THE BEST KIND OF SURPRISE

by Miller, Jasmin

  I look at the gorgeous redhead—or it might actually be pink?—and try to find a genuine smile behind all this embarrassment and awkwardness I’m feeling. “Thank you.”

  Aiden extends his arm along the back of the couch, leaving it to rest comfortably behind my head. “Yes, Em, thank you.”

  When I look over at him, he doesn’t look back at me. Instead, his focus is solely on the man sitting next to the woman. For the first time, I take a really good look at him too and gasp. He’s been hiding half of his face behind something that looks like an ice pack.

  He’s a carbon copy of Aiden, meaning I didn’t imagine that in the hallway like I first thought. They look entirely identical until you pay more attention to things like hair length and facial hair.

  I’m such a moron. And now, thanks to me, he’s sporting a nice welcome gift in the form of a big, fat red mark on his temple. He’s too far away to tell if it’s a bump or if the skin was cut too. Way to go, Stella. A new wave of humiliation hits me, but this time, I fight the urge to hide.

  “I’m so sorry for throwing my purse at you. I obviously didn’t think...I didn’t know…” I swing my hand between the two brothers. “Either way, I shouldn’t have done that, and I’m incredibly sorry.”

  He waves me off. “It’s okay. Looks like my brother forgot to mention he’s a twin. It seems to run in the family to cause problems with that little fact.” He gives me a little smile before shooting an annoyed look at his brother.

  Aiden chuckles under his breath. “Sorry, dude. I swear I thought I told her.” He turns to me and squeezes my shoulder before looking back to his guests. “Stella, this is my brother, Logan, and his fiancée, Ember.”

  They both give a little wave, and I do the same. Talk about the worst and most awkward first meeting ever. “Hi.”

  To make things even worse, my stomach lets out a loud rumble that could easily be mistaken for a lion’s warning growl.

  Aiden takes his arm away from behind me and claps his hands. “Well, sounds like someone’s hungry. Shall we go and eat?”

  Everyone nods, and we move over to the dining room table that’s fully set with placemats, plates, glasses, silverware, napkins, and even some candles. It looks pristine and beautiful in blue and gray tones, somehow making me feel extra special.

  I’m still holding on to Aiden’s hand like my life depends on it, which it kind of does—in a super dramatic way.

  Thankfully, everyone helps to get the food on the table, which allows me to stick to Aiden’s side, like an abandoned puppy sticks to its rescuer.

  Now I can only hope the rest of the evening goes better than my introduction, and that it will remain a one-time occurrence. One date like this is bad enough; no one needs a repeat of it, or worse.

  I catch Aiden’s eyes, and it feels like the first time tonight.

  Smiling at me, he leans down to kiss my cheek. “I’m really happy you’re here.”

  Suddenly, this date doesn’t seem so bad anymore.

  Maybe we can actually have a great evening after all.

  7

  Stella

  “Well, that was fun. It went a lot better than I expected.” Aiden closes the door after we say goodbye to his brother and Ember.

  When he turns around, his eyes shimmer with mirth.

  I can’t help but laugh as I walk over to the couch, flopping down on it rather gracelessly. “I wouldn’t exactly call it that. Well, maybe the dinner portion was fun, but everything before then? Not so much.”

  He joins me on the couch, leaving very little room between us. “That wasn’t your fault. You okay?”

  Stretching my arms in the air for a moment, I nod. When Aiden stays quiet, I look over, only to see him staring at my belly. I didn’t think about the dress conforming to my midsection like a second skin when I stretch like that. As a result, it’s showing off exactly what I was trying to hide so hard—my big, bloated belly.

  “Ugh.” I lower my arms and slouch as much as I can before glancing over at Aiden. “Sorry.”

  Bolting upright, like he just got struck by lightning, he looks at me, the most astonished expression on his face. “What on earth are you sorry for?”

  Good question, actually. I shrug. “I don’t know. I just feel fat. It’s not a real baby belly yet, you know?”

  He shakes his head and stares at me. “I have no clue what you’re talking about.”

  For some strange reason, that makes me laugh. Not that it has anything to do with the current topic, but I realize neither one of us has a clue what we’re doing. Somehow, that makes all of this a little comical. “Aren’t they supposed to be hard? Right now, it’s all just wobbly and bloated.”

  “You’re delusional.” He relaxes again beside me on the couch, nudging my shoulder before turning his head toward me. “I think you’re beautiful, baby belly and all. It’s a weird but also very exciting thought to know there’s an actual human being in there, and you’re doing all of the work. Even right now, just sitting here.”

  “It is pretty cool, isn’t it?”

  He nods. “You know, I’ve never really envisioned myself as a dad before. Not because I don’t want to be one, but because I just haven’t thought about it. It was more of a distant future thing since I was too busy enjoying my bachelor life.” Pausing for a second, his pinky finger winds around mine. “But now, I can’t help but feel happy about what happened and that it brought you back into my life.”

  Speechless.

  This man renders me entirely speechless.

  The way his voice sounded—so genuine with an underlying serenity, and his eyes mirror the exact same emotion as they bore into mine. I’m utterly helpless against the hope that settles itself deeply into my heart, anchoring down to survive this roller-coaster ride that neither one of us signed up for, but we’re on nonetheless.

  All the worries, all the fears and frustration I’ve been feeling about the baby and Aiden, disappear as a sudden calmness settles in its place. I know it won’t always stay like this, and I’m probably going to freak out again over some random thing in a few days, but that’s okay.

  I’m starting to understand that I’ve got this, and from the looks of it, I might have a partner in crime after all.

  Grabbing Aiden’s hand, I give it a long squeeze as his fingers intertwine with mine, holding on tightly. “I’m glad you feel that way.”

  I’m not sure how much to reveal, how much he really wants to know about the butterflies in my stomach. Just then, the realization hits me that, after the way I met his brother, he might already know how I feel about him.

  Actions have the power to speak louder than words, and my jealousy was probably quite apparent. A quiet groan escapes my throat as I shake my head.

  Aiden’s hand tenses in mine, his eyes immediately on alert. “What’s wrong? You’re okay? Are you hurting somewhere?”

  Reassuring him, I shake my head. “No, no, I’m all good. Sorry. I just remembered again how I met your brother. I’m still so embarrassed.”

  He chuckles under his breath and rakes a hand through his hair. “It’s all good. It wasn’t that bad.”

  “Thanks for trying to make it seem less bad than it was.”

  “I have to admit, it was pretty hot when you got all jealous because of me.”

  My mouth falls open as I watch him. I don’t know what I’m expecting—maybe a laugh, or at least a wink?—but it sure isn’t the look he’s giving me. His brown eyes have turned so dark, it’s hard to see where the iris ends and the pupil starts.

  Unable to form a coherent sentence or take my eyes away from his intense look, I just keep staring, watching him as his eyes flicker to my lips. My tongue slips out of my mouth on its own accord, successfully wetting my lips. I’m not sure who’s moving first, but before I know it, we’re only a breath away.

  Wanting his lips on mine more than anything else right now, I push all doubts away, and finally lean in. This is our first real kiss since the night we met almost three
months ago, and we fall straight back into the same intense chemistry we’ve shared from the beginning.

  I think he’s holding back for my sake, wanting me to decide how much I want to give, but I don’t care. I let go of his hand and grab him by the shoulders instead.

  In only a few seconds, this kiss is driving me crazy—our lips tasting, our tongues exploring, our teeth nibbling. The sensations in my body are so strong, they’re almost overwhelming. My body seems to remember this talented man and everything he can do to me. His hands are in my hair, his mouth hungry on mine. We’re pulling at each other, neither one of us able to get enough.

  When I end up lying halfway on his chest, I decide to straddle him instead. His hard-on presses against me in the most delicious way, and I shudder at the contact.

  Aiden pulls back first, his breathing heavy and loud. “You’re killing me, Stella. I can’t believe I’m actually about to say this, but I think we need to take things slowly. I can’t tell you how much I want you, but this, us, all of it, is too important to me to ruin with a quick roll in the hay. I don’t want things to be weird between us, and I’m not sure they wouldn’t be at this point.”

  Letting out a frustrated sigh, I place my forehead against his. Dang him, but he’s right. Those would’ve been my exact thoughts if the lust hadn’t taken over.

  He leans in to press his lips against mine in an innocent kiss before pulling back once more. “But don’t think for a moment I’m not looking forward to the day I’ll have you again, all naked and ready for me.”

  “You can’t say stuff like that.” I squirm on his lap, clearly having a hard time not rubbing myself all over him like a cat in heat.

  His chuckle comes out in a low rumble. “Sorry. You should know by now that I want you in all the ways that count. I want to spend more time with you, and have dates. And I definitely don’t want you to see anyone else. There’s no room for anyone but us three. Are you okay with that?”

  I nod, his little speech making my chest feel tight. But before I can get emotional, a big yawn ripples through me, making Aiden laugh.

  Rubbing my back, he gives my nose a little nudge with his, then gently lifts me off his lap. “Looks like a certain mama is tired. Let me get my keys, and I’ll drive you home.”

  Putting my hand on his arm, I stop him as he gets up. “Do you mind if we walk?”

  “No, of course not. Are you sure?”

  I nod. “Yes. Let me go to the bathroom quick, and then I’m all ready to go.”

  As I make my way through his apartment, my thoughts replay this evening, and I can’t help but feel a little giddy.

  Who would’ve thought a date that started with me throwing my purse at Aiden’s twin brother could end with me and Aiden not only making out, but him also staking a claim on me?

  8

  Aiden

  What on earth was I thinking last week, when I agreed to come to the gym with Stella? I must have clearly been out of my mind. Okay, maybe not. The truth is, I’m a total suck-up with a soft spot for this woman and it’s impossible to say no to her.

  Looking around the room full of people, only minutes before the yoga class starts, makes me question my sanity though. It should go into the books as a hard limit.

  “I promise it won’t be half as bad as you think it’ll be.” Stella’s lips are pressed together, clearly trying to hold back a laugh.

  “Just because you look all cute and sexy in your little yoga getup doesn’t mean you can lie to me.”

  That does it. She starts laughing, and I can’t help but grin in response. Making Stella laugh has quickly become one of my favorite things to do. The way her eyes go wide the second before her mouth opens to crack up is worth whatever I have to do or say. I don’t even care that every pair of eyes in this packed gym room is trained on us, probably trying to figure out what’s so amusing.

  Taking a step toward her, I wrap my arm around Stella’s waist and pull her closer. I bend down so I’m close enough to her ear that no one can eavesdrop. “Just know that there will be payback for this, and I’m planning on making it excruciatingly slow until you beg me for forgiveness.”

  Even though my comment is completely vague, I know immediately which way she takes it when her nipples grow hard, pressing against my chest through both of our thin shirts.

  Her lips graze the shell of my ear for a second, and I don’t think I’ve ever had to put this much effort into controlling my body in public. Somehow, I don’t think the other class members—mostly women—would appreciate me participating with a boner that will be very visible in my workout shorts if I can’t keep it down.

  “Bring it on, big boy.”

  Oh no she didn’t. Fuck. The tent keeps growing in my pants, and I shift her around so she blocks mostly everyone’s view in this room. Thank God we chose a spot in the very back. Tightening my grip on her hips, I squeeze once. “Oh, you bet it’s on.”

  There’s so much more I want to say to her—this small public display more of a turn-on than I thought it could be—but just then, the glass door of the room opens, successfully breaking our little moment when a tall woman walks in. From all the waves and hellos, I’m guessing she’s the instructor.

  Stella confirms my suspicion when she waves at the blonde. “That’s Natalie.”

  That detail makes me pull back to stare at her, the bomb she just dropped on me positively taking care of the problem in my pants. “Your best friend, Natalie?” My thoughts go back to our walk at the beach when she told me about them knowing each other since high school.

  “Yeah.” Her brow furrows when she looks at me. “Did I not mention she’s the instructor?”

  Shaking my head, I give myself a pep talk, telling myself this is no biggie. This is only the best friend of the girl I accidentally impregnated during a one-night stand. On top of that, I’m currently trying to convince her I’m also a good partner and daddy material. “Nope, you didn’t.”

  “Oops. Sorry.” She looks genuinely sorry, and I wave her off.

  “It’s okay, no worries.”

  Just then Natalie claps her hands together. “Alrighty, guys. Everyone ready? Let’s get started.”

  Stella winks at me and gives me a naughty grin before she goes and gets situated on her mat.

  * * *

  I will never admit this willingly, but an hour later, I’m total toast. I’m entirely unable to tell if I feel good or bad—all I’m capable of feeling is utter exhaustion. My whole body’s like Jell-O, even though I don’t think I did a lot.

  “You were great.” Stella rolls up her mat and comes over to stand beside me.

  “Oh yeah?”

  “Yes. That child’s pose looked pretty perfect to me.” She pats me on the arm, her face only seconds away from breaking into laughter.

  I lower my voice so only she can hear me. “I hate you right now. I see more punishment for you in the near future.” I’m tempted to slap her ass but restrain myself.

  Her pupils dilate as she takes a step closer. “You keep saying that, but so far, it’s all just been empty promises.”

  We stare at each other for a moment, and I’d give pretty much anything to know what’s going through her mind right now, to see if it matches all the naughty things I’m thinking about. We still haven’t had sex—besides our first night, of course—but it seems like the flirting has grown to an all-new high these past few days.

  We’re both ready to rip each other’s clothes off.

  My whole body is tense. “I didn’t expect you to be such a little tease. First, you wiggle your sexy little ass in front of my face for an hour straight, and now you’re practically begging me to take you right here in front of all these people. Let me tell you one thing. I’ve been thinking about nothing else than being inside of you again since you came back into my life. I’m not sure how much longer I can resist you before my self-control snaps.”

  Satisfaction runs through me as her mouth falls open. Her shock only lasts a second though b
efore she moves even more into my personal space. With her shoulders pulled back and her chest thrust in my direction, she runs a pointy finger down my chest.

  Just when she opens her mouth to say something, the instructor Natalie—a.k.a. Stella’s best friend—calls her name across the room. “I’ll be right back.”

  Damn it. I really wanted to hear what she had to say after my blunt admission.

  I watch Stella like a hawk as she walks across the room to her friend, and note the extra sway to her hips. The two women talk, and I can’t help but notice the swift looks they keep sending my way. It’s hard to get a read on what they’re talking about, but whatever it is, I hope it’s in my favor, even though I’m not sure how good my chances are for that to happen.

  After rolling up the mat Stella lent me, I drink some of my water just as she comes back.

  With her hands on her hips, she looks up at me through her lashes, her cheeks still slightly rosy from the workout. “Do you feel like getting a coffee across the street?”

  There are a lot of other things I’d rather be doing with her, but I’m trying to be patient or, at the very least, wait until we’re alone and not at the local gym with a room full of people as witnesses.

  She blinks and clasps her hands in front of her body as she continues. “With Natalie.”

  Ahh, there it is. Meeting the best friend.

  It’s a little unexpected and out of the blue, but she’s already met my brother, so it’s only fair. “Sure.”

  Her eyes go wide as she stares at me. “Really?”

  “Yup.” I pick up both of our mats and hand Stella her water bottle. “Let’s throw our stuff in the car and then we can head over.”

  “Okay.”

  I have to smile at her disbelieving tone since it seems she expected me to say no. I guess she still doesn’t understand how much I’d do to make her happy.

  With an arm around her shoulder, I pull her alongside me. “Come on, baby mama. Let’s meet the best friend.”