by A. m Madden
She rocked her hips, her moans getting louder. Reluctantly, I moved away to remove my clothes and toss article by article to the ground. The bed dipped when I repositioned beside her and picked up exactly where I had left off. But I didn’t stay in my original location for long. My mouth was on the move, and slowly I traveled over her flesh, until I situated myself between her spread thighs.
I never verbally asked for permission to go any further, but with one look, I knew she’d allow what I was about to do next. And a minute after my mouth covered her clit, she came. That did little to stop me when I placed one hand on each thigh and resumed devouring her like a starving man having a delicious meal.
Without stopping to come up for air, I gifted her two more orgasms and, in the process, worsened my predicament.
She watched as I retrieved a condom from the nightstand drawer and reached for it in my hand. “Max, I’ve never had sex without one but would love to experience that with you. It’s not like we need to worry I’ll get pregnant,” she added with a cheeky smile.
“This is true. And same goes for me,” I admitted without hesitation. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
Remembering the condom recall, I bit down on my lip, knowing I needed to tell her.
She picked up on my unease. “What?”
“The condom we used the night we met…apparently, there was a recall.” Her mouth dropped open, but I went on. “It was from the same box as the one I used with Tracey. I had no idea.”
“Oh my God, condoms get recalled?”
“I asked the same thing! Brad told me they were recalled a while ago. I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault, Max.” Her big brown eyes held mine as she tossed the rubber aside. “Now, where were we?” she asked, tugging on my hand until my bare cock rested against her bare pussy.
With our eyes locked, I eased myself inside her. Fuck, I wasn’t prepared to feel the tight warmth that surrounded me. Her legs fell open wider, and my hips came flush against hers.
A sound more like a cry than a groan escaped her as she gripped my shoulders. With each glide into her body, I wanted five more…ten more. God, I couldn’t get enough of her.
As I retreated to my tip, paused, and then pushed back in to the hilt, my name sounded like a prayer on her lips. She was about to come. With each thrust, shift, slide, we got to know more of each other’s likes and preferences. The first time we fucked had been phenomenal in so many ways, and the connection had blown my mind. This time, it was all about learning each other’s sexual desires.
Just like the first night, the way I couldn’t stop staring into those gorgeous eyes, the way time had stood still when I entered her, would forever be seared into my mind. And going in bare made what was already the best sex I ever had even better.
“Fuck, Jade. I’m about to come.”
She gasped, responding with a breathy, “Me, too.”
Wanting to get as deep into her as I could, I hooked her leg over the crook of my elbow. The feel of her heat, the friction between us, and her muscles contracting around me made our second time together pure perfection.
Slow, measured plunges drove me to the brink, and it wasn’t long before she came again…and I followed right behind. My volcanic breaking point did little to lessen the need to want to do it all over again. That was a surprising wake-up call to my psyche, realizing I needed more of Jade even as I was still buried inside her.
In fact, I had the same craving the night we met. I couldn’t get enough of her even then. And now that I’ve gotten to know her, my desire only intensified.
A deep consuming need that defied logic and made no sense.
Chapter Eighteen
Max
Last night, the sex and having her in my bed was fantastic.
I thought she felt the same, except for when she spent most of the night tossing and turning restlessly.
When she did finally settle, I watched her while my mind reeled with so many unknowns. Besides the obvious of what my life would be like day to day after my two babies arrived, I wondered how Jade would fit into the picture.
One thing I knew for sure—I wanted her in my future.
Her phone alarm chimed loudly, and her eyes fluttered open. Once she tapped the screen to silence it, she turned until her eyes landed on mine. “Hi.”
“Morning.”
“I guess I passed out.”
“We did have a lot of exercise last night.” She stretched and smiled sleepily. That was the first time we’d slept together all night. I reached for her hand then tugged until she settled under my arm with her body resting against me. “Are you okay? You tossed and turned a lot.”
“Yeah,” she said, staring at our intertwined fingers. “I guess I’m worried about work, even subconsciously. I haven’t told them yet that I’m pregnant.” A heavy sigh came next before she added, “I don’t know why I’m stalling.” She continued to zone out, probably imagining that awkward conversation in her mind.
“Come to Miami with me.”
“I can’t,” she said without hesitation.
“Why not? It’s only for a few days. Maybe a change of scenery will help you.” I repositioned so we faced each other while still keeping our hands clasped together. “Sounds like you could use the break…and I would love to have you with me.”
“I can’t, Max,” she repeated.
“Okay, I understand. Next time.” When I felt her stiffen just enough to tell me she was no longer relaxed, I forced myself to ask, “Is work what’s really bothering you?” Suddenly, she dropped my hand, tucked the sheet around her, and sat up.
“No, I keep thinking about what your mom said.”
“Please don’t—”
“She’s right, though,” Jade interrupted.
“Jade—”
“Max, listen. You have a lot to juggle right now. You’re working around the clock, starting up a second business over a thousand miles away, about to be a father to your first child.” She paused a beat and then added, her voice softer, “Maybe adding a new relationship to the mix may not be the smartest thing for you to do right now.”
I waited until her chocolate-brown eyes lifted to mine before saying, “That’s for me to decide, Jade. Not my mother.” I wanted to add, or your father, but didn’t want to pour fuel on her fire. Instead, I took her hand in mine and skimmed my thumb over her knuckles while saying, “I enjoy being with you, and I hope you feel the same.” She remained quiet but gave me a firm nod. “Okay, more than that we’ll worry about when we have to.”
“It’s more complicated than that, Max.”
“It really isn’t, counselor,” I jabbed back at her.
Her frown came with a resigned sigh. “But it is.”
With each visit I made to my new location, I began to get excited that this was truly happening.
The Grand Opening was quickly approaching, and there was still a lot to get done. Half the machines had been delivered and sat gleaming, ready to be used. The other half would arrive next week. There were still towels and toiletries to order, a juice bar menu to plan…the list went on.
Still, I was proud of what I’d created so far. The cement floors made the space seem carnivorous, and two levels made it double the size of my Manhattan gym. Byron, my business partner, had been very understanding with my situation. Being in Chicago meant he sometimes had to drop everything and fly down to Miami himself to cover for me if I couldn’t leave New York. But for the most part, every piece of this amazing puzzle was all me.
I was so damn proud of how it was turning out.
As I stood at the sleek marble reception desk, reviewing a detailed production schedule, for some reason I envisioned Jade standing beside me on opening day. That seemed impossible, especially since she’d be in her third trimester then, but wanting her there created an ache
within me.
Besides being here for the equipment delivery, this trip was also to sign the lease on my new apartment. Bigger in size to my Manhattan one, the emptiness had nothing to do with the lack of furniture so far. I couldn’t visualize it as home. Even though it’d been my dream for so long, it was hard to see myself living there alone. Funny, I could clearly picture a future in New York, especially now that Jade was in my life. Miami, however, I couldn’t envision as clearly as I once had.
A solid knock drew my attention to the door. Surprised to see Tracey, I waved and smiled before unlocking it to let her in. Her belly had grown since the last time I saw her, and she seemed to be handling pregnancy well.
“Hey, weren’t we meeting at the restaurant?” I asked just as a handsome black man stepped into view with a smile. “Is this the infamous Tristan I heard so much about?”
“Yes,” Tracey said excitedly. “We were in the area, and I wanted to show him your amazing gym.” Her dark brown eyes slid back and forth between us. “This is Tristan Shatner. Tris, this is Max Navarro.”
I offered my hand with a smile. “Great to finally meet you.”
“Same here.” He shook it, matching my smile.
“You look fantastic, Trace,” I said, pulling her into a hug. “I love your hair.”
At my comment, her hand immediately touched the natural spiral curls that fell around her shoulders. “Thanks. Seemed to make more sense once the baby came than keeping up with those damn braids.”
“I love it.” Tristan reached over and fingered a curl. His attention then swept across the gym. “This place is amazing.”
“Thank you so much.”
“I knew you’d like it,” Tracey said to Tristan, sliding her hand into his.
Even though they hadn’t been seeing each other long, there was a familiarity between them. The smile on Tracey’s face and the way he held her hand seemed genuine.
“You’re going to do well here,” he said.
“I hope so.” I motioned toward my office. “Let’s go sit.”
Once we settled on folding chairs around my makeshift desk, we exchanged small talk for a bit before Tristan said, “Well, I’m sure you’re busy, so let’s get to the reason we’re here.” Tristan assessed me with a serious expression on his face. “It was my idea,” he then admitted. Wondering why, I waited for him to continue. “I wanted to let you know I support Tracey and respect your place in her life.” He lifted the hand he still held and placed a kiss on her knuckles. “This pregnancy doesn’t spook me. Another man might’ve run from this, but she’s worth sticking around for. Unless she kicks me to the curb…” He paused to glance back at Tracey.
“Nope,” she touted with a giggle. It warmed my heart to see her so happy. They looked great together, and from what I could tell, he was crazy about her.
He then brought his attention back to me, looking like a sap in love. “I know it’s important to her you feel comfortable with our relationship. And if it were me, I’d want to know the dude who was hanging around my baby.”
I wanted to admit I wasn’t her keeper. Tracey could date whomever she wanted. However, there was another party involved now. My baby. The truth of that reality slammed into my thoughts like a wrecking ball. I knew it would hit, but this moment made it even more real.
Then there was my own personal life. Anyone coming into it, at this time, would need to be just as understanding as Tristan. Sure, Jade seemed okay with my other child coming, but really only time would tell…whereas, these two already seemed solid with our shared unconventional reality.
Tracey’s electric smile when she stared at him left me no doubt that he obviously made her happy. Something she deserved to be.
“I appreciate that. And I’m happy for you guys. Treat her well. Tracey deserves only the best.”
He offered his hand again across my desk. As I shook hands with the man who could be my child’s stepfather someday, he said, “Thank you, Max. I plan to.”
Tristan pulled out Tracey’s chair for her and then sat beside her, facing me across the table. I couldn’t help but feel like a third wheel. They were free to show affection, and with each glance or touch, I felt like I was intruding on their time together.
Part of me longed for that. Although Jade and I had come a long way, it seemed that she held back emotionally. I really wasn’t sure if she had developed feelings for me, but based on the longing I felt when we were apart, it meant I most definitely had.
During our meal, we settled into another comfortable conversation, reciting basic facts about our lives. Tristan was very down to earth, and I could see why Tracey fell for him so quickly.
“I think I decided on a name for the baby,” Tracey said while plunging her fork into Tristan’s dessert. “If you like it, that is.”
“What is it?”
“Mia. Mia Hayward Navarro.” She looked at me expectantly. “Both our last names, like we discussed.”
“I love it, Trace…and I can’t wait to meet her.” I mimicked her smile while hiding that anxiety that swelled whenever I thought of being a father…to two.
“Me, too. And your baby with Jade.” Tracey swiped at a small tear that rolled over her cheek. “I feel like we’re all in this together, and I look forward to raising our kids that way as well.”
A wave of emotion hit me square in the chest. It was true, we were all in this together, and as unconventional as our connections were, I appreciated the mutual respect that cemented us. That made it no less scary, though.
Tristan lifted his wine and said, “To an easy, quick delivery.”
Tracey grabbed her water with a grin. “I’ll drink to that.”
I tapped my glass to theirs before Tristan changed the subject by telling us a story that happened in his class earlier that day. It was hard to connect his laidback attitude and easy demeanor to the philosophy professor that he was. He and Tracey seemed to be a perfect fit.
Just as the waiter cleared our desserts from the table, Tracey cleared her throat and said, “Max, I have some news.”
My eyes immediately fell toward her belly. “Is everything okay?”
“Oh, yes, the baby is fine.” She glanced at Tristan before looking my way again. “Tristan was offered a job teaching here at Miami University.”
My gaze cut toward Tristan. “That’s great. Congrats!”
“Thank you.” It looked like he had more to say but instead looked at Tracey with a hesitant smile.
“After the baby is born…” Tracey waved her hand between them. “We’re moving in together…”
“Great news!” My grin was automatic, but when she paused, I wondered why she seemed hesitant. “What is it?”
Tristan laid his arm across Tracey’s shoulders. “I asked Tracey to marry me, and she said yes.”
Oh.
Before I could respond, she rushed on, “Max, obviously, you’ll have full visitation…and we’ll iron out complete custody rights beforehand. I promise you can see your daughter whenever you wish.”
“I know. I trust you, Trace. And I’m so happy for you both. When did you get engaged?”
“A few days ago.” They stared into each other’s eyes clearly displaying the love they shared. It was then I first noticed a simple diamond solitaire on Tracey’s finger. “It’s crazy, but it feels right.”
“I tend to agree,” Tristan said then added, “When you know, you know.” He pressed a firm kiss to her lips, and an unexpected jolt of envy traveled through me. Tracey had found her happily ever after.
Had I found mine?
Chapter Nineteen
Jade
I missed Max.
Sure, it was the sex I missed. After getting another sampling of it, I decided I liked it…a lot.
The first time between us was probably the best sex I’d ever had. The second time was downright u
nbelievable. From the first kiss, I felt plugged in, like every part of me had been charged to the point of hypersensitivity. Each kiss, each touch sent sparks of intense sexual desire to zip through me. And since then, I’d been so horny for him that lying alone in bed caused our lovemaking to replay over and over in my mind.
But solving that problem proved to be difficult when our only form of interaction was via texts and phone calls. It hadn’t helped my raging libido when most of his texts were filled with flirty and salacious innuendos, ensuring that a sexy gym owner was never far from my mind.
Just this morning I woke to see his latest.
Max: Confession…I stole your panties last weekend. Forgot I did until I put on my jeans and found them in my pocket.
Me: You watched me search for them all over your bedroom.
Max: I did.
Me: You gave me a pair of your briefs to wear home so I wouldn’t be commando.
Max: Yeah, I did that, too.
Me: Thief!
Max: Guilty…and I’m not even sorry.
But it was more than all that.
I missed him.
Besides those fleeting doses of Max’s personality, I tried to make work my sole focus. Thankfully, the morning sickness has eased off a bit. I was able to eat regularly, and if I avoided things that caused bile to instantly rise, such as the smell of fish of any kind, I rarely threw up anymore.
However, keeping my growing belly concealed served to be a problem. I seemed to have popped overnight. At sixteen weeks, finding ways to hide my pregnancy had become a major issue. The tight-fitted professional suits I owned were uncomfortable. I really needed to buy maternity clothes. Sapphire offered most of hers, but my sister’s “mom” wardrobe wouldn’t cut it at the firm.