Always the Bridesmaid

by Dakota Trace

  But damn if it doesn’t leave me in one helluva jam. She’d only agreed to the two weeks. I don’t have a right to ask for more when I’m leaving in the morning. I’m a fool to think she’d even consider it. This was supposed to be nothing more than a rebound fling, you jackass. Enjoy what you have. Don’t ruin it for yourself.

  “Just come for me, baby. I want to remember what it feels like when I’m alone on an oil rig in the middle of nowhere.”

  “Noah.” The softness of her voice had his eyes opening. In her deep dark eyes he saw the sheen of tears. Fuck! I’m hurting her! He immediately slowed his thrusts.

  Chest beaded with sweat, he pressed his forehead to hers. “I’m sorry, Jenna. I didn’t want to hurt you.”

  Gripping his shoulders tightly, she jerked on him. “Why did you stop?” Panting she rocked against him. “Tell me what you need, Noah.”

  A deep groan tore from his very soul. “Your love.” He closed his eyes as he waited for the rejection he was sure to come.

  “It’s yours, Noah. I think I fell in love with you from the first time you pulled me down on your lap and told me that not all men wanted a stick figure in their beds.”

  Opening his eyes, he stared down at her. “You did?” He thrust a bit deeper inside.

  She gasped as he stroked over her most sensitive spot. “Yes. The idea that you loved having a voluptuous woman under you was a real stroke to my ego.”

  “The only voluptuous woman I love is you, Jenna.” Her muscles clenched around him and she moaned. Burying his face in her shoulder, he grunted and prayed for control.

  “Oh…oh…I’m going to…come with me, Noah!”

  He gritted his teeth. “I can’t. No condom!”

  She raked her fingers over his back. “Screw the condom! It doesn’t matter.”

  Noah jerked against her. Lightning sizzled through his veins. Fuck after she told me she wasn’t on any birth control, I figured that was it. “Are you sure? I can stop to put one on.” I think.

  “Oh, God, Noah, yes…now!” She screamed and thrashed under him.

  Fire burned in his blood. Using his hips, he thrust down to meet her upward lift. The bed creaked with the force of their loving, its headboard banging against the wall. “God, I love you, Jenna.” Pressure built in his balls as the need to come overwhelmed him. His eyes closed and shout broke free of him. “Fuck!” Fingers digging into her outer thighs, he pounded through his orgasm.

  Chapter Six

  Six Months Later

  Without opening her eyes, Jenna stretched out on the bed. Wondering at what had woken her, she felt around. Where’s Noah? Still half-asleep Jenna mused, Amazing that only four months ago I was used to sleeping alone. Now, I can’t sleep without him. Yawning widely, she gave one more stretch.

  “Damn if that doesn’t make me want to join you.”

  Opening her eyes, she smiled. He stood nude in front of the large window. The one with no curtains. It overlooked the busy Egyptian street. She shoved the covers away, not caring if she exposed her naked body to his gaze. If he’s not ashamed, why should I be? Thanks to Noah, she was no longer cared what people thought of her body or sexuality. Joining him, she sighed and settled in his arms. Holding her tight, Noah pressed a kiss against her shoulder.

  Leaning against him, she savored his familiar scent, his warmth. Musk and cinnamon. Yum. “So why didn’t you? I missed you in our bed.”

  “Sorry, sweetheart. Nature called.”

  “Likely story.” She turned in his arms and wrapped her arms around his neck. The unfamiliar weight of ring on her left hand captured her attention. “You know, Dr. Absolom, my sister is going to be so jealous. Especially when she finds out you proposed to me in front of the Great Pyramids of Giza. Well that’s after she gets done salivating over the ring. I can’t believe your mother sent you your grandmother’s ring.”

  She pulled her hand back to gaze at it. With delicate filigree wrapping around a fiery opal and diamonds, it was beautiful. “I just love it. Did I remember to thank you?”

  He nuzzled her neck. “Several times last night.” Growling playfully, he squeezed her ass. “Quite satisfactorily I might add, Mrs. Soon-to-be Absolom.”

  “Good. You deserved a reward for last night. I’ll be telling our grandkids how romantic it was when Grandpa proposed to me as the sun set over the pyramids.” She pressed a kiss against the hollow of his throat. “How about we make one more memory we can’t tell our grandkids about?”

  “Something like this?” His fingers tugged on her nipple. Her low groan had him chuckling. “Guess so.”

  Giving him a sultry smile, she tugged his head down to hers. “I want you to fuck me right here, right now. I don’t care if God or anybody else sees.”

  A low tortured groan escaped his throat. “Baby, we have to leave in less than an hour to make our flight. We’re not even packed yet.”

  She listened to his protest but ignored it. Against her stomach his erection throbbed, immediately erect. God, I love this man. It’s been six months and we still can’t keep our hands off each other. What are we going to be like in sixty years? Her thoughts shattered when he nipped her lower lip. Intense need pooled in her stomach. “A quickie!” She rubbed her hips against him. “Please Noah? Don’t be a tease. You know what it does to me when you start nibbling on me. I can’t make the long flight back to Michigan like this.” Drawing his hand down to the wet folds between her thighs, she gave him an impish smile. “Unless you’re planning on introducing me to the mile high club?”

  His eyes widened before they narrowed. He teased her entrance with a finger. It was all the warning she got before his other hand slapped her bare ass. “You are pure evil, woman.”

  Her chuckle was cut off when her back touched cool glass. He thrust two of his thick fingers deep inside of her. The sounds of wetness filled the room as he stretched her pussy. Oh Gods, yes. She pressed her head back against the glass, prepared to fly. Yanking his fingers out, his hand clutched at her inner thigh.

  He jerked on her leg. “Wrap these gorgeous legs around my waist.”

  Not waiting for her, he lifted her other leg off the ground. He positioned the swollen, damp head of his cock against her. The heat of the sun on her back wasn’t as hot as the one now consuming her. “Oh God, do it. Noah, quit fucking teasing me!”

  A low growl was her only warning. He thrust deep and fast. His arms braced against the glass next to her head.

  “God damn, you’re tight. I should be used to it.” His forehead beaded with sweat, while he used short strokes to work his way inside of her. “But I’m not.”

  Shaking her head and pressing on his shoulders, she tried to escape. So deep, oh my god, he feels like he’s coming out of my throat.

  “Ready, baby?” His raspy voice was tight with need.

  She blinked up at him. Her mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water.

  “I can’t wait much longer.” He ground his hips against hers.

  She couldn’t help it. “Noah.” She tightened her muscles around his thick shaft.

  “Naughty little Jenna.” No longer waiting for her permission, he started a hard but steady rhythm against her.

  She dug her fingers into shoulders. He grunted but refused to stop. Oh my, god not yet, she pleaded with her body. Just a little longer. I don’t want to come yet. She sobbed as her body ignored her. Pleasure crashed over her but Noah continued to move.

  Her hands slid off his sweaty shoulders to his hard biceps. She clung to him and continued to climb. Their lower bodies slapped together harder. Pleasure bordering on pain consumed her. “Oh, God, Noah! No more!”

  “Yes more!” His mouth slammed down on hers. Tongue thrusting, mimicking his cock stifled her moans. Another orgasm crashed over her hard. Noah grunted and jerked against her. He ripped is mouth away. “Fuck!” Pressing his head against her shoulder, he shot deep inside of her.

  Running her fingers through his damp hair, she smoothed it down. If I didn’
t think I was already pregnant, that would’ve just increased the chances.

  Noah’s head jerked up. He stiffened in her arms. “We’re having a baby?”

  Did I say that out loud? The shocked look on his face insured that she had. She swallowed. ”I...Remember we talked about this? I didn’t expect this to happen but I may be…”

  His jaw clenched. “How long have you suspected, Jenna?”

  She squirmed, suddenly uncomfortable with their closeness. Damned fool. You knew he wanted to wait, “A few days. Put me down, Noah.”

  His hands tightened around her waist. Anger had his mouth tense. “No. Did. You. Know. Before. I. Proposed.”

  Each slowly enunciated word felt like a blow. She shook her head. “Not for certain.” Looking away, she shrugged her shoulders. “Sometimes I’m late. That’s probably it.”

  He untangled his body from hers. She stumbled towards the bed, needing distance. He doesn’t want the baby. He’s angry.

  “Sit down before you fall down for Christ’s Sakes!” He yanked on a pair of sweats.

  She sat. A moment later, the door slammed and she jumped. Oh god, what am I going to do? The need to bawl had her eyes burning.

  A few minutes later or hours later, she wasn’t sure, a sack was thrust in front of her nose. Licking her lips, she stared at it.

  “Take it.”

  She stiffened at his tense voice. That rotten son of bitch. Standing she pushed past him. “You take it.” Moving across the room, she stopped in front of the window.

  His hands cupped her shoulders. “It won’t do me any good to take it, sweetheart. Pregnancy tests only work on women.”

  Setting her mouth in mulish line, she jerked away. “Well then aren’t you up a shit creek without a paddle.”

  “Knock it off, Jenna.” He wrapped a hand around her arm. Dragging her into the bathroom, he shoved her towards the toilet. “We can do this easy way, or the hard. It’s up to you.” He crossed his arms over his chest.

  “Asshole.” She tore open the sack. Ripping open the box, she took out the pregnancy test. “Get out of here. I’ll do it.”

  “There’s not a prayer in hell I’m leaving. I need to know if you’re expecting my baby.”

  She glared at him and gave him her back. “No.”

  A squeal escaped her when he dragged her back against him. “I love you, woman. So quit fighting me on this.” A palm cupped over her stomach. “And take the goddamned test, so you can make me the happiest man on Earth.”

  Her breath caught in her throat. “You want a baby with me?”

  He nuzzled her ear. “Of course I do. Now quit stalling.” His hand rubbed over her hip and squeezed her ass. “Or I really will warm this ass.”

  * * * * *

  Jenna squinted against the bright sun shining off the newly fallen snow as Noah guided her out of the airport. A brisk breeze ruffled her hair and she shivered. Definitely a lot colder than Egypt! She mentally groaned when he offered to carry her.

  “Oh for heaven’s sakes, Noah, I’m pregnant not an invalid.”

  “And you nearly slip and fell at O’Hare!” His mouth tightened.

  “Any fool could’ve slipped on the ice, Noah.”

  He opened his mouth to argue when an older man approached them. Wearing a bright red parka, he bore a striking resemblance to Noah.

  Noah spotted the man. “Hey, Pops.” Throwing an arm around the older man, Noah blocked the exit. Muttered curses from other passengers filled the air.

  “Damn boy, there’s no need to choke your old man. It’s good to have you back, Son.” Patting Noah’s back, the older Absolom finally turned his attention on her after ushering them away from the door. Jenna barely noticed the grumbling sounds of the other passengers under his sharp gaze. She knew she looked fine. Between Noah dragging me all over Egypt and all that wonderful food over there, I lost a good twenty pounds. And I even managed to get a nice tan. So why do I still feel like the old Jenna?

  “She’s a beaut, Noah. Your mother will be proud of you for landing such a catch.”

  She jerked out of her thoughts by his compliment. A surprised gasp left her when she found herself enveloped in a bear hug. Quickly releasing her, Noah’s dad released her. Humor and a ready smile covered his weathered face. “Since my son seems to have forgotten his manners, I’ll just introduce myself. I’m Ezraih Absolom, but you can call me Rye. You must surely love this boy of mine to travel to Michigan in the dead of winter.”

  A hesitant smile on her lips, she spoke. “Nonsense, we had to come up to finish getting Noah’s things for the move, and I wanted to meet my future in laws before the wedding.”

  Rye chuckled. “True, and don’t forget to pick up Liam for the wedding. That boy is purely tickled that you asked him to be your best man, Noah.”

  He led them to an older SUV which he’d left idling. Hitting the fob on his keys, he unlocked the doors for them.

  Once they were all settled, Noah glanced at his dad. “You didn’t tell him I was coming in today, did you?” The pleading tone had her wanting to giggle.

  “Who Liam? Naw, I left that to your mother.”

  “Pops!”

  “Noah!” Rye checked his mirrors before pulling into traffic. “Did you honestly think that he wouldn’t find out? He’s over at his grandmother’s more than he’s home. Ever since you asked him about being your best man, should’ve known he’d be watching for your return. It’s not like you could’ve hidden it. He can see your bedroom window from his room at Eileen’s.”

  A giggle escaped her at the horrified expression on Noah’s face.

  “That’s it! We’re staying in the guest room on the opposite side of the house. Liam may be sixteen but I’m not continuing his sex education.” He covered his face with his hands before peaking out at her. “Oh my God, if this is what it’s gonna be like when our kid comes, Jenna, we’ll be hiding in the basement to have sex. I don’t want to warp his or hers impressionable mind.”

  A flush heated her face and she glanced nervously at Rye. Damn, I wasn’t expecting him to blurt out our impending parenthood in the first five minutes after I met his dad. Noah lifted her chin to give her that all familiar smile.

  “Relax, sweetheart, he already knows. I don’t keep secrets from my folks.”

  His father chimed in from the front seat. “Martha and I were tickled pink when we received Noah’s text this morning telling us about the baby.”

  Her heart jumped. “You are?”

  Rye nodded after catching her eyes in the mirror. “Yep, with Noah being our only son, we’ve waited a long time for him to settle down and start having kiddos.”

  “Geez, Pops, make it sound like I was gonna be a confirmed bachelor for the rest of my life, why don’t ya?”

  Sitting back, Jenna watched in fascination as the trip to Rye’s house outside of Epoufette flew by with the son and father bickering. She felt like Alice in Through the Looking Glass.

  * * * * *

  The vague sound of woman’s voice followed by the banging of footsteps on the stairs woke Jenna. Jerking upright, she tried to figure out where she was. Darn jetlag!

  Taking in the posters of Wayne Gretzki along with several framed jerseys, it all came back. I’m in Michigan! Brushing her hair out of her eyes, she nearly banged her elbow on the skates tied together and hung over one corner of the headboard. Her elbow throbbed in protest. A low curse escaped her.

  A grunt came from her left before Noah’s head popped out from under his pillow. “You okay, sweetheart?”

  “Darn skates!” She rubbed at her elbow.

  He sat up and the sheet pooled around his waist. Immediately she was distracted from her pain. Taking her arm in hand, he pressed a kiss against her elbow. Her skin tightened at the brush of his lips against her skin.

  “All better?” His eyes darkened as her nipples tightened against the fabric of her gown.

  “Ah, yeah.” She moved closer to him. Just before her lips touched his, a sharp knock
sounded on the door.

  “Doc, Professor J? Are you up? Grams sent me over with fresh cinnamon rolls and your dad said to get your butts up or he was eating them all.”

  Noah’s head hit the headboard as he scrambled away from her. He glared at her as if she were responsible for the sixteen-year-old boy standing outside his bedroom.

  “Hey don’t look at me—I didn’t let him in.”

  Noah rolled onto his back with a groan, nearly falling off the narrow bed. When he tossed his arm over his eyes, she leaned over him, pressed a kiss against his parted lips. Before he could wrap his arms around her, she scrambled over his body.

  “Thanks, Liam. We’re up. Please tell Rye we’ll be down shortly.” She heard the boy’s agreement before his steps started to go back down the steps. Jerking the door open after she tied her robe shut, she smiled at the tall lanky teen with red hair. He reminded her so much of some of her younger students.

  “Do me a favor, Liam. If there’s not a pot of coffee brewed, can you have Martha start one? Her son is a bit grumpy this morning.” Behind her, she heard Noah’s dark muttering. She fought to keep a straight face when he said something about showing her grumpy.

  The teen’s eyes lit up. “Sure thing, Professor J.”

  Turning around she found Noah propped up against the headboard with his arms crossed over his chest. Eying the bare expanse of his chest, she followed the trail of reddish golden hair down to the bulge between his thighs. She wished she had time to suck him off. Get those thoughts out of your mind, Jenna! His parents are just downstairs!

  “Don’t even think about it.”

  Her gaze darted up to his. “Think about what?”

  His eyes narrowed. “Talking me into being nice to that menace downstairs. I haven’t even had my coffee yet.”