“You’re blushing,” he states, giving me a knowing look. “You’re enjoying having my hand on you.” He pauses and moves his face so close to mine that I feel his breath whisper against my lips. “Do you want to have my mouth on you, Poppy?”
“Mmm,” I moan staring at his mouth.
His lips brush softly back and forth along the seam of mine. “You know what I want right now, which isn’t going to happen, huh? I want you naked so I can touch every part of you. I want to cradle your belly in my hands while I enter you from behind. I want to make slow love to you in my bed.”
“Jaxon,” I whisper. “Being pregnant has made me really horny.” I press closer.
“Fuck, Poppy!” he hisses. “I’m trying to behave. You’re not helping.”
“I don’t want you to behave. I never have.”
Breathing heavily, Jaxon grabs my hips and moves me slightly away. “I want you too.” He takes my hand and presses it to the front of his jeans before quickly removing it. "I want you to rest." He kisses the tip of my nose. "Tonight though…my best behavior ends."
"You expect me to sleep now, you've turned me on?"
“You will sleep.” He brushes his fingers across my brow. “Because you have nothing to worry about. You’re where you belong with whom you belong.” He kisses my lips, albeit briefly—too briefly. “Sleep.”
Jaxon moves from the bed and leaves me alone in his room. Frustrated, I inhale deeply. There is part of me that admires him for walking away from me right now. I've been back in his life less than twenty-four hours. At least he accepted he was the father without one question. That hadn’t surprised me either.
He was good whereas I hadn’t wanted to be. My body has ached for Jaxon far longer than our one night together. There is also a small part, buried deep inside of me, that wonders if he’s doing this because I’m pregnant. Not because he wants me, but because he wants our child. With how he reacts to me, it's probably all in my mind. Worry hovers, and I can't get it out of my head.
Maybe I'm hormonal. I’m not usually one to worry.
Either way, I’m far from tired as I look around my new room. It’s a masculine room with dark wooden furniture: fitted closet, large desk, tallboy and, the bed I’m lying on. The bed is large and fills up a good size of the room, but there is still plenty of space to move around. The armchairs on either side of the room look comfortable. There’s even a footstool on my side of the bed. Beside the chair, an old Victorian lamp sits on a small round table. Cozy. Looking around, I can't decide whether or not his mom has decorated or Jaxon. It's so like Jaxon and suits him.
Rolling to my side, I close my eyes, feeling sleepy.
***
Sleeping for a couple of hours, I washed and found something a bit cooler to wear. A soft tea dress in white and lilac. It flows softly around my thighs as I move downstairs in search of Jaxon. Something to eat and drink would be good too. I never knew pregnant women got so hungry. There is eating for two, but I’m sure I’m eating for four with how hungry I’ve become.
Halfway down the stairs, I stop and listen to soft voices coming from the kitchen. My name is mentioned. However, I can't hear in what context. As I get closer, Ruben's words are clear, "You don't have to date her to be a Dad to your child, Jaxon. Don't you think you're rushing things having her move in with you?" His words cause me to pause. Don't they like me?
Nervously, I hover not knowing what to do as tears fill my eyes, seconds from falling. My feet move me forward until I'm closer to the partly opened doorway.
Jaxon leans against the kitchen table, his parents' stand together in front of him with sunlight streaming into the room. Jaxon runs his hands through his hair, and says, “It will be much easier having her with me. I know what I’m doing, Dad.”
Surprise fills me, and I slowly back away, not wanting to believe Jaxon only asked me here for the baby. I know I thought about this. What girl wouldn't in my situation. However, to hear his parents' question him in that way, and his response, upsets me.
Quickly exiting through the front door, I turn. “Oomph,” I hiss, smacking into a hard-male body. His arms go around my waist, preventing me from tumbling to the ground.
“Poppy, right? I’m sorry. Are you okay?”
As soon as I have my balance, he releases me, until he gets a look at my face.
Frowning, Ryan asks, “What’s happened?” He glances at the front door before his concerned gaze searches my face.
“It doesn’t matter,” I whisper, my mouth trembling as I inhale deeply. I don’t want to break down in front of Ryan or someone else. What I'd wanted by escaping out here was my own space to think.
Ryan tilts his head and frowns. “My brother has done something, right?” He shakes his head and wraps an arm around my shoulders. “You’re carrying my niece or nephew, so that makes you family.” He grins. “Come and sit with me.” Guiding me into a cushioned-rocking chair, he sits beside me.
“Are all the McKenzie men handsome?” Shocked, I quickly cover my mouth with a hand. Those words weren’t meant to leave my mouth.
Ryan’s eyes twinkle as he chuckles. “Yes.”
"Confident as well." I sigh, wiping at my cheeks with cold fingers.
"We don't know each other, but if you need to talk, then I'm a good listener." He draws a cross over his heart with a finger. "I promise."
I contemplate what to say because, after all, he is Jaxon’s brother. "It's difficult for me. Yesterday I was in a hotel with my brother, and today Jaxon has moved me into his family home and into his bedroom."
Ryan’s gaze shoots up to his hairline in surprise. “Mom and Dad are letting him have a girl in his room? That’s not fair!”
“Seriously? How old are you?”
He winks. “Old enough to want girls to share my room.”
"I've forgotten why I needed fresh air now." I glance over to the horizon and see nothing but fields covered in different shades of green, leading toward rolling hills. It's a beautiful place to be. "Why has Jaxon brought me here, Ryan?"
Focusing on his face, I see the surprise and gentleness in him I hadn't noticed before. At Kenza last night he'd come across as a player, but loyal to his brother. Today he's letting me see a deep caring inside of him—not just for his family either.
“My brother has been distracted for months. You know why? Because it turns out he’s been missing you.” He takes my hands and holding them between his, says, “The baby is a surprise and not just to him. But he was coming after you without knowing he was going to be a Dad. Anything else, then you’re going to have to talk to Jaxon about it.” He pauses. “My brother is pigheaded. If he only wanted you with him for the baby, then why would he have you sleeping in his bedroom with him and not the guest room? There are two guest rooms upstairs. Think about that?” Leaning forward, he hesitates and then gives me a kiss on the top of my head. “I’ll give you some peace…for now.”
He disappears from view, and I'm left with my thoughts. I know Jaxon wants the baby and me. I really am aware of this. Perhaps my doubts have everything to do with the hormonal change going on in my body.
That has to be it.
Eight
Jaxon
Ryan walks into the room and, after helping himself to a cup of coffee, rests beside me. "Sorry I'm late," he offers, taking a sip of the drink in his hands.
“You weren’t invited,” I mumble.
"You're only jealous because I spotted her long legs first." He grins. "I like her…in a brotherly way, of course."
"Of course, you do." I roll my eyes. "The parents want to know my intention toward Poppy."
“I’d marry her!”
“Jaxon!” Mom groans. “All because she is pregnant does not mean your brother has to marry her.”
"You're kidding, right? He's in love with her, why wouldn't he marry her?"
Heat creeps up my neck and onto my face as Ryan’s big mouth drops me in it. I wrap an arm around his neck and say, “Why don’t you get
married?”
“No way, man. I’m good.” Jaxon grins.
Dad focuses on him, and Ryan twitches. "We need to have words about that," Dad says.
“I’m not talking about my…um…my—”
Dad crosses his arms in front of his chest and grins. “Work?” he offers.
“Yeah! Work.” Ryan grins and nudges into my side. “So, why are you both on at Jaxon over Poppy? I don’t get it. She’s pretty. She obviously cares about Jaxon and his feelings, or she wouldn’t have come back, especially pregnant. That should go a long way toward accepting her at face value.” Ryan pauses. “And as I said before, Jaxon loves her so, I don’t see the problem.”
“Just wait until you have a girl pregnant,” I counter.
“Hell no! Two condoms at a time.” He smirks. “I’m too young for kids.”
Surprised, I laugh. “How the hell do you feel anything with all that—” I catch Mom’s eye “—wrapping?”
“I think I’ve heard enough.” Mom squeezes my arm. “As long as you’re happy, Jaxon, then we are.”
“Oh,” Ryan straightens and winces, “On my way in, Poppy was on her way out.”
“What?” I move to go and find her when Ryan grabs my arm.
“She was upset.” He glances between the three of us, and adds, “Maybe she overheard you talking.”
“Fuck!”
Ignoring Mom’s wince at the ‘F’ word, I move with speed to the front of the house, sighing in relief as I spot my girl relaxing on the porch. Catching my breath, I take a moment to watch her. The peaceful look on her face as she stares off over to the horizon. The way a hand softly strokes back and forth over her baby bump. Something in my chest flutters at the beauty of my woman. She's a clever girl. Having a doctorate and becoming a Professor at a young age is not easy to do, but she did it. Beauty and brains.
“Are you going to watch me all day?” she asks softly.
"I could." I join her, and after only a moment's hesitation, I take her hand into mine. "What did you hear?"
Smiling softly, she says, “Ryan told you?”
"Nothing. He said you might have heard something." I glance away, kissing her palm before I rest it on my thigh. My hand covers hers, but I realize it isn't enough. Giving her a slight tug, she follows my lead and settles on my lap. My arms wrap around her waist, and I'm thrilled when she rests her head on my shoulder. "My parents wanted to make sure you and the baby are what I wanted. I dropped you both on them earlier, and I should have known better. I just didn't want you to leave Lexington if I didn't keep you close."
I continue, “I don’t know what the future holds for either of us, but one thing I am certain of is that I want you and our baby part of mine. Not just the baby Poppy. I had no idea you were pregnant when I went after you the first time, nor did I know when I planned with Ryan to go after you again.” I kiss her forehead. “As long as I’m happy, then my parents’ are. They just wanted to make sure.”
“Ryan likes me,” she comments, and I tense beneath her. “He does, but as your…um—”
“Girlfriend is the word you’re looking for.” My lips curve into a smile against the top of her head. “I’m afraid too, Poppy. I’m afraid of screwing up with you because I don’t really know what I’m doing. I never expected you to show up pregnant, but I find that I’m happy you did.” Playing with the ends of her dark hair, I add, “Tomorrow, we’ll move into the guest accommodation at McKenzie’s until we can find our own place.”
After a long pause, she says, "I don't mind staying here, for now, Jaxon. I don't want to put anyone out."
"I'm selfish. I don't want to share you with anyone—at least not yet." I kiss her on the tip of her nose. "I want you to be completely comfortable, and I should have thought about that before I brought you here."
She frowns and looks away.
“Poppy?”
“They don’t want me here.”
“Who? My parent’s?” I pull her closer and turn her face directly up to mine. “They do want you here. I wish you hadn’t overheard anything, then you’d believe me. They’re good people, Poppy.”
She squeezes my hand. “It’s all new to me as well. You’re not the only one who is adapting here. I’m scared. I don’t like being scared.”
“You don’t have anything to be scared of from me. I won’t hurt you and, I hope one day you’ll be able to trust me.” I pause, taking a moment for my emotions to run their course before saying, “Having you in my arms is right where I want you.”
“Oh,” she murmurs, wrapping her arms a bit awkwardly around my neck. “I’m glad I overheard what I did because you’ve reassured me. It’s what I needed.” She nuzzles into my throat and adds, “I want to be right here with you too.”
Hearing her sigh softly in my ear sends all kinds of messages to my body, especially the part that she's sitting on. The more I caress her, the more uncomfortable I become. It doesn't matter, because I have Poppy in my arms, and she isn't going anywhere.
She starts to wiggle on my lap, and the moment I hear a moan leave her lips, my cock becomes hard as a rock. She moans loudly this time, and the sound goes straight to my balls.
“I’m not going to be able to move if you keep rubbing on me.”
“I need you,” she hisses.
Dropping my head against the back of the chair, I groan, arching upwards and clamp my hands to Poppy's hips to keep her still. No way am I going to let her rub herself to climax out here on the porch, nor do I want to come in my jeans—or get interrupted.
“I need to calm down, and so do you.” It pains me to say those words because I want to carry her upstairs to my bed. “Tonight,” I mumble, gently moving her into the other rocking chair. “Tonight, I’m not going to stop.”
Her eyes darken with need. “You promise?”
“I promise.”
Nine
Poppy
The moment Jaxon leads me inside the house, his mother, Rosie, rushes over and pulls me straight into her arms for a hug. “I’m so sorry you overheard our conversation.”
My eyes flicker to Ryan, who is slumped on the sofa grinning.
Rosie holds me at arm's length and continues, "We don't have anything against you. However, it was a big surprise having Jaxon not only bring a girl here but his pregnant girlfriend. It took a short time to adjust. Regardless of the circumstances, I want you to know that you are welcome here.” She smiles, tears hovering on her lashes. “You’re carrying our grandchild and our son—”
"Mom!" Jaxon interrupts abruptly, and then calmly says, "Thank you for saying that to Poppy. Everything else I'm capable of telling her myself." His hand slides to the nape of my neck, where he caresses with his thumb. “I smell cheese biscuit.” He sniffs the air as my tummy grumbles rather loudly.
It certainly breaks the ice as everyone laughs while I feel my cheeks heat. “Sorry about that.”
“I’ve made buttermilk cheese biscuit. The recipe is actually for British cheese scones.” Rosie smiles as we follow her into the kitchen.
Jaxon ushers me into a seat at the large wooden table before moving to sit beside me. "Mom loves trying recipes out from all over the world."
"Help yourself, Poppy. They're fresh out of the oven." Rosie places a large plate in the center of the table with the hot food. Next, she puts a dish of butter at either side of the table, along with a platter of different meats; ham, chicken, salami, chorizo and, another plate with cheese.
My belly gives another grumble, and to my amusement, it's Ryan who uses serving utensils and puts food in front of me. Silence descends, and Ryan looks around the table, frowning. "She's hungry." He shrugs. "Jeez. I don't know what's wrong with everyone. I'm helping out a sister." He starts eating his own food while his mother clears her throat.
“That’s nice of you, Ryan,” Ruben states.
“Yeah,” Jaxon agrees.
I nudge into his side, and Jaxon winks then nods toward my food.
The biscuit (scone) melts i
n my mouth with the flavor bursting on my tongue. Even though my stomach had been letting everyone know it needed food, I hadn't felt that hungry, but as I eat, I realize I'm starving. "These are delicious," I comment, and Jaxon laughs as I take another.
“At the next family cookout, you won’t know what to eat because it will all be delicious.” Jaxon smiles.
Ryan adds, “Mom with our aunts cook up a storm, and our sister, Sofia, is a baker, so she makes the most amazing cakes.” He looks dreamy, and Jaxon tosses a biscuit at him.
“No!” Ruben states as Ryan goes to throw it back. “We didn’t raise you as baboons.”
Jaxon laughs. "Me, you didn't."
“I’m going to stop while I’m ahead.” Ryan stands.
“That’s what you think.” Jaxon drapes an arm over my shoulders.
Shaking his head, Ryan smirks and quickly kisses me on the cheek. “It’s nice to have another sister.”
Blushing, I reply, “Thank you.”
“What’s going on with you?” Jaxon questions his brother. “You know I saw Poppy first, right?”
What?
Ryan straightens. “I like Poppy, but she isn’t—” he curses under his breath, “—never mind. I have work to do.” He leaves.
I'm curious about Ryan. However, I decide to keep my questions to myself for now after that little display of jealousy from Jaxon. Rosie frowns as her older son leaves and, after a quick glance at Ruben, shakes off whatever she was thinking.
“So, Poppy, we know nothing about how you two met.”
“Mom,” Jaxon groans.
“It’s okay.” I laugh at the horror on Jaxon’s face. “I was his college Professor.”
The Pregnant Professor (McKenzie Cousins Book 11) Page 4