Christmas Daddy Next Door: A Single Dad and Baby Romance

by Tia Siren

  I was nervous as I slipped my feet into my black Mary Jane shoes with a low heel. I put the heart pendant my dad had given me on my sixteenth birthday over my head. It had been one of his few sober moments, and I cherished the memory. I let out a sigh as I headed into the living room.

  I needed to figure out a different place to live eventually. This was a small two-bedroom, and I would need space for the baby, especially as he or she got older. Stacy wouldn’t want to help me parent even if it was Ryan’s child, which she didn’t know yet. I was keeping it quiet until this dinner was over. Then I would feel more comfortable telling people.

  I also didn’t want it to become the talk of the town, since that seemed to be a cause for concern for his father. I didn’t know what I could tell or not tell at this point, and it made me grateful to have Lucy in my life. She was still completely supportive of our situation. Since she knew, Ryan could talk to her as well. Lewis knew too, but they were both sworn to secrecy.

  Lucy was always positive and willing to help at the drop of a hat. She was all for this baby and excited to be the best aunt in the world. Plus, she was certain that Ryan was going to be a great father. I believed her, though I didn’t know what the dynamic was between Ryan and me. At this point, I was just willing to see where it would go.

  I heard a knock at the door and walked over to answer it. Ryan was there, dressed in a black suit. I felt my skin go pale. He looked so good, and I suddenly felt self-conscious. I stared down at my dress as my stomach twisted.

  “Is this okay?” I asked, looking up at him.

  “You look beautiful. Dad surprised me with the restaurant earlier today, so I dressed for it.” Ryan smiled weakly as he came inside and looked at me closely. “How are you feeling?”

  “Nervous. My stomach is all over the place,” I admitted as he reached down to touch my stomach gently. “I’ve been spotting too, but the doctor said that was normal. I’m trying not to worry.”

  Ryan had brought my doctor with him that night of the phone call. He had looked stressed when he’d come in and taken me to my room to relax as the kind, older doctor looked me over. It had been embarrassing, but also a relief to know that everything was okay. I was so glad that I was home a lot.

  “Nothing worse than before?” he asked, and I shook my head. “Good.” He pressed lightly against the material of my dress and smiled at me. “Are you hungry?”

  “I might be when we get there. I’ve been worrying all day and my appetite has been a little low.” I held up my hand as he started to speak. “I ate. Don’t worry. I kept it light, but every bite was healthy.”

  The websites he had bookmarked for me came in handy, and I was trying all kinds of new things. Stacy noticed that the quality of our food had increased, but I didn’t tell her Ryan was paying for it. I just claimed to be eating cleaner.

  “Good girl,” he said to me as his phone vibrated in his pocket. “I suppose we should go. It’s across town.” I grabbed my small purse and he locked my door for me before handing me the keys. We went to his SUV, and he let me in before jogging around to the driver’s side.

  I could tell that Ryan was nervous as well as he drove. I wondered how I was going to make it through this. It took about half an hour to get to the restaurant. Once there, Ryan handed the car keys to the valet driver before leading the way into a gorgeous building. The building was big and covered in windows with low lighting and candles flickering inside. I could tell it was expensive and swallowed the lump in my throat as Ryan opened the door for me. He stepped ahead and told the hostess that he was meeting his father.

  They clearly knew his family here, and the woman batted her fake eyelashes at him before leading us to a table in the back. Never mind that he had a woman with him. I looked over his parents as the woman announced us and then turned to leave with a curious look in her eyes.

  I gave Ryan’s parents a small smile as Ryan introduced us and then seated me after I shook their hands. His parents were beautiful people on the outside, and I could see why everyone admired them. They were friendly to me, but they were both sizing me up. His mom eyed me closely while she sipped a martini, her eyes showing that it wasn’t her first drink of the night.

  I saw my father in her face and looked away for a moment, sipping my ice water as I took in Ryan’s expression. Smiling at me and perched on the edge of his seat, he looked like he was ready for anything. His father eyed me as he sipped his own water. He was observing me just as closely.

  “What do you do for work, Brea?”

  “I just completed my degree in cinema and I’m still working my college job at a coffee shop. I am looking for work though.” I smiled confidently as disappointment crossed his face.

  “Cinema. That’s not a very common major, is it?” he asked, his face growing stern.

  “I suppose not, but it’s something I’m passionate about,” I assured him. Ryan’s mother waved at the waiter, ordering another drink with a beautiful smile. She seemed to be a functioning alcoholic, though I knew how that might end. “I can also work around the baby’s schedule that way. It’s going to be easier than a nine-to-five job. Ryan and I can plan around that.”

  “I stayed home with Ryan after I had him,” his mother said unexpectedly. Ryan glared at her.

  “So, you plan on traveling for work when the baby is born?” Mike asked me. Ryan took my hand under the table. The waiter came back to take our orders, and I glanced down at the menu, which I had yet to look at. I picked it up to avoid answering and surveyed the choices quickly. It was amazing how the most expensive places had such limited choices. I felt guilty as I ordered a salad and some soup. Ryan gave me a sharp look. He was worried.

  I knew I couldn’t pay for it, but Ryan would handle it if anything went wrong. The rest of the table ordered, and I sat back as I sipped my water again. I sensed that Mike wanted an answer. I blinked for a moment, avoiding his gaze.

  “Your answer?” he finally asked.

  “About work?” I checked. He nodded. “I plan to work as much as I can without losing too much time with my child. This is a surprise, sir. I won’t pretend that it isn’t, but I’m happy about it. I think your son will make a wonderful father.”

  Ryan squeezed my hand, and I took strength from his comfort.

  “I understand that you’ll need to tell friends and family about this baby. I can’t prevent you from doing that, but don’t share a lot of details. I’d prefer that you didn’t let it leak that my son is the father to the media or speak to them at all. I don’t want this to become the latest gossip. If that happens, Ryan will lose everything.”

  I swallowed thickly and stared at him.

  “Not only will I stop the inheritance, but if anything gets leaked, he will no longer be a part of this family. You will have to make it on your own. Both of you.”

  The words echoed through my head as I dropped my eyes to look at the heavy, polished wood table. This man was willing to disown his son over a single press leak. Ryan stroked my stomach gently, and tears filled my eyes as I wondered what we’d done.

  “I won’t talk to anyone. I promise.” The meals arrived, and I took a deep breath as I stared at the unappetizing food. Mike started to talk about the bank as he ate his steak. His wife drank more than she ate, only picking at the chicken on her plate.

  Mike asked about my family with a tone that suggested he already knew a lot about me, but I told him that my father passed away recently. He asked what killed him, and I told him it was liver failure. I tried not to glance at Ryan’s mother as I spoke.

  Darkness crossed Mike’s face as he dabbed at it with his napkin and then he asked me about my mom. I told him that my parents had divorced when I was younger and she’d since remarried and was now living in Minnesota. He asked how involved she would be with the baby, and I shrugged. I told him I wanted her to be close to the baby. He asked if they had money, and I was forced to admit that my mother was middle class and my dad had left nothing behind.

  M
ike shot Ryan a long, questioning look. Ryan nudged me with his leg. I reached for my spoon and took a small bite of my soup, knowing it would taste amazing on any other night. Dinner dragged on, and I pushed my food around my plate as the questions continued. Mike was a cold man who didn’t seem to feel any warmth toward his grandchild. His wife proceeded to drink more and more while he barely took notice. I stood when it was over, relieved to be leaving as I murmured a good-bye. Ryan led me to his car.

  “I feel like I was just interrogated for committing a crime,” I said as I slid into the passenger seat.

  “I’m sorry. He’s an asshole,” Ryan told me as he leaned forward to kiss me softly. “You did great, Brea.” His lips brushed mine again, making desire surge through me. He pulled away. “Want to go to my house?”

  I nodded, remembering that we were out in public as he closed the door gently to walk around the front. We needed to keep our PDA down, even if I was pregnant. I pressed my thighs together. My sex drive was increasing with the pregnancy hormones, and I sighed as Ryan got in and stared at me.

  “I want you so badly.”

  “I can’t wait to be inside you,” Ryan told me softly as I looked over to meet his eyes. He started the engine and pulled out onto the street as his hand slipped over my thighs and between my legs. “Is it true what they say about pregnancy?”

  “So fucking true,” I moaned as I spread my legs and allowed him access to my needy pussy. We drove to his place as he edged me close to a release. He parked in a spot, pressing the brakes hard as I gasped and cried out his name.

  “That was so hot, but I can’t do this ever again. Fuck. That is so dangerous,” Ryan murmured as I turned toward him for a kiss. He reminded me that we needed to get to his place before reluctantly pulling away and getting out. We walked to his penthouse, and as soon as the elevator was closed, he pressed me against the wall and kissed me hungrily.

  I moaned against him as he tugged me closer to him, thankful that he had his own elevator. The car stopped and the door opened as he pulled away and looked me up and down. I wasn’t sure if this was lust, emotions from the dinner, or real feelings between us, but I didn’t care. I wanted him, and I allowed him to pull me into the foyer and shove me against the wall as he slid his tongue over mine.

  We kissed hungrily before he lifted me to carry me to the bedroom, stripping me methodically before I dropped down to my knees. I pulled his pants down and took him in my mouth as Ryan gripped my hair, moaning my name. I made him come deep in my throat before he pulled me up.

  “On the bed,” Ryan told me. I dropped onto my back and scooted against the pillows. I was slick with need. Ryan kicked off his remaining clothes and crawled between my legs. He asked me if I was feeling okay before he kissed my folds, watching me nod.

  I was so horny for him that I was ready to cry when he licked me firmly. I wept with the sensations rushing through me as he licked and sucked me slowly. He brought me close to the edge before pulling away and reaching down to stroke himself slowly. I watched as he moved to position himself above me, sliding in for the first time of many as I cried out his name.

  CHAPTER 11

  Ryan

  I turned my head to see Brea stirring beside me in her bed, smiling as she blinked at me. “Did you have a nice nap?” I asked. She giggled and nodded.

  I couldn’t believe she was already twelve weeks along. Brea had a small bump that I could only see when she was naked, but other than that, she wasn’t showing much yet. Her breasts were full and round, though, and I could not get enough of them.

  Since the first night we’d slept together again, I couldn’t stop sucking on them and cupping them in my hands. She was more sensitive than before as well and came from just my teeth on her skin. She came easier now, and I loved bringing her to release every way I could.

  She was also glowing beautifully from the pregnancy, and I felt myself falling for her more every day. I didn’t say anything though, just spent time with her out here in Brooklyn.

  My father had too much of a presence in Manhattan, and I got some peace out here. We hung out and watched TV in the living room or her bedroom, spent quality time in her bed, and made a lot of food. She seemed to be craving something different every day. I loved being a part of this process.

  I leaned over to kiss her softly as she snuggled closer to me, murmuring my name.

  “Want to go out tonight and get some food?” I asked as she pressed closer to me, her hard nipples distracting me from my plan.

  “Where?” Brea asked. I thought for a moment, finding it hard not to turn her on her back and take her again.

  “Let’s go to the pub and eat,” I suggested. She pushed up to go to the bathroom. I watched unabashedly, thinking about how sexy she was while carrying my baby. It filled her out in all the right places.

  “I’ve been craving their burgers. That sounds great,” Brea called from her bathroom as I grinned. My phone chimed on the table beside the bed, and I glanced over and grabbed it.

  Lewis: Where are you at?

  Me: Brea’s. What’s up?

  Lewis: You’ve been there a lot. Is it getting serious?

  Me: Nah. Just a break from Manhattan is all. There’s a great vibe here.

  Lewis: I’ll give you that. I’m at Lucy’s and we were thinking of heading to the pub. Want to come?

  I laughed and told him that we were headed there too. I didn’t see him alone as much now—being here with Brea took up my time—but we tended to hang out with him and Lucy more. It worked out, but I knew he missed our guy time. It was getting harder to hide what was happening with Brea and me, and we were going to tell everyone about the baby soon.

  We thought that under the circumstances, we should wait the standard three months to make sure it was going to be a healthy pregnancy. Like it or not, the media would catch on to the baby, and we just needed to keep quiet about things as much as possible.

  Brea was feeling good despite a bit of remaining morning sickness and some aches and pains. Everything was going great. She turned on the shower, and I pushed myself off the bed to join her. I reached around to stroke her nipples as I stepped behind her and under the water. Brea giggled and leaned back against me as she closed her eyes.

  “Don’t you ever get enough?”

  “Not of you.” I slipped my hands over her small bump and stroked it as she sighed against me. We made love slowly in the shower even though she protested that she was too big. I laughed. She could never be too big for me to want her. Brea dressed in some stretchy jeans and an oversized Brooklyn long-sleeved shirt before she pulled her hair back in a loose bun. She didn’t wear any makeup, and in my opinion, she didn’t need it.

  She looked beautiful.

  I pulled on my clean jeans and shirt before we slipped our feet into Converse and headed out. We walked slowly to the corner building, talking about the upcoming appointment when we would find out the baby’s gender.

  Brea had felt like it was a girl from the beginning, but a large part of me hoped for a boy so Dad would be happy. He didn’t feel that girls could run a company properly, and a daughter would only add fuel to his fire. I told her I wanted a boy, but deep down, I just wanted a healthy baby. I’d be happy with either, and the idea of seeing her holding our child made my body flush with affection.

  I looked over at her as she smiled and glanced back at me. We’d gotten along well the last few weeks since the dinner had faded from our minds. I knew I could be with her as more than just the father of her baby. I opened the door to the pub, and we greeted Lorraine as we made our way back to the usual table.

  It was empty, and I let Brea slide in first before joining her and ordering two lemonades. As much as she missed caffeine, Brea had given it up for the sake of the baby. I told her she was doing great all the time.

  She picked up a menu and read it, more out of habit than anything else. I read over her shoulder. I knew I would get the burger with mushrooms and she’d get the bacon cheeseburger, bu
t we still looked as I draped a hand over her thigh.

  We ordered and looked up as Lewis led Lucy into the bar, both laughing. They slid into the booth across from us and grabbed menus. Lucy gave us a knowing smile.

  “How are you?” she asked as Brea sipped her drink with a smile.

  “Good. You?” She looked at her best friend curiously, and Lucy raised an eyebrow.

  “It’s just a fling, Brea. Get that look off your face,” Lucy warned as she shook her head. “I am not following in your footsteps.”

  She was still going with the idea that it was a one-night stand gone wrong, and I stiffened beside Brea.

  “Yeah. You two look pretty close to me. Are you sure it isn’t serious?” Lewis asked as Lorraine approached to take their drink order. They both ordered beers, and then Lewis looked back at me.

  “We’re just hanging out and taking it slow. Nothing serious,” I assured him, but I knew I was lying. I cared about Brea now, and spending all this time with her recently had made my feelings stronger. Lewis shot me a look that told me he didn’t fully believe me before he looked down at the menu.

  I thought the same about his relationship with Lucy but didn’t say anything, hoping they would eventually stop seeing one another and, more than that, not end up pregnant. I reminded myself that this thing between Brea and I was a different situation than probably anything else out there. This was just a planned, financial transaction. Or was it?

  Stacy had told Brea that she was moving out of the apartment to live with her boyfriend, and while I was glad she’d have room for the baby, I worried about her living alone. It wasn’t a bad area, but I still didn’t want my baby living alone in an apartment with low security. This was New York, after all.

  We ate dinner and discussed Lucy’s art. Her gallery showing had been a success, and she was getting some fans’ attention. Plus, a few art galleries wanted to feature her work. She was busy, but that was how Lucy worked best. She got completely manic about things, but I admired how she made it work for her.