5 Bikers for Valentines

by Rye Hart

  She stood in the way though, hands on her hips with her lips pursed in a thin, solid line.

  “Just answer one question for me, Malcolm. Do you have any potential surrogates lined up?”

  “I do, actually,” I said. “Now if you'll excuse me.”

  “Well, who is she? Where did you meet her?”

  “You said one question, mom, and I answered your question,” I said. “Now, I'm tired and I'd like to go to bed.”

  I pushed off the bar and walked around her, heading for the door, feeling bad for keeping secrets from my mom, I turned and gave her what I hoped was a reassuring smile.

  “Don't worry, Mom. I'm on top of it,” I said. “Once we have a baby on the way, you'll be the first to know.”

  Her eyes softened, and she smiled at me. Her face lit up at the mention of a baby. She'd make an amazing grandmother, and I knew she was as excited about a grandchild as my father was – if not more so. I could see it in her eyes.

  “Thank you, son,” she said. “That's all I ask of you. Please, don't let Adam take the company from you.”

  “I won't. There's no way in hell I'm going to let that happen, Mom,” I said. “You can trust me on that.”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CASEY

  My family – minus my dad – was sitting at the kitchen table when I got home that night. Dad was passed out on the couch, as usual, giving us all a little peace. There was food on the table – Spanish rice, black beans, and some tortillas. Mom had gotten paid, so there was a decent dinner tonight. Which was good, because I was starving.

  Mom's eyes were heavy with exhaustion and there were large, dark bags beneath them. She worked two jobs, not getting many hours at either sometimes. But today, she'd worked a double and it showed on her face. Even still, she stood to greet me when I stepped into the kitchen, hugging me tightly.

  “Casey, we didn't expect you home so early,” she said.

  I hadn't told her about losing my job.

  “Yeah, I'm actually off tonight,” I said. “Crazy, huh?”

  “Then join us, mija,” mom said, motioning at the table. “There's plenty of food for you too.”

  I gripped the paper bag in my hands tightly, the file tucked safely under my arm. I knew there'd be questions about what was in the bag, questions I wasn't ready to answer right now.

  “I'm not hungry,” I lied. “But I'll grab a plate later, okay?”

  Mom nodded. “Then join us and talk. It's rare we get to talk to one other these days. We always seem to miss each other.”

  Sierra looked over at the paper bag. “What's that?” she asked.

  “Just – personal items.”

  “Like tampons?” she asked.

  “Yes, like tampons,” I said, shooting her a look.

  Nick covered his ears and groaned. “La la la la, I don't need to hear this.”

  “Those must be some pretty big tampons to be in a bag that large.”

  She was looking at Nick, taunting him instead of me. She stuck out her tongue at our brother, and he responded by throwing a napkin at her. Sierra tossed her handful of beans at him, which caused mom to intervene.

  As mom was tending to the other two, I slipped away into the bathroom. Locking the door behind me, I opened up the paper bag.

  The first thing I pulled out were the ovulation kits. I opened the packaging and started reading the directions, my head spinning as I tried to take it all in. There were directions for tracking your menstrual cycle that only added to my confusion, and I tried to think back to my last period. I counted the days and was in the middle of figuring out when I'd be able to start testing when a knock came at the door.

  “I have to go pee, sis.” It was Sierra.

  “Use the other bathroom,” I said.

  “Nick is in there,” she said.

  I groaned, not even close to finished reading everything. I put everything back inside the back, and then realized, I had nowhere to hide it.

  Sierra knocked again. “Please, hurry.”

  I threw the bag under the sink, hiding it there for the moment. But, I knew I'd have to find somewhere better than that. The trouble was, there was no place in the house for me to hide anything. We were all crowded in there, no personal space whatsoever.

  She was about to knock again when I threw open the door.

  “Thank you!”

  She rushed inside and locked the door behind her. All I could do was wait.

  My family wasn't going to make this easy to hide, that much was certain.

  ~ooo000ooo~

  First thing, after everyone left for school and work, I hurried over to Raya's place. She lived in a trendy studio apartment in West Hollywood – paid for by her parents, of course. I knocked on her door, and half expected her not to answer since it was before ten in the morning and she was likely still asleep. She surprised me, though, and answered the door with a smile on her face. The strong smell of marijuana wafted into the hallway from inside.

  “Whoa, someone's getting an early start,” I said.

  “More like I haven't gone to bed yet,” she laughed. “What's up?”

  She opened the door, and I stepped inside. The place was small – like the size of most people's closets. But, I would have killed to even have an apartment like that all to myself.

  Raya looked at the bag in my hand and grinned, “Please tell me you brought something to eat, I'm starving,” she said. “Donuts, right? Or cupcakes? Please tell me you brought cupcakes.”

  “Sorry, no food in here, just boring pregnancy shit,” I said, holding the bag open to show her.

  Raya pouted and flopped on her lime green couch. I sat down on the floor across from her, crossing my legs, since there were no other seats in the place. The couch doubled as her bed, since it folded out like a futon. For now, though, it was just a regular old couch and there was only enough room for one.

  “So, you're really going through with it, huh?” she said.

  “Yeah, looks like it. I signed a contract and everything,” I said. “I just need a place to stash this stuff so my parents can't find it.”

  “So you want to leave it over here?” she asked. “But don't you need it?”

  I shrugged. “I guess I can come over every day to get what I need,” I said. “But, I hadn't really thought that far ahead about it to be honest.”

  “Give me the bag of goodies,” Raya said.

  I handed it over and she dug through it, pulling out the ovulation kit and examining everything else with it.

  “Man, I can't imagine having sex and not trying to avoid pregnancy,” she laughed, tossing everything onto the table. Next, she pulled out the pills and read the label out loud.

  “Clomid,” she said. “Huh.”

  “Do you know what that is?”

  “Yeah, it’s a fertility drug. My mom has taken these when she was a surrogate.”

  She tossed them over to me and I read the label myself. The prescription was written out to a Cynthia Crane.

  “Malcolm said he was giving me fertility drugs, just to increase our odds of conceiving.”

  “It’s pretty common practice for surrogacy,” Raya said.

  Raya finished digging in the bag and pulled out the pre-natal vitamins. Probably the simplest item in the bag. She read the label, then seeming to be bored with it all, put everything back in the paper bag.

  “Sure, you can keep your crap here,” she said. “In fact, I have something better. You can even stay here for a bit.”

  “Stay here?” I asked. “Don't you think this place would get crowded with two of us?”

  “I'm not going to be here, dork,” she said. “My grandparents are sending me on a trip to Sedona so I can explore the Earth's energy vortexes there.”

  “The what?” I asked and then when she opened her mouth to explain, I quickly added, “Never mind. Forget I even asked.”

  “Anyway,” Raya said. “Since I'll be gone for a month or two, maybe you could watch my place? Not sure how
long I'll be gone, it all depends on how quickly I open my heart to the energy there. But, if you need a place to crash while you're trying to get knocked up, you're free to stay here.”

  “Really?” I almost couldn't believe my luck. Away from my family for a couple of months? That would make things so much easier. “I could kiss you right now, Raya.”

  “Hey, it's the least I can do. I'd hate for you to get pregnant while you're being confined over there,” she said. “The bad juju can't possibly be good for the baby.”

  “Uh huh,” I said.

  I laughed, feeling like maybe things were starting to look up for me for a change. Not only could I stash my stuff at Raya's, I had a place to stay without brothers and sisters barging in and asking questions about what I was doing. My phone went off, and I checked it. It was a reminder for my doctor's appointment that morning. I was dangerously close to running late.

  “Shit, Raya, I have to go,” I said. “When are you leaving?”

  “Tomorrow sometime. Not sure yet. I'm riding out there with a few friends,” she said. “So swing by later tonight to pick up the key, maybe?”

  “Sounds great,” I said.

  I pulled myself to my feet and felt like dancing. This was going to be like a vacation, one I clearly needed. In my mind, it was a sign that everything just might work out after all.

  I hugged my best friend and ran for the door, trying not to trip over all the junk piled around on the floor. Raya wasn't the most organized person I knew, but she had to be one of the best friends a girl could have ever asked for.

  I've never been one to believe in fate or shit, but things were lining up perfectly, and I couldn't have been more excited. Maybe it was a sign that I was doing the right thing.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  MALCOLM

  Casey and I had kept in touch, mostly through text messages back and forth. I didn't want to pry and ask her about her damn cycle every single day.

  The texts were short and sweet, just a simple “How are you today?” and she'd answer the same way, every single day.

  “Good,” she said. “But no ovulation yet.”

  I was starting to think this was hopeless, but Dr. Welch assured me that Casey was in good health and didn't appear to have any fertility issues. She was young, in good shape and STD free. No history of disease or other health problems. Even her family history looked pretty good, according to the doctor.

  I kept asking Casey to come out with me – asking her to lunch or dinner, or one time, just to talk. She was a busy little bee, however, and kept turning me down. Probably for the best, I knew we couldn't actually date. Not because of what Terrance had said, but simply, I wasn't ready for a relationship. Not to mention the fact that a relationship with the surrogate who'd eventually carry my baby was just plain awkward to think about.

  She kept things professional, which I admired. But, as the days wore on, part of me yearned for something more than a quick text exchange. Before the arrangement, I actually had enjoyed her company. She made me laugh more than anyone I'd ever known. I was so used to submissive women letting me call all the shots, but Casey was different. She didn't take shit from anyone, me included.

  Part of me fantasized what sex with her would be like. I was sure we'd both fight for dominance, but in the end, I'd win. I'd tame her in the bedroom, or at least I had fun imagining what it would be like. Since we'd be doing the deed on a schedule, it wasn't like we could spontaneously fall into each other's arms. I hoped it wouldn't be awkward, but this was a first for me.

  That morning, I'd texted her and was waiting for a response. It took longer than usual, but I tried not to worry. Figured she was just busy doing whatever it was she did. Come to think of it, I had no idea what she did for fun, or what her family life was like. I knew so little about her.

  She was mysterious and beautiful and amazing, and exactly what I didn't need in that moment. I tried to focus on work, but found myself checking my phone every few minutes, eagerly waiting for a reply. Finally, when my phone buzzed, I snatched it up off my desk in a hurry and read the message.

  I read it and re-read it several times over, and it still took me a long time to believe what it said.

  It's time. I'm ovulating, so we should get together soon.

  I stared at her message, my hands trembling. It was time. Not knowing for sure how long we had, I grabbed my jacket and started texting her as I walked out of my office.

  I was on my phone, not watching where I was going, and that was a mistake. Adam and I nearly collided, though I suspected he'd done it on purpose. “Where you off to, Malcolm?” he asked. “A little early for lunch, don't you think?”

  Lunch. Yeah, not quite. Food was the last thing on my mind. Not like I wanted to tell him I was headed out for some afternoon delight, it was none of his business.

  “I have a meeting,” I said.

  “A meeting?” he asked, looking perplexed. “Funny, I didn't see anything on your schedule. I was just coming by to talk about the marketing plan you put together. I had a few ideas I wanted you to consider.”

  “Last minute, sorry,” I said as I pushed past Adam and yelled back at him, “Talk to Alyssa and have her schedule you in for tomorrow, maybe?”

  I had no idea how long I'd be with Casey. Better clear off the rest of my schedule for today. With a quick word to my assistant, Alyssa, I was good to go. I didn't want to do the deed and leave, that seemed like a dick move. Then again, she might find it awkward to cuddle afterward.

  I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, and I had a feeling Casey was going to be just as nervous as me. Probably more so. After all, I wasn't the one getting pregnant.

  I'd texted Casey the address of a hotel. Figured neutral ground would be better than either of our places. Besides, my mom was home most of the day, and the last thing I needed was her prying eyes and ears.

  Moms are natural boner killers, it goes without saying. Not knowing Casey's familial situation, I figured I shouldn't make assumptions. Her parents could be home too, for all I knew. I thought she said she lived with them, but I couldn't be sure. Hell, I had the condo, but Danielle walking in on us would certainly ruin the mood too. Although, it might be worth it, just to see the look on her face.

  A hotel was the best option, and I just prayed Casey didn't feel like a prostitute. That was the last thing I wanted. I owed her, big time, for everything she was doing, and I didn't think she'd ever understand just how much it all meant to me.

  Casey texted me back as I climbed into my car. A simple one letter answer, K. She then followed it up with another text. I'm heading over there now.

  ~ooo000ooo~

  I'll admit, I could have done better. The Hilton wasn't exactly the type of place I typically stay at, but it was close by and would have to do. It wasn't the greatest, but it wasn't like we were on a vacation get away. It was literally just for a few hours. Maybe less, depending on how everything went down.

  I got there before Casey and sent her a text with the room number. My stomach in knots, I paced the room, waiting for what felt like an eternity before there was a knock on the door. I pulled open the door, and there she stood. My heart stopped for a moment as we saw each other for the first time in days.

  She wore a sundress, pale pink and white. It illuminated her features and brought out the warmth in her skin that I hadn't noticed before. Her hair was loose, falling over her shoulders, around the curve of her chin and down her back and over her chest.

  We locked eyes, and she smiled at me. I couldn't help but smile back at her, and all the anxiety from earlier vanished away. I could do this. She was a beautiful woman, and all we had to do was have sex. Sex with her was going to be easy, I realized, as she entered the room. I tried not to stare at her ass but failed. The dress highlighted her small waist and the curves of her hips and bottom delightfully.

  “Well, hello there,” I said.

  She turned and looked up at me through thick, black lashes, her hazel eyes sparkl
ing.

  “Hey, Malcolm,” she said. “Good to see you.”

  “Good to see you too,” I said.

  Any fear of performance anxiety went right out the window, as blood rushed to the lower part of my body. I was growing hard simply by looking into her eyes. She looked away from me, color rising in her cheeks.

  “You look really good,” I said.

  “Thanks. I tried to look nice for you,” she said.

  She bit her lip, but still wouldn't look up at me. I yearned to see into her eyes, so I touched her chin softly, turning her face up toward me. Her skin was so smooth to my touch, and her hair tickled my hand as it brushed against my skin.

  “You're beautiful.” I said the words before I could stop myself.

  Once they were out though, I didn't regret it. Seeing her face light up was worth it. If I could somehow make this whole process any less awkward for her, that was what I was going to do. Without going overboard, of course. Wouldn't want to give either of us the wrong idea.

  “So, this is it?” she said, letting out a deep breath. “We're really doing it.”

  I wasn't sure if she meant the sex or getting pregnant, and I didn't get a chance to ask. She turned, pulling her hair away from her back.

  “Do you mind unzipping me?”

  I reached for the zipper, but it didn't feel right. It didn't feel right at all. I noticed she was trembling, just slightly. Instead of unzipping the dress, I massaged her shoulders. She let out a soft sigh as I kneaded the muscles in her neck and back, feeling the tension melt away under my hands.

  She glanced back at me, relief in her eyes.

  “We don't have to rush this,” I said. “I want you to be comfortable.”

  I want you to want this, is what I really wanted to say. If she didn't want to be with me, there was no way I could fuck her. It would feel like I was taking advantage of her, and that went against everything I stood for. If she decided she didn't want to sleep with me, I'd have to understand and find someone else.

  Casey turned around to face me, my hands falling at my sides. She reached out and took one of them into her hands. They were soft, warm, and so smooth.