by Unknown
Slowly, he pulled in. Anticipation flooded his senses, making him drunk with it.
“Sonofabitch, this house is huge.” He stared in awe as he pulled up to the garage. It felt familiar, like he'd done it a thousand times. It was a weird sensation, but he almost felt like he was home. Like Laine was his home.
He took a deep, steadying breath and opened his door. This was it, the time to find out if she still had feelings for him. Damn, he hoped she did. If she didn't, he couldn't imagine how bad that would hurt. His feelings were so strong. He knew she must be the one, the one to own his heart.
He raised his hand to the doorbell, but hesitated, his nerves were giving him hell. He took another deep breath, let it out in a long whoosh, and pushed the bell.
He stood shifting from foot to foot, trying to find a pose that would look casual as well as sexy. He waited long moments and nothing. He shifted positions and rang the bell a second time. The house was so large, he figured she might not have heard it the first time. Still nothing.
Maybe she wasn't home after all. He glanced up and caught the shimmer of a lens. There was a small camera staring down at him.
“Dammit.” Great, she doesn't want to see me.
He paced the little stoop, trying to figure out how to get her to the door. She had to have heard the doorbell. Determined, he rang the bell again, holding it down for long seconds. One way or another he would at least be heard. She had to know he didn't mean what he said in the hospital.
He raised his fist to pound on the door, when it suddenly opened.
She was beautiful, Angelic, looking like a goddess in a loose flannel nightgown. She just stood there staring at him. Her eyes were as wide as saucers. “Laine, honey, I ... I don't know what to say.” He was the only one saying anything.
“May I come in?” He was treading water here, starting to feel a lot like a drowning man. He took a tentative step forward, getting no reaction, so he took another and another, until he was standing in front of her. He smelled her clean honeysuckle scent and remembered smelling it before. Yes, things were starting to come back to him. He remembered her trying to get on the barstool and flashing the entire bar. He remembered her spitting the cherry in his face. He would have gladly gone after the ice cube. He remembered her high cheekbones, her milky white complexion with rosy cheeks and blade straight nose. And those grass green eyes. How could he have forgotten her?
He also remembered the first time they met. Her in an accident, hurt, vulnerable and breakable. That thought didn't sit well with him. He felt queasy when he pictured her with her head lulled to the side, unconscious.
“Uh, yeah ... I guess.” She backed up, letting him in. He noticed the sleep lines on her face from the pillow. He had obviously awakened her. He let out a pent up breath. It wasn't that she didn't want to see him. It was the fact that she had been asleep. So he still had a chance.
It took every tidbit of strength he had not to go to her and hold her. He stood with her in the foyer, unsure what to do next, but decided to go ahead and lay it all on the line.
“Laine, I want you to know ... ”
She held up her hand stopping him. “I don't know what you're going to say, but I think it's a bit late to have this conversation. You said all you needed to say ... ” She put her hand over her mouth and ran down the hall.
He instinctively followed her. He caught up with her just in time to see her toss her cookies. That image he could have done without. “Are you sick?” He stood close to her, ready to help her if she needed it.
She flushed the toilet, went to the sink and rinsed her mouth out. She turned to face him. “Yes, something like that.” She grabbed the hand towel from the holder and dabbed her mouth dry. “I'm not feeling well. Maybe you should leave.”
“I'm not leaving until we talk. I have things to say that you need to hear.” He inched even closer to her. He wanted to hold her so bad his hands were shaking.
“What could you possibly want to say to me? You have a girlfriend, you show up here unannounced, wake me up and you want to tell me what? That you're sorry? That you didn't mean it when you told me you didn't want me?” She threw her arms up in the air and huffed out a breath. “I don't really want to hear anything you have to say.” She sidestepped him and headed back to the foyer. She opened the front door and propped her hand on her hip.
“I told you I'm not leaving until we talk. And no, I don't have a girlfriend. Where in the hell would you get that idea?”
She rolled her eyes. “Um, maybe from the woman who answered your phone?” She threw her hand up and pointed out the door. “Please, just leave me alone. I've got enough to deal with already.”
He wanted to snatch her up and kiss her silly, but thought better of it after watching her vomit. He still had to do something to make her understand he wanted her.
“Well? Are you going to leave?”
“No. I'm not leaving until you hear me out.”
She crossed her arms over her chest and turned away from him. He hated seeing her like this. He really hated that she had turned her back to him. Fine, I'll just lay it out there and let the chips fall where they may.
“Laine, the woman that answered my phone was my physical therapist. I was in the middle of exercises, so she answered. I thought it would be Jeff calling again. I don't have a girlfriend. Well, other than you, if you'll have me.” He pinched the bridge of his nose feeling the beginnings of yet another headache. She still hadn't turned to face him yet, so he continued. “I only want you, Laine.”
She didn't turn to face him, but said, “You say that now, but you've hurt me before. I just don't think I can trust you.”
“I didn't know what I was saying in the hospital. I was in a fucking comatose state. I'm sure I said a lot of things I didn't mean.”
“You were pretty clear when you told me that you didn't want me. You knew who I was, I said I was sorry for causing the accident, and then you told me to get out.”
He growled his frustration. “How many times do I have to tell you, I didn't mean it? I have memory problems, but I know enough to tell you I love you.”
She swung around, locking eyes with him. “You what?”
“He held his arms out to her. ”I said I. Love. You."
She closed the door and moved to a room with a huge plush sectional. He remembered this room. He'd made love to her in or near this room. Little things, like the room and certain images were coming back, not as a picture, but as little snippets of memories.
“How do you know? I mean, you said yourself, you have memory problems.”
“I feel it. I had to see you. I had to tell you how I felt. I might not remember everything that happened between us, but I do know we're supposed to be together.”
“Yeah, you say that now, but you might change your mind. I'm almost positive there's a little something that might make you rethink things.”
“Dammit, Laine, what's it going to take for you to get it? I don't think I'm a man that begs, so I won't, but there is nothing in the world that could make me change my mind.”
She turned sideways and pulled her gown tight. “Yeah? What about this? I'm pregnant.”
Eternal_Bliss
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
He just stood there staring at her baby bump. She let go of her gown, a little self-conscious. She wanted to run down the hall and slam her door.
“Laine? Why didn't you tell me? I've been out of the hospital a long time. Why didn't you come to me?” He sat down on the sectional and dropped his head in his hands.
She hated seeing the hurt on his face, but she had her reasons and she assured herself they were valid. She took a step forward and stopped. “I ... I didn't know what to say. You told me to go. What was I supposed to do?” She felt the weight of the situation dragging her down to sit next to him. They were a hairsbreadth apart. Her hand itched to touch him, to feel the warmth of his skin. To feel the touch she so desperately yearned for. She'd waited for this moment for five mo
nths and now that it was here, she didn't know how to handle it. Her insecurities flooded her, leaving her a tangled mess inside.
His head popped up. “You were supposed to tell me. It's my baby. I remember the conversation in the truck now. I know why I got hit. I was coming after you.”
A single tear slid silently down her cheek. Her chin wobbled with anguish and the knot in her throat would surely suffocate her. The images of his broken body lying in the road were fresh and new again. How could she not have told him? He was right, along with everyone else. “You ... were,” she managed to say. She swiped the tear away and cleared her throat, trying to dislodge the lump. “I panicked. I didn't, no, I ... couldn't, trust another man.”
He didn't turn to look at her when he said in a soft spoken voice, “Yes, you could. I wouldn't hurt you Laine, not ever.” He heaved a sigh and turned to her. “I might not be rich and run in the same circles, but I love you. Isn't that enough?”
She flinched at that statement. Did he believe this was about money? “Kyle, I don't give a rat's ass about money or status.”
“Well, then what's the damn problem?” He threw his hands up.
She scooted over away from him. She hadn't seen him angry and explosive at her before. “The problem is I've been left at the altar before.” There, deal with that.
His face relaxed. “Why didn't you tell me? I might not have pushed.” He held his hand up to his forehead and squeezed his eyes shut. “Damn, my head hurts.”
She fluttered her hands, toward him. “Do we need to call the doctor? What can I do? Are you okay? Tell me and I'll do whatever you need.” She dropped to her knees in front of him trying to help him. “I'm sorry. I'm so sorry I got you hurt. Please, Kyle, tell me what to do?”
He opened his eyes and smiled. “Now that's more like it. I love seeing you on your knees in front of me.”
She slapped him on the knee and tried to get up. “You bastard, I thought something was wrong.”
“My head really does hurt, but it's nothing a couple of pills can't fix. He reached out to help her up and she swatted his hand away. ”Don't do that, let me help you."
She put her hand in his as he pulled her up to the couch. “Thank you. It's getting hard to move.” Just then the baby kicked, giving her a start. She held her hand to the spot she felt the kick and smiled. “He's feisty today.”
Kyle's eyes went wide. “It's a boy? I'm going to have a son?” He smiled and reached out to her belly. “May I?”
“Yes, I'm having a boy.” She took his hand, placing it on the spot where she felt the kick. His hand felt strong and familiar to her. She could feel the heat of his hand through her nightgown. She moaned soft and low, wanting more of his touches. The baby kicked as his hand pressed firm against her. God help her, she was getting turned on.
“I felt him, baby, I felt him kick.” She watched as he smiled like a kid on Christmas morning. She missed his smile, his touch, his smell, his everything. Hadn't she been secretly wishing for this day? Hadn't she wanted another chance with Kyle? Yes and yes. She wanted him like there was no tomorrow. She wanted all of him. But could she trust him to be there?
“Kyle, what are we doing? I mean, I want to believe that you'll be there, but after what I've been through, I just don't trust anyone. David left me standing there in front of everyone and I can't go through it again.”
“That's right, I remember the name David. Why in the hell would he leave you standing there alone? I'm grateful he did, but I can't imagine why.”
She laughed without humor. “You should remember that name, he was your doctor.”
“Your David is Dr. Gross?” His brows reached his hairline.
“Yep, he's the one and the same.”
He laughed and she smacked him on the arm. “What's so funny? I don't think there's anything funny about being humiliated.”
He grew serious. “There is nothing funny about that, but he seems to be a bit light in the loafers to me. I just can't see the two of you together.”
She sighed. “You have no idea how accurate you are.”
He chuckled. “Are you serious? Then why did he ask you to marry him?”
“He said because our families expected it and I imagine he's not out yet. So please keep this to yourself. He's a good man, just not the man for me.”
“You're damn right. I'm the man for you.” He pointed at his chest with his thumb.
“Kyle, I just don't know. Everything has changed and I can't lose you twice. We haven't even known each other that long. So, what happens when I'm not fun anymore and I get bitchy?”
“We'll deal with it. I'm not always a bed of roses myself. We all have bad days, babe, but I'll always love you.”
“Yeah, but how do you know you love me?”
“I know, because everything changed when I met you. My life had a different meaning, a purpose larger than myself. And I fought like hell to get back to you.” He leaned in and kissed her forehead, while caressing her belly with his hand.
That innocent little kiss had her burning inside. Yearning to be touched as she had been, to make love with the man she loved. “Kyle, I ... I need you.” She leaned in to kiss him and he backed away. Immediately she recoiled, humiliated.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa ... ” he grabbed her, pulling her back to him, “I want to kiss you, more than you could possibly know, but you threw up and I would like it if you brushed your teeth first.” He smiled and pulled her closer to him. She clamped her mouth shut and relaxed against him.
“Sorry, I forgot. I throw up so often I don't even think about it anymore.”
He frowned. “Has it been that rough on you?”
She nodded her head. “Yes, he's a bit tough on mommy. He won't even let me eat chocolate.” She exaggerated a frown.
He chuckled. “Well, we'll just have to find some other way to keep you happy.”
She glanced up, looking him in the eyes. “I like the sound of that.”
“Yeah, I do too. I thought for a while there I might have turned gay after knocking myself on the noggin. Every woman that came near me didn't do a thing for me, not even a semi-erection, but you ... ” he glanced down to his crotch, showing a large erection through his jeans, “sweetheart, have an immediate effect on me.” He swept a stray strand of hair away from her cheek, tucking it behind her ear. “Why don't you go brush up, then we can remedy my little problem.”
She scoffed, “It's anything but a little problem.”
She started to rise and he held her still, concern on his face. “It is okay for us to have sex, isn't it?”
She giggled. “Yes, it's fine. Just don't lie on the baby too much or he'll be all over my bladder. I already have to pee every five minutes anyway.”
He squeezed her hand. “You know that I'm going to be here all the way now. I'm going to be a dad, and I intend to be there for my son and his mother.”
She froze. Oh shit.
Was he proposing, or just saying he'd be there, like, as in, come over and visit? “What does that mean exactly?” She sat back down.
“It means, I'll be here, with you and ... ” he hesitated, “what's his name going to be?”
“I was going to name him Kyle, after his daddy.” She rubbed her belly and cradled her bump in her hands.
“Okay, I'm going to be here for Kyle and you. I like the name Kyle. Kyle Alexander Logan Jr. Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?” He nodded quickly and smiled.
He seemed so content, but she still didn't know his intentions. Did he mean here in her house? It wasn't as though she didn't have room, but she didn't know if living together would be such a great idea either. She loved him, she knew she did, but what if after living together, he didn't want to stick it out. She didn't think she could handle losing him twice.
“Laine? What's rolling around in that pretty little head of yours?”
She hesitated. “N-nothing, I'm just tired that's all.”
“Okay, well, this I know I shouldn't believe. What are yo
u fretting over?”
“I don't know, I'm just concerned about how our relationship will impact little Kyle.”
“What does that mean?” He scrunched his brows together.
“Didn't you want me to go brush my teeth?” She pulled her arm from his grip, and headed toward her room. Kyle quickly followed suit.
“Laine, honey, please tell me what's bothering you.” He snagged her shoulder and turned her to face him. “We can't keep things from each other. Not if you expect this to work.”
“And what is this, Kyle? What are we doing? Because we were just having sex, but now things are so complicated. We weren't expecting a baby and now there is one. It's just that my life is such a mess right now and I don't know if I can handle much more.”
He framed her face with his hands. “That's the point. You don't have to handle things alone anymore. I'm here now.”
“Here in what way? Do you mean here in my house?”
“Yes, here in your house. I want to be a proper dad to my son and a proper man to you.”
“Don't you think we should talk about this?”
“We just did. I'm going to be here and you're going to have help with little Kyle.”
“I would love help. I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to babies, but don't you think we're moving a bit fast?”
“No, I don't. I've made up my mind. I'll be here if you'll have me.”
Pause.
“I ... I guess so. I'll need you to help out, so, yes.”
Yes, she wanted to have him here to sleep with every night and wake up to every morning. She still had reservations about whether or not he would stay for the long haul. She thought about David and all of the grief she went through, but finally she knew for a fact it wasn't her fault they didn't get married. That changed things. She could picture her and Kyle standing together at the altar, pledging their love to one another. She could see the champagne colors flowing all around them. Candles and bunting, flowers and other decorations adorning an arch they would stand under, reciting their vows. Her wedding, the way it should be. She smiled at the thought. The only problem is, he hasn't asked her to marry him yet. Maybe she should propose. It was the modern thing to do.
