Barefoot in College: A New Adult Romance

by S Cinders

  I don’t care what Bri says, I guy knows when another guy is into a girl. And Sean was sending out stay the hell away from my girl vibes like no other. I don’t think that he expected me to ask Bri to move in with me. Sean probably wouldn’t have even called Katie had he have known.

  I owe him for calling my sister. Who knows when I would have found out about my child? Bri swears that she was about to tell me, but something in that doesn’t quite ring true. I glanced back over at her and noticed that her breathing had evened out. It was for the best, she needed the rest and I needed to clear my damn head.

  When I pulled into my driveway, I saw Katie’s car parked out front. I couldn’t help but smile. I had told Katie to wait until Bri was moved in. I guess to Katie this was close enough.

  “Bri,” I called her name softly while nudging her shoulder. Her long luscious eyebrows fluttered open and she looked at me hazily.

  “This is my favorite dream,” she murmured before closing her eyes again.

  She was so damn cute.

  “Bri,” I unbuckled her belt and touched her cheek. “We are home.”

  That sounded good on my lips, perfect even.

  “Home?” Bri opened her eyes again, “Liam!”

  Bri blushed, it was as if she finally realized where she was.

  “I can’t believe I fell asleep on you,” Bri wiped at what I am assuming was her nonexistent drool.

  “You needed to sleep. I just wanted to wake you up before Katie saw we were home.”

  Bri looked out the truck window at my nineteen thirties cottage. “You live here?” her voice was incredulous, “This is amazing.”

  I was proud of my home. I had bought it in sad repair and had spent a small fortune refurbishing the place. Most of the work, I could do at night or on the weekends. I found that I liked working with my hands, it gave me a good outlet since I wasn’t playing ball anymore.

  “This is our home now,” I smiled into her soft brown eyes. A small smile playing on my lips.

  “Our home,” she repeated under her breath. Her plump lower lip caught between her perfectly straightened teeth and I was a goner.

  This gorgeous exotic creature was carrying my child. The soldier in my pants was fighting to gain ground. I needed to shut this down before…

  “Bri!” Katie flew out of the front door and down the steps. Racing to the passenger side door, she flung it open. “I can’t believe that number one, you are pregnant and number two you didn’t tell me!”

  Bri’s blush increased, but her grin was contagious, “Don’t hate me, Katie I was so embarrassed. And then I didn’t know what to say.”

  Katie shook her head, “Silly girl! Don’t you know that you can tell me anything?”

  Bri laughed, “Okay, I drank too much at your wedding and woke up in your brother’s hotel room.”

  This was my cue to leave. My soldier was on full retreat.

  Katie’s eyes whipped to mine, “At my wedding? Eww! Liam, how could you?”

  I got out of the truck and went help Bri down. She felt perfect in my arms and I didn’t want to let her go. I compromised by leaning in close to smell her tangy sweet perfume. “Why don’t you go inside with Nosey and Judgmental, and I will get your things.”

  Katie wrinkled her face, “I am not Nosey! Or Judgmental!”

  Bri started to laugh, it was a deep belly laugh that made something loosen inside that I hadn’t even known was too tight.

  Katie rolled her eyes, “Whatever, I will get all the details later. Let’s get you inside and settled into the guest room. Gracie wanted to come and say hi, but she had dance lessons tonight. I told her that we would have a spa day and get pedicures as soon as you were feeling up to it.”

  Bri looked like she was going to cry, “That sounds perfect, Katie. Just what I needed.”

  Katie and Bri made their way into the house and as I watched them it struck me again how right this felt. I knew that Bri wasn’t the slightest bit in love with me. And to be honest I wasn’t sure if I was in love with her. But I damn well wanted to find out. Because Bri was special, there was no doubt about it.

  CHAPTER 8- Brianna

  “So, you’re knocked up?” Katie’s eyes were twinkling and I could tell that she loved using my own words against me. I couldn’t help but grin back at my best friend.

  We had settled on the guest room bed, that I suppose is now my room. I was shocked at how comfortable and charming Liam’s house was. I am not sure what I was expecting, maybe a black leather and chrome bachelor pad. But he had warm hardwood floors with plush rugs and a large overstuffed sofa.

  My room featured a large sleigh bed and was done in jade tones. I could see a woman’s touch here. As I fingered the soft cashmere blanket I saw Katie watching me.

  “I am officially knocked up, by your brother no less. I feel like this is an episode of Montel!”

  Katie threw back her head laughing. Her long blond hair was pulled up into a ponytail and she looked very much the same as we did at seventeen. I felt like a piece of trash next to her. I couldn’t remember the last time I fixed my hair or put make-up on. Oh, how the mighty are fallen.

  “Bri, you have been telling me that you’ve had the hots for my brother since I met you. I am not terribly surprised that you hooked up. The way that you were dancing together at the wedding said it all. What shocks me is that you are pregnant. Did you not use protection?”

  This was the problem with saying whatever you want to people over the years. They feel like they have the same license, “Katie, you aren’t going to believe this.”

  She grinned at me, “This sounds juicy!”

  I rolled my eyes, “Or stupid, Katie I don’t remember what happened that night. I drank so much that I have few memories of what we did. And you know me, I damn well would remember if I could. I felt so idiotic that I escaped as quickly as I could the next day. For all I know I hog tied him down.”

  Katie squealed with laughter, “I am pretty sure that had you tied him down, he would have returned the favor. Oh Bri, you have certainly gotten yourself into a pickle. What did your mom say?”

  I flushed, “I haven’t called her yet.”

  Her eyes widened, “Don’t you think you should?”

  I felt a rush of shame, which was ridiculous. But I didn’t want to tell my mom that I had been so irresponsible. Nor did I want to tell her that I was fired from my job at the university. I also didn’t want her to know that I was living with a man I hardly knew, who was paying all my bills. It wasn’t the type of situation that I was necessarily proud of.

  “I will call her,” I swallowed uncomfortably, “When I am ready.”

  Katie leaned over and hugged me, “Bri, she is your mom and she loves you. It will be okay. What about Sean? How is he taking things, especially your moving out of the apartment?”

  I frowned, “It’s crazy, he was all over me to tell Liam about the baby. And then when I didn’t he called you when I was in the hospital. Technically, it is because of him that Liam now knows. But he didn’t want me to leave, he even asked me to marry him.”

  Katie was shocked, “I thought you were just friends.”

  “We are just friends, I promise you. I don’t know if I have just become safe and familiar and he doesn’t want to be alone or what. But he was acting like I was dying when I left. I love Sean, and don’t want to lose him in my life. Which leads me to Liam, he was acting incredibly strange on the way here.”

  Katie crossed her legs on the mattress, “What do you mean?”

  “He accused Sean of being in love with me. I told him it was nothing like that, but I don’t think he believed me.”

  Katie shrugged, “Maybe he is jealous?”

  “I thought that too, but then I quickly reminded myself that he would have no reason to be jealous. Liam even talked about living as roommates with me only and the possibility of us both dating.”

  Katie knew me well enough to know that this was upsetting to me. “Did you tell him you
weren’t comfortable with that?”

  I bit my lip, “No, I said it would be fine.”

  “Oh, Bri, you will certainly not be fine with that. Besides feeling like shit being pregnant, your hormones will be all over the place. You are likely to flay any woman he brings here. It is a good thing that he doesn’t go out much.”

  I perked up, “He doesn’t?”

  Katie looked at me, “No, not a whole lot. Why, did he say differently?”

  “I can’t remember the exact words, but he implied that he dated a lot.”

  Katie rolled onto her back laughing, “That settles it, he was definitely jealous of Sean. I can’t believe that he told you that. He works all the time, Liam doesn’t date a lot, when would he?”

  “That’s another thing,” I felt embarrassed asking, but I wanted to know, “What does Liam do?”

  “You don’t know?”

  I shook my head, “Haven’t a clue.”

  “Liam works for dental manufacturing company as an engineer. And then at night he coaches a little league baseball team. Between overtime and ball practice he is pretty booked up.”

  There was a knock on the door, startling me out of whatever I was going to say.

  Liam poked his head in the door, “I am going to fix something for supper. Does anything sound good, Bri?”

  I grimaced, food and I were not friends.

  Katie smiled, “I brought you some doughnuts from Franks.”

  My mouth watered, “That sounds amazing.”

  Liam’s lips formed a small smile, “Doughnuts for dinner it is.”

  CHAPTER 9- Liam

  We had fallen into a good rhythm, Bri and I. I desperately wanted to strip her naked and lick every inch of her body. And she walked around here like a zombie feeling like shit. The only times that I really felt like I was helping was when she would allow me to massage her feet. The woman had wickedly sexy feet, I couldn’t touch any part of her without getting a boner.

  Bri had finally stopped throwing-up or at the very least, not nearly as much. She was starting to get a little round belly and it pissed her right off. Because she is so tall and slender, I don’t think that many even know that she is expecting.

  She finally decided to tell her mom, in fact that is where we were headed in my truck. Bri had on a short, knit skirt and a loose, flowing top. There hasn’t been anything that she has worn that I am not a fan of. And that includes her ratty sweatshirt and my boxers. I am a huge fan of her wearing that.

  “You are awfully quiet,” Bri said and I glance over at her.

  She had her plump lower lip caught in her teeth and I wanted her so bad I could almost taste it.

  “Just thinking,” I replied with what I’d hoped was a casual smile.

  “About work?” she asked, and I knew that was my opportunity to lie.

  So, when, “about you,” popped out of my mouth I wanted to punch myself.

  Her cheeks were rosy and I know that she was embarrassed but also a little intrigued. I love looking at her. Bri’s skin is the loveliest color of mocha that I have ever seen. Her big chocolatey eyes are gazing at me expectantly. Aw hell, I can’t remember what I last said to her.

  “Your Mom is going to be so happy,” I blurted out.

  Bri grimaced, “Somehow I do not think that will be her response.”

  “I am happy,” it seemed the truths just kept tumbling out.

  She glanced at me quickly, “Really? You aren’t just saying that?”

  I reached over and grabbed her hand. It was cold and I captured it in my larger warn one. “This is not how I pictured it would be when I had kids. But I have always wanted them. So, yes, I am happy, very much so.”

  Bri gave me a shy smile and I felt ten feet tall. Suddenly she leaned over and rested her head on my shoulder. “Thank you, Liam. I don’t know how I could have gotten through the last bit without you.”

  I felt my throat tighten. Having her near me was heaven. “It was nothing, honestly. Glad to have the company.”

  She squeezed my hand and rested her eyes as she continued to lay against my shoulder. And for the rest of the drive she stayed there.

  When we pulled up at her mother’s place I felt her tighten up.

  “Bri, we are in this together. Your Mom loves you. It is going to be okay.” I didn’t know what else to say to ease her mind.

  “I just don’t want her to be disappointed in me,” Bri whispered.

  I tipped her chin up so that I could see her troubled eyes, “You are the most incredible woman I know. And right here inside of you is our child, growing and changing every day. You could never disappoint me and anyone else that thinks that way is dead wrong.”

  Bri swallowed shakily, “You are too good to me, Liam.”

  “Not good enough, Sweetheart,” I gave into my urges and kissed her forehead. She smelled of something flowery and sweet. I loved her scent and found myself walking around the house just looking for it.

  We walked up the steps and the front door swung open, “Liam? It’s wonderful to see you, son. And Bri, you look thin, Honey, are you dieting? I have told you time and time again that those fad diets are bad for you. Both of you, come in, come in.”

  Bri smiled but there was no humor in in, “I am not dieting, Mom. I just haven’t felt well this past few weeks.”

  Dr. Carlson clucked her tongue and then looked over at Liam, “I don’t think I have seen you in five years, Liam. How are you doing?”

  I cleared my throat, “I am doing well, Dr. Carlson, still working as an engineer in the dental field.” I sounded like an ass and wanted to shut-up as soon as possible.

  Dr. Carlson shook her head, “That is wonderful dear. I saw Katie and Gracie not too long ago, that niece of yours is certainly a pretty little thing—all of that curly red hair.”

  I couldn’t contain the smile that came to my lips at the mentioning of Gracie, I loved the kid with all my soul. “Gracie is the best thing that ever happened to our family. I know that Colt and Katie have been trying to have another so that she will have a brother or sister.”

  Bri looked at me in surprise, “I didn’t know that.”

  I felt hot under the collar, surely that wasn’t a secret?

  Dr. Carlson looked back at her daughter, “Bri, you do look a little green around the edges. Are you sleeping well?”

  Bri’s lips pinched, “Well, not exactly.”

  I could see the doctor in Dr. Carlson take over, “Have you been in for tests? It’s not like you to be ill.”

  Bri sighed, “I am not sick, Mom.”

  Dr. Carlson looked confused, “Well if you aren’t sick—you know, if I didn’t know any better, I would think you were pregnant. But surely that cannot be the case.”

  Bri looked at me and I took her outstretched hand, Dr. Carlson didn’t miss the gesture.

  “Oh goodness, you’re pregnant!”

  CHAPTER 10- Brianna

  My mom was staring at me in disbelief and I wanted to sink through the floor. Liam came and stood beside me, wrapping his arm around my back.

  My mother’s eyes don’t miss anything and I expected her to start lecturing me on my irresponsibility and how I have ruined my life. But to my amazement she did the least expected thing, she cried.

  And not sad tears, or at least she said they were happy tears.

  “Brianna Maria Carlson, you are having a baby!” My mother wrapped me in a hug, forcing Liam’s hand to fall away.

  She then turned to Liam and embraced him, “And you and Brianna are together! I don’t know why you didn’t tell me, Bri. I could not be happier for your little family. When is the wedding?”

  I choked, “Wedding? What…”

  Liam interrupted me, “Dr. Carlson, we haven’t made any formal plans. Bri has been very sick.”

  This was the perfect way to divert my mother’s attention. She launched into a lengthy dialog about proper prenatal care. And then she insisted that I come and see her.

  “How many weeks a
re you?”

  I looked to Liam who smiled warmly at me, “I am almost twenty weeks.”

  Mom was floored, “But you are so tiny!”

  Liam wrapped his arm protectively around me, “Everything is going as it should be, Dr. Carlson.”

  I leaned back into him, loving the warmth and security that I felt.

  “I would feel more comfortable if I could check you out at my office, Bri.”

  I nodded at her. I trust my mother implicitly and it had been difficult to go to another doctor. “I will mom, this week, I promise.”

  My mother nodded happily, “I just can’t believe that my little girl is having a baby. How are things going at work?”

  Liam squeezed my shoulder, and I took a deep breath, “I decided to leave the college.”

  “Brianna, you had the perfect job there. Why would you leave?”

  “I was really sick at the beginning, Mom. I was actually let go,” telling her the truth was hard.

  “That’s not legal! We can sue to get your position back. They cannot discriminate against a pregnant woman. I of all people know that. We will call Hal, my lawyer.” She went to go grab her phone but Liam stopped her.

  “Bri and I have talked about this. If she wants to work when the baby is born Bri will have plenty of opportunities. But for right now our greatest concern is Bri’s health and that of the baby’s.”

  My mother kept opening and closing her mouth. I knew that she wanted to fight him on this, but honestly, I did not have the energy to work. I could barely function keeping the house up and let’s face it. Liam did most of that. I know that I was not typical of most pregnant women. But he was right, we had figured out a way that was working for us.

  “Please just be happy for me, Mom,” I pleaded with her.

  “Of course, I am happy for you, sweetheart!” My mom’s lips pinched with worry, but she didn’t argue anymore about the job.

  Mom had fixed chicken with rice pilaf and we all gathered around her sleek dining table to eat. At first things were stilted, but Liam was his usual charming self and soon he had all of us laughing.