Risking the Crown

by Violet Paige

  The date on my calendar was marked because I couldn’t keep the days straight. Mary Ellen had planned this trip and I was a horrible friend who had to set a reminder on her phone.

  I pulled up the event and blinked.

  That couldn’t be.

  I looked at the date again and counted backward. No. That wasn’t right.

  I hadn’t had my period in six weeks? What?

  My skin prickled with fear and it ran straight to my boobs.

  Ouch. Oh God. Was that why they were so sensitive?

  I couldn’t breathe. My throat tightened. And I thought I was going to throw up. I ran to the little bathroom in the back of the office. I stared in the toilet bowl but nothing happened.

  I turned on the faucet and splashed water on my face.

  I heard the front door open.

  “Darlin’, you in here?”

  I poked my head out of the door. “Yes.”

  “Don’t you need to drive to the airport? I can go with you.”

  I closed my eyes. I couldn’t say anything. I couldn’t even comprehend what I knew my body had been telling me for weeks. The dizzy spells. The tenderness. The mood swings. I was pregnant.

  “Kaitlyn?”

  I blinked. “Yeah.”

  “Do you want me to go with you to the airport?” he offered.

  “Umm. No. It’s ok. You don’t need to fight the airport traffic.”

  I was thinking where I was going to stop and take a pregnancy test on the way. I couldn’t look at him. What was he going to think? What would he say?

  I swore to him I was on birth control. I swore he could trust my IUD.

  “All right. I’ll stay here then.”

  I picked up my bag and shoved my phone inside. I walked toward Cole, barely able to look at him. I planted a quick kiss on his cheek.

  “I’ll text you when I have her.”

  “Ok. Be careful.”

  I closed the door and ran to my car. My boobs hurt just running across the parking lot. I didn’t need a test. I knew it with every breath I took.

  I was carrying Cole’s baby.

  I paced in front of baggage claim. Mary Ellen’s plane landed five minutes ago and I was about to crawl out of my skin. A month was a long time to be away from my best friend.

  She broke through the travelers in front of her and ran toward me.

  “I’m here!”

  I hugged her harder than I had anyone in my life. “How was your flight?”

  “Too long.” She frowned. “You are just too far away. I’m ready for you to move back home.”

  “I know. But that’s not happening.” I pointed her toward the luggage carousel and away from her last statement. “But no problems?”

  She shook her head. “Not one.”

  I was glad her first trip to Texas was different from my experience. Everything that could happen to me seemed to in less than twelve hours.

  “Where’s Cole?” She looked around the pickup area.

  “Oh, he’s working. Since he took off a week after the accident, he can’t really get away.” I chewed on my bottom lip. “He said to tell you he’ll see you tonight for margaritas.”

  “Margaritas? My favorite.” Mary Ellen wedged herself between two men and retrieved her flowered bag from the rotating luggage carrier. “This is it. I only brought one bag.”

  I smiled. “All right, let’s get your vacation started.” I led her into the bright Texas sun and to my car.

  I turned the key for room twenty-four. It seemed like the perfect place for Mary Ellen to stay. It was only steps from our beach deck and it faced the water. We still hadn’t gone furniture shopping. There wasn’t a pullout couch. I couldn’t very well roll out a sleeping bag for her on the floor.

  “Wow, this is cute.” Mary Ellen gushed over the room. “I love the pink tile.”

  I giggled. “Finally, someone else who appreciates retro-chic.” I pulled a luggage rack from the closet for her.

  “Are you kidding? This is adorable.” She fluffed a pillow then hopped on the bed. “And the bed is cushy too.”

  I tried not to blush. I used to share that bed with Cole.

  “I’ll let you get settled, and then we can walk over to Peabody’s for drinks and dinner. Cole said he’d be home by five. That gives you an hour. Is that ok?”

  She walked across the room and unzipped her bag. “Yep. I’ll be ready.” She held up a cutoff top. “Do cowboys like these kinds of shirts?”

  I laughed. “The cowboys aren’t going to know what to do with you. See you in an hour.” I hugged her again before heading home.

  It felt good to have Mary Ellen next door. She was a piece of home, a piece of my life that I was trying desperately not to miss. Texas was supposed to be my home now.

  I changed into a pair of fitted jeans and the boots Cole bought for me. I hadn’t worn them nearly enough. It was warm, so I opted for a black tank top. I shook my hair down around my shoulders. I thought I looked like any other Texas girl. Only, right now, I wasn’t sure how I felt about that.

  Cole hobbled through the door, banding his crutches on the frame. “You look hot.”

  I twirled on my heels. My stomach was in knots. “Thanks.”

  He hobbled toward me on his crutches, cupping my breasts with his hands. “And your boobs look incredible in this shirt.”

  I sighed. They liked being touched like this. I let a whimper slip.

  His eyes widened. “Can we be late?”

  I shook my head. “I wish, but Mary Ellen is excited about her first Texas night. She’s single and looking for a cowboy.”

  He laughed. “Then you’ll have to wait.”

  “Wait for what?” I asked.

  He slipped his hand under my shirt, working it under my bra. I gasped.

  “Until I make you come.” He winked and backed up on his crutches. He moved toward the bathroom.

  I had to take a deep breath. My panties were soaked and my hormones were raging. Shit. I had to sit down.

  I couldn’t tell him tonight.

  “Darlin?” Cole called.

  “Yep?” I tried to sound normal.

  “I left my jeans in the closet. Could you bring them to me?”

  I moved off the bed and walked to the closet. All his jeans looked the same to me, so I grabbed a pair.

  I knocked on the door and shoved them through. “Here you go.”

  “Thanks.” The door closed again.

  I stared at it, wondering if I should burst through and tell him. Cole, I’m carrying your baby. Cole, I’m pregnant. Cole, we’re going to have our own baby.

  I shook my head and stepped away. I heard him hum in the shower. No. Tonight wasn’t the right time. First, I had to figure out how to fake drink margaritas and not let my best friend figure out I was knocked up before I told the father.

  Mary Ellen’s eyes widened as we walked into Peabody’s. She wasn’t used to all the cowboy hats, country music, or sunsets on the sound.

  “This is amazing.” She stood next to the bar.

  I wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “How about a sunset table and a pitcher of margaritas?”

  “Let’s do it.” We walked arm in arm to one of the front water seats. Cole maneuvered through the tables with his crutches.

  “How’s everyone over here doing tonight? Kaitlyn, this your friend from North Carolina?”

  “Sure is. Mary Ellen, meet Hank, best bartender on the island. Hank, meet Mary Ellen, the best roommate a girl could have.”

  “Nice to meet you.” He shook her hand. “Hope you have a great vacation in South Padre. Cole and Kaitlyn put you up at the Dunes?”

  Mary Ellen took a sip of her margarita. “Yes, I love it. The place is adorable.”

  “Good. I’ve got to get back to the bar. Let me know if you need anything else.”

  “Nice meeting you, Hank.”

  I reached for the pitcher and poured another round for Mary Ellen and me, making sure to fill the blue glasses to t
he top. I just had to hope no one noticed I wasn’t actually drinking mine. If I kept reaching for the pitcher, maybe that would be enough to distract her.

  Mary Ellen turned to Cole. “So, what’s the deal with your secret uncle showing up?”

  “Mary Ellen.” I nudged her arm with my elbow.

  “Oh, sorry. Am I not supposed to bring that up?”

  Cole shifted his hurt leg with both hands. “I don’t know. I haven’t talked to him much. Kaitlyn probably knows more about him than I do.”

  Her eyes darted to me.

  “That’s not true. I’ve only talked to him a handful of times.” I picked up the drink and wasn’t prepared when the whiff of tequila made my stomach turn.

  “Well, I want to meet him,” she announced.

  Cole looked shocked. “And why is that?”

  “Because how many people do you know have a mysterious relative show up out of the blue? It’s reality TV stuff.”

  I shook my head. “I don’t think Aiden is that exciting. I don’t want you to be disappointed when you see him around.” I was admittedly holding back details about his sparkly eyes and chiseled jaw. One look at him and Mary Ellen would melt.

  “I just want to see him. You know I’m curious.”

  Cole rolled his eyes. “You should get your chance since he’s staying at the Dunes.”

  “He is?” Mary Ellen questioned me.

  “I thought I told you that part.” I couldn’t remember how much of the story I had relayed to her. Ever since Cole’s accident, life had been a blur.

  “Who else am I going to meet this week?” Mary Ellen held her glass forward for me. I picked up the pitcher.

  “Sasha and Cal just got engaged. You’ll meet them, and then Cal’s best friend, Lance. I think that’s it.”

  “Oh, what about Lance? Is he my type?” She grinned playfully.

  “Umm, Lance is a sweetheart really, but I don’t know that you’re going to be into him like that.” Lance was way too thin and lanky.

  Cole eased himself from the seat and leaned on his crutches.

  “Where are you going?” I asked.

  “Thought I’d let you girls catch up. I’ll see you when you get home.”

  “You’re leaving?” I was worried about him.

  “Darlin’, my leg’s killin’ me. I’ll let Polly go home early. You have fun.” He smiled at Mary Ellen. “Glad you made it in ok. See you tomorrow.”

  “Are you sure?” I asked.

  He leaned down to whisper in my ear. “I made a promise earlier. I plan to keep it.”

  I blushed. My body sizzled.

  I wanted to leave now and go back to bed with him. I wanted to tell him about the test I took in the drugstore on the way to the airport. But how was that going to go. How could I tell him while Mary Ellen was here?

  “Ok. I’ll be home soon,” I promised.

  “Good night, Cole,” Mary Ellen waved. She was enjoying the margaritas.

  I settled in for girl talk. We still had to analyze the Jesse break up. As I watched him walk out, I knew I couldn’t stay long.

  There was a light on over the stove and the bathroom door was cracked, illuminating the hallway. I poured myself a glass of water and chugged it. I had been thirsty for weeks. Another sign that I hadn’t paid attention to. Until this morning.

  I brushed my teeth in the bathroom, turned off the light, then checked on Grayson. He had dropped his bear. I picked it up and tucked it under his arm. My heart pounded in my chest. My hand flattened to my stomach. We were connected now in an undeniable way. He was our baby’s big brother. I leaned to kiss him on the forehead.

  I walked to the bedroom.

  Silver light filtered in from the windows. I could see Cole. He was breathing slowly under the covers. His bad leg was propped on a stack of pillows on the outside edge of the bed. We had to switch sides after the accident so I didn’t keep bumping into it while I was sleeping. I wondered how long he had been asleep, and if he had tried to wait up for me.

  I tugged on the heels of my boots and dropped them on the floor. I looked to see if the noise awakened Cole. He didn’t move.

  I stood to peel the jeans off my hips. I kicked them off. I tossed my tank top on the floor somewhere with the rest of the clothes. I watched as he slept. He had no idea I was here, almost naked, and dying to touch him.

  I crawled across the bed and hovered over him. I planted a kiss on his neck before moving to his ear, where my teeth started to bite and pull. I nudged my cheek against his and ran my hands over his chest, enjoying the rigid planes of his abs. As my hand descended below his waist, I heard him groan. Finally. He was awake.

  “Baby, I missed you,” he growled.

  “Darlin’, are you drunk?”

  “No.” I shook my head. I was completely sober and horny.

  I reached behind my back and unclasped my bra. The straps slid over my arms and I pushed it to the side. I rubbed my breasts along the side of his chest. God, it felt good.

  “That’s too bad,” he teased. “You without inhibition is…”

  “Is what?” I asked.

  “Dirty,” he growled.

  My pussy clenched. Just his words turned me on. “I can be dirty.”

  He raked over my breasts. “Then you need to show me what you want.”

  I looked at him, wedged in bed with pillows for his leg. He was at a disadvantage.

  I moaned. This was going to be impossible.

  He pressed a finger to my lips. “I promised you’d come. I don’t break promises.”

  “It’s too much,” I whispered. “Your leg. I don’t want to hurt you.”

  “The way I’m going to make you come has nothing to do with my leg,” he growled, gripping between my legs.

  I hissed as his fingers slid along my clit.

  “How?” I whimpered.

  “Give me your pussy, now,” he growled.

  He tugged against me and I followed his direction. “Cole.” I wiggled over him. He was drawing me upward. I couldn’t believe I was doing it, but I ached and throbbed. I needed him to release me.

  I gripped the headboard as his hands spread my folds and he blew a breath of warm air over my clit.

  “I said, give me your pussy to fuck, Kaitlyn.”

  I sank down as his tongue pushed inside me. My head reeled back.

  “Ohh.” The burn spread through me as Cole growled.

  His stubble chafed the inside of my thighs. His hands spread my cheeks as he worked a finger inside my ass. I whimpered, riding him shamelessly.

  I needed it. I bucked and jerked. His tongue ran over my clit before diving inside my pussy again.

  “Oh shit.” I threw my head back, grinding my hips into his face.

  He lapped and sucked harder and I lost control. He pumped a finger in and out of my tender rosebud as he brought me to an epic orgasm.

  I slammed my hands on the headboard, bouncing up and down. There was no control. There was no restraint. I came harder than I ever had.

  “God, I love you,” I groaned as my body shook from one wave after another.

  I took a giant breath and curled into a ball next to him.

  “I fucking love you, baby.” His voice was heavy and I knew he was ready to fall back asleep.

  My hand drifted to my stomach. I’d never felt so much love in my life, but I had to keep it from Cole just a little longer.

  16

  Kaitlyn

  Mary Ellen pulled wide sunglasses over her eyes as she walked into the sun.

  “How long do you have to work today?” she asked.

  I led her to the pool gate and let her in, noticing how loudly it squeaked. “Not very long. Cole’s coming by to bring us lunch, and then we have wedding planning with Sasha.”

  I tossed a few pool towels on an open chaise for my friend.

  She lowered herself onto the first one as if she was worried the world might tip. “Ok, good, so I can just veg here all morning?” She was battling a hangove
r from those margaritas.

  “Yep. Veg away. I’ll text you before lunch.” I headed to the gate.

  She pulled a bottle of water from her beach bag. “I’ll take a little nap, catch some rays, and—” She stifled a yawn. “—relax.”

  “Have fun. You know where to find me if you need anything.” I pointed to the office.

  A few hours later we were outside Maria’s Bridal Boutique. Sasha parked in front of the windows lined with wedding dresses. I had never been in this part of Brownsville. Mary Ellen looked skeptical.

  “I can’t wait for you to see the dress.” Sasha pulled the keys from the ignition. “This is my second fitting, so I’m hoping I don’t have to have any more alterations done.”

  We followed her into the store.

  Half of the boutique was filled with cocktail and prom dresses, while the other half was like a sea of white frosting. I had never seen so many wedding dresses in my life. Satin, tulle, lace, taffeta. It was everywhere.

  “It’s our favorite bride.” A woman with a tight white bun and tailored blue suit appeared from behind a curtain. She kissed Sasha on the cheek.

  “Hi, Miss Maria.” She turned to us. “This is my friend, Kaitlyn, and her friend, Mary Ellen.”

  I shook the woman’s hand.

  “Are you ready to try on your dress? I have it for you in the first dressing room.” She ushered Sasha toward the row of rooms. “You girls are welcome to browse or have a seat. We’ll be right back.”

  Mary Ellen darted to the cocktail side of the store. “Kaitlyn, look at this one.” She picked up a bright pink dress and held it against her body.

  “You should try it on. It looks like you.”

  “No, I don’t have an occasion to wear it.” She shoved it on the rack. “I think it will be awhile before I have anything fancy enough for a dress like that.”

  “Are you missing Jesse?” I held up a light blue strapless gown. I loved the color.

  “Jesse?” She laughed. “We were headed nowhere.”

  “Doesn’t mean you can’t miss him.” I wanted to try on the dress in my hand. And then I thought about how my body was changing.

  Mary Ellen checked the tag on a black cocktail number. She tucked the black dress on the rack. “Where is this bride?”