Keep me warm

by Jude Ouvrard

  What? Had I hear him right? It wasn’t his baby? As what he’s said sinks in, my bottom lip quivers and guilt takes over. I almost ruined everything over a lie. I’ve spent days anxious and overthinking lies. “I’m so sorry.” Crying, I hide my face behind my hands. Shame on me for not letting him talk to me before.

  “Don’t be, Adele. I tried calling you back, but you’d turned off your phone, and I didn’t think we should have this conversation over a voice message.” His arms wrap around me, and I do the same around his waist. “I don’t blame you, sweetheart. The accident was a hectic moment in my life. I’ve worked hard to forget it.” He tilts his forehead close to mine and gives me a soft, forgiving kiss. “I tried to come back earlier, but I couldn’t. I hated being so far away from you when I knew you were upset.”

  “I was confused, lost, not entirely upset. You didn’t seem like the type of man who would lie. It didn’t add up. I’m sorry. I almost ruined everything by acting with such immaturity.”

  Another kiss lands on the tip of my nose. His breathing becomes somehow louder. “Stop, sweetheart. Why don’t we forget everything and start again?”

  “Why are you so nice to me?” After what I’ve done, I don’t deserve it.

  He smiles against my cheek, I can’t see it but I feel it. “I happen to like you a lot.”

  I happen to like you a lot, I repeat in my mind. Life can be good sometimes. “I like you a lot, too. The last few days, I couldn’t stop thinking about you. After much thinking, I’ve realized I'm allowed to seek happiness again. You bring that to me.”

  Tracing wet kisses from my temple to my neck, Mason gives me more reasons to want him. “If that short break got you to think you deserve to be happy, then I’m thankful for it. Because you are a beautiful woman, and Jesus Christ, I want to be happy with you.” His lips caress my neck with every word.

  “Mason,” I say, my voice breaking at the tickling sensation. Hungry for more, I lean in against his chest, waiting to be kissed. His gorgeous green eyes linger on mine as he removes the tears with the corner of his clean white shirt.

  “Are you sure, Adele?”

  I open my mouth to say something, but nothing comes out. Of course I’m sure, but he caught me off-guard. “I am, Mason, without a doubt.”

  He lifts me up in his arms, and my legs circle around him. The tension between us is building strong while he smashes his lips on mine. Lips and tongues, gasps... the hunger isn’t slowing down. It’s the opposite. The taste of him mixed with the scent of his fresh cologne is rising up the heat in me. This is so good, but so wrong since I’m supposed to be working.

  “We should stop, Mason.”

  Pulling his face away from mine, he’s frowning. “Why?”

  “My boss might not approve of me making out on company time.” Giggling at his expression, I kiss him.

  “Oh, please, sweetheart, you had me worried for a second.” He chuckles before crushing his lips against mine again. Too strong to control, the tension has me tightening my legs around him while his grip on my butt pushes me nearer to him. Our bodies have never been closer.

  Craving the feel of his skin, the warmth I need so much, I undo his shirt one button at a time while our eyes lock. I push his shirt down his arms until it falls to the carpeted floor.

  “May I?” he asks.

  I nod then close my eyes in shame. I wish I was ten pounds lighter right about now. Reaching for the bed, he lays me down on it and bit by bit, gets the buttons of my uniform undone.

  “You’re beautiful.”

  The corner of my stiff lips lift up to my cheek.

  “Just the way you are.” Hovering on top of me, the second and third buttons are released before he leans his face into my cleavage, the wetness of his lips leaving a trail behind on my skin. “You smell so good.”

  I know what this is leading to. I want it, and no longer care about waiting. We’re both adults, full of consent and gosh, heaving breathing. Caressing his back lets me feel every inch of him. I dig below the belt of his pants, following the roundness of his muscled butt.

  A low groan escapes his lips when they find mine again.

  We’re kissing with our eyes open, taking small pause between each of them—like he’s daring me to push down his pants or take over. Undoing my pants, Mason shows me how eager he is. So am I. I want to feel him bare against me, on top if possible. We’re pushing, grinding, and laughing. Both of us nervous. We’re naked and panting before we know it, and it doesn’t take much more time before we find ourselves in the middle of the action. Our chests rub against each other, sweat coating us, while we lose ourselves in the moment. So connected and real, our movements synchronize like we’ve done this numerous time before. It’s easy and natural. I can’t believe this is happening and not a dream.

  ★★★

  Waking up tucked in Mason’s arms, our naked bodies are entwined and emanating so much heat it’s almost suffocating. I remove the comforter sprawled on us in hopes of getting some fresh air.

  “Sweetheart,” he hums in a voice that makes me weak.

  “Handsome.”

  He chuckles. “I want you to see the house tonight. I got the keys.”

  “Okay.” I turn around to face him. “I can’t wait to see it.” Now I’ll know where he lives, but I’ll miss seeing him at the hotel.

  “When we’re both ready, I want you to move in with me.”

  I cough at the declaration he’s thrown out there. “Mason. Wow... I mean... It depends if I like the place.” Keeping a serious face, I wait for a reaction.

  “If you don’t, we could—”

  I start laughing at Mason. He’s out of words; I left him speechless. “I live in a studio. It’s doubtful I could have anything to say against your house. I was teasing you.”

  He leans closer to me. “I’m serious, Adele. I want you to move in with me when you’re ready, so we can spend as much time as possible together.”

  “It’s... um... I want to, but not now. You might get tired of me.”

  “I’m old enough to know what I want.”

  “After just a few dates?”

  He nods. “It sounds crazy, I know, but I’m at this point in my life where I’m tired of wasting time.”

  “I’m not saying I’m going to move in tomorrow, but I will think about it.”

  “That’s all I’m asking.”

  Fireworks are still flaring between us. Temptation and desire push us closer to one another until our lips meet again. His are soft and warm, and so perfect against mine. We pull away, only to stare at each other like two lovebirds.

  “Are you hungry?” If my stomach doesn’t stop screaming and clamoring for food, it will get embarrassing.

  He turns to the other side and grabs the room service menu. “What shall we eat?”

  “This feels so wrong. I’m part of the staff.”

  Laughing, he cups my cheek. “So am I.”

  Braying loud, I shake my head. “Not exactly the same thing; you own the hotel.”

  “So what?”

  I shrug. “We can eat at my place if you want.” The idea of cooking for him pleases me. It’s something I want to do for him.

  “But I want you to see the house tonight.”

  “What about getting take-out and we go to the house to eat it?”

  At this point we are both naked and sitting on the bed, but I’ve covered myself with the sheet. Getting up, he offers a hand to help me. My legs are still tired and shaky. He slides both of his hands around my waist removing the piece of fabric separating us. It falls off the side of the bed. I take a deep breath and try to forget I’m stark naked. We had sex, so I should be fine, except, I’m not. Pulling me flush to his front, I catch him staring at my breasts and curves.

  “You are beautiful, you know that, right?”

  I keep quiet, I can’t say I’ve felt beautiful for months.

  “The color of your hair matches your eyes, a beautiful honey brown, and these right here,” h
e places a finger on my lips, “...I like them very much.” Consumed by the warmth between us, I don’t realize how intimate his touches are until he reaches for my stomach and hips. “I know this makes you nervous, but I love them, okay? Don’t be ashamed to show yourself to me. I’m not the type of guy who doesn’t know what a great woman is.”

  I nod. “Okay. I want to believe you, and I’ll try. It’s a lot to take in, though.”

  ★★★

  The ride to the house is nerve-wracking. I’m excited, and it’s not even mine. To an extent it makes me emotional, since it reminds me of when I was so close to buying a house with Gabe. It wasn’t a big house, but with two bedrooms, a kitchen, living room, and bathroom, it was more room than the apartment. With Mason, I’m not sure what to expect. I’ve only seen him in a hotel room and rental car. A few more minutes before I find out.

  He turns into a driveway and a garage door opens. I don’t get to see much of the outside before we enter the garage. That it has a garage already makes it a lot more than Gabe and I could’ve afforded. Once Mason turns off the engine, he opens my door then leads the way inside the house.

  “Oh, my God, Mason.”

  We’re standing in an open room with the kitchen and living room. The ceilings must be at least ten feet high, and the floors are made of a rich dark wood. It’s huge, and all white. There isn’t any furniture. Fresh paint leaves a tang in the air.

  “You like?”

  “I love this place.” It’s empty and lacking personality, but the potential is incredible. I can see it, imagine everything which could be added. The house itself is like a dream to me. Although it isn’t mine, I’ll be more than happy to help him out if he wants help making it feel like a home.

  Mason, who is standing right behind me, wraps his arms around me. “I’m sorry it’s so cold in here. I just turned on the heat.”

  “Keep me warm,” I say automatically while realizing... I haven’t been cold in a while.

  “I intend to,” he murmurs against my ear.

  Chapter ELEVEN

  Four weeks later...

  France. The Eiffel Tower, the pastries, the wine, and cheese. The surprise I had when I overheard Mason having a conversation in French. I listened, but didn’t understand a single word except merci. He keeps surprising me, and it’s sexy as hell.

  “You see, Adele, this is why I love travelling so much,” he says before tasting his wine.

  We’re at a vineyard today.

  With a delicate movement, Mason makes the wine whirl inside the glass. He smells it then takes a sip. He tastes the liquid like I would eat chocolate cake. This is his moment, and I enjoy watching him. Another French conversation with the clerk makes me think I’m more in love than ever. French is sexy, but Mason and French put together are H-O-T. If I could, I would kiss him until we forget to breathe.

  Lost under Mason’s spell, I still haven’t tasted my glass. I don’t pretend to know wine; I take a sip and am surprised by how sweet it is. I love it. “I don’t know much about wine, but this one is really good.”

  “Monsieur, nous allons prendre deux bouteilles. Merci.”

  I have no idea what he said but it seems like he bought two more bottles. Mason has a huge wine cave at his house. To say he likes wine would be an understatement.

  “Are you ready to go, sweetheart?”

  “Unless you want me drunk, yes, I’m ready to go.” I chuckle.

  “So, how do you like Paris?” Mason asks when we’re in the convertible he rented for our stay in France.

  “More than I thought I would. It’s so different from Seattle. I’m completely out of my comfort zone, but I love it.”

  Everything’s different—the architecture, the fashion, the cars, and the food. I could spend a month here with everything there is to see.

  “I lived here for a year when I was in my early twenties. The good thing about Europe is that you can hop a train on a whim and spend a few days in Spain, Italy, or wherever you want.”

  “Well, I’m thankful to be here.” It’s more than I ever thought possible.

  “You’re welcome. It’s good to have company when I travel. It makes everything better.” He’d been so excited in New York. Mason showed me all of his favorite places, like Central Park, while we took long walks around the city. It was romantic, and brought us closer.

  “I know I can’t keep missing work like this, but I love traveling with you. New York last week, and now Paris. I’m a very lucky girl.” I’m spoiled rotten.

  He shakes his head. “I’m a lucky man. I get to do what I enjoy for a living and share my time with the woman I love.”

  “I love you, Mason.” Wonder if he’ll get tired of hearing those words, because I keep repeating them.

  Before heading back to the hotel after enjoying some sightseeing, we stop by a small grocery store to get snacks. Searching for sweets while Mason is looking for drinks, I walk down an aisle which almost gives me a heart attack. It’s the aisle where you find shampoo, body lotion, deodorant, and... tampons.

  I blanch while my brain struggles to think hard because the panic is rising. I’m late. In general I would have been aware of that, but lately my life has been so overwhelming it distracted me. I’m regular, always have been. This isn’t normal. I focus on the items on the shelf and try to find a pregnancy test. Not easy when you don’t know a single word in French. I find a white box with what looks like a pregnant lady on the front. Holding the box with weak fingers, I zero in on the small font with the translated words I’m looking for: the most accurate pregnant test.

  Could I really be pregnant? We didn’t use any protection that first time, but come on. It was just one time. It took me eight months to get pregnant with Brock.

  “Hey, sweetheart, did you find your chocolate?”

  I’m not sure if my heart is still beating, because I feel like I’m going to pass out any moment.

  “Have you seen a ghost? Let me hold this for you.” He takes the box from my hand and I know I have to tell him something.

  “My period is late. Believe or not, I’ve only now realized.”

  He looks at me, at the box, and then back at me. “Okay, sweetheart, let’s pay for this and go back to our room. We’ll figure out the rest together.”

  Always so sweet and in control, his voice comforts me. Mason doesn’t seem angry or panicked at all. He holds my hand and goes through the steps he said he would. While in my mind I’m trying to stay calm, it’s not possible. Anxiety is taking over.

  “Adele,” he says my name with such sweetness.

  “Yes?”

  “I just want to say, if the result is positive, I’ll be here with you, supporting you and the baby.” He kisses my forehead and gives me a reassuring hug.

  “I’m... I didn’t think it could happen after only one time without protection. I didn’t worry about it.”

  “We both know we want kids together, sweetheart. Maybe it isn’t the perfect timing, but if you are pregnant, then I’ll be the happiest man alive.”

  I nod. Why is he always so good to me, always saying everything I want to hear? “I’ll be happy, too. It’s unexpected, that’s all.”

  Taking the box from the bag he gives it to me, and I go to the bathroom in silence. After following the oh-so-fun-pee-on-a-stick procedures, I go back to Mason with the test in my trembling hand.

  There is nothing to worry about with Mason. He will be, without a doubt, one of the greatest fathers. If he acts with the baby how he does with me, everything will be great.

  He takes and places the test on the small coffee table. My back is stiff, my heart’s in a wild race, and my face burns hot as a sunburn. His arms are wrapped around me while he kisses my hair and rubs my back.

  “Has it been two minutes yet?”

  I’ll be happy if I’m pregnant. I hate the wait and stress it is causing me. Having a child with a man isn’t a small thing. It’s serious, and I want to do things right for the baby.

  “T
wo minutes. Are you ready?” he asks with a huge grin on his face. The excitement in his eyes is so bright there’s no way he can deny how thrilled he is. Lifting the test from the table, he looks at the result but he doesn’t say anything.

  I’m waiting when he scoops me up in his arms and starts spinning me around.

  “We’re pregnant.”

  “Mason!” I giggle. “You’re making me dizzy.”

  He places me on the bed, on top of the comforter, and then lifts my top above my belly. “Hello, little stranger. Your mommy is the best thing life has given me.” After kissing my belly again and again, he lies down next to me. “Je t’aime.”

  ‘I love you’ I know, and I try to say it back, “Sha-tim.” It doesn’t sound as good as Mason, but he gets the point.

  “I can’t pretend I’m not happy, but how are you feeling?”

  How am I feeling? It’s hard to describe. “Nervous and excited. A second chance to be a mother is not to be taken lightly.”

  A trail of kisses tickles my shoulder. Our eyes lock and I can see the tears in his. “You’ll be the best mother, Adele. Wherever he is watching over you from, I’m sure Brock will be ecstatic to be a big brother.”

  “He would have loved this. Sometimes, out of the blue, he would ask me when he was going to have a little sister.”

  “And out of the blue, you got pregnant. That day, when we gave in and slept together, it was so intense between us that it didn’t cross my mind either, until after, then I got distracted again and we never talked about it.”

  “With Brock, it took months before I got pregnant. I never thought once could be that one time, you know?” I pause, “I’m happy, though. It’s a new journey beginning.”

  “And now you have no reason to hold back. You are moving in with me.”

  I gasp. That hadn’t crossed my mind yet. “I guess it makes sense. Yes, I’m moving in now.” I’m more than ready to leave my small studio for a dream house.

  “Finally,” he teases. “Now that we’ve resolved the pregnancy mystery, do you feel like going for a walk? Maybe grabbing something to eat on our way back?”