Babies world is full of over the top alphas, sassy heroines, insta-love, wedding bells, and growing families. Although the wide cast of characters in both series have managed to find love, there’s plenty more out there who could use Sex, Vows & Babies in their lives—like the couple in this story!
If you’re familiar with the Yeah, Baby and Sex & Vows series, you’ll see a familiar face (or more) in this story. I am so excited this author agreed to bring their storytelling talent to the Sex, Vows & Babies Kindle World! However, please keep in mind that this book is entirely the work of the author, and I didn’t have any part in the process of writing this book.
For more about the world, stop by the Sex, Vow, & Babies website: http://www.fionadavenport.com/kindle-worlds/.
Happy reading!
Fiona Davenport
(Elle Christensen & Rochelle Paige)
Prologue
Strong hands spread me open, eliciting a wave of tingles to run down my spine as I prepare myself for the sweet torture to come. I’m desperate for him to touch me, for him to be inside me. For him to ravish me again and again all through the night. Bracketing my legs around him, he aligns himself with my core. With slow precision, he feeds his cock inside, allowing me to adjust to his size. Once fully seated, he pulls out and slams back in over and over again. The pace makes me dizzy. The feeling is overwhelming. It’s not enough. Not nearly enough.
A desperate moan escapes, as I arch my pelvis up to take him deeper. Needing to feel him all the way inside me. The new angle has his length hitting the perfect sweet spot. With a sharp thrust, I feel my pussy begin to clench around him. I’m so close. I can almost taste my orgasm, but I just can’t reach it…
With my eyes closed, I slide my right hand down to stroke at my clit and push me over the edge, but when my fingers trail down to find my body drenched and engorged, I open my eyes.
There’s no one there. I’m met with nothing. That was just a dream.
That wasn’t real. None of that was real.
My fingers continue to swirl around in the wetness, desperately seeking the high I was so close to getting in the hottest dream ever, but it’s not enough. I need more, and although we haven’t had sex in weeks, maybe even months, I reach over across the bed.
Empty.
His side of the bed is empty. Cold. He’s not there. I know he had to work late, but this seems later than usual.
I check the clock on the bedside table. It reads eleven twenty. A feeling of dread coils in my belly. Where is he?
1
Kate
Six Months Later
My phone has been ringing off the hook today, as everybody knows that as of this morning my divorce is official. Fifteen years and two amazing kids wasn’t enough to keep us together. He found something more in someone ten years younger. Asshole.
The divorce was taxing on us all. I got sick of the arguing and just agreed to split custody. He was a shitty husband, but the girls adore him. Peering at my phone, I see twenty missed texts and five missed calls. My mom is probably worried sick that I have taken to the bottle and locked myself in my bedroom. To be honest I considered it, but what would that do? If I’m being honest, I’m more relieved than anything.
My phone rings again. I look down to see that Andy, one of my best friends, is blowing up my iPhone. She is my very crazy, very single blond bombshell friend. They say every brunette needs a blond friend, and she’s mine.
Andrea Adams—Andy—is the life of every party and the object of lust for most (straight) men. She has the perfect figure. From her perky C cups to her tiny waist she is the total package. Don’t get me started on her legs, which go on forever, or her beautiful almond-shaped cerulean eyes. Disgustingly unfair. I’ve always envied her.
I know for a fact she played the starring role in many of Travis’s dreams. For the last two years I avoided her while with him because it was so awkward and always left me feeling so inadequate.
It takes a lot for Andy to feel uncomfortable. She’s a born flirt and is so used to the attention, but coming from Travis it was unwanted and so obvious. She’s a good friend and would never condone that behavior, which is why I know I have to answer this call.
“I’m alive, completely sober and out of bed, I swear.” Looking out the window, I give my silent thanks to the Man Above for helping me make this a true statement.
“Thank God, I thought for sure you’d be drowning yourself in Jim, Jack, or José by now.” Her perky voice is just shy of annoying this morning. “How are you doing? Really.”
“I’m fine, couldn’t be better. I’m finally rid of that asshole. Legally, at least.” It’s mostly the truth. The hurt will never fully go away.
“Good, because we are hitting the town tonight. A celebration is in order, woman.”
She is too chipper and completely out of her damn mind if she thinks I feel like celebrating.
“Thanks, but no thanks. I think I am going to catch a movie tonight with Ashlyn and…”
“Who do you think you’re fooling, Katelyn Stone? Ash already told me that this weekend they’re with Travis, that stone-cold bastard cheat.”
She never fails. I laugh out loud at her completely unnecessary, yet accurate description of my ex. “We are absolutely going out. I’ve already called Jamie,” she chirps.
“Whoa. Brian has agreed to let her roam free for the night?” I am shocked.
“Yes, so you can’t say no. I won’t let you snake your way out of this. Pretty please, Kate, don’t make me beg.”
I laugh at her ridiculousness. “You’re hopeless. You know I’m not going to have any fun.”
“Sure you will. It will do you some good to let your hair down.”
I sigh. She’s right. I could use the break from these four walls. “I’ll go…depending on where it is you’re taking me.”
“Nowhere crazy. We’re heading out of town and into the sticks. Jumpin’ Jacks sound good? We can boogie all night!”
She’s literally squealing into the phone. It’s not like this isn’t her usual weekend routine, so why
she’s so psyched for it tonight is beyond me.
“Absolutely not! That place is a hole in the ground,” I protest, although Jumpin’ Jacks isn’t the worst place she could’ve named. At least I won’t have to worry about the college co-eds who come with other bars.
“Seriously, Kate! You’re not even thirty-five and you are the biggest stick in the mud. It might be a hole in the ground, but it’s close to Jamie’s and we won’t run into any ex assholes there.”
The reminder has me cringing. The last person I want to see anytime soon is Travis. The mere thought of him has me wanting to crawl back into my bed and disappear. I’m newly divorced with a shitload of baggage and drama. I’ll only bring Andy and Jamie down.
“My idea of celebrating is staying in and drinking my weight in champagne,” I whine. “Why would I need to go to a bar?”
Andy huffs in indignation. “Certainly not to catch a guy,” she mocks. “It’s been over a year, Kate. You’re young and beautiful. You have your whole life ahead of you.” Her voice is soft and coddling now. I wince.
“I couldn’t even keep my husband’s eyes from roaming. Why the hell would I even consider trying with someone else?” Andy is smoking hot and happens to be five years younger than me. She has no idea what dating would be like for me at my age, and with children, to boot.
It’s not like I’m unattractive; I’m just your average thirty-four year old. I’ve spent the last four months taking my aggression out at the local martial arts studio, which has helped my figure drastically. They started this awesome program turbo kick that literally kicks my ass every other day. I’m in the best shape of my life, but I still don’t feel like it’s enough.
At five-seven and 125 pounds, I’m the trimmest I’ve ever been. But my hair is mousy brown, falling just past my mid back in tangling curls, and the combination with my pale blue eyes has never been a great mixture, in my opinion.
Why couldn’t I have had eyes like Andy’s? Hers sparkle, they are so crystal blue. Instead, mine are a shade from gray, to match my mood ninety percent of the time these days. I can already tell my lack of self-confidence is sure to spoil Andy’s high spirits tonight. She’s just setting herself up for a downer of epic proportions.
I tried to tell her. “I don’t have anything to wear. None of my clothes fit me.” That was true. With the weight loss and my not wanting to leave the house, I have nothing that fits me, other than work clothes.
“Let’s meet up at Applebee’s for lunch and head to the mall to get you something to wear. I could use something new to spruce up my closet.”
“I suppose that could work,” I said reluctantly. “Give me an hour?”
“Sure, see you then. And Kate? Try to get out of this funk before tonight. I swear this is just what the doctor ordered for you.”
I doubted it, but I didn’t say that out loud.
“Sure, I’ll try to sport my new and improved outlook on life just for you, Andy.” I can’t help but spit out the sarcasm. “See you soon.”
She doesn’t even say good-bye when she hangs up. Great, I’ve already got her pissed off.
2
Jack
Imagine that. The prick is nowhere to be found. Since he stole my father’s building company right out from under my nose nine months ago, I’ve barely seen him. It’s probably for the best. Didn’t think I’d get it back if I broke his nose, which is a real possibility. He’s a dick and I don’t deal well with guys like him bossing me around, especially when I know far more about this company than he does.
The contract stated that he would run the company until I was ready to take it on my own. He didn’t stick to any of the stipulations. The second my dad was officially retired, the asshat started his own company and started subcontracting through Kincaid and Son for his own shit. Too bad there wasn’t a non-compete built in. But I guess my dad never realized what a sneaky fuck he was. Now the crew thinks they are his crew, and most of the business that my father spent decades growing is in the hands of another company.
When my dad retired, his business naturally went to his only son, me. He wanted it to stay in the family and be passed down generation after generation. He worked hard to make it successful, but I wasn’t ready to take it over when he was ready to be done.
I want my dad’s life. “Working hard for the weekend” was Wyatt Kincaid’s philosophy, although he spent most of his weekends working. I looked up to him, respected him. He was a true family man. He loves my mom more than life and would do anything for me and my two sisters.
I spent every summer working with him. Not only was he a well-known builder and architect, he was also a remarkable carpenter. People paid top dollar for pieces he built. It takes some incredible patience and artistic ability to create the furniture he made.
He taught me everything I know and pushed me to learn more. Now everything he built is in the hands of North Platte’s very own mob boss. Okay, so I’m being facetious, he’s not truly a mobster; he just acts like it. He’s shrewd and if he wants something, he gets it.
Lately, his interest has been in construction. He’s buying up smaller companies that are struggling and merging them to create a monopoly. Nobody wants to go toe to toe with him because they know something bad will happen. My dad refused to let me pass up on college scholarships to work for the business; he claimed it was a rite of passage. Degree first.
My phone starts buzzing in my pocket. It better be TS or I’m going to flip a lid on his ass. We had a meeting at noon to discuss a new project in Red Springs, the small town in which I grew up, and he has yet to show up or call.
I look at the screen and wince. My sister Julia’s face stares back at me. Shit, I never called her back. I’m going to owe her an explanation after the other night.
“Hey, Jules. I was just getting ready to call you.”
That’s the farthest thing from the truth, but I don’t want to piss her off more. She’s my twin sister and she’s been there for me through everything. She’s the only person I can count on a hundred percent of the time, and lately I’ve let her down.
I’ve been avoiding her, because she is also best friends with Christy, the girl who broke my heart. I thought I’d marry her someday, but that whole relationship went to shit. I don’t want to think about Christy right now, and that’s exactly why I’ve been ignoring my sister.
“You were?” The way she says it makes me feel like such a shit. I should just tell her the truth. She’s my damn sister, but I don’t want to put her in any more awkward positions.
“I’ve been worried about you, Jack. I’ve called a couple of times, but you never called back. I even called Sharon to see if you were okay.”
I cringe at the mention of my step-grandmother. Grandma Sharon is my mom’s stepmom. She’s a firecracker, and I am sure I’ll be getting hell from her for avoiding my sis. Julia has been busy caring for my grandpa Milo, grandma Sharon’s other half. Jules is an amazing nurse, but I know it wears on her watching him get worse.
“I know, I’m sorry, I’ve been busy.” I kick at the dirt, hoping the motion will help relieve some of the anxiety I’m having due to this conversation. All I really feel is l-a-m-e. If she’s buying this bullshit I’m feeding her, she’s not as smart as I think she is.
“Jack, what’s really going on? You can’t tell me you haven’t been avoiding me.”
There it is. Good girl. Glad to see she isn’t above calling me out on my shit. That’s one thing about Jules, she can hold her own.
“You’re right and I’m sorry. I really have been busy, but I have been trying to keep my distance too.” I sigh. “I’m not up for hearing any more about Christy’s party. I don’t want to go.”
“You don’t want to go? Fine. Don’t go, but don’t ignore me.” The anger and hurt is evident. Julia never takes this tone with me.
“Jules, you seem to forget the things she did to me. I know I act like it’s okay, but really if you think about it…she was a total bitch.”
The silence on the line is excruciating.
“Jack Kincaid, you can say what you want about her, but you call another girl a bitch, I’ll kick your ass.”
I laugh at her threats.
“Okay. No more name calling…but you have to admit that dumping me for my friend really does make her the devil.”
She groans. “I’m here for ya, and that’s it. I’m not fighting with you about Christy. You are both at fault.” She sighs.
Maybe I am making a bigger deal out of it than I need to. Julia and Christy have been friends far longer than the shit between Christy and me. Julia has never taken sides.
“Truce?”
“Truce,” she says. “But I actually was calling about the party.” I roll my eyes. Figures. “It might be Christy’s birthday, but Blake is the one that wants you there.”
I grunt.
Blake and Christy are friends of ours from high school. Blake was my best friend. He always had it bad for Christy, but I snuck in and stole her out from under him. I guess it’s only fair that he would return the favor years later. Karma’s definitely a bitch, and so was Christy when we were breaking up, but she’s not the same person anymore and neither am I. At the time it hurt. Bad. I had her virginity on my bedpost and she had mine. That’s not something you forget easily.
I’ve been watching them grope each other now for two years. I think it’s getting serious, but Blake still refuses to talk to me about it, which is just ridiculous. I’ve given my blessing for him to date her. Not like it mattered, as he asked me after the fact.
“Well…you comin’?” Julia breaks me out of my musing.
“Do I really have a choice?”
“Nope, I’ll text ya the info.” Julia sighs into the phone, “Jack, please don’t make tonight weird. They’re happy. Just be happy for them.”
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