Kitchen Promises (Riverside Trilogy, #3) (The Riverside Trilogy)

by Brooke Cumberland

  I took her chin and tilted up to face me. “Sweetheart, you have nothing to worry about. I promise. The babies have a lot of growing to do and the more that mommy rests, the more they’ll grow.” I flashed a reassuring smile at her.

  She had been clingier this past week than normal. I should’ve expected she would be worried seeing me like this.

  “Everything’s going to be fine, okay?” She nodded and flashed a weak smile. “Why don’t you and Liam go get ready for bed, and then we can read stories.”

  I was so focused on entertaining myself and keeping busy during the day that I had completely blanked on how this would affect Stella.

  Once the kids were ready for bed and in their pajamas, we snuggled in and read some books. They were into Junie B. Jones books now, so we read about Junie and her adventures in school. I had to admit, it had me laughing a few times throughout the stories. Watching the kids smile and laugh with me was the perfect ending to my night.

  Drake was working from home now, so he did most of his conference calls during the day and paperwork in the evenings. Even though I didn’t want a ‘babysitter,’ it was nice having Drake home with me, just in case. He was so attentive and protective of me. It was sweet, really, but I couldn’t wait to get my independence back.

  “Sweetheart?” I heard Drake whisper in my ear. My eyes popped open and I saw Stella and Liam passed out next to me. I must’ve fallen asleep with them. “I’m going to carry them to bed now.”

  Drake was wearing low cut sweatpants and no shirt. He smelled fresh and clean, too. He must’ve taken a shower while I was sleeping. I was able to smell everything. My senses were good before, always smelling and tasting food in the kitchen, but now, since I’ve been pregnant, my sense of smell was much stronger.

  After Drake delivered the kids to their beds, he threw the covers back and snuggled in close to me. Oh god, his scent. He was much closer now and all I could think of was how bad I wanted him.

  “You need to sleep on the couch,” I said bluntly.

  His mouth dropped. “W-why?”

  “You smell too good,” I pouted. I pulled my shirt over my nose. “You smell waaaaay too good.” I raised my eyebrows so he got the idea.

  “Oh. Shit.”

  I laughed. “Sorry.”

  “Should I go rub some dirty laundry all over me? Get the day-old smell thing going instead?” He smirked.

  “Well, you better do something quick. I feel like a lion ready to pounce.”

  “Oh my god.” He chuckled. “You know we can’t,” he lectured, his voice stern. Didn’t mean I couldn’t fantasize about it.

  “I know, but I can’t help it. You come in here smelling all clean and sexy. Not to mention, the whole forbidden clause just makes me want you even more.”

  “What if…I sprayed myself with girly perfume.” He looked hopeful.

  “I don’t think so, babe. Your scent is embedded in my mind now. Unless…you just give into my needs, and I promise not to move.” I grinned.

  He leaned in and kissed my cheek. “Nice try, but no.”

  “Dammit,” I muttered under my breath.

  * * *

  I was finally making ground on Project Anchor. I could do most of the work online or on the phone. I was making PA a non-profit organization, funded by donations of agencies that would benefit from the marketing—adoption agencies, ancestry sites, family planning, etc. It was going off without a hitch. Drake’s legal team was helping with the paperwork and legal documents, and I was working on the website design.

  The thing about my charity was how different it was. There were a couple free options online, but eventually you’d have to pay your way in to get all the information you needed. My charity was meant to be a ‘one-stop shop.’ Everything needed to reunite parents and their children would be accessible through Project Anchor.

  “How is the Prochor planning going?” Michael asked, inviting himself onto my bed.

  “Stop calling it Prochor, it’s not a gay fashion statement.”

  “Hey, I take offense to that.” He snickered.

  “No you don’t.” I laughed.

  “Well, if you need any fashion advice, I’m your guy.”

  “You’re always my guy, don’t worry.”

  “So, when do you launch?” He eyed my belly. “The website, I mean.” He laughed.

  “I’m sure you did.” I rolled my eyes at his lame attempt. “In a few weeks, I hope. That’s if…I don’t pop before then. These babies need at least 6 more weeks of baking.”

  “So, who’s going to take over when your sleep deprived and squirting milk everywhere?”

  “Well…” I smirked, eyeing him. “I was hoping…my really amazing fashion blogger bestie?” I smiled wide, batting my eyelashes at him.

  “Stop it. You can’t ask me stuff like that when you look all cute…and pregnant.” He waved his hand around me. I continued staring at him, begging him with my eyes. “Ugh, fine! Fine. But as soon as those—” he pointed at my breasts, “stop squirting milk, you’re back in charge.”

  “Eeeek, thank you, thank you! This project is going to be great! I just need a few weeks off, and then I’m back on, I promise.” I flashed a convincing smile and hugged him tight.

  “Okay, enough squeezing. Now tell me what all I have to do.”

  I thoroughly explained everything to him—what I was working on now, and what he’d have to keep track of when the time came. It was still in the early stages, so things were pretty simple yet.

  “So are you excited to be an Uncle again?”

  “Yeah, I’ve actually missed having a baby around. Two will be a handful.” He chuckled nervously. “But yes, I’m excited.”

  “You were a good dad, ya know? I mean, you weren’t her dad, but you played the role since she was a tiny baby and well…you were a good one. I just wanted you to know.”

  “You know I’ll always be there for you, Mols. Whatever you need. One baby. Two babies. Stella. Liam. Whoever.”

  I smiled. “Wow…there’s going to be a lot of kids around here soon.”

  “Yeah…about that.”

  “What?” I asked worried, cutting him off.

  “I think maybe…after you guys get settled after the babies, I should move out. Let you guys be a family and all.” His voice was so calm, it set off something inside of me.

  “What?” I screamed. “Why the hell would you move out?”

  “Molly, calm down! I said maybe.” He squeezed my hand. “It’s not abnormal, you know? For the gay best friend to move out and all?” He grinned.

  “No! Gay best friends always stay! ‘Til death do us part,” I whined.

  He threw his head back and laughed. “I didn’t know best friends had vows, babe.”

  “We’ve been blood sisters…er…brothers… whatever…since 15!”

  “Molly, lower the estrogen, just hold on.” I swallowed and nodded. “I can’t live here til I’m old and you know it.”

  “Please?” I begged with my hands linked together. He laughed at my pathetic attempt. “Fine. But don’t leave me just yet. Not until Stella goes off to college at least.

  “Okay, deal.” He smiled again.

  * * *

  The following morning, Michael came into my room with breakfast and a large glass of orange juice.

  “Well , this is unexpected.” I smiled. He smiled back wide. He was awfully giddy about something. “Okay, what is it? You look like a dog begging for a bone.”

  “Okay.” He jumped on the bed next to me. “The nursery is ready!”

  “Really? Can I see it?” I was about to rip the covers off when he stopped me.

  “No. It needs a grand entrance. You know, diva style and all.”

  “It’s a room, Michael.” I deadpanned.

  “Um, no, girlfriend. This room—is much more than that—it’s brilliant!”

  I rolled my eyes and laughed at his excited expression.

  “Okay, fine. What did you have in mind?”

/>   “A shower.”

  I narrowed eyebrows at him. “What?”

  “A baby shower!”

  “No…no…no.”

  “It’ll be perfect. The balloons. The food. The decorations. The presents. And then…the debut into the nursery!” He was practically singing in a musical, not listening to a word I said.

  “Michael, no. I said no!” I pointed my finger at him, warning him off.

  “Did you really think I wasn’t going to plan a baby shower for you? The nursery needs a debut.” His smile was so big, reaching his eyes, pleading with me. Damn. I couldn’t take this from him. He looked so excited.

  I hadn’t been allowed to look at the nursery since all the furniture and décor had been delivered. He wanted to keep it a surprise until it was completely finished.

  “Fine,” I finally agreed. “But nothing big, please.” I’d have to stay sitting practically the whole time anyway.

  “Yes!” he squealed and clapped his hands. “Just leave it to me, pretty girl. It’ll be fabuloso!”

  “I don’t doubt it,” I muttered, laughing at his enthusiasm.

  “Great, the invites are already out, the food is ordered, and the decorations are bought. So basically, you just need to show up.” He had a grin on his face that I was ready to smack off.

  “What?” I screamed. “You planned it already?”

  “Well, of course I did! Look who you’re talking to.”

  “Oh my god! I’d kill you if it wouldn’t put me in preterm labor,” I growled. It wasn’t that I didn’t want a baby shower; I just didn’t want a bunch of fake people oohing and ahhing over me, pretending to give a shit. I didn’t have many friends here outside of work and even that was more on the professional side.

  “You love me.” He grinned. “Now eat up. You need all the strength you can get.” He stood up and kissed my forehead before making way to the door. “Oh, it’s Saturday, by the way,” he announced right before walking out.

  “What? Michael! Get back in here!” I ordered, but he kept walking.

  Great, now I have to put on a nice Molly act. I haven’t had to go to an outing or event in months. They were all very predictable, but this would be in my own home. I wouldn’t be able to escape until everyone left.

  This gave me two days. Two days to prepare for the madness. I loved Michael and I loved his energy and dedication, so I decided I’d make the most of it. I was excited to see the nursery after all, considering he insisted on taking it over. And maybe seeing some baby clothes would finally lighten my mood swings. Oh, what the hell…let’s have this baby shower.

  -----<>-----

  12

  Drake

  I’ve known about Michael’s surprise shower for a couple weeks now. He begged me not to tell, so I kept my mouth shut. Plus, I could only imagine her stunned face when Michael told her. Well…better him than me. I knew how Molly felt about public appearances. She was good at them when she had to be, but she’d rather stay in the background and be invisible. However, she wouldn’t be able to at her own shower.

  “So, mister, how long have you known?” Molly’s accusing voice greets me as I walked into the bedroom after work.

  “Well, hello beautiful.” I smiled, stalling for as long as I could.

  “You knew, didn’t you?” It’s more a statement than a question.

  “Yes. But—”

  “Thanks for the heads up,” she whined.

  “I promised Michael. I’m sorry, sweetheart.” I took my suit jacket off and hung it on the back of the love seat. “Will you forgive me?” I asked as I continued stripping my clothes off.

  “What are you doing?” she asked, eyeing me as I walked to the bed in nothing but my tie.

  “Distracting you.”

  She blinked several times before responding, “Well, it’s not going to work. We’re going to talk about this.”

  “Oh, yeah?” I started dancing in front of her, swinging my tie back and forth in between my hands.

  “That’s not fair,” she whined. “You know I’m on strict bed rest.”

  “That I do. That’s how I know you won’t jump my bones.”

  “You are evil, you know?”

  “I don’t doubt it. But you’ll enjoy it either way.” I grinned. I crawled on the bed, over Molly’s body and landed on her mouth. “I can still entertain you.” I lay kisses on her chest and slowly rise to her neck. “You…just…watch,” I pronounced slowly.

  “This is torture. I mean—” The sucking on her neck staggered her words. I knew Molly hated being bedridden, and I wanted to do anything possible to make it a little easier on her. Plus, I wanted her to forget that I kept a secret from her.

  Win-win.

  My mouth fully explored her chest and neck, inhaling the deliciousness of her scent. “God, Molly. This is torture for me,” I panted against her ear.

  “Oh yeah? What would you do to me if you could?” she encouraged.

  “Oh, sweetheart. I’d do so much to you. First, I slip my hand down and touch that perfect sweet spot that makes you scream.” Her hips arched up, greeting my hard arousal. “Then, I would roll my tongue inside until I tasted every ounce of you. And I wouldn’t hold back until you came all over me—over and over again.”

  Her moan filled the room, almost getting me to the point of going over the edge. No…this is about her. I had to contain myself. I knew I couldn’t make love to her, but I still wanted to please her, even if it was just by my mouth.

  “Drake, baby. Please, just touch me,” she begged, practically clawing at my skin.

  “I am touching you,” I reminded her as my lips roamed her body.

  “Touch me, lower,” she insisted.

  The smile on my face reached my eyes. I loved that even after all this time, she couldn’t get enough of me, and I could never have enough of her.

  “You know I would if I could, baby. Just let me take care of you, okay?”

  Before she could get another word in, I grabbed her pants and quickly pulled them down, exposing her beautiful figure. God, she was stunning. Pregnant or not, I desired every inch of her.

  I lay soft kisses around her, careful not to get too close to where I knew she wanted me the most. I only wanted to give her a taste, knowing I couldn’t give in completely.

  “If your plan is to torture me until I combust, you’re succeeding.”

  “Well, you know how I like to plan. And succeed.” I grinned.

  “This doesn’t get you out of trouble,” she quipped.

  “It doesn’t?” I forced my tongue inside her, her hips jerking into my mouth as I took her all in. “Are you sure about that?” I asked, barely breaking my lips from her.

  “You don’t play fair.”

  “I never do.”

  “Fine…” she stammered. “I forgive you…this time.”

  As her words filled the room, my tongue pushed inside her more aggressively, proving to her I would take control. And take control, I did.

  As her screams and whimpers escaped her mouth, she successfully erupted over and over. The taste of her never grew old. It was a mixture of sweet and lust, all over my tongue, and the more she came, the more I craved her.

  * * *

  Michael brought me up on all the baby shower details. He had gone way over the top, but as he explained it to me, it was just as important to him as it was to her.

  I knew he was dying to help Molly plan our wedding, but since she’s been put on bed rest early in her pregnancy, we hadn’t been doing much planning. And even though it wasn’t official, sharing our vows together and promising each other forever on that chalkboard was good enough for me. However, I did want to give her a wedding some day. And even if it wouldn’t be for another five years, I’d be okay with that because at the end of the day, we were together and happy. And that meant more than any piece of paper ever could.

  “Good morning, sweetheart. Rise and shine,” I whispered in her ear.

  She blinked her eyes open and yaw
ned. “What time is it?”

  “Almost nine. But today is your big day!” I said cheerfully, hoping to get her into the mood. Michael’s been working on this nonstop, and I wanted Molly to have a good time. “I’m going to help you shower and get ready. Guests are coming over at one.”

  “One? Then I have at least three more hours of sleep,” she whined.

  “I don’t think so, princess.”

  “Please?” she begged. “I hardly got any sleep last night.”

  “I’m sorry, baby.”

  I flung the covers back and in one swift motion, picked her up into my arms. She wrapped her arms around my neck, surrendering as I carried her into the shower.

  I sat her down carefully and disrobed her. Her stomach was so big now, it was preventing her from sleeping comfortably, and even though she was on strict bed rest, she wasn’t getting much sleep.

  “Let me,” I whispered as she reached for the soap. I turned the water on and waited until it was lukewarm. I positioned the showerhead over her body and started washing her body, making sure to get every inch of her perfect body. “That feel good?”

  “Mm hmm,” she moaned. I watched as she closed her eyes and enjoyed the sensation. I rubbed over her belly and down her legs. I knelt down as I rubbed up and in between her legs. Her body shivered underneath my touch, making me smile; I knew it wasn’t because she was cold.

  I rinsed her body off, watching all the soap run off. I stood back up and turned her around slowly, facing away from the water. I kissed her shoulder gently, inhaling her clean scent. I grabbed the shampoo and lathered it in my hands. I did the same with the conditioner after washing and rinsing her hair out. I loved taking care of Molly, and knowing I was the one to do this for the rest of her life gave me great satisfaction.

  “Feel better?” I whispered, drying her off.

  “Much.” She smiled. “However, the sexual need I have is on fire,” she moaned.

  I smirked up at her as I knelt down to dry her legs and feet. “Soon enough, baby.”

  Molly picked out an outfit she wanted to wear. I had her sit on the bed while I grabbed it. I knew she was capable of dressing herself, but I felt a sense of protectiveness over her.