Risk (Desired Affliction Book 3)

by C. A. Harms

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Natalie

  It was like a dream!

  Adam knelt before me holding one of the most beautiful rings I had ever seen. He looked at me, awaiting my answer but I couldn’t speak. I had so many fears running through my head and I literally couldn’t make my mouth work. I wanted to say yes, God did I want to. But there was this fear beating away in my chest.

  “Natalie?” Adam whispered.

  I tried to control my breathing but it became harder to do. He rose up onto his knees and his lips brushed mine gently. I felt a calmness settle within me from his touch. When I opened my eyes, I had noticed that everyone had stepped out of the room.

  “I’m sorry,” I whispered.

  Adam’s fingertips brushed my jaw. “Don’t be sorry, baby. Just tell me what’s going on in that head of yours. Tell me what you’re feeling?’

  “I’m scared. Isn’t it too soon? We just moved in together, Adam.” I was so worried he was rushing things. I didn’t want regrets in our lives. I wanted him to know he truly wanted to marry me, not wake up one day wishing he could go back and change his choices.

  I was terrified of being alone one day, without him.

  He stood up and sat back onto the coffee table across from me. His hand ran up into his hair and he closed his eyes tightly.

  “Where out there in the world is there a timeline for love? Tell me that Natalie. Where does it state that you can’t fall in love until after a year? Where does it state that no one can get engaged until after two years?” He was firing off one question after another. “I’m sorry, Nat, but I don’t give a fuck about who thinks this is too fast.”

  Adam’s expression was so determined.

  He knelt down in front of me once again and took my hands into his. “Baby, I’m not saying marry me today. Hell I’m not even saying next month.” He reached forward, placing his fingers under my chin, tipping my face upward. My eyes met his. “Natalie, I love you. You came along and turned my world upside down. You pulled me out of a rut that I had been stuck in for so long. You made me realize I was meant for more than just wasting my life the way that I was. Baby, I was meant to love you…I was meant to find you and to love you Nat. There’s no one out there I would rather share my life with than you.” He swiped at the tear that rolled down my cheek.

  “Natalie Ryan, will you please say that one day, whenever that day may be, you’ll marry me?”

  With a shuddering breath, I met his eyes once more. “Adam, I love you, too, but this is crazy. Just over six months ago you where waking up with a different girl every weekend. You weren’t thinking about marriage and about being a father. I just don’t want you to one day realize this was all rushed, that you regret the choices that you’ve made. You make me happy, Adam, you really do. I adore you and everything you’ve done for me. I’m just scared. I’m so scared that you’ll walk away from me, from us.”

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Adam

  At that moment my heart ached. I didn’t know what to say. I had no idea how to explain to this beautiful girl that she consumed me. She burrowed so deep within me that I could almost guarantee without her I wouldn’t be able to breathe. The thought of not having Natalie sent a sense of panic through my chest.

  I literally felt as if I had no air.

  I needed her, I wanted her so badly.

  Not just because she was carrying my child, but because I didn’t ever want to spend a day without her. Her smile lit up my fucking world and her laugh warmed my heart. Hell even when she was pissed at me and yelling, I fucking adored her. She would squint her eyes and place her hands on her sweet little hips when she was trying to appear stern and angry. It took everything I had not to smile and piss her off more.

  I nudged my way in between her knees and pulled her forward so I was now nestled between her thighs. I gripped her hips and leaned forward, looking up into her gorgeous eyes. “I could never walk away from you or our son. Even if things for some reason didn’t go the way we wanted them to, I would still be here for the both of you. You’ll both have me forever, Nat, forever. I’ll spend the rest of my life taking care of you both no matter what. My love for you is strong enough for me to know that no matter what happens between us, you’ll always have me.”

  She leaned forward, placing her forehead against mine, and her eyes remained closed. I could hear her breathing and the melody of it calmed me. This girl held my heart in her hands and I prayed to god she was gentle. I was about to speak when she whispered, “Yes.”

  I swallowed hard and closed my eyes tightly, praying like hell that I had not imagined that one word fall from her lips.

  “Yes?” I repeated.

  I still had not opened my eyes because I was too busy begging for the answer I needed to hear within my mind. I felt her pull away and I could feel her staring at me but I refused to open my eyes.

  “Yes, Adam, I’ll marry you…but you have to promise one thing.”

  It was then that I opened my eyes. “Anything.”

  “Promise me that we’ll always talk. Promise that we’ll never let anyone come between us and no matter what, we will always be there for each other. No questions asked…we come first, our family, you, me, and our child. No more jumping to conclusions or assuming the worst, we always trust each other and talk things through.”

  I smiled as if that was ever a question. “That’s more than one thing, Nat, but I can promise you all of them. I can guarantee all of those things and so much more. Your heart is safe with me, baby…I promise you.”

  This time I took her face into my hands and brought my lips to hers. “I love you so much.” I whispered against her lips. “I love you.”

  ***

  I forgot about the girls being on the phone until I heard the squealing. I had never hung up the phone and those two girls were holding on this whole time.

  I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself when I picked up the phone and handed it to Natalie. “Here you go, talk to your girls. I’m gonna go let everyone know you didn’t say no.”

  Her expression looked pained, “I’m so sorry I ruined your proposal.”

  I leaned down and kissed her sweet lips, “You didn’t ruin anything, baby. You had concerns and we worked them out, right?” She nodded. “Be all girly and giddy with your friends. I’m gonna go in the kitchen and pound on my chest like I just conquered the world.” I kissed her softly. “It may not have been what others refer to as the world, but it’s mine and I sure as shit won.” I winked and kissed her once more before walking away.

  Facing all the concerned faces when I entered the kitchen almost made me laugh. “Calm down, everybody. She said yes.”

  That was all it took. Kate and mom rushed past me toward the family room and all the guys started shaking my hand. My eyes met Natalie’s grams first and of course the little flirt winked. She was a feisty little thing and I know Natalie learned it from her for sure. They reminded me of one another so much.

  Her dad shook my hand and shared a manly back slap with me. “Congratulations, boy, take care of her heart.”

  “With everything I have, that’s a guarantee.”

  ***

  Christmas morning came fast.

  Waking up with Natalie against my chest was the best gift I could’ve gotten. The way she fit against me perfectly just confirmed the fact that she was made for me alone. This girl seriously had no idea how far she sunk me.

  There was no way back from how far I had fallen for her.

  I knew it was quick, but hell if it wasn’t impossible to avoid. Natalie was amazing.

  Sitting in the family room watching everyone pass around gifts and smile at one another made me realize all over again just how perfect things were.

  After Breann and Nate destroyed my trust and left a huge hole in my chest, I never thought I would want to take another chance on love again. I never let myself imagine this togetherness. Now, I couldn’t imagine my life without it.

  “He
re, this is for you.”

  I looked up just as Natalie set a large box next to me. It was wrapped in silver paper with a big red shiny bow.

  I reached out and ran my finger across the top of the box and smiled. “You didn’t have to get me anything, you know. Just you saying ‘Yes’ to me was the only gift I needed.”

  Natalie smiled in return. “Open it, please.”

  The moment I lifted the lid off of the box and found what it held, my eyes flipped to meet hers.

  “I found everything in a big box in the bottom of your closet. I thought it deserved a better home.”

  Natalie had found my sketches and had them bound in a leather portfolio. She also included a charcoal pencil kit and sharpener too.

  Once I opened the folder, I found the sketches I had been working on recently. Some of Natalie while she was sleeping next to me from one of the first nights she stayed at my apartment. Further back, I found some of my family and a few scenery sketches from different areas I had been. My chest was tight and I attempted to swallow back my emotion.

  “Thank you,” it came out in a hoarse whisper. “This means more than you know, Nat.” I hadn’t drawn in so long. I sort of threw it aside after my world crashed so many years ago. When I moved to North Carolina and found out Natalie was pregnant, I started sketching again. Damn if it didn’t feel good the moment I put that pencil to the paper.

  “Why didn’t you ever show me these?” she asked.

  I smiled and pulled her hand up to kiss her knuckles. “I don’t know, but I’m glad you found them. This is such an amazing gift. Thank you, baby.” I pulled her close to my chest and kissed her forehead. “You’re amazing.”

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Natalie

  “So how was your Christmas break?”

  I looked up from my textbook to find Noah hovering over me with a huge smile on his face.

  “Hey,” I said, feeling just slightly uncomfortable. “Um, it was good actually. Really good.”

  “Yeah? From the looks of that rock on your ring finger I would have to agree with you. Damn, I wouldn’t be surprised if you weren’t walking lopsided from the weight of this.” He took my hand in his and held it close to his face, examining my engagement ring. “Shit, I gotta give it to the guy, he did well.”

  Before I could say anything, I heard Adam from behind me. “Would you mind releasing my fiancée’s hand?”

  Noah dropped my hand quickly and took a step back. “Sorry, dude, I was just looking at the ring. No harm,” he said, holding his hands up as he slowly backed away. “Catch ya later, Nat.”

  When I looked up at Adam, his jaw tensed and twitched. “Hey you, I wasn’t expecting you.”

  “Obviously,” he said still completely focused on Noah as he walked away.

  “Adam, it was nothing really. Noah just noticed my ring.” I placed my hand onto his chest and he stepped back.

  “Yeah.” He finally looked at me and forced a smile. “I thought I’d stop by and see ya between classes, but I realized I don’t have much time. I forgot I have a meeting with a new client at one.”

  He leaned in and gave me a quick kiss before backing away.

  “I’ll see ya tonight.”

  He didn’t stick around.

  ***

  Ten minutes into class I was debating on if Adam’s suspicions of Noah were truly warranted. Noah was watching me like a hawk from across the room, and it was beginning to make me nervous. Oh, and did I mention that we had a guest speaker who talked through his damn nose and cleared his throat after every other sentence?

  My patience had run extremely thin and my ability to control my filter was out the fucking window. I was aggravated and growing cranky as hell…oh and I had to pee like a goddamn Russian racehorse.

  The moment the professor dismissed us, I gathered my things and froze mid-step when I felt someone’s hand rest on my lower back. I spun around to find Noah was entirely too close to me.

  “Are you okay, Nat?” he looked genuinely concerned.

  I took a step back from him to gain some distance. “I’m fine, Noah. Thanks.”

  I could hear his feet shuffling behind me as I walked away and it only enhanced my tension. Once outside I turned to look over my shoulder just before walking down the front stops of the building. He winked and in that moment I made the decision that I was done with this game. I know he didn’t see it coming and frankly, I surprised myself.

  “Listen, Noah, I don’t know what you’re trying to accomplish. I’m not sure if you’re being flirtatious in an attempt to prove something or just because you enjoy getting a rise out of Adam, but I don’t appreciate it. I have never tried to string you along or make you feel like I was interested. If I ever appeared that way I’m sorry, but I’m not. I love Adam very much and I’d appreciate it if you would respect that.”

  Noah looked up over my shoulder and nodded. He didn’t even try to defend himself, or tell me I was just crazy.

  He walked past me and that was the point that I saw what he was looking at. Adam stood behind me, leaning against the railing outside the door. He had his hands shoved down into his pockets and one foot propped back onto the lowest railing.

  When he looked up, he was grinning at me all Cheshire cat-like. I took a few steps toward him, and crossed my arms, resting them over my stomach. “My girl just went all bad ass, laying down the law on Mr. I think I’m gonna get the girl and shit.”

  “Did you hear everything I just said to Noah?” He just nodded without breaking his smile. “Did you enjoy the show?” I asked, arching a brow, already knowing damn well he did. His expression said it all.

  He nodded.

  I wanted to laugh.

  “Told you I got this,” I told him and this time he chuckled. “You have nothing to worry about Adam.” He pushed off the railing and wrapped me in is arms. “Not with you, sweetheart, I already know that. It’s all those assholes out there that I don’t trust.”

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Adam

  I was surprising Natalie with a weekend getaway. Just the two of us. Sort of a pre-baby, pre-Valentine’s Day present.

  I rented a small one-bedroom cabin in Asheville. I needed a little one-on-one with my girl.

  When we pulled up to the cabin her eyebrows scrunched up and she turned toward me. “Who lives here?”

  Leaning over just enough to indicate to her that I wanted a kiss, I puckered up my lips. She smiled that sweet smile of hers and I swear my heart raced at lightning speed. After a few intimate, much needed kisses, I whispered against her lips. “This is all ours for the next two days, baby. Just you and me, no interruptions. You’re all mine, I am holding you hostage.”

  “Mm, that actually sounds amazing. I’m pretty sure that most girls fantasize about a guy like you kidnapping them. I’m not scared, at least. Honestly, I’m pretty excited.” Natalie bit her lower lip between her teeth and I pulled it free with my thumb.

  “Let’s get inside. I have plans for you and that mouth.” I wagged my eyebrows suggestively.

  I heard her flirtatious giggle as I opened my door and crawled out of my truck.

  ***

  Two hours later, we were both naked and exhausted. Her spunky little ass seriously surprised me. I mean, I have never had sex with a pregnant girl before her, but holy fuck, could my girl still move her hips. She didn’t let the fact that she was over seven months pregnant stop her. She rode me like a bull in the rodeo and it was the sexiest thing that had ever happened to me.

  Her light snore filled the room and the only light on was the one that spilled in from the hallway. Natalie was curled up onto her side facing me and the covers had fallen down just below her belly button. I took in the sight of her, because she was honestly the most beautiful woman in the world. No one compared to her. She was my dream.

  Natalie was the best part of me.

  I brought my hand forward and laid it to rest over her belly. I couldn’t believe that Natalie held part of me
within her, and in just a couple months, we would be meeting the little guy. It was really hard to believe that I was gonna be a father.

  I slipped from the bed quietly and walked toward my suitcase, pulling out my sketch pad and pencils that Natalie had gotten me for Christmas. The image of my gorgeous girl with olive skin and dark hair against the white sheet was a beautiful sight. A sight that deserved to be remembered.

  I quietly moved the reading chair over next to the bed and opened the bedroom door a little further to shine the light in just a little more.

  The moment the pencil hit the paper, it flowed freely. I could draw Natalie all day, every day, and never get bored.

  ***

  I must have dozed off in the chair because the next thing I knew, I felt my pencil being pulled from my grip.

  “Shh, it’s okay, Leonardo da Vinci, you fell asleep sketching, handsome.” Natalie led me to the bed and my legs were so damn wobbly. I hadn’t realized just how tired I truly was.

  She brought the covers up over me and crawled in next to me. I could feel her warm body against mine and I reached out, pulling her closer.

  “I love you so God damn much, Nat. You’re my world and I never wanna lose you.” I snuggled up behind her and placed a kiss behind her ear.

  “You’ll always have me, Adam…always.”

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Natalie

  I’d gotten up early to surprise Adam with breakfast. I had everything just about done when I heard his phone ringing in the other room. Just when I thought it would go to voicemail, I heard his husky sleep-filled voice echo down the long hallway that separated the bedroom and the kitchen.

  “Hello.”