Renewed: The Unexpected Series

by Roberts, S. E.

  “I’m glad we stayed home today,” Avery says as she sips on her hot cocoa. I’m not sure how she’s able to drink it with the marshmallows practically flowing over the side of the mug.

  “Me too. I like being home with my favorite girls.” She sets the mug on the coffee table and then snuggles further into me. We sit in silence as we watch Zoey sway back and forth in her swing across from us. She’s been out for the last couple hours. She’ll most likely wake soon wanting to eat.

  Besides the crackle of the fire and the Christmas music softly playing, the room is silent until she surprises me with her next words.

  “I think I want to wait until March to go back to work.” I turn toward her, thinking maybe I heard her wrong.

  “What?” I know there’s shock in my voice, but she has been adamant about going back to work as soon as her maternity leave is up.

  “Yeah. I talked to Mr. Kinsley the other day when me and Zo went to visit, and he said it would be okay if I took some more time off.”

  “That’s great.” I wrap her in both my arms as I nuzzle my nose into her hair, inhaling her intoxicating scent.

  I’d love more than anything for her to not go back at all, but this will have to do for now.

  “Want to watch a movie or something?” she asks as she kisses my cheek.

  “Sure. I’ll go pop some popcorn and cut up some summer sausage and cheese.” I stand from the couch.

  “Thanks.” She starts flipping through Netflix.

  I go to the kitchen and start making popcorn on the stove. I could just throw a bag in the microwave, but it’ll taste better this way. I then cut up some sausage and cheese. This was a Christmas snack me and Claire grew up on, and Avery enjoys it too.

  Once I’m finished, I bring the big bowl and two plates into the living room and set them on the table before returning to the kitchen for my beer and sparkling grape juice for Avery. She’s never been a huge drinker, so I don’t think she’s missed it much since being pregnant and having Zoey.

  “Milady.” I hand her a plate and lean back into the couch as I dig into my own. “What movie did you decide on?”

  “Miracle on 34th Street. That okay?” I smile and nod at her. My girl loves Christmas movies. I was never a fan of this movie, but if it makes her happy, I’ll watch it.

  We spend the next hour and a half watching the movie, only being interrupted when Avery had to feed Zoey, but she went back to sleep quickly.

  She takes her to the nursery to change her diaper and clothes and then puts her in her crib. I stand at the doorway, watching my wife with our daughter, and I know I’ll never get sick of watching them together.

  “Ready for bed?” she whispers as she stands on her toes to kiss me on the mouth.

  “Yeah.” I grab her hand and walk her to our room.

  19

  Avery

  “Hey, you doing alright?” Evan reaches over the gearshift and grabs my bouncing knee.

  “Yeah, I’m sorry. I really am glad to get away tonight. I just miss her.” I hate that I’m ruining our time away, but this will be the longest I’ve ever been away from my baby.

  He moves his hand from my leg to the back of my neck and squeezes.

  “You’re a good mother, but she’s in good hands for the night.” He removes his hand so he can use it to drive, but then continues. “How about we see how tonight goes? If you want to cancel our plans for the morning, we’ll drive home early instead of hiking.”

  This causes the unshed tears to start falling. I’ve never been super hormonal, but I’ve definitely been feeling it lately. I guess I did just have a baby two months ago, but still. I’m not used to these mood swings. And to top it off, my husband is being way too sweet to me about this. If I’m being honest, I’m starting to get on my own nerves.

  I shake my head even though he’s looking at the road.

  “No, I want to spend time away with you. I promise I won’t ruin this for you.” I turn toward the window, trying to gather myself.

  A few weeks ago, Evan planned a getaway for us in Sedona. It’s only a two-hour drive from Phoenix, so if we need to get back to Zoey, it won’t be difficult. Today is Valentine’s Day, so we used this as an opportunity to have some alone time before I go back to work in a couple weeks. After Christmas, I informed Mr. Kinsley that I was going to take him up on his offer of extending my leave, so I could spend some more time at home with Evan and Zo. I’m so glad I did because I’m not ready to go back yet.

  Not only is it Valentine’s Day, but we will hopefully be sleeping together for the first time since the baby was born. My doctor had said we only needed to wait six weeks, but as anxious as Evan was, he told me he wanted to wait to make sure he didn’t hurt me. I’ll admit I was a little frustrated at first, but if I’m being honest, I wasn’t ready yet anyway. I had no idea how much having a baby could affect your body, even after they come out.

  We finally pull into a long drive that leads to the beautiful cabin we rented. The pictures Evan showed me online were amazing and had me even more excited about coming. The grass surrounding the house is emerald green, despite it being so cold up here. There’s a log stairway going up to the cabin with a beautiful wraparound porch that sits at the top. My weather app says it’ll be chilly tomorrow morning, but I’m hoping to convince Evan to bundle up with me to sit outside for our coffee. It’s absolutely tranquil out here. I’ve lived in the city my entire life, but I think I could get used to this.

  “Ev, this place is gorgeous.” I continue to stare out the windshield in awe of our surroundings. The next cabin over is several yards away so we are pretty secluded. Privacy is not something we’re used to living in Phoenix.

  “You like it?” As soon as he parks, he looks over at me with his boyish smile, which has my heart thumping in my chest.

  “Like it? Babe, I love it. Thank you.” I throw my arms around his neck and then lean back so I can kiss him. “I’m sorry for my little meltdown earlier. I really am glad to be here with you.”

  He rubs my face with his calloused hand. “I know you are. I’d be worried if you weren’t a little nervous about leaving our baby. But you deserve this, Av. Okay?” He eyes me, I’m sure waiting for me to argue with him.

  I nod. “Okay.” I kiss him one last time before sliding back into my seat.

  “Shall we?” he asks as he opens his door.

  “Yes! I can’t wait to see the inside.”

  He chuckles at me. “Okay, stay put.” I love how after all these years he still opens doors for me. Ladies, chivalry really isn’t dead.

  Once he has our small suitcase out of the back, he opens my door for me, and I grab my purse off the floorboard.

  This afternoon, it’s pretty cool at only fifty degrees, so I’m dressed in my dark-washed skinny jeans, a long-sleeved thin T-shirt, and my warm teal Columbia jacket. My outfit is complete with my black Chuck Taylor’s. My handsome guy is wearing his sexy form-fitting jeans with a black long-sleeved shirt.

  We walk toward the cabin, and that’s when I notice the creek along the side of it. The view is amazing with the tall mountains placed in the background. It really is surreal. I feel like I’m in a Thomas Kincaid painting.

  The steps leading up to the house are steep, so I’m careful by grabbing the rail for support. The last thing I need is to lose my balance and fall down the stairs when we’re who knows how far from the nearest hospital.

  “Here, I’ll take that.” I grab for the suitcase as he reaches in his pocket for the key to the cabin.

  He undoes the lock and then pushes the door open, and the sight before me is breathtaking. The place is a lot bigger than it looked from the outside with the gorgeous tall ceilings. It has an open floor plan, so we’re able to see the entire house from where we stand at the front door. Straight ahead is a huge bay window with the most stunning view I’ve ever seen. I’ve never been a fan of not having blinds or curtains up, but we’re pretty far away from anyone else, so it doesn’t bother me. I
bet the sunset is amazing to watch from here.

  I look to the right and see the immaculate kitchen. The wood cabinets make it look cozy like the rest of the house, and the vintage hanging light that sits above the island, makes me want to run to the store just so I can cook something fancy in here.

  Next, I notice the beautiful spacious living room with a large flat screen TV placed on the tall wall. This is unlike anywhere I’ve ever been. Claire and Ryke have a beautiful home in the mountains near Phoenix, but this place feels like Heaven. I’m a little sad that we’ll only get to stay here one night.

  “Let’s go check the bedroom out.” He wiggles his eyebrows, which has me giggling, but also makes me excited. We’ve both been waiting for this night for some time now, and I have a feeling that we won’t be getting much sleep on the one night we probably should be trying to.

  We climb the stairs and immediately at the top of them is a stunning king-sized bed with a beautiful log frame.

  I plop down on the large bed and then notice the enormous master bathroom. From where I’m sitting, I can see a huge claw tub and two stainless steel sinks. I’m thinking a bath is sounding wonderful about now.

  “What do you think?” Evan asks as he puts the suitcase on the bed and unzips it, looking for something.

  “This place is amazing, Ev. I wish we could stay longer.”

  I look up at him and see the surprise on his face, but then it disappears in the next instant. I’m sure he’s shocked to hear that I’m not as anxious to get home now that we’re here.

  “We’ll come back, soon.” He kisses the top of my head. “But, for now, shall we try out the tub?” He asks, and I reach my hand out for him.

  “Why yes, we should.”

  20

  Evan

  I was surprised when Avery agreed to go away with me for the night. Malcom’s uncle owns this cabin and gave me a pretty good deal on it. We’ve visited Sedona, but never have stayed overnight before now.

  I start stripping out of my clothes after turning on the tub faucet, but then look toward my wife who is still fully dressed. I raise my eyebrows at her.

  “Av? You forget how to undress?”

  She looks at me shyly, and I’m wondering if she’s having second thoughts about having sex tonight. I’ll admit, I’m more than fucking ready for this, but if she’s not, I won’t be a dickhead and push her.

  She slowly starts to pull her clothes off, and once her shirt is on the floor, I notice that she’s trying to cover her stomach with her arms. Suddenly, it dawns on me what’s going on.

  I take the few steps toward her and pull her arms down to her sides.

  “Don’t hide from me, beautiful,” I whisper into her ear. “You are stunning. Possibly even more stunning now since carrying my child.” I rub at her stomach, which became a habit of mine while she was pregnant. I hate that she’s feeling insecure right now. Sure, we’ve been naked together since she had Zoey, but I think that in her mind this is different, and she worries that I’ll be disappointed with how she looks.

  “Okay,” she says softly.

  I smile, happy with her response, and then reach around her back to unhook her black lace bra. It makes her perky tits look amazing, but right now, I need them out of their confines.

  Once she’s uncovered, I palm both of her breasts with my large hands and then bend to take one of her nipples into my mouth. I hear her moan as I run my tongue in circles around it and then grab the twin nipple and start to twist it between my thumb and finger.

  “Don’t stop.” She pulls at my hair, and I’m glad to see that my confident wife is back. The pressure she’s causing on my head is causing my dick to pulse through my boxers. It’s begging to come out, so I pull away from her just long enough to take them off.

  “Off.” I demand as I start to pull at her pants. Any other time I’d try to help her out of them, but right now, I don’t have the patience for that. I want to make tonight special for her, but I don’t know how long I’m going to last.

  Without saying a word, she unbuttons her jeans and slides them seductively down her legs. A groan slips through the back of my throat when I see the matching black lace panties.

  “Did you buy these for me?” I whisper into her ear as I run my thumb along the top of her panties.

  “Yes.” She pants, and I can tell that my girl isn’t going to last long either. That’s okay. We have all night.

  I drag them down her gorgeous body and then lift her into my arms. Her legs instinctively wrap around me. My throbbing cock pokes her flat stomach, but I don’t care. She needs to know how much I want her right now. I always fucking want her.

  I carefully lower us into the tub, and she stays facing toward me as we sit. Once I have us situated, I slide my hand between our bodies and run my finger through her slick folds. She throws her head back, and it’s truly a miracle that I haven’t lost my damn mind yet.

  “Look at me, Av.” She looks up at me with desire in her eyes. She’s so goddamned beautiful, and I cannot wait to be inside of her.

  I grab the soap off the ledge of the tub and squirt some into my hand before using it to massage her body with the vanilla scent. I grab both of her breasts in my hands, and she moans as she rubs her wetness along my throbbing hardness. I wasn’t planning on fucking her in the tub tonight, but this has quickly escalated out of my control. I do my best to rinse her off by cupping water in my hands and splashing it on her body. I then swat at her ass, motioning for her to stand.

  “Up.” I can’t think of more than one-word phrases right now.

  She looks at me questioningly, but then complies as she reaches for the towel on the counter. I stand and then help her dry off before grabbing my own.

  I grab her hand to help her out and then lift her into my arms before making our way back to the bedroom.

  “You okay?” I ask as I set her on the bed and then continue to dry her off. She hasn’t said much so I want to make sure I’m not pushing her to do something she’s not ready for yet. I know she wants this, but I don’t want to hurt her.

  “I’m more than okay.” She rubs her soft hand along the short scruff on my face.

  I lean down to kiss her before pulling the towel from her beautiful body.

  “Lay back.” I pull my own towel off and then drape my body over hers. She’s shivering from the change in temperature, so I grab the blanket at the foot of the bed to cover us with.

  I lift up slightly so I can see her better. “I love you, beautiful.” I then devour her mouth in a searing kiss. I feel her hand slide between our bodies, and in the next instant, she has her tiny hand wrapped around my dick and fuck if it doesn’t feel amazing.

  I throw my head back.

  “Av, if you keep that up, I’m going to make a mess on your hand, and I really want to come inside your warm pussy.”

  I hear her gasp beneath me.

  “What are you waiting for then?” Her hand leaves my shaft and then both hands rub along the sides of my face before she brings her head up to kiss me again.

  “You promise me you’re ready for this?” I want to be sure because I’d rather die than cause her pain.

  “More than ready.”

  “Okay. Tell me if I’m hurting you.”

  She nods, and that’s all the answer I need before I’m sinking into her warmth.

  I look down at her to make sure I’m not hurting her, but if the look of desire etched on her face means anything, she’s enjoying this just as much as I am.

  I start out slow but then can’t hold back any longer, my movements become quicker as I pump in and out of her. She rises off the bed the best she can to meet me thrust for thrust, and I know that there’s no way in hell that I’m going to last much longer.

  “Ahh!” my girl hollers underneath me, and I feel her pulsing around me. In the next second, I’m right behind her as I pound one last time into her, filling her with my warm seed.

  I feel her quiver as my own spasms shoot through my bo
dy. I’m pretty sure that was the hardest I’ve ever come in my damn life.

  Once we both come down from our highs, I roll over so I’m lying next to her.

  “That was incredible,” she says, out of breath, and I turn toward her voice.

  “That was so incredible.” I agree before giving her a kiss. “Stay put. I’ll get a cloth to clean you up.”

  I’m hoping like hell that we can do that all over again in a bit.

  I come back from the bathroom with a warm rag and gently clean between her legs. Seeing the wetness caused by our lovemaking, makes me not want to wait another minute to have her again, but I know I need to let her rest first.

  Once she’s cleaned off, I reach for her hand.

  “Come on, beautiful. Let’s go finish that bath we started.”

  21

  Avery

  “You may have to roll me out of here.” I pat my stomach.

  “Ugh, same,” Claire says as she sits across from me in the booth at Ryke’s.

  Zoey squeals beside me. When I look to my right, I see that she’s now awake.

  “Hi, baby girl.” I lift her out of her seat and kiss her on the cheek.

  “Here’s Evan’s burger and cheese curds.” Ryke sets a to-go box on the table and then takes the seat next to his wife.

  “Thanks, Ryke. You sure I don’t owe you anything?”

  “Nah, it’s on the house.” He winks at me and then kisses Claire on the cheek. “Kids being good for you today?” he asks as he grabs Aria’s little hand in his. These big, burly, tattooed guys turn into softies with these little girls.

  She covers her mouth with a yawn. “Yeah, I’m just tired today. I really hope they both go down for a nap when we get home.”

  “You sure you don’t mind running by the firm? You can just drop me off to get my car and I’ll just take Zo.”