Consequences of Passion--A sensual pregnancy romance

by Yahrah St. John

  Shantel looked at all the happy faces of her brothers and sisters-in-law and screamed, “We’re having a baby!”

  Soon they were all crowded around her, yelling and whooping with delight at yet another addition to the Wilson family.

  As she and Roman settled into the guest room and slid between the sheets later that evening after the rest of her family had gone to their respective homes, Shantel couldn’t have been happier. “You know, my father must really like you. He’s letting you sleep in here with me.”

  “Considering your condition,” Roman said, pulling her toward him, “I think the cat’s out of the bag.”

  Shantel laughed. “Oh, Roman, I just love you.” The second the words were out of her mouth, she recoiled, wanting to take them back. “I—I didn’t mean that how it sounded.” She tried to backpedal, but Roman’s ebony gaze captured hers and he wasn’t letting go. She tried to move away, but he held her steady.

  “Hey…” He caressed her cheek when she looked down, unable to face him. “Look at me, please.”

  Shantel hazarded a glance at him and was surprised by his expression. It wasn’t anger or even confusion. She couldn’t put her finger on the emotion in those dark eyes. She only knew she’d expected the worst.

  “You’ve never lied to me before,” Roman said, “so don’t start now.”

  “I…” Shantel started to say she’d only meant it as a colloquialism, but if she was honest with herself, the words had been said so freely because it was how she truly felt. She loved Roman. But she had no idea how he felt about her. She supposed now she was going to find out. “I love you.” She said those three little words again, testing them out for size. And waited.

  “I can’t say I’m exactly there yet,” Roman said, and Shantel wanted to die. Then he added, “But I am falling for you, my sweet Shantel.”

  Shantel’s heart swelled with joy because he wasn’t casting her love aside. He was giving her hope. “Oh, Roman…”

  They reached for each other at the same time and he kissed her so tenderly, she almost couldn’t bear it. And when he stripped her naked, her senses flared because it was the way he touched her, the way he looked at her that made the tenderness so intense. She was bowled over by the way he leisurely stroked her body as if she was something he had to treat gingerly. And when he slowly pushed into her, she slid her hands down the strong muscles of his back. They wound their arms tightly around each other, lips locked as they gently moved together. His lovemaking was different—intimate—and it felt like love.

  Tears started falling down her cheeks before Shantel was even aware of them. He must have felt them because his eyes shone tender and bright, but that didn’t stop him from moving powerfully inside her until they rode over the crest together.

  Afterward, he wiped her tears away with the pads of his thumbs. “Are you okay?”

  She nodded. She was too afraid to speak for fear of sobbing. So instead, she slid to her side, and he pulled her to him until their hips were aligned. Then he draped one muscled arm across her waist. Shantel was glad Roman couldn’t see her face because she felt raw and vulnerable, more than she ever had in her life, and it frightened her. What if my confession changes everything between us?

  *

  Roman could still feel Shantel trembling beside him. He soothed her by smoothing his hand down her back until she quieted and he heard her breathing regulate. Only then did he lay his head back on the pillow and think about what had transpired.

  Shantel loves me.

  She’d said it. And he could have played along and let it slide, but for some reason he hadn’t been able to. He’d forced her to admit what she probably hadn’t been ready to. When she said those three words, there had been no mistaking her intent. And they made Roman feel like he was the luckiest man on the planet. It’s why he’d wanted to show her how much he cherished her, maybe even loved her, with gentle touches and soft strokes. He’d savored her as he had that first night, which seemed like a lifetime ago.

  It had been intense, for sure, but he’d never thought it would keep getting better. Was it because there was emotion behind the action now? She wasn’t some ethereal beauty he’d encountered for one night. Instead she was the living, breathing epitome of his Mrs. Right. The woman he hadn’t known he’d been waiting his whole life to find.

  And now she was here in his bed, in his arms, about to have his child. Nothing, not money or power or prestige, seemed more important in this moment than what he’d just found with Shantel. So why couldn’t he say those three words aloud? Because he was scared of truly letting go. He was used to being in control and when he was with her, he felt out of control. Was he capable of loving her the way she deserved to be loved, whole-heartedly without restraint? Roman wasn’t so sure and so he remained silent.

  *

  The next morning, Shantel wanted to hide until she could analyze the situation and make sense of it in her head, but Roman wouldn’t let her. He joined her in the small shower that morning, making sure she was thoroughly clean before he finally allowed her out. She’d dressed as quickly as she could and headed downstairs for coffee while he finished getting dressed.

  Thankfully her father was out in the barn and she had a few minutes to pour herself a cup of coffee and think. So much had happened with Roman in such a short period, and in the cold light of day she was running scared. Roman had admitted he’d never been in love and was still guarded, while she had gotten swept away by lust, the wedding and everything in between.

  “Hey, sweetheart. Where’s your dad?”

  And now he’s using terms of endearment? Shantel was getting everything she ever wanted but was afraid she’d never have.

  “Barn,” Shantel said, sipping her coffee.

  Roman eyed her suspiciously and then joined her by the breakfast bar and poured himself a mug. “You feeling okay this morning?”

  “Mmm-hmm.” She wasn’t known to answer in monosyllables, and Roman raised an eyebrow.

  “If you’re ready, we should probably get going soon. I have to get a few things prepared for the Jacksons’ trip to Atlanta this week.”

  “That’s right. You’re hoping to show him Atlanta is the best place for his son.”

  “And that he’s leaving his son in good hands with my family, our family,” he amended. “You’re still good with dinner with them on Friday night?”

  “Oh, yes, I’ve cleared all my afternoon appointments.”

  Roman frowned. “I hope not on my account. I know how important your work is.”

  “I have another dress fitting and then I was splurging and getting my hair and makeup done. I want to look my best.”

  Roman placed the mug he’d been drinking from in the kitchen sink and sauntered over to her. “You always look your best.” He touched the tip of her nose with his index finger. “You don’t have to try so hard.”

  “I know. But I don’t want to embarrass you.” She still couldn’t help feeling unease over his high-profile life and the need to keep up with the women he used to date.

  “You won’t. C’mon.” He took her cup out of her hand and added it to the dishes in the sink. “Let’s get back home.”

  After saying goodbye to her dad amidst hugs and kisses, telling him they couldn’t wait to see him at the wedding, Shantel and Roman left McDonough for Atlanta. They arrived before noon and Roman dropped her off at home, promising to stop by later.

  Shantel was glad for a little distance so she could examine if she’d made a huge mistake by telling Roman she loved him. She recruited Vanessa to come over and help her pack because in no time, she and Roman would be moving in together at their home in Buckhead.

  She shared her concerns with Vanessa. “What do you think?” Shantel asked after confiding how the evening went.

  “Sounds like it went pretty close to perfect if you ask me,” Vanessa said. “Your family liked Roman. Your dad gave his blessing, and on top of that, Roman said he’s falling for you. I would say you’re three
for three.”

  “But he didn’t actually say those three words like I did.”

  “Well, no, but give him time,” Vanessa replied, closing up a box and taping the lid shut. “You two went headfirst into this marriage for the baby. Allow his heart to catch up to yours. Stop overthinking.”

  “I’m a psychiatrist, Nessa. That’s what I do all day, every day.”

  “True, but you’ll make yourself sick, wondering about the what if,” Vanessa said as she assembled another box for Shantel to use. “And can you please tell me why we’re packing? Can’t your man find someone to do this for you?”

  Shantel rolled her eyes. “I know Roman is wealthy, but I never want him to think I’m taking advantage.”

  Vanessa put her hands on her hips. “You’re not taking advantage. You’re two months pregnant with his baby and isn’t the first trimester the hardest?”

  Her question gave Shantel pause. She was right. “I suppose I could get a little help,” Shantel said, but she would pay for it with her own money. She and Roman hadn’t exactly talked finances yet and she was surprised by that. Hers were an open book; she didn’t have nearly as much as he did, but what was hers was his as far as she was concerned. Does he feel the same way?

  *

  “Tim and Curtis, welcome to my humble city,” Roman said, giving Curtis Jackson’s father a one-armed hug when he met them at the airport on Friday. He’d had a busy week at work and also got fitted for his wedding tuxedo.

  It was hard to believe, but he would be a married man by next Saturday. Before, Roman might have feared tying himself to one woman who was so completely different from the aloof women he usually dated. Shantel was anything but; she was very accessible. She touched something deep inside him and he no longer felt in control like he usually did.

  “I’m surprised you’re picking us up yourself,” the older Jackson said as Roman and Curtis placed their luggage in the back of Roman’s Maserati Levante. “I would have thought you’d have delegated the task to one of your subordinates.”

  “Not at all,” Roman said. “You and your son are very important to me. I’m excited you’ve given me the chance to show you why the Atlanta Cougars is the team for your son.”

  “I’ve always liked ATL,” Curtis replied, sliding into the back seat. “So many successful African Americans in one place.”

  “You’ll love the close proximity to restaurants, retail and nightlife,” Roman said as they pulled away from the airport.

  “My son needs to stay away from nightlife. I don’t want him getting caught up like some football players with drugs, alcohol and women.”

  “I understand that, Tim, but Atlanta is still a great place to live. It’s a cosmopolitan hub with arts, history and culture, but it’s also affordable. And let’s not forget the weather. We have mild winters.”

  “You really are giving us the hard sell,” Tim said. “So, where are you taking us?” he inquired, admitting defeat for now because Roman could go tit for tat all day.

  “You’ll be staying in the Presidential and Buckhead suites at the Waldorf in Buckhead.”

  “No need to waste good money,” Tim replied, glancing in his direction. “My son and I can stay in one room. As long as there’s a pullout sofa, I’m fine.”

  Roman knew better than to argue because he’d learned Tim would only dig in his heels. When they arrived he changed the reservation to one suite and left both men at the hotel to rest before dinner with him and Shantel later. Roman had a full itinerary to woo the Jacksons. After allowing Shantel to wow him with her charm, he was giving the Jacksons the red carpet treatment with a tour tomorrow of the Atlanta Cougars facility and an early dinner with the entire Lockett family, followed by a Drake concert.

  He’d heard from a source that Curtis was a big fan, so he’d arranged for him to meet the superstar after the show. If this didn’t convince Tim and his son the Atlanta Cougars was the team for him, along with one helluva contract, then Roman didn’t know what would.

  He returned to the office with enough time to wrap up some last-minute paperwork before showering in his private bathroom and getting ready for dinner.

  Forty-five minutes later, Roman pulled up outside Shantel’s cottage. She greeted him with a hug at the door. “I’m sorry I’m late, sweetheart. Traffic was terrible.”

  She looked sleek and sexy in a silk floral one-shoulder dress and embellished heels. All Roman could think about was taking her outfit off later.

  “We should get going,” Shantel said, locking her front door. He offered her his arm and led her to the car. She slid inside when he opened the door for her. He got a generous view of her thighs from the side slit of her dress. Closing the door, he quickly walked to the other side and started the engine.

  “Traffic is dying down a bit, so we should still make our reservation,” he said as they got on the road.

  “How did it go with Tim and Curtis?”

  Roman shrugged. “I put them up at one of the best hotels in Atlanta. Tonight we’re taking them to one of the most expensive restaurants in town. And tomorrow, I’ve got quite the dog and pony show planned with the tour of the Cougars facility and the boys’ night out complete with tickets to see Drake.”

  “The concert is great, but perhaps you might want to switch it up a bit for tonight’s dinner.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “I’m just saying you’re doing everything as expected. Wouldn’t it be great if you tried something more authentic? They might appreciate it a whole lot more.”

  “With you dressed like a million bucks?” Roman asked. “You deserve a meal at the best restaurant in Atlanta.”

  “Humor me, will you?” Shantel asked. “What if you took him to some hole-in-the-wall place with good food and good music? Show him you’re not a stuffy suit?”

  At the stoplight, Roman turned to her. “You could be on to something. What would you suggest?”

  “It’s way out of your comfort zone and you’ll have to lose the jacket and maybe roll up your sleeves and unbutton the top buttons of your shirt.”

  Roman laughed. “Wow, do I look that bad?”

  “No, you’re hot and you know it!” Shantel’s eyes gleamed. “So, do you trust me to take you out of your comfort zone?”

  “I trust you.” And he did, more than anyone.

  *

  Shantel knew her idea to take Roman and his prospects to a local spot specializing in soul food with excellent blues performances was a risk, but she was certain if they saw Roman was more than the sum of his parts, they’d find he was the right person to sign with.

  When they arrived at the hotel, the Jacksons were standing outside waiting. Shantel didn’t hesitate to disembark, and instead of accepting the hand Tim Jackson offered, Shantel pulled him into a hug. “Tim, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  Tim seemed stunned by her show of affection, but recovered quickly. He glanced at Roman and then back at her. “You as well, Ms. Wilson, but you didn’t have to get out of the car.”

  “Nonsense, and call me Shantel.” She came to the ambling football star. “And you. I can’t quite reach you for a hug, so you’re going to have to come down to my level.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He leaned down and briefly wrapped his arm around her.

  “So, what fancy spot are you taking us to?” Tim asked once they’d climbed inside and pulled away from the driveway.

  Shantel glanced at Roman and winked.

  “Actually, Shantel thought you might enjoy a taste of Atlanta not many people get to experience, so if you’re game, I’d like to veer off script.”

  “You’re full of surprises, Lockett. But yeah, I’m game,” Tim replied.

  Thirty minutes later they pulled into a parking lot across from the local haunt Shantel had suggested.

  Roman helped Shantel out of the car. “Follow me, gentlemen.”

  The foursome walked across the street and when he opened the door, Shantel could see the stunned expression
on Roman’s face as he took in the eclectic décor of the restaurant with its murals of blues legends and mismatched tables and chairs. This was so far out of his comfort zone, but he had his game face on. When the hostess came over, he said, “Four, please.”

  “Follow me.” She led them to a small booth far enough from the stage that they’d be able to talk while the music played.

  Once they were seated, Roman turned to Tim. “What do you think?”

  Tim laughed and leaned back in his chair to regard Roman. “I have to give it to you, Rome. You’re a man of contradictions. I never expected you to bring us to a place like this.”

  “How did you know that blues is my pop’s favorite music?” Curtis asked. “He plays it all the time.”

  “A special someone gave me a suggestion.” Roman rewarded Shantel with a warm smile she felt all the way down to her toes.

  “You’re lucky, Rome. She’s definitely a keeper,” Tim responded.

  Shantel was tickled she’d gotten it right. Tim appreciated having a meal at a down-home place that happened to play blues. The rest of the night was straight out of Roman’s playbook. He wooed Curtis and Tim with talk of the Atlanta Cougars while Shantel asked Tim questions about his family, his deceased wife and the future he envisioned for Curtis.

  By the end of the night, Shantel was confident she’d helped the Jacksons see another side of not only Atlanta, but Roman. It had taken time for her to see through the facade Roman showed to everyone else, but if you pulled back the layers, there was so much more to him.

  Her phone beeped and Shantel saw a text from Alma. She was pleading for a session tomorrow. Normally Shantel didn’t do Saturday appointments, but Alma said she was desperate, so she relented and told her client she’d see her in the afternoon.

  “Thank you so much for a lovely evening,” Tim said when Shantel insisted on giving him a hug after they reached the Waldorf.

  “Oh, absolutely. I had a great time. I hope you did, as well.”

  “Can’t remember when I’ve enjoyed myself more. Shantel is a real asset to you, Roman.” Tim shook Roman’s hand.

  The dark gaze Roman gave her made butterflies swarm in her belly. “Yes, she is.”