I cracked up. “Oh yea, he did come out to LA for me to do his physical therapy. We work together, I’m his therapist helping to heal up his shoulder so he can get back to the field. I’m sure you can understand why he needed to come out there.” I said gesturing to my stomach.
She laughed lightly. “It’s just I’ve never really seen him the way he is with you with anyone but Carter. I just assumed…”
I shook my head. “God no, he’s like my brother. Can I ask you something?”
She nodded. “Sure.”
“Do you have feelings for Chris?” I asked.
She went red. “Um no, of course not he’s my employer.”
I arched a brow and threw my hands on my hips. “Bullshit. It’s not my business or anything, but he’s a good guy if he lets you know him. I can see the appeal.”
She sighed. “Fine, but it’s nothing really. He doesn’t even see me unless he’s hungry.”
I laughed. “With all of the things that I’ve seen, I don’t think you can automatically rule anything out. Listen when things are meant to happen they will. I’m not saying that’s the case here but I wouldn’t feel completely discouraged.”
She gave me a genuine smile. “I wish I had your confidence. Anyway sit I’ll make you a sandwich.” We chatted together until Chris got back home. We got a few more hours in of working out and proceeded to get ourselves packed and ready to go. Before we left the following day I made sure to exchange phone numbers with Nancy and encouraged her to call me anytime. Especially with Chris gone and her having time on her hands.
When we arrived back in LA I was giddy. Nick would be there to pick me up and I couldn’t wait to see him, I missed him so much. I skipped to baggage claim where Chris snatched my luggage for me and I scanned the area looking for Nick. When I didn’t find him I frowned, he always met me inside of the airport when he picked me up. We headed outside and it took me a few minutes but I found his car. I made my way over to it and he was sitting inside in the driver’s seat looking at his phone. I frowned this was highly unusual for him. I thanked Chris and he loaded my bags in the trunk as I got into the passenger’s seat.
“Hey Nick! I missed you.” I said leaning across for a hug. He didn’t comment or even look at me. He put the car into drive and sped off. My arms dropped and I frowned. “What’s wrong?” I asked nervously.
He sighed. “Nothing Mel.” I wanted to press it but I didn’t. I could read him and I knew he either didn’t want to talk or wasn’t ready, but it was only a matter of time before he did. He had no reason to be upset so I could only assume it had something to do with basketball or something. I tried to engage him a few times throughout the day but he remained distant and it was beginning to piss me off. I decided to wait until we were alone to confront him since Kira was around and I didn’t want to do this in front of her. When I went to our room, Nick was in the shower and I changed for bed. He came out put on pajama pants, cut out the lights, and got in bed. I turned to my side and flipped on the lamp on the nightstand.
“Nick, what is the problem?”
“Nothing Mel, drop it.” he said exhausted.
“I will not, what is the problem?” I urged.
He sighed and sat up. “My problem Mel was getting up today to articles about you and Chris and your baby on the way.”
I gasped. “What the fuck are you talking about?”
“I said to drop it because I know better, but I am pretty pissed to see that they’re saying my kid belongs to someone else. I saw the pictures and they didn’t look like there was any funny business but they made it appear that way with the story, not to mention the headliner on all of the bashful shit is that fucker Roger.”
I dropped my head into my hands. “You have got to be fucking kidding me. This is low even for him.”
“I know Mel, and like I said I’m not mad at you or Chris. They had footage of when that model bumped into your back and he put his hand in front of your stomach for protection they just put a spin on it. it usually doesn’t bother me but that shit got under my skin.”
I cuddled into him. “I’m sorry baby, I had no idea.”
He wrapped his arms around me. “You don’t need to be sorry baby, I’m not mad at you I’m pissed at that douche.”
I snuggled into him and he let me. It took a while but I felt the tension slowly leave his body and once he was fully relaxed he placed a kiss on my head. “I missed you too babe.” He whispered.
I leaned up and kissed him softly. “Good. Now hold me until I wake up in the morning.”
I felt him nod. “I can do that.”
Nick
I couldn’t sleep, this whole situation was grating on my nerves. I scooted from underneath Mel careful not to wake her and got up grabbing my phone. I stood by the edge of the bed for several minutes just staring at her, she was so beautiful. I sighed in frustration as I left the room and made my way downstairs. It was 5:30 in the morning but I couldn’t care less and I phoned Phil.
“You have got to be kidding me Nick.” He grunted sleepily into the phone.
“I am not so get your ass up, we need to talk.” I urged.
I heard some rustling and I could only assume him leaving his room as not to wake his wife. “What’s going on and this better be good.”
“Those articles that were recently released…” I began.
He sighed. “Please don’t do anything stupid. You already told me that you didn’t think anything was actually going on.”
“Relax, what I want is for you to get someone on Roger. Some of these pictures are shaky like he has to be following her looking for slander. I need something on him and you need to get the best on the job. He’s too much of a douche to not have something good hiding somewhere. Find it!”
I heard him muttering but I didn’t really care what it was that he had to say. I knew what I wanted and I wasn’t changing my mind on the matter. “Fine, I’ll see what I can do.”
I growled. “No I think I misheard you… you meant to say that you’re going to get it done and have someone on it TODAY.” I argued while trying to keep my voice down so I didn’t wake the girls.
“Yea Nick, I hear you loud and clear.” He said exasperated.
I frowned. “Phil, you know I like you… I really do, you’re an amazing agent. But you fuck this up I’m going to need a new one because I won’t handle the disappointment well if you let me down. You understand now? This is serious and I don’t fuck with family for anybody. Now are we clear?” I asked deadly calm and let the threat hang in the air.
I could hear him gulp through the line. “Yes Nick, it’s understood. I will make sure this is taken care of first thing. I’m on it now.” He assured me and I disconnected.
As the weeks progressed I enjoyed watching Mel grow with my child and I received daily updates on Roger. So far all that the PI that Phil hired was able to give me was that Mel appeared to be his main target. The PI spotted Roger in Mel’s general facilities most of the time and that explains the news. The press became more and more vicious on her to the point where she was being targeted and bombarded by the paparazzi whenever she was out. I also learned that he was photo shopping pictures to make his pictures and articles seem more believable. I was constantly worried about Mel, she was taking this all in stride with her head held high but I knew that some of this stuff had to affect her some type of way, she was only human. I made sure that I spoke to her daily and had her express her feelings to me. I was worried that she might be internalizing some of her feelings and the last thing she and our baby needed was stress. The one thing I was grateful for was they seemed to leave Shakira mainly out of the mix. It’s almost as though they had their fill with that scandal already and were more interested in this whole love triangle. Mel was supposedly a gold digging hoochie looking for a million-dollar deal and would sleep with any client to get there and no one is sure who the father of her child is. I take it pretty personally considering that’s my woman and child they’re talking
about. Neither me nor Mel wants to feed into any of this nonsense but I’m biding my time. If this were about me I wouldn’t give a flying fuck, but there’s no way in hell you’re going to put my family through what he’s done and I’m going to stay fucking quiet about it.
Mel asked me a couple of times if I was going to do something, as she put it, ‘stupid’. I know what she’s referring to, she expects me to go ape shit eventually and wale on his ass. I’m not going to lie the thought has passed through my mind more times than is probably healthy, and the images did make my girly bits squeal in delight but I have to be smarter. There are too many eyes and ears on me right now for me to even get away with half of what I want to do to that bastard. The last thing I need is some other bullshit blowing up in my face or making this whole situation even worse. This is a time where I needed to play my hand smart.
We were heading out to our six month appointment and as usual there were fucking paparazzi camped out in front. I increased security and they did a hell of a job, they got us into the car and off in less than 30 seconds. I looked at Mel and I could see the exhaustion in her face, it sucked having to live life like this. “Mel baby, are you ok?” I asked.
She sighed. “Yes, I’m just wondering when they’re going to drop it and find their next big story. There are plenty of other people’s lives for them to fuck up.”
I gripped the back of her neck and began rubbing circles with my thumb. “I know babe, don’t worry it’ll be over soon I promise.”
When we got to the doctor they were once again swarming and when we exited the car they rushed forward. One cameraman in the front got shoved forward and lost his footing heading straight for Mel. There are plenty of things I could’ve done that would’ve still left Mel untouched but I was completely pissed off now. I grabbed her and moved her clear out of his way so his face planted in front of us and his camera shattered to pieces, the crowd fell silent. I stepped over him and held out a hand for Mel and she stepped over him as well and we entered without further incident. We made it through the appointment and the whole thing killed me. She had been so excited this morning to find out the sex of our baby. Sure she was still happy, but that light that was in her eyes before was completely gone. That was the final fucking straw for me, I was done with these fucking games. We couldn’t even enjoy the fact we were having another little girl.
When we entered the house I threw my arms around Mel bringing her back into my front. I placed a soft kiss on her cheek. “Baby, how about you go upstairs and take a bath? I have to run out for a few and I’ll be right back.”
She turned to face me. “Ok, where are you going?”
I kissed her and she grabbed my head pulling me deeper. When she demanded entrance I gave in without a fight, my cock stirred instantly and I groaned breaking the kiss. “I have to meet with Phil.”
She pouted. “Fine, can you bring me back some ice cream?” she asked and for the first time in hours she looked like herself again.
I grinned. “Nutty coconut from Dunkin’ Donuts?” I asked and she nodded. “Sure.” I pecked her one more time and headed to the door before I ended up on top of her for the next few hours.
I got into my car and dialed Phil. “I’m on my way to your office, get the PI there. I’ll see you in thirty.” I hung up before he had a chance to protest and I pulled out.
I was immediately escorted to his office and I took a seat. “Where is he?” I asked.
Phil ran his hand through his hair. “On his way, should be here any minute.” I sat there impatiently for five minutes when finally this raggedy looking guy walked in. He had this fake ass inspector gadget look about him and I had a million jokes but now was not the time.
I turned to him, “what do you have for me and it better be more than what you’ve been giving me.”
He scoffed and plopped down in his seat. “Does this approach usually work for you?”
I arched an eyebrow at him. “It does, now do you have anything worth mentioning?” he laughed and watched me, I was already pretty fucking pissed now I’m full blown angry.
“Look you little Sherlock Holmes want to be mother fucker, this is not a game. Give me what the fuck you found or I’m going to kick your ass and take it and you won’t get paid.” I leveled him with my stare. “Do you still find me fucking amusing or are you ready to do business?”
His eyes widened and he put his hands up in defense. “Listen I’m here for business. You will be interested in my new information.”
I leaned forward in my seat and rubbed my hands together as he extracted a folder out of his old school briefcase. He tossed it onto Phil’s desk but I was frozen. I swung my gaze to him, “what is this?” I asked.
He gave me a Cheshire grin. “I wouldn’t do it justice speaking, you have to see for yourself.”
I reached and snatched the folder and opened it. at first I was disappointed at the information since it was the same old shit that he’s been reporting to me until I flipped a page and came to a picture. I practically drooled on what I was seeing. I continued going through the information slowly and when I came to the end I tossed the folder back onto Phil’s desk, where it slid across and fell onto his lap. I jumped up and fist pumped the air.
“Fuck yea! Read that shit Phil!” I was practically bouncing on my toes and I watched him read. He had the same reaction as I did. He was frowning and then all of a sudden his face transformed. By the time his eyes met mine they were dancing with mischief and I was reminded why I chose this son of a bitch over all else.
“This is good.” He stated with a chuckle. “What’s next?”
I gave him a smug grin. “Let’s schedule yet another press conference.”
“Nick…” he warned.
I shrugged. “You knew it was bound to happen, now are you going to schedule a press conference or do I need to create a scene to get the media on standby?” I asked.
He sighed. “You’re a pain in my ass Nick, I’ll get it done.”
“Yea, yea, I’ve been told. Trust me I’ll make you proud and some money more than likely.” I insured him before I left.
I left after that with a pep in my step. I made sure to stop by Dunkin Donuts to get fat ass three of the biggest damn ice cream cups they had of that coconut shit she loves so I could avoid a trip tomorrow hopefully and got home as fast as I could. She was relaxing on the couch when I got there and I kissed her forehead.
“Hey fat ass.”
“My ass is only fat because you knocked me up... again” She said with a pout.
I smiled and snuck a hand underneath her grabbing a handful of her butt. “Your ass feels perfect to me.” I told her as she shrieked. “I bought you something.”
She battered her lashes. “For me?” she asked and I rolled my eyes.
“Possibly. Get that big ass up and go check I’m hopping in the shower.”
“Oh Nick, what a way with words you have my dear.” She said dryly. I chuckled and made my way upstairs.
When I got out the shower Mel was in bed in one of my t-shirts with a huge bowl of ice cream. I shook my head and got into bed beside her. She had a large spoon and scooped up a ridiculous amount and shoved it into her mouth and let out a seductive moan. My cock stirred and I couldn’t help myself so I leaned over and kissed her. Her mouth was wet with ice cream and she tasted like coconut. I reached for her bowl and she wrapped her arms around it.
“This is mine, what are you doing?” she asked nervously.
I chuckled. “I thought we could share babe.”
She sighed. “Fine.” She loaded up the spoon and brought it to my mouth and I shook my head.
“I can feed myself, give me.”
She looked at me with suspicion. “You are not eating all of my ice cream Nick, over my dead body.”
I gently took it from her and placed it on the night stand. “That sentence was almost right babe. We need to take out a few words.” I pushed her back so that she was lying on the bed and I kissed her deeply
. When she was compliant I removed my t-shirt from her body and looked at her naked. Her belly was nice and round and it made my cock twitch. I placed kisses from her chin down to her neck and moved onto her breasts. I bit her nipple gently and her body arched off the bed. That is a sweet spot for her now that she was pregnant. They were so sensitive that a single touch sometimes could set her off and I loved it.
I sat up on my elbows and looked down at her, “let’s play.”
I sat up completely and reached over and put ice cream on the spoon to the point that it was dripping off the sides. I let it fall on her chest and continued to let it drip over her breasts and then to her stomach. When it all melted onto her I wiped the spoon on the inside of her thighs and sat back to look at my work. I blew on her wet nipples and her entire body shivered.
“Nick…” she whispered on a moan.
I pushed her hair back out of her face. “I know baby, I’ll take care of you.”
I bent down and licked a trail across her chest along the path of ice cream. I suckled on her chest slowly as I made my way to her nipples. Her hands were in my hair urging me on but I continued to take my time. When I finally reached where she needed me to be I ensured that I got all of the ice cream off of her and she was a quivering mess. I licked down to her sweet spot and at that point she was whimpering with need. I ate her long past when the ice cream was done and didn’t stop until she came a few times then I made her come a few more times again with me deep inside of her. I didn’t stop until I was sure every inch of her insides were covered with me. When we were done she lay down on top of me and immediately fell asleep.
I kissed her head. “I’ll make everything better baby I promise.” I whispered to her before letting myself find sleep.
Mel
I wouldn’t ever admit it to Nick but I was pretty much over all of this. I mean, we know the truth so it’s not so much as though my feelings are hurt… much. It’s a matter of camera’s constantly following me around looking for a scandal or my name being on every rag magazine with the most obnoxious and unflattering pictures. You would’ve thought that by now this would be old news but Roger, the douche that he is, has seemed to make it his mission to keep me and my business front and center. I see his name as the photographer on most of the pictures which means he’s taken it upon himself to be my very own stalker these days. What did I ever see in him anyway? I won’t lie, ever since this whole nonsense about this love triangle has come up, I’ve been contemplating why I ever left Nick in the first place. Sure, my reasoning was good at the time and I was young, but you know what they say… foresight is a bitch or at least something like that.
Needing Her (The Lexington Series Book 3) Page 18