Carla grins at me, her eyes sparkling with emotion. “I don’t think you’ll ever know how much I love you.”
I lean over the console and press a kiss to her mouth, then I pull the seatbelt over her. “Gotta keep my baby and my woman safe.”
The trip to the store worked like I hoped it would. Carla seems more relaxed as I drive us back to Trinity.
Once we’re back in the suite, I carry the bag to Carla’s room. I place the supplements with the other vitamins, and I position the stuffed animal against her pillows. When I set the stretch mark cream on the bedside table, I say, “That’s for later. I’m going to shower before we go for dinner.”
“Can we order in?” Carla asks.
I notice a nervous flutter on her face, and moving closer to her, I tilt my head. “Is there a reason why you don’t want to eat at the restaurant?”
She shrugs and lifting a hand, she begins to fidget with the hem of my shirt, then she mumbles, “It feels like the other students can see the word pregnancy written all over my face.”
I raise a hand, and placing a finger beneath her chin, I nudge her face up so she’ll look at me. “Even if they could, and when they find out, it doesn’t matter. What matters is you, me, and our baby. Nothing else.”
A heartrending expression makes Carla more beautiful than she’s ever been. “Noah…” she breathes, “the three of us sounds like a family.”
My mouth curves up. “Yeah.”
Her chin begins to tremble. “I never thought I’d get to have a family with you.”
I press a soft kiss to her quivering lips, and placing my hand over her stomach, I murmur, “Mine.”
Chapter 18
CARLA
As I throw the covers on my bed back, Noah comes into my bedroom. I notice how he locks the door behind him before he moves closer to me.
His eyes drift over my shorts and t-shirt, and then his lips curve up as he murmurs, “You’re a little overdressed.”
“Yeah?”
Noah takes hold of my shirt and pulls it over my head. I push my shorts down my legs and kick them to the side.
His gaze drops to my panties, and then his eyes flick back up to mine. “Everything.”
I can’t keep the wide smile from spreading over my face as I step out of my underwear.
I drop my voice low as I ask, “Now that you have me all naked, what are you planning to do with me?”
Noah tips his head at the bed. “Lie down on your back.”
I do as he says, but then he reaches for the stretch mark lotion, and I let out a burst of laughter. “Ooooh… am I getting a massage?”
A sexy smirk tugs at Noah’s lips as he positions himself between my knees. He takes off his shirt, giving me a perfect view of his chest, abs, and those hot as hell muscles disappearing into his sweatpants. Squirting some lotion into his palm, he warms it before his hands settle on my sides.
My gaze follows his movements as he works his way up to my breasts, every now and then, adding more lotion. When his hands slip down to my thighs, my eyes drift to his face.
It’s been a month since Noah kissed me for the first time, and I still marvel at the thought that my dream came true.
He’s mine. I’m carrying his child.
Everything happened so fast I don’t think it will start to sink in any time soon.
Noah must’ve noticed that my mind drifted because his palm cups me between my legs, and he pushes a finger inside me.
My eyes focus on his face, and seeing the dominance burning in his hazel gaze makes me part my legs wider for him. He massages me lightly until need begins to pour into my veins.
Then he surprises me by pulling his hand away from me and saying, “Turn on your stomach.”
I turn over, and before I can start wondering what he’s up to, his hands spread lotion over my back. My eyes drift shut as I let out a moan, murmuring, “Heavenly.”
I’m a second away from falling asleep when Noah’s hand slips between my legs, and he begins to rub me hard. My head clears of all sleep, and soon he has me grinding back against him. I can feel the orgasm building, but then Noah stops, drawing a frustrated groan from me.
Glancing over my shoulder, I watch as he steps out of his sweatpants, and then he lies down beside me. He pulls me onto my side, and, pushing my legs apart with his own, he positions himself at my entrance.
Entering me with a hard thrust, Noah’s mouth latches onto my neck. He pushes his right arm under my head, wrapping it around me, while his left hand finds my clit.
His thrusts grow hard and deep, and each one feels as if he’s trying to permanently brand me. Having him seize my body in such a controlling way makes me spiral into a state of bliss.
Just when I think it can’t get any better, Noah’s thrusts speed up, and the friction sets my body on fire as pleasure shudders through me. It’s more intense than I’m used to, and I can only manage silent gasps.
He keeps filling me with fast and hard thrusts, prolonging my orgasm until my body feels sated. Only then does he tense against me, his teeth sinking into my shoulder.
Noah holds me tightly as he catches his breath, and then he says, “That position worked pretty well.”
“Definitely,” I agree.
His hand moves to my stomach, as he explains, “For when our baby bump starts to grow.”
A smile stretches over my face. “Yeah? Are you planning on having sex until I go into labor?”
Noah pulls out of me and turns me onto my back. His gaze is intense as it locks with mine. “Definitely.”
“Even when I’m the size of a baby whale?” I tease him.
His mouth curves up. “Don’t worry about the weight you’ll pick up. Okay? I’m still going to want you even when you’re moody and telling me to sleep in the corner of the room.”
I let out a burst of laughter because he remembers what I did with the pillow whenever he made me angry.
Lifting my hand to his jaw, I brush my fingers over the day-old scruff. “When did you start to realize you liked me?”
A sexy smirk tugs at his lips. “When you cut off my shirt.”
“Yeah?” I wag my eyebrows at him. “Was it the kink factor that got to you?”
Noah shakes his head. “It was the way you looked at me.” He presses a soft kiss to my lips. “It was also the first time you touched me.” Noah’s smile grows. “And then there was the fake orgasm. That kind of sealed the deal.”
I laugh because I remember that night as if it happened yesterday. “So I didn’t imagine the desire in your eyes.”
Noah shakes his head. “Nope. You had me hard as steel.”
Needing the bathroom, I say, “Be right back.” I go to relieve myself, and after I’ve washed my hands, my eyes dart to the mirror. For the first time, I don’t only feel apprehension as I look at my stomach. My fingers brush over the toned skin, and my mouth curves up at the flutter of excitement.
NOAH
It’s been two weeks since we found out we’re expecting. Carla’s fatigue is much better, and her appetite is normal.
We’re sitting in the living room sharing a pizza for dinner when I mention, “I think we should tell our parents.”
Carla’s eyes dart to mine as she freezes.
Seeing the worry creep into her eyes, I say, “My mom and dad will be fine.”
Carla sets the half-eaten slice down on her plate, then asks, “Won’t they think less of me?”
I take the plate out of her hands and place it on the coffee table. Pulling her against my chest, I press a kiss to her temple. “My parents aren’t judgemental. You’ll see. They’ll be supportive.” I take hold of Carla’s jaw and nudge her face up so she’ll look at me. “My mom can recommend an obstetrician because you need to start going for monthly check-ups. Okay?”
Carla stares at me for a moment, and when I give her a comforting smile, she nods. “Okay.”
“And we need to tell your parents, Carla. Even if they get upset, they need
to know. We can’t hide it forever.”
She lets out a sigh. “I know. I’m just scared. Every time I call them or they call me, I have a mini nervous breakdown.”
“All the more reason to tell them. Once it’s out of the way, we can focus on our baby.”
Carla nods. “You’re right.”
Aria and Forest come into the suite with containers of food.
“Hi, guys,” Carla says, smiling at them. “We’re thinking of watching a movie. Want to join us?”
“Sure,” Forest replies.
Aria begins to plate their meals, and the instant the smell fills the air, Carla darts up and runs for her room.
I go after her and reach her in time as she sinks to the floor in front of the toilet. I gather her hair away from her face as her body begins to convulse.
“Is she okay?” Forest asks from a safe distance.
“Yeah. Probably the pizza. Can you shut the door?” I ask, and the moment we’re alone, I sit down on the side of the tub, rubbing a hand over Carla’s back until she’s done.
She leans against my leg, taking deep breaths while I flush the toilet and close the lid.
I help her to her feet so she can brush her teeth, and I make sure she drinks some water before I ask, “Feeling better?”
She takes another deep breath, then says, “I don’t know what they’re having for dinner, but it smelled awful.”
“Let’s watch a movie in my room. I’ll check what they’re having so we’ll know what brings on the nausea.”
“Okay.”
Walking out of Carla’s room, I watch her go into mine before heading back to the living room. While I close the pizza box and clean our plates, I notice Forest and Aria are having fried chicken for dinner. I take two juices from the fridge then say, “We’re going to head to bed. I think an early night will do Carla good. Night, guys.”
“Let us know if she needs anything,” Aria offers.
“Thanks.” I smile before I go back to Carla.
Walking into my room, I close the door behind me then hand Carla an orange juice. “How do you feel?”
“Still nauseous, but better.”
I sit down beside her on the bed, stretching my legs out as I lean back against the pillows. “Fried chicken is a no go for you.”
Carla shrugs. “I didn’t like it that much to begin with.” She takes a couple of sips from her juice before she asks, “What are we watching?”
I stare at her until she asks, “What?”
Shaking my head, I say, “Nothing. I’m just thinking about how thankful I am for you.”
She scrunches her nose.
Lifting my hand, I tuck some of her hair behind her ear. “Thank you for carrying our child.”
Carla’s bottom lip juts out, and then emotion washes over her face. “You’re going to make me cry.”
When I see she’s fighting to keep the tears back, I murmur, “Then cry, babe. You don’t have to be strong all the time. That’s why you have me.”
Carla face plants against my chest, and I quickly remove the juice from her hand and set it down beside me on the bedside table. Wrapping my arms around her, I place a hand behind her head and hold her to me.
After a couple of seconds, she mumbles, “I don’t even know why I’m crying.”
“It’s probably your hormones,” I explain. “Progesterone, estrogen, and hCG. They say a woman will produce more estrogen during one pregnancy than throughout her entire life when not pregnant.”
“Noah,” Carla mutters. “No biology lessons. Just hold me.”
I let out a chuckle as I press a kiss to her hair. “Okay.”
Chapter 19
CARLA
We’ve decided to tell my parents first, and as Noah steers the car up the driveway, it feels like I’m going to be sick.
“I’m going to throw up,” I mutter. Noah brings the car to a sudden stop, and his eyes snap to me. Letting out a chuckle, I add, “From nerves, not because of morning sickness.”
“Oh,” Noah lets out a sigh of relief. “It would suck if that’s the way they find out.”
I let out another chuckle. “Yeah, me running into the house to throw up.”
Noah gives my thigh a squeeze. “Are you ready?”
“No thanks, I choose life,” I impersonate Sid.
He lets out a chuckle, then says, “Let’s do this.”
When we climb out of the car, I rub my hands over my dress to get rid of the sweaty feel.
Yep, today’s the day I die.
I take a deep breath as Noah comes to link his fingers with mine, and then we walk to the front door. I let us in with my set of keys, then call out, “We’re here.”
Mom comes out of the kitchen, a wide smile on her face. “Ahh… finally. I’ve been telling Carla to bring you over for dinner since she told me you’re dating.”
Mom gives me a hug before hugging Noah. Besides Mom just wanting me to be happy, she also grew up with Noah’s parents, so she’s close with them. Which helps a lot. She’ll stop Dad from killing us.
“Hi, Sweetheart,” Dad says as he comes out of the living room.
My stomach instantly begins to churn with nerves as I lean in to hug him. “Hi, Daddy.”
“Noah, welcome. It’s good to see you,” Dad says as he shakes Noah’s hand. “Let’s sit in the living room.”
We all follow Dad inside, and once we’re seated, my leg begins to jump at the speed of light. Noah places his hand over my knee to stop the movement, but it’s too late because my parents already noticed.
Dad’s eyes dart between us while Mom tilts her head.
Then Mom’s eyes widen, and she lets out a gasp. “Oh, my God. You’re pregnant.”
I pull an ‘I’m sorry’ face.
Dad’s eyes narrow on Noah, and it has me rambling, “I had the flu. I’m sorry.”
“What?” Dad grumbles.
“I had the flu, and I think that’s why the pill didn’t work,” I explain.
Dad shakes his head. “So you are pregnant?”
Oh, shit.
I nod, bracing myself for the worst.
Dad just stares at me while Mom darts to her feet, saying, “You’re pregnant. Okay.” She takes a deep breath. “You’re pregnant.”
A dark frown forms on Dad’s brow as his eyes snap to Noah. “You got my daughter pregnant? Ever heard of a condom?”
“That was a mistake on my part, Sir,” Noah replies.
“We both made a mistake, Dad,” I jump in, not willing to let Noah take the fall by himself.
“Holy cow,” Mom murmurs.
“You fucking impregnated my daughter. She’s only eighteen!” Dad growls.
“Yes, the timing isn’t ideal. If it were up to us, we would’ve waited, but seeing as it’s happened, I am taking full responsibility,” Noah says, still way too calm for how much danger we’re in right now.
“You bet your ass you’ll take responsibility,” Dad almost roars. I shrink against Noah’s side and grab hold of his hand as emotion pushes up my throat.
God, I knew it was going to be bad.
Noah pulls his hand free from beneath mine, and then he wraps his arm around my shoulders.
The action makes Dad take a moment to breathe through his anger. “Christ,” he mutters as he lifts both his hands to rub over his face.
“Calm down, Julian,” Mom finally jumps in. “You had me pregnant at nineteen.” Dad turns a glare to Mom, which earns him a look a warning from her. “Accidents happen. Biting their heads off won’t make it any better.”
Mom turns her attention back to me. “How do you feel?”
My chin begins to quiver. “Emotional… happy… scared.”
Noah tightens his arm around me, and placing his other hand over mine, he gives me a squeeze for encouragement.
Mom’s gaze turns to Noah. “And you, Noah? How do you feel?”
“Like I said, we didn’t plan for it to happen, but I’m happy. Carla’s an amazing woman, and I
’m lucky to have her. I’ll take good care of her and our baby.”
“When are you getting married?” Dad suddenly asks, making me jump in my seat.
“Seriously?” Mom gives Dad an incredulous look. “They don’t have to get married right away.”
“I want Carla to have the wedding of her dreams, so we’ll get married when she has time to focus on the preparations,” Noah answers. “Right now, I’m helping her with her school work, and we’re focusing on keeping her healthy.”
“My average has gone up since Noah’s been helping me,” I add. “Noah makes sure I’m taking all my prenatal supplements, and… he’s really been amazing.”
Dad tilts his head. “So you will finish your MBA even though you’re pregnant?”
“Yes.”
“We obviously won’t live on campus after the baby’s born,” Noah adds.
His comment makes Dad’s eyebrow pop up. “Oh, yeah? Where do you plan on living?”
“We’ll get a house of our own,” Noah answers.
“Which, I guess, either your parents or we will have to provide?” Dad asks, his eyes narrowing again.
Noah shakes his head, and it has a slight frown forming on my brow because I don’t know how we’ll afford a house otherwise.
“I’ve been working every summer since I turned eighteen, and I invested whatever I made. I’m also accelerating my studies, and I’ll write my finals in a month so I can start working sooner. I’ll be able to take care of Carla without any help from my parents.”
Holy shit.
My mouth drops open, and I can only stare at Noah like a gaping fish out of water.
NOAH
The hostility begins to drain from Mr. Reyes’ face, which I’m taking as a good sign.
I can feel Carla’s eyes on me, but I keep my gaze locked with Mr. Reyes’.
He takes a deep breath, then mutters, “Well, at least you’re able to provide for Carla.”
“And the baby,” Mrs. Reyes adds. She walks over to us, and Carla quickly climbs to her feet. The women hug, then Mrs. Reyes says, “As long as you’re happy, I’m happy.”
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