by Kim Loraine
“Yeah. He’s smitten. It must be something about you Garcia women. You’re like a firefighter’s kryptonite.”
Laughing out loud, she watched him fill two plates with salad and sandwiches. A swift kick to her ribs had her gasping aloud and wincing in pain. Alex was kneeling in front of her, eyes tight with concern.
“What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
Rubbing at the tiny protrusion at the top of her distended middle, she grinned and sighed. “I’m fine. Just a jab to the ribs. It hurts when she does that. I think she’s going to be tall like you.”
“I hope she looks exactly like her mother.” He went back to fixing their plates and as she watched him, a wave of love crashed over her.
“Alex?”
“Yeah?”
“Thank you.”
A curious expression crossed his face. “For what?”
“For coming after me. No one has ever done something like that for me.”
As he placed the food in front of her, a sweet smile curled the corner of his mouth. “That’s because you hadn’t met the right guy. I’ll always come for you.”
Reaching out, she grasped his hand. “And I’ll always want you to.”
~ ~ ~
Alex left the house feeling lighter than he had in days—hell—weeks if he was being honest. Finally being able to touch Lauren, to kiss her, to feel her body respond to his, was like replacing a missing piece of himself. He ached to do more with her than just kiss. He wanted to take her—claim her, show her exactly how he felt using more than words. But they had time enough for that. If she needed slow, that’s what he’d give her.
The box he’d collected from his mother sat in the passenger seat of his truck. His heart swelled at the thought of his child; growing safely, and due to meet them in only a few months. He had a lot of work ahead of him.
Pulling out his phone, he dialed his brother’s number.
“Hey, Alex. What’s going on, man?” Michael’s voice was easy, relaxed, and happy as Alex heard the belly laugh of his niece in the background.
“You up for a contractor job?”
His brother laughed over the line, his attention clearly on his baby girl. “Yeah, what kind of project is it?”
“A nursery.”
“Really? You got her back?”
A smile turned up the corner of Alex’s mouth. “Not quite yet, but I’m close. Either way, the baby is going to need a place to sleep. I want to do it right.”
“So, what are you thinking?”
As he relayed his ideas to Michael, Alex visualized the room. He wanted it to be perfect for his daughter, for Lauren, for all three of them. After they made plans to meet and work on a more specific design, Alex hung up, ready to start wooing Lauren the way he should have all along. He’d been so caught up in himself, in trying to deny his feelings from day one, that he’d gone about their relationship all wrong. She needed him to show her he was it for her, just like she was for him.
Parking in his driveway, he hauled the box into the house, stopping only to slip off his shoes. The guest room held a single bed and nightstand, with plenty of room remaining for the rest of the furniture he’d need. Staring at the sparsely furnished room, he smiled to himself. He could already picture Lauren sitting in a rocking chair with a little pink bundle resting on her shoulder as she read a bedtime story aloud.
This would work.
It had to.
Chapter 33
Lauren tried to hold back the stupid grin that spread across her face as she saw Alex getting out of his truck. She’d been taking another break, soaking up the sunshine of the beautiful spring weather in one of the tables Kayleen had put out front. Lauren’s mug of herbal tea sent curls of hot steam into the air as she closed her book and locked eyes with him over the rim of her cup.
“Hey, stranger. I thought you had duty today.”
Biting his lower lip, he grinned and pulled a bouquet from behind his back. “I traded with the new guy.” Handing her the flowers as she placed her tea on the table, he pulled up a chair and sat. “I needed to see you.”
Her cheeks warmed at the heat in his gaze. “You saw me yesterday, and two days before that.”
“I need to see you every day.”
Chest tightening with the overwhelming desire to have his lips on hers, she took a long breath. “I think I agree. These last few weeks have been so . . . I don’t know, perfect? I’m not sure that’s even the right word to describe it.”
“Lauren, I told you I wasn’t going to give up. I hope I’ve proven to you how deep my feelings run.”
Lacing her fingers with his, she stared into those beautiful eyes and felt the thin walls around her heart crumble. He had been more open, honest, and devoted than she’d ever expected. There was no doubt in her mind of his love, and although she’d never questioned her own feelings, she knew now more than ever that she’d never love anyone the way she loved him.
“When do you get off work?” His voice was tinged with tension, making him seem nervous.
“I’m almost done. Kayleen sent me out here because she said I’d been on my feet too long. I think she feels like I’m going to pop any minute, but I keep telling her I’ve got at least eight weeks left.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “Listen to her. You’re pregnant. That means you can rest if you want.”
The protectiveness in his voice made her heart flutter. “Do you want to come over for dinner tonight? Chassity is in charge this time. She’s honing her take-out ordering skills.”
“Oh, yeah? Where’s she getting the food?”
“I think she said something about Stella’s.”
His expression turned dubious. “I don’t think they do take-out, or delivery.”
Shrugging, she sighed. “I’ll let her figure that out on her own.”
“Come to my house,” he rasped. “Stay the night?”
That made her stomach flip. They hadn’t taken things that far yet, even though her body was in a constant state of arousal when he was around—or when she thought of him.
He must’ve taken her surprise as an indication of unease, because his posture tensed further and he sat back, giving her space. “You . . . You don’t have to stay. Just let me cook you dinner. I’ll give you a foot rub if you’re really nice.”
A laugh bubbled up in her chest. “You keep talking like that, I may never leave.”
“That’s the idea.”
Gaze locked on his mouth, she pulled on his hand, hoping he’d get the message and kiss her. He did. As their lips met, her nerves ignited, sending tingles through her body. When he broke the kiss and pulled away, she let out a soft sigh. “It’s a good idea.”
“So, can I pick you up at six o’clock?”
Shaking her head, she stood, pushing back the chair and using the table for support. “I’ll bring my car. Anything you want me to get for dessert?”
“No. I’m taking care of you. Just bring your gorgeous ass and your appetite.”
“I think I can manage that.” Glancing back at the cafe, she sighed. “I’ve got to get inside. I’ll see you tonight.”
He pressed a kiss to her forehead before running a hand over the swell of her belly. “I can’t wait.”
Walking to the door, she stopped before opening it and turned for one last glance over her shoulder. “Oh, Alex?”
“Yeah?”
“Thank you for the flowers.”
His answering smile made her chest ache. He was so handsome. She couldn’t wait to spend the night in his arms.
~ ~ ~
At six o’clock on-the-dot she pulled into the driveway. Feeling self-conscious in her fitted wrap dress, she pulled at the neckline, trying to keep her breasts under control. Chassity had insisted she look
ed hot, but Lauren’s already-curvy frame had taken on porn-star like qualities as she’d crossed into the third trimester.
He opened the door before she could knock, and God bless him, he managed to keep his eyes trained on her face rather than her boobs. The wide smile on his lips made her own mouth turn up. Her heart cranked into overdrive. She loved this man. His ability to make her happy without uttering a single word obliterated any doubt she may have had.
“Hey,” she said, a little breathless.
“You look . . .”
“Like a pregnant hooker?”
He laughed and leaned down to whisper in her ear, “If I tell you it’s fucking hot will I get in trouble?”
A shiver ran through her. “It depends. Do you want to be a little naughty?”
His lips found the line of her neck, tasting and teasing her with just a hint of his tongue as he traced her collarbone. Her nipples hardened almost painfully as need for him crashed into her. Letting out a soft groan, she threaded her fingers in his hair and continued riding the sensation.
“We should get inside.” His voice was a hoarse murmur against her skin.
Nodding, she let him lead her through the entryway. “It smells incredible in here. I didn’t think you could cook.”
Biting back a smile, she watched the color rush up his cheeks. “Michael helped me. He was always the best cook at the station.”
“So, do you guys exist on ramen noodles and peanut butter and jelly without him?”
A laugh escaped him. “No. I can cook a little. I’m not as bad as Sully, but Donovan is probably the best cook at the firehouse now. His chicken parm is fucking amazing.”
“And what are we having tonight?” She couldn’t deny that chicken parmesan sounded wonderful.
“Lasagna.”
Her mouth watered at the thought and she let out a little moan.
Fire lit his eyes. “Oh, Jesus, Lauren. You’ve got to stop making those noises. I’ve been holding back these last few weeks, but I’m only human.”
She had to admit, his heated gaze made her feel fantastic. At thirty weeks pregnant, it was a chore to do almost everything, and she felt anything but sexy most of the time. But now, the way he looked at her was thrilling and made arousal surge through her.
Staring into his eyes, she stepped forward as far as her belly would allow, running her palm up his strong chest until she cupped the back of his neck. His gaze traveled down her body and back up to land on her lips with a hunger she knew her own expression mirrored. As he leaned down to close the distance between their mouths, the stupid oven timer beeped.
“I’d better get the dinner before it burns.” His words were tight as he stepped away. “Have a seat.” He motioned to the table, which was set with plates, cups, and utensils. The centerpiece was a vase filled with bright orange tulips, flanked by pretty white votive candles. He’d really gone all-out.
Doing as he asked, she watched him move around the kitchen. “It’s probably best if we keep our distance until after we eat,” she observed.
She didn’t miss the way his shoulders stiffened. He was wound just as tightly as she.
Dinner, although delicious, couldn’t have gone faster. All she wanted was his lips on hers, his fingers tugging at her hair, and him inside of her. When she stood to clear the table, he stopped her with a gentle hand on her shoulder.
“No. This is about me taking care of my girls. Let me.”
His words sent warmth spreading through her, beginning in her chest until it covered every part of her. After the dishes were in the sink, he took her hand and pulled her to stand beside him.
“I want to show you something special.” Leading her down the hall, he stopped them outside of the guest room. “Close your eyes.”
She smiled at the excitement in his voice and lowered her lids until she saw nothing but darkness. The click of the door as it opened made her skin tingle with awareness. He guided her inside—one step, two, three, until finally stilling. His hands left hers and she waited with baited breath as she heard him move through the room.
“Okay, open your eyes.”
Taking in the room around her, she gasped. The walls were painted a soft cream with matching curtains covering the window. On one side sat a beautiful crib made of dark wood, decked out in rose-colored bedding.
“Alex? When did you do this?” The wobble in her voice would have been embarrassing, but at this point, there was no controlling her tears.
“Michael and I have been working on it for a few weeks now.”
Walking over to the gorgeous crib, she trailed her fingers over it. “Did you make this?”
He nodded, joining her and placing a hand on the small of her back. “Look up.”
Turning her gaze to the ceiling, she watched as the lights dimmed and were replaced by hundreds of twinkling stars above them. “How did you—”
“Fiber-optic lights. This way, she’ll always be able to see the stars.”
Tears burned her eyes. “This is beautiful, Alex.”
He raised the lights and stepped back to let her inspect the nursery. The wall opposite the crib housed a changing table and dresser combination, already filled with diapers and wipes. What caught her eye most were the framed covers of some of her favorite books, Little Women, Pride and Prejudice, Madeline, and Harry Potter. They were hung across the wall in front of her.
“Why did you choose these?” She motioned to the frames.
He shrugged, looking down before bringing his blazing gaze to hers. “They’re all books with strong female characters. I want our daughter to be a strong woman like her mama.”
Taking her hand, he drew her to the only place she hadn’t paused. A bookshelf sat in the corner with a beautiful dark gray glider next to it. Books filled the shelves and a small reading lamp sat atop a sweet little table. On the wall above the shelves was a sign that read, “Though she be but little, she is fierce.” Noticing the stuffed fire engine nestled in the chair, she reached down and picked it up, bringing it to her chest.
“I can’t believe you did all this.”
“She needs a place here. I don’t want her to ever feel like I’m not invested in her one-hundred-percent, Lauren. Even if you never move in, if we can’t make this work.” His voice broke as he spoke the last words. “She’s everything. You and she will always be everything to me.”
“Alex—” she started, but the fear in his eyes broke her heart. She didn’t want him to think she doubted him. Placing the toy she held back in its spot, she took both his hands as she stared into his fathomless eyes. “I came here tonight for a reason. I don’t want to leave. Not just for the night. I don’t ever want to leave. If you don’t mind, I’d like nothing more than to spend the rest of my life here with you.”
The look on his face changed from broken to elated before her eyes. “God, I think that’s the best idea you’ve ever had.”
~ ~ ~
Alex couldn’t believe the words he’d just heard. Lauren wanted to stay—forever. His heart hammered against his ribs as if trying to break free.
“Can you say it again?” He needed to make sure he was clearly understanding her.
“I want to move in. I brought my stuff, hoping you’d say yes.”
Taking her face in his hands, he couldn’t resist sealing his lips over hers. Before long, his fingers trailed down her neck, ghosting over the unbelievably soft skin of her collarbone. Breaking the kiss, he let his gaze roam her body. Her nipples pressed hard against the thin fabric of her dress, enticing and begging for attention.
“I need you, Alex.” Her breathy words sent shockwaves of desire down his spine.
His voice caught in his throat as he tried to tell her he felt the same. Instead, he took her hand and led her out of the room silently, working t
o control himself. She needed tender and careful lovemaking from him, not the hard and urgent fuck his body cried out for.
As they walked down the hall, he ached to take her right then and there, but restrained himself, choosing to pepper kisses across her neck. With a groan, she whirled around and pressed him against the wall.
“Stop teasing me. I’ve been dreaming of this for months, Alex. Months.”
That was all he could handle. Tugging at the tie that held her dress closed, he sucked in a sharp breath as the fabric fell away, revealing a lacy black bra and matching panties. She blushed as he stared in awe, her hands covering her sizable baby bump.
Gripping her arms gently, he stilled her hands. “Don’t. You’ve never been sexier than you are right now.”
“I’m . . . enormous.”
He took her palm and slid it down his torso until it rested on his rock hard erection. “You’re fucking hot. Can’t you tell how much I want you?”
She took her lower lip between her teeth and ran her hand over his length. Jolts of pleasure raced through him at the contact, even through his jeans. Holding her shoulders, he moved from his place against the wall and pulled her toward his bedroom—their bedroom. He spun them and walked her to the bed. With one hand he reached between his shoulders, tugging his shirt over his head.
Her eyes went wide. “How do you do that? It’s the hottest thing. Do you practice or something?”
He smirked. “I don’t know. I’ve just always done it that way.”
“If I tried, I’d get stuck.”
“That seems to be a problem for you in general.”
Cocking her hip and arching an eyebrow, she grinned. “Only that once.”
“Thank God that sweater was attacking you. It was the best rescue I’ve ever taken part in.”
Sighing, she sat on the bed, tugging at his belt. “Stop talking.”
Before he could answer she had his belt off, zipper down, and her hot little hand was stroking along his length. Stars burst behind his closed eyes. “Fuck.”