She clenched her jaw and shrugged. “It was just a kiss. But I bit the shit out of him.”
Calvin swallowed and clenched his fists. “He kissed you?”
“Yeah.” She shrugged again.
“I'm going to kill him.” Calvin leapt from the seat, making the whole swing rock violently.
“Calm down, Tarzan,” she quipped. “I handled it.”
“No, Zoe, that's bullshit. It's not okay to just go around kissing my wife!” He paced the wooden porch. “And if he thinks that he's going to be making the moves on you, if our daughter is his? Well, I'll be damned!”
“Our – our daughter?” She squeaked. “How do you know?”
“Tim told me. Why didn't you?”
“I was planning to tell you at Christmas, but that plan is dead in the water. Thanks a lot, big mouth, fucking Tim. Now I have half a mind to bust his nose.”
Calvin chuckled and sat back down beside her. “I think his nose is messed up enough for a while, Zoe. Look. I'm really, really sorry I overreacted. I was wrong and I promise not to do it again. Or at least try. I'm no angel, but I will try. Can you forgive me?”
Zoe sighed. “I understand why you blew, but don't shut me out.”
“You left me. And you called him,” Calvin whispered brokenly. “You called HIM of all people.”
“I didn't think he was going to jump me, Calvin. The things Layla said, they really hurt. But you know what, she's right. Everything I have is because you gave it to me. I didn't want to fight with you anymore and I didn't know what to do.”
“You can't run back to him every time we have problems.” His hand found hers and he gently stroked her knuckles. “Please come with me. You've been out here in the cold enough. Let's go home.”
“I don't want to go to Mobile.”
“I wasn't going to ask, Zoe. I have to earn that right back. I just want you to rest. For our baby. And for you.” He stood and held out his hand. “Please, come with me.”
“Okay.” She took his hand and stood carefully, staring back at the little blue swing for a moment.
They walked down the driveway to his car and he leaned close. “So, second fight. Two out of a ten?”
Zoe laughed weakly. “Maybe.”
Chapter Ten
Zoe woke to a feather soft brush against her lips and her eyes opened, to see Calvin leaning over her with a smile on his face. “Morning, beautiful.”
“Morning. What time is it?” she groaned.
“Eleven-thirty.” He eased back off the bed and rummaged through his bag.
“How long have you been up?” She stretched slowly, her eyes closing in pleasure as her muscles relaxed.
“A while,” he answered.
“Oh. Why didn't you wake me?” Her belly grumbled in protest. “I'm starving.”
“Because I was laying here looking at you laying there and thinking I'm the luckiest man in the world.” He stood and winked at her before tossing a small box in her direction. “Here, this is part of your Christmas present. It’s early, but I want you to have it.”
She sat up and ran a hand through her tangled hair. “Calvin, you don't have to give me this just because of last night.”
He hopped on the bed, the whole mattress jostling as he bounced. “I know I don't, but I want to. I want to make you happy, Zoe. Just open the box.”
Her fingers toyed with the small present for a moment and she blew out a breath. “I don't like fighting with you.”
“And I don't like fighting with you. I was an ass, I was wrong and I'm sorry, beautiful.” He scooted closer and slid an arm behind her as he rested his head against her belly. “I didn't mean to upset you...I just didn't think. It's hard to realize that your baby sister is grown up.”
“I can't believe they are in love.” The baby rolled at that moment and Calvin jumped back, staring up at her with big eyes.
“I just got kicked.” His eyes grew soft and he traced a hand slowly across her bump. “Hi, baby.”
“She just wanted to say hello.” Her breath caught in her throat as he slowly pressed a kiss to her belly, the heat of his mouth seared her skin through the shirt she wore and her nipples tightened involuntarily.
“I can't wait to meet you, baby. And daddy was an asshole for upsetting mommy last night. I hope mommy can forgive me. What do you think, baby? Should she forgive daddy? One kick for yes, two for no.” His hand came to the bump again and his brow furrowed in concentration as he waited for the thumps.
Zoe laughed. “I have missed you.”
Calvin came to his knees and his palms brushed against her cheeks and his fingertips slid into her hair. “No more than I've missed you. Open your present, Zoe.”
Her eyes crossed as they focused on his full mouth. His tongue darted out to dampen his bottom lip and she shivered. Her hand caught in his shirt and she pulled him the last fraction of an inch until their mouths collided. His tongue slid between her lips and stroked against her own, adding fuel to an already blazing inferno of desire.
The kiss went on and on, a simple meeting of mouths, but for them, so much more. They poured their hearts into the simple movements, lips clinging to hope and promises unspoken. After a few moments, he pulled back and rested his forehead against hers. “Zoe.”
“That's my name. Don't wear it out,” she quipped weakly.
His mouth brushed against her ear and he whispered, “You'll be the one screaming my name later if I have my way about it.”
“Oh?”
“Oh. Now open the present.”
She slid the lid off the box and nestled inside on soft cotton lay a simple beaded bracelet. “It's pretty, Calvin.”
“Well, let me explain it to you.” He took the bracelet from her and twined the beads between his fingers. “See, this bracelet is special. You see these blue and green beads?”
“Yeah, and one red one.”
“Well, this bracelet symbolizes the ocean and the fire over which we met, again.” He grinned sheepishly. “I thought it was something you'd like.”
Zoe caught his hand in hers, the beads captured between their palms. “It's beautiful, Calvin. Thank you.”
“It's not all you're getting for Christmas.”
Zoe blushed. “To be honest, I haven't gotten any Christmas shopping done.”
Calvin's head jerked up. “Want to go?”
“What, now?”
“Why not? I'll take you to Sonic... I know a Route 44 has to be calling your name.” He handed her the bracelet and stood, walking over to the door.
“I know why you want to go to Mobile.” She couldn't help but grin.
“What... me? No,” he winked as he walked into the hallway. “Take your time getting ready.”
She stretched again, leisurely before sliding from between the covers and standing up. Rummaging through the dresser, she found very little that appealed to her. Any lingerie she had, didn't fit, panties rode dangerously low and bras were a joke, her boobs poured out of them. Finding a bra that didn't look completely horrible, she pulled back on her yoga pants and hoodie. It fit, it was warm, and it would do.
She padded to the bathroom and finished getting ready, taking only minutes to pull her hair into a braid and brush her teeth. As she came into the living room, Grams and Pops eyed her. “Afternoon, sunshine,” Pops remarked.
“It lives!” Grams chuckled and Zoe blushed.
“Yeah, I'm alive.”
“You needed the rest after what this grandson of mine put you through last night. I've already given him a talking to about how he needs to be treating you. You let me know if he steps out of line and I'll bust his back end for you.” Grams said.
Zoe laughed. “I sure will!”
“You two be careful out there, and have fun. I don't expect to see you back ‘til tomorrow, you hear me?” Grams slowly rocked in her chair and smirked.
Calvin snorted. “I hear you, Grams. Y'all have a good day.”
“You too. You best be getting down here to
give me a hug and kiss, boy!” Grams caught the edge of his shirt and Calvin turned to press a kiss to her weathered cheek. Pops took a hug and Zoe followed suit.
Grams whispered in her ear softly. “He's got a temper like his daddy. It blows in fast like a summer storm, and it's gone just as quick. Don't take anything he says in anger seriously. He has to learn how to control it. That boy loves you better than breath. I've never seen him like this.”
Zoe nodded. “I know.”
“Good. Go enjoy yourself.”
They walked out to the car and she shivered in her hoodie. “Zoe?”
“Yeah?”
“Why aren't you wearing something more than that jacket?”
She slid into the seat of the car and shrugged. “Nothing fits anymore.”
Calvin started the engine and it purred to life. “Why haven't you gotten anything?”
“Well, the whole time I've been here I haven't gone anywhere. There's nowhere really here to shop for plus sized maternity clothing, is there?” She buckled herself in as they pulled out onto the road.
“I guess not. How about Sonic first, then we're going to the mall?”
She sighed and nodded. “If I am forced to. I get a foot long hot dog, though.”
He laughed. “I was hoping to save that for tonight.”
She realized what he was insinuating and blushed hot. “You wish yours was that big.”
“Do you?”
“God. No.” She shook her head. “There are just some things that shouldn't be a foot long and a dick is one of them. We're talking about a weapon of mass destruction. I would not pass go, I would not collect two-hundred dollars. That car would not be coming into my garage; it would never fit. And hell, even if it did, imagine the destruction left behind. It would be awful.”
Calvin laughed hard for a moment before wiping at his eyes. “I've missed you.”
The beaded bracelet on her wrist jangled softly as she caught his hand in hers. “I've missed you. Let's not fight anymore while you're home. I just want to enjoy it. It's altogether entirely too short.”
“Are you talking about my dick again?” he quipped, wiggling his eyebrows.
“No!” she giggled. “Jeez. You and all this dick talk.”
“Well it's been lonely in the desert and just wants to be acknowledged,” he pouted, his bottom lip poking out.
“Maybe later.”
They fell into a companionable silence and finally Zoe leaned forward and clicked on the radio.
He pulled into the Sonic drive thru a few minutes later and ordered them both Route 44 Cherry Cokes and foot long hot dogs. As the carhop brought their food, Zoe tore into the bag.
“Hulk hungry?” Calvin laughed as she ripped open the paper on the hot dog.
“Yes!” As the first bite of salty, cheesy goodness filled her mouth, she groaned. “So good!”
“Uhhh...I'm gonna get jealous over here,” he winked as he began eating his own.
Once they were finished, they drove to the mall and parked as close as they could to the front doors. Their hands met and fingers tangled together as they walked, browsing store after store.
“What do you want for Christmas, Calvin?”
His arms came around her waist and he whispered into her ear. “I've already got what I want.”
“Oh?”
“You.” Teeth nibbled gently at her earlobe and it took all the strength she possessed not to moan in the middle of JC Penney.
“I have to get you something.”
“Says who? Are Santa's elves going to swoop down here and give you a ticket if you don't?”
“They might.”
“I doubt it. Tell you what. Why don't we split up for a bit. I will go get presents for Grams, Pops and Layla. You go shopping for some clothes. I'll meet you in the food court in a couple hours.”
Zoe shrugged. “Do I have to?” The wheels in her head were turning, trying to think of a present for him. His mouth touched hers and he turned to leave.
“Yes. See you later.”
Zoe knew she had precious time to get this done. Rushing back to the dressing room, she found an associate. “Excuse me, I need help. I need maternity bras. I need clothes. Fast. I don't have a lot of time to try stuff on. Do you have like stretchy bras? Something?”
The young girl, a timid dishwater blonde with big green eyes nodded. The nametag jauntily stuck to her flat chest proclaimed her name was Lisa. “Sure, I can help you. Let's get you measured quickly and I'll pull stuff for you.”
Zoe walked into a dressing room and the girl followed with a measuring tape. A few quick measurements later, the girl was gone and back with a few bras. “Try these. They are comfortable and will accommodate growth.”
Zoe groaned and began pulling them on. Only one was comfortable. “I want three of these.”
“Okay, I'll get them for you. Would you like me to pull any maternity clothes for you to try on?”
“No. I'll just grab stuff off the rack. I need to get my husband a gift and I don't have much time. Do you have anyone here in the mall who does engraving?” She pulled her old bra back on and her shirt as she talked.
“Yes, we do. Hartman's Jewelers just down the way here. Let me get these bras for you and show you where the maternity clothes are. Do you know what you're having yet?”
Zoe nodded. “A little girl.”
“Oh! Congratulations!” Lisa smiled. “That's so exciting!”
“I can't wait.”
Lisa led her to the few racks of maternity clothing. “This is what we have. Pick what you like and I'll ring you up. Congratulations again.”
Zoe rifled through the racks, finding a few simple shirts in her size and pants to match. The shirts were all identical, but different colors. A few dresses hung on another rack and she frowned as she looked at them. Should I get a dress? Nah, don’t need one.
She found a sweater and took everything to the register. “Will you ring these up while I grab underwear?”
“Certainly.”
She found some maternity underwear finally in her size and grabbed every pair she could find, tossing them up on the counter. “I think that will do it.”
Once she paid for the clothes, she grabbed the bags and rushed out into the mall, searching for Hartman's Jewelers. The tiny shop was just around the corner and she hurried inside. An older gentleman glanced up and smiled. “Good afternoon, miss, how can I help you?”
“I need a gift...can you help me?”
“I'll do my best.”
“It's for my husband...”
* * *
Calvin perused the bookstore for some vampire books for Layla. That was the last thing he remembered her liking. He found a few and checked out there, going into another store to get some pretty scarves and a new purse for Grams to use on Sunday. Pops was a little harder. He wasn't into ties or clothing. He walked into Sears and headed for the tool section, finding some nice wrenches for him.
Zoe has the one big present coming...but shouldn't I have something under the tree for her? But what... A secretive smile played at the corners of his mouth. Oh she's going to freak when I give her this...but doesn't she deserve it? His smile faded as the next thought played out. What if she doesn't like it? No, no, she has to like it. It's something very, very special to her. Hell, I hope she likes it. It's too late if she doesn't...
He browsed the jewelry counter and an associate came up to him with a smile. “Hello sir, can I help you find something?”
“Yeah... I'm looking for something just like that.” He pointed to a piece of jewelry in the case. “Can I see that?”
“Sure thing, sir.” She handed him the shiny piece and he turned it one way, then the other. “Is it what you're looking for?”
Calvin smirked. “I think it will do perfectly. Do you mind wrapping it for me? I'll be back for it. Would you tell me where your maternity section is?”
I know she didn't buy shit for herself, so I'm going to. He browsed the racks, k
eeping an eye on his phone for the time. Once he was satisfied with what he found, he walked over to shoes and found a couple of pairs. All he'd seen on her feet were her old Converse. She'll need something else for what I have planned.
Once he checked out, he headed for the food court and saw his beautiful wife sitting at a table, exactly three bags at her feet. She glanced up and her soft black eyes went wide and warm as she smiled. Damn, I'm a lucky man.
“Hey, beautiful. Did you find some stuff?”
She nodded. “I found a few things.”
“Well,” he started. “I found some more.” He bent to kiss her.
“You spoil me.”
“You deserve it sometimes. You hungry or can you wait a bit?”
“Oh, I had a milkshake while I waited.”
“I knew you tasted sweet! Get back over here, woman!” he chuckled, holding her face in his hands and kissing her again, slowly and sweetly. As they pulled apart, Calvin noticed an older woman giving them dirty looks a few tables down. Her mouth was twisted up tight and daggers came from her pale blue eyes. “We have an audience,” he whispered into her ear.
“Oh?” Her head swiveled and she glanced at the old biddy. “Should we give her a show?” Her hand caught in his T-shirt and pulled him in closer.
“A standing ovation,” was his breathy reply as their lips touched again. The earth shifted on its axis as they kissed, their tongues mating in a wanton dance with breath mingling. She pulled back first and grinned.
“Our audience got tired of the show.” The older woman had picked up her tray and hurried past them.
“That's the one thing I hate; you run into people who can't just take love at face value. They have to color it. Add in shades that just don't matter. Love is pure. Love is simple. Love just is. It needs no other enhancement.” He rested his forehead against hers. “Maybe one day, the world will see it like I do.”
“That's got to be the prettiest way I've ever heard love described. Damn it, Calvin, who knew you were a poet?” She kissed him again and smiled.
“Ah, there's a deep man in here somewhere.”
“I love him.”
“What do you want to do, Zoe?”
November Foxtrot (Rhythm of the Heart Book 2) Page 9