Passion, Vows & Babies: Reluctant (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Your Ad Here Book 5)

by Allyson Lindt

  She dropped her hand below his waist and traced his cock through denim, watching him through her lashes with that look of hers.

  Fuck it. He didn’t care why it was incredible. He was going to enjoy it for all it was worth. Cupping her face, he locked his gaze on hers. “I need to fuck you.”

  She nodded.

  Protection. “Damn it.” He didn’t want to let go of her, but it was probably a good idea.

  “Not quite what I expected to hear, or how.” Her laugh was nervous.

  Damn it damn it damn it. “I don’t have any condoms.”

  “Are you clean?” Her voice was breathy, and she didn’t seem as concerned as he was.

  “Yes.”

  “Me too.” She fumbled with his belt buckle, and when it was undone, moved to the button and zipper on his jeans. “And I’m on the pill.” Was that hesitation?

  No. He imagined it. Even while undressing him and implying bareback was okay, she managed to pull off sweet. That was intoxicatingly wrong. He settled his palm on the back of her hand and guided her to his cock. When her skin met his hot shaft, a jolt of need rocketed from his groin to his toes and fingers.

  He was done holding back. He moved her hand aside to fist his dick, and dragged the head along her slit. When he reached her opening, he didn’t pause; he thrust inside with a single stroke.

  She arched her back, driving him deeper. The way she encased him, tight and slick, almost made him come from the single stroke. He had to pause, to bring himself under control.

  “You all right?” Jodie asked, teasing in her words.

  “You feel fucking amazing.” Not the most eloquent thing he could have said. He grabbed her hips, withdrew almost to the tip, and plunged back inside her.

  He tried to keep the pace slow. To build up. When she draped her arms around his neck and wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him closer, he couldn’t hold back. The faint scent of her shampoo mixed with everything else in the room and captured his reason. He gripped her ass. It didn’t matter that the counter dug into his knuckles. He wanted—needed—to be as close to her as possible.

  The witty banter was gone. He buried his face in her neck, diving into the fragrance of plum and flowers. His head swam, growing lighter each time he pounded against Jodie. She dug her nails into his back, and the sharp sting amplified everything else.

  She felt so good. Squeezing. Slippery. Her quiet gasps built in volume, until the moans tore through his skull. It was alluring and addictive. He wanted to make her scream again, but he didn’t know if he had that kind of staying power. He increased the pace, slamming harder with each thrust.

  Jodie tightened her grip, legs drawing him in tight, and when she came, she milked his cock.

  He lost the last of his restraint. His movements became jerky, as he spilled inside her. Even after he was spent, he kept thrusting until weakness made his legs wobble.

  He slowed to a stop and dropped his forehead onto her shoulder. “Fuck. You’re incredible.” A nagging voice asked what he’d done.

  He enjoyed himself. Nothing wrong with that or the situation. And he sure as hell wasn’t going to ruin the moment by letting himself question it.

  “Best I’ve got is wow.” Jodie let out a quiet laugh. It was rapidly becoming one of his favorite sounds.

  He wasn’t sure how long they stood here, leaning against each other, wrapped in a pleasant haze. Conversation didn’t feel like a priority. The slow, steady sound of her breathing occupied Logan’s mind.

  “My ass is getting cold.” Her statement didn’t shatter the mood, but it did make him smile.

  Now that she mentioned it, he had the feeling back in his legs and, this was a bit of an awkward position. Thank God he didn’t have any roommates to walk in on them.

  His phone chirped with the tone he’d assigned to messages from his father. Way to tempt fate.

  “Do you need to get that?” Jodie nudged him upright.

  He forced himself to ignore the disappointment caused by a few inches of distance. It was a good idea to make this a clean break, so they return to their lives. “I should. You can use the shower to clean up if you want.”

  “Awesome. Thanks.” Her playful tone from earlier was gone, replaced with the blank nothingness she frequently cast in his direction.

  Which was perfect. Now they had this out of their systems, they could go back to the antagonistic dance they did so well. He’d have to work harder to push her away—he’d tasted the forbidden fruit now.

  His dick revolted at the idea of relegating what happened to a one-time thing. In response, he did up his jeans and grabbed his phone, to read the message from his dad.

  We’re coming into town early and want to take you both to dinner. Let your sister know?

  Logan felt like the air had been knocked from his lungs. This was one solid way to drive home the never again reminder.

  “Anything interesting?” Jodie’s laugh sounded forced.

  He forced himself to repeat the news, and sound casual. “The folks will be in town early, before vacation. They want to take us out.”

  “Right. Parents.”

  This was awkward, but it was better they get it out of the way early, so they could go back to the way things were. The way they had to be. “At least we fucked that out of our systems, right?” He tried not to grimace through the joke that wasn’t funny. “Had a taste of forbidden fruit, and we can go back to normal now.”

  “Yeah. What you said.” Jodie’s tone was flat.

  Chapter Seven

  Jodie gripped the edge of the bathroom counter and forced herself to breathe through the surge of nausea. Fucking hell. So much for keeping morning sickness at bay. She counted up to ten, then back down again, and focused on keeping her breakfast in her stomach.

  When she had the discomfort under control, she splashed cold water on her face. Her reflection stared back from the mirror, pale and dripping wet. She couldn’t hide this forever. She needed to find a new place to live, figure out how she was going to pay for this child, tell her parents—

  A knock interrupted her thoughts before they spiraled into despair.

  She scrubbed her skin dry and went to answer. When she saw Logan standing on the stoop, her stomach dropped into her shoes. Yesterday surged back in full technicolor, to taunt her, carrying every smell, sound, and touch in a single wave.

  “Are you all right? You look pale.” He studied her, brows furrowed.

  I’m two months pregnant, and you’re acting like nothing happened between us. “Never been better.”

  “You’re lying.” He cupped her cheek and traced a thumb along the skin.

  Heat raced over her, and she bit the inside of her lip to keep from sighing. “Are you here for a reason?” She pulled away and sought out the nearest seat—a spot in the middle of the sofa.

  “Happy to see you, too. Is Noah around?”

  “Nope. He’s almost always in class this time of day.”

  “Right. Don’t know how I could have forgotten.” Logan took a seat next to her, and his thigh settled against hers. “Are you sure you’re all right?”

  “I’m fine, God damn it.” The words came out with a sharper edge than she intended, and she cringed. “Not feeling well. It’ll pass.” In about seven months, when it’s replaced with a new, and much more adorable and louder, stress.

  “Can I get you anything?”

  Why was he doing this considerate, sweet thing? Was it because they screwed? Or because he’s not a bad guy most of the time.

  “I’m fine.” She forced ice into her voice, to silence the argument in her head. “And why do you care?”

  “You’re my si—friend?”

  Great. That helped. “Stepsister.” She bit off the word. “And maybe you missed it, but usually, you’re the bane of my existence. You made my life miserable in high school, and the impact you have on me isn’t much better now.” She made the mistake of looking at him as she finished speaking.

  Lo
gan was scowling, but a shadow of hurt lingered in his eyes. His expression went blank, and he turned away. “Sorry for giving a shit.” His tone was flat and devoid of emotion. “I’ll let you get back to pretending you can take on the world yourself.”

  “Wait.” She grabbed his arm before he could stand. “Can I tell you something?”

  “Of course. Anything.” Kindness replaced annoyance in his voice.

  “I’m pregnant.” She blurted the words. She’d meant to lead up to it or at least soften the blow a little. So much for that idea.

  He raised his brows. “I may not know what I’m talking about, being a medical student and all, but I’m positive a day is too soon to tell.”

  Of course he’d assume that was what she meant. “It’s not yours.”

  “I figured. But I wasn’t sure you were aware.” Kindness mixed with his sarcasm. That didn’t mean he was the right person to spill her guts to.

  She pursed her lips. “Forget it. Go find Noah. Forget I ever said anything. This conversation never happened.” It was a mistake to think she could confide in him.

  “I’m sorry. I’m listening.” His eyes softened and his posture relaxed.

  She stood and crossed her arms. “I said, forget it. I was joking. I didn’t mean it. Whatever you have to believe, to put it out of your mind.

  “Sit down.” He tugged her back to the couch. “Whose is it?”

  She was grateful he didn’t ask her if she knew. Having his ear didn’t mean she was ready to talk about that detail. She clamped her jaw shut.

  “Jodie.” He put a few inches between them and turned to face her. “Does anyone else know? Have you told your mom?”

  She shook her head. “Noah knows.” Fuck. She didn’t mean to let that slip.

  “Why would you tell— Oh.”

  “Yeah. He doesn’t want me to keep it.”

  Logan shrugged. “Maybe he’s got a point. I mean… you’ve got big plans for the future. This will to throw a wrench in them.”

  “It’s a who, not a this. And I don’t remember asking your opinion.” She couldn’t help the irritation that spilled inside.

  He frowned. “I’m just saying... Look, if you need someone to go with you to the clinic—to drive you home after. I’m here for you.”

  “You know what? Get the fuck out. You don’t have to care. This wasn’t your decision or mistake. That also means you have zero say in the matter, and you could show a touch of respect when it comes to my opinion.” She might be projecting her fears a little, but this was how she pictured this conversation going with everyone moving forward. Despite the bumps with Logan, she’d always thought he was supportive. He helped her get to Stanford, after all. But hearing him brush her decision aside, as if she didn’t know what she wanted, it hurt more than she expected.

  “I didn’t mean—”

  “You meant exactly that. Get out.”

  When he was gone, she collapsed on the couch, hugging herself to keep from shaking apart. If things went this poorly with Logan, it was going to suck balls, telling their parents.

  And who the hell did he think he was?

  She didn’t know if she wanted to scream or cry. Maybe a little of both. She didn’t ever remember feeling so alone.

  Chapter Eight

  Logan tried to convince himself he didn’t give a fuck about the conversation with Jodie. If the first thing that came to her mind when she thought of him was that he tortured her as a teenager, pushing her away back then had worked.

  And he didn’t regret his advice about the pregnancy. It was true it wasn’t his decision to make, but he didn’t want to see her throw everything away for a fling with an asshole roommate.

  Which, speaking of, he was tempted to deck Noah, or worse, for tossing Jodie aside the way he had.

  Logan drove. It was his standby when he needed to clear his head. He wasn’t sure how far he went. He was more concerned with what was in his thoughts than the road signs. He headed in all directions.

  The sun was dipping near the horizon when he turned down a suburban street. It looked familiar. Why was he here?

  He approached a familiar house, and the memories rushed back hard and fast enough he had to pull to the curb to process.

  That was why he knew the place. At Christmas, their folks had decided since Logan and Jodie were in California, they’d rent a place up here for the holiday.

  Logan had dreaded this family get together as much as any. He spent the first few days avoiding Jodie. That wasn’t an option Christmas morning.

  When she came down to breakfast, she wore pajama pants and a T-shirt, and her hair was pulled back in a ponytail. It didn’t matter he saw her like that half the time when he dropped by her apartment. That day, with the lines of stress gone from her face and the teasing hint of a smile dancing on her lips, she was more gorgeous than he’d ever seen her.

  She sat down across from him, and her mom placed a plate of French toast in front of her. “Thank you.” Jodie grinned at Megan and handed her a card. “For you and Duke. Merry Christmas.”

  It had been a few years since they all gathered ‘round the tree and opened presents. Now their gift exchange consisted of envelopes and small, brightly wrapped packages passed out at the breakfast table. So Logan wasn’t surprised when Jodie handed him a gift-card sized envelope. His name was written on the front in her careful, flowing script.

  “Merry Christmas.” Joy sparkled in her eyes.

  He gave her the gift he’d gotten her. “Same.”

  Jodie’s smile grew. “Open it.”

  Her excitement was simple and contagious. Logan tried to be casual about prying the flap open on the envelope, but when it didn’t flip up easily, he gave in to curiosity and tore into the red paper.

  He pulled the card out and, when he saw the generic wreath on the cover, raised his brows and looked at her.

  Jodie shrugged, grin still in place. “I couldn’t find you a card that was appropriate, so I snagged one from the drug store.”

  He couldn’t complain about that. Did he expect her to go out of her way? Two tickets slid into his hand. The printed text said Blink-182. His jaw dropped, and he snapped his jaw shut when he realized he was gaping. The concert was sold out. He’d tried for weeks to win tickets, or buy them from someone. Something. “No.”

  She giggled. “You know, if you’re interested.”

  “How did you get these?”

  “I know a girl who knows a guy.”

  “Then if you owe her, maybe she can go with you.” He nodded at the gift he’d handed her. “Your turn.”

  She didn’t make any pretenses about being delicate with her envelope. She shredded the white paper. “No card?” Her frown only lasted for half a second before her smile returned. “Fair enough.” She shook out the contents, and gasped. “Oh my God.” Jodie skipped around the table and gave him a huge hug.

  A shock of heat spilled through him at the spontaneous moment, and he squeezed back. “It’s just Disney Land.”

  “I know but… I mean…”

  He hadn’t thought it was a big deal when he made the purchase. Watching her glee, he felt like he’d done the most amazing thing in the universe. “You’ve always wanted to go, and you weren’t going to make arrangements yourself. There are two passes, so you can take a friend.”

  “You,” Jodie said, as if it were the only right answer. “You’re going to take me.”

  He didn’t realize it at the time, but looking back, he realized that was when he really started to fall for her. It wasn’t simple lust anymore. After break, when they got back to school, he’d told Phoebe he wasn’t interested in casual hook-ups anymore, and she’d dragged out of him that he couldn’t get Jodie off his mind.

  Someone knocked on Logan’s car window, jarring him back to the present. He looked up to see a redhead, about Jodie’s age, peering at him. She looked familiar. His brain whirred through faces. That was right, she was Bailey. The woman they’d rented the house from.
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br />   He rolled down the window. “Yes?”

  “Are you okay?” Bailey hoisted a young child on her hip. Another tugged at her hand. “You’ve been sitting out here staring into space for about fifteen minutes.”

  Logan shook the past away. “Sorry about that. I’m not trying to be creepy. My family and I stayed here at Christmas.”

  “I remember you.”

  “Momma.” The boy holding her hand tugged her toward the driveway. “Go.”

  The boy couldn’t have been more than one or two. Barely big enough to walk.

  “Can I help you with anything?” Despite the tired lines around her eyes, she looked happy.

  “No. Just reminiscing.”

  “Momma.” Now the girl in her arms was squirming.

  “Just a second, Julie,” Bailey said to the girl. She turned back to Logan. “I’m sorry to cut things short then. Normally someone else gets the place ready for renters, but the timing didn’t work out. I need to get these two home now, though.”

  “Do you need a hand? Getting them in the car, I mean.” Logan didn’t know where the offer came from, but it seemed appropriate.

  Bailey gave him a grateful smile. “I’d love that, thank you. Will you grab Jack?” She nodded at the boy.

  Logan climbed from his car, and picked up Jack. “Hey, kiddo.”

  Jack blew spit bubbles at Logan, then rubbed his fingers over his mouth and wiped them on Logan’s cheek.

  “Gross, little guy.” Logan couldn’t yell at the toddler for being, well, a toddler, so he kept his voice kind as he tried to hold the boy and wipe his cheek off on his shirt sleeve at the same time.

  Jack squealed in delight and repeated the spit-bubble gesture on the other side of Logan’s face.

  Logan scrunched his face up in mock disgust. “You think that’s funny?”

  Jack clapped and laughed and squirmed.