by M. Clarke
I jumped from the sound of the phone. It seemed loud since there were no other noises besides me typing. I picked up the receiver while my heart pounded rapidly.
“Max,” I heaved.
“Jenna. Did I scare you? You sound so surprised.”
“You almost gave me a heart attack.”
“I can give you a lot more than a heart attack.”
I laughed lightly. Leave it to Max to flirt whenever he had the chance. That was one of the things I loved about him. His playful quality could sooth me anytime. “I’m going to take you up on that offer, Mr. Knight.”
A soft chuckle rang in my ear. “It will be my pleasure. Are you sitting on your chair?”
I knew where he was going with this, but I pretended not to know. “Yes, should I be sitting somewhere else?”
“Maybe you should be sprawled out on your desk ready for me. After all, there’s just you in the office and everyone else is in another country.”
“You’re terrible for letting me stay here all by myself, Mr. Knight. A girl can get really lonely in this big office all by herself.”
“That’s reason why I’m standing by the door.”
I looked up and melted seeing the handsome hunk in front of me. His territorial gaze and the way he looked at me with a sexy grin made me quiver all over, especially when I saw him lock the door. “Jenna.” My name rolled off his tongue with heat and passion. “I love it when you wear easy access clothes.” The next thing I knew, I was in his arms.
“Max.” I think that is what I said. Dizzy from his body heat, the way he was nuzzling me made me weak at the knees. Oh Max. Take me. Take me right now on my desk. As if he could read my thoughts, his lips conquered mine.
“Max,” I started to say as he laid me gently across my desk. My legs were bent so that my heels rested on the edge of the desk. With my legs spread apart, he had a clear view of my G-string. “Don’t you have a meeting right now?” I whimpered.
“You know my schedule way better than my own secretary.” Max lightly kissed down my leg, to my ankle, back up with his tongue, and slid inside of my panties... to my clit. Oh God! I gasped.
“Max,” I heaved, arching my back. Wanting to touch him, I reached for him, but he wouldn’t let me. My muscles had gone completely limp from Max’s doing. I had no control over them.
Max continued to tease me, lick me, suck me...to the point I couldn’t take it any more. How he could make me feel like I was going to climax with his tongue alone, I had no idea. I needed more. I needed him. Finally managing to grip his arms, I pulled him up halfway. “Max. Please,” I pleaded, knowing how he liked to hear me beg.
It didn’t work. Suddenly, Max stood up and helped me up, too. “Jenna, we need to go.”
Baffled, I looked at him for more explanation.
Max took my hand, kissed the back of it, and looked squarely in my eye. “My, Jenna. Do I make you forget? Do I make you feel so good that I could make you forget we have a doctor’s appointment?”
My eyes shot wider. Oh my God! “Max,” I squealed, straightening my skirt and my hair. “You’re so bad.” I rushed to grab my purse and leaned up against his strong chest. “I mean...you make me feel so good, Max. You make me forget everything. Let’s go.” I grabbed his hand and led him out the door, but then I stopped. Hearing a jovial chuckle meant only one thing. Max loved the compliment and his ego went up a notch.
“You think what you just did to me was funny?” I leaned up against his chest and gave him my serious face, but I busted out laughing when Max puffed his bottom lip out with droopy eyes. He was too freakin’ adorable. I wanted to suck that bottom lip.
“I didn’t think so, but I made you laugh.” His browed twitched playfully.
He was so right. “Oh yeah...let’s make a bet. Let’s see who gives in first. The week before our wedding, we’re not allowed to see each other. We can text, but we can’t spend the night at each other’s place. Let’s see who breaks the rule first.”
“You think I’ll break first, don’t you?”
“Yup.” I glared at him. “Deal or no deal?”
“What’s my reward?”
“What?” I smacked him lightly. “Your reward? Maybe I’ll win.”
“Hmmm.” Max rocked us back and forth, still holding onto me. “We’ll see about that. I’ll think about what I want from you. I can’t wait to win.”
“Bad, Max, really bad.”
“I can’t wait to do things to make you break.”
Oh no! What had I gotten myself in to?
Max
I had to admit, I was excited to go to my very first doctor’s appointment with Jenna. It seemed surreal that I was going to be a father earlier than I had expected, but I was okay with it. I had to be. Jenna needed me and I needed to get a hold of myself for this life-changing event.
“Dr. Howard will see you now,” a petite nurse said, smiling. Keeping the door open, she waited for us to enter to close the door behind her. She was shorter than Jenna, but older.
“This is my...my fiancé, Max,” Jenna introduced as we walked down the hallway. She was stuck with her words for a moment. It’s not a word you would use everyday.
“Nice to meet you, Max.”
I shook her hand. “It’s nice to meet you...Anne.” I hesitated a little, trying to get a glimpse of her nametag. I wasn’t sure if that was her name. With a quick glance, I looked up. Her nametag was right on her left breast. I didn’t want her to think I was staring at it.
With a smile, Anne opened the door for us and entered behind us. After she asked a bunch of questions, measured Jenna, checked her blood pressure, and asked her to put on a gown, she left.
“Does she ask you this many questions every time you come?” I asked, sitting next to Jenna.
“This is my second appointment. I’m guessing she’ll ask me tons more as we get closer.”
“I see. I guess I can understand why. Are you sure you’re feeling better and not just saying so to appease me?” I was worried. I had seen Jenna eat better, but I did wonder if somehow she was faking it.
“Yes, Max. Don’t worry.” Jenna sounded a bit annoyed, so I decided to keep my mouth shut. Just then, the doctor walked in.
“Good afternoon, Jenna.” The doctor turned to me. What the hell? He was a man. I was completely in shock. Knowing Jenna and the way she was, I assumed she would be too embarrassed to see a male doctor. This was her OB/GYN? That meant that he saw her practically naked. I knew it shouldn’t bother me, but it did. It was one thing to hear a name, it was another to see the man’s face who would be poking at my Jenna. And being a young doctor didn’t help either. He had hardly any years of experience behind him.
“This is my fiancé, Max.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Dr. Howard said and sat on the rolling chair. After he opened up Jenna’s file, he started asking questions. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m much better. I’m starting to eat more.”
“That’s great. It looks like you’ve gained a couple of pounds.” He paused. “Any signs of distress?”
“No. So far so good.”
“Good. Would you like to hear the baby’s heartbeat?” Dr. Howard looked at me.
That question came as a surprise. It took me a longer than a second to answer. “Sure.” I think the sound of my tone was uncertain.
“Lay back for me, Jenna.”
Grrr! I didn’t like that way he said those words. Now he was lifting her gown to expose her stomach. I had to calm down. After he put a splat of gel on this device that looked like a small hand held back massager, he circulated it around Jenna’s stomach until...Holy Jesus! The sound of a tiny heart beating rapidly was the most beautiful sound I’d ever heard, besides Jenna’s moans of pleasure. My heart immediately expanded with bliss, and having a baby became more real to me.
My eyes locked on Jenna’s with a warm smile. That warmth spread through my body, giving an indescribable feeling. I didn’t know what to say or do
at that moment except stare lovingly at my wife-to-be and think about the unexpected baby growing inside. Something happened to me as shivers of joy ran down my spine. Another level of excitement rushed through and I couldn’t wait for our baby to be born.
“We should know the sex of the baby by next month,” Dr. Howard said, helping Jenna up. I didn’t mind his hands on her this time. In fact, I grew a new profound respect for him as soon as I heard the heartbeat. I just realized he was going to be the one helping Jenna through this pregnancy, and most importantly, he was going to be the one delivering our baby.
Jenna looked at me without a word. She was asking me if we wanted to know the sex of the baby. “Maybe we should keep it between us. Whatever you want, babe.”
“Max and I will discuss this further at home.” Jenna sat back into her chair.
“Sounds good,” Dr. Howard said. “The baby sounds healthy. I’ll see you next month.”
I cleared my throat, feeling uneasy about asking a question that might sound selfish. “I was wondering...is it safe to...when should we stop? Will it hurt the baby?”
Dr. Howard’s eyes sparkled with amusement and he let out a soft chuckle. “You can have sex as long as Jenna is comfortable. You are not hurting the baby in any way. That placenta in Jenna’s stomach is thick and strong. Enjoy. Her hormones will be skyrocketing. See you both next month. Oh, by the way, I would strongly encourage you both to take a Lamaze class. It will help you prepare for the possibilities and answer questions you might have.” With a smile, he left.
Chapter 21
Matthew
It had only been less than a week, but I missed Becca like crazy. Feeling like there was something left unsaid, and like we weren’t together, didn’t give me any comfort either. Her messages, which were always short and to the point, didn’t help. Something was wrong. There was nothing I could do being so many miles away; I would have to wait until I got back.
It was strange to be in a country that had the opposite weather. The memo I’d read before packing said that it would be cooler. Thank goodness I’d brought a thicker coat. Before I left Los Angeles the weather was warm, seventy-five degrees, but it was freezing cold here. I had to admit, their accent amused me and I purposely asked a lot of questions just to hear them speak. My co-workers and I were heading to dinner, but just before I left I texted Becca.
What are you doing?
I’m in London now.
I feel like I’ve been gone a long time.
We’ll see each other soon.
You’re not running away, are you?
No.
You want to talk on the phone?
I have things to do.
Now?
Yes. We can talk when I get back.
Have a safe flight back home.
You too.
I miss you.
Becca didn’t respond to my last message, and it hurt like hell. It felt like she was trying to end our relationship. If she didn’t care for me anymore then I would have to let her go, but if it was because of the situation with Tessa, I would not let her. We’d just have to get through this.
One of my male co-workers knocked at the door. “Ready boss?”
“I’ll be right there,” I replied, staring at my phone, waiting for Becca’s message. Fuck! Forget it. I was going to enjoy my friends, who I’d been turning down chances to go out with this week.
Everyone had gone to a nightclub after dinner except for me. Feeling like a ton of bricks were on my shoulders, I didn’t want to damper my co-workers’ moods by sulking in front of them. Instead of going straight to my room, I swung my coat over my shoulder, loosened my tie, rolled up the sleeves of my dress shirt halfway, and took a detour to the bar near the lobby.
There were a few couples at the tables and some people sitting at the bar. It was dark and nearly empty, just the way I liked it.
“Give me any hard liquor,” I said to the bartender.
“That bad?” The bartender poured the liquor into the glass.
“I guess it could be worse.” I took the bill and signed it. “Please, charge it to my room.”
“Thank you.” He sounded grateful, seeing that I left a good tip for him.
With a drink in my hand, I sat in the corner booth alone, thinking of Becca. A pretty brunette startled me when she brushed up against me.
“I hope you don’t mind. You looked so lonely. I thought you might want my company.” Her tone was sultry and definitely flirty, but I was turned on by her accent. Having a closer look, I could see her beautiful hazel eyes with long eyelashes and lips that were full.
“Actually…” My eyes fell to her low-cut dress. Leaning forward, she was practically throwing her boobs at me. And man, could she expose them even more? She was an attractive woman. It was too bad she lacked self-esteem and felt like she had to dress like that to get a man to notice her. She was the type of woman I could have a one-night stand with, but I had to get that thought out of my head.
“My name is Christina.” She licked her lips when she said her name. Then she tried to run her hands across my chest, but I stopped her. “Don’t be like that. Let me make you feel better. You look so sad. A handsome guy like you shouldn’t be all by himself.” Her hand slid up my thigh so fast I jumped when her hand set on my crotch.
I don’t know why, but anger struck me. Not at her, but at Becca. It came rolling so fast I had no idea how to process it. Maybe it was the way Becca was acting, or maybe it was the lack of communication between us. Maybe it was that last text I sent her, and that she’d never replied back with, “I miss you, too.” Maybe she was messing with me, trying to hold on to our friendship until after Jenna’s wedding and then she’d let me go.
Fuck this!
I stood up, forcing Christina to do the same when I scooted out of my seat. “Come with me.” She happily followed behind me.
What was I doing? I couldn’t be doing this. Thoughts of Becca entered my mind: her smile, her smell, and her naked body on mine. If I did this, then for sure Becca and I would be over.
Just as we were about to get on the elevator, I turned to Christina. “I can’t do this.” I raked my hair back with a heavy sigh. “Sorry. You’re an attractive woman, but I’m with someone.”
“You don’t look happy. I won’t tell her.”
I let out a chuckle. This woman was definitely a bimbo. “Of course you won’t tell her. You don’t know her. Sorry. Go find someone else that will be nice to you.”
“I don’t need nice. I like it rough and hard. You can fuck me anywhere. I just want one night with your delicious body. I’m lonely just like you.”
Shit! Her words, her gorgeous body and face were hard to turn down, but I had to. “Sorry, doll. If circumstances were different we would be up in my room, but not today.”
She looked pissed off. “Your loss.” That was all she had to say before she stormed off.
What the hell was I thinking? I ran my hand down my face in frustration. I missed home. I missed Becca. Just a few more nights.
Becky
I was always short and to the point when messaging back to Matthew. It wasn’t lack of words, but rather I was afraid I would break down. I missed him so much that it hurt like hell.
The London Book Fair was a huge distraction. I loved being lost in books, and being surrounded by people who loved them. You could feel the excitement in the air and see it in people’s eyes. It never failed...every time I went to a book convention, I always spotted the person who brought rolling luggage. This way, they could purchase as many books as possible, and not have to carry them in their hands. Now that was love for books.
My job for today was done. I’d met a lot of potential authors, passed out my cards to publisher reps, and made international contacts. Just as I was about to head back to the hotel, I got a message from Tanner.
Becky, stopping by to see you.
I’m about to go back to my hotel.
Have dinner with me.
Ok
ay.
I’ll text you the address of the restaurant.
I arrived at the restaurant to see Tanner waiting by the door. His dark hair was slicked back and he was smoking. His green eyes sparkled underneath the light when he saw me. He wore dark slacks and a buttoned long-sleeved shirt. Lean and nicely toned, he was about six feet tall.
“You smoke? You’re a doctor and you smoke?” I teased, as if to scold him playfully.
“Hey, beautiful. Don’t tell my clients.” He flashed a nervous smile and crushed the cigarette with his foot. Then he gave me a warm hug and kissed my cheek. Sliding his hand behind my back, he opened the door and led me to our seats. He had arrived earlier than me and reserved them. There were two glasses of water on the table, and I graciously started drinking mine.
“Did you have a productive weekend?” Tanner asked, flagging the waitress.
“Yes, I did. Thank you for asking.”
When the waitress came, we ordered, and Tanner started asking questions again. “How are things with Matthew?”
Tanner knew I was with Matthew, but he also knew things weren’t going well between us at the time of Nicole’s wedding. “Why do you ask?” I tried to sound as polite as possible. After all, he was only making friendly conversation.
“You look a little out of it, and your eyes tell me that there is trouble in paradise.”
I let out a soft laugh. “Not only are you a doctor, you’re also a psychologist?”
“I can be whatever you want. Just as long as I can bring back that pretty smile of yours.”
“There is only one thing that will make me smile, but according to how it’s looking, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to smile again.”
“That bad?”