Hungry Cowboy

by Charlize Starr

  “She’s mine,” I said as I felt his eyes on me for a long moment. “She’s it for me.”

  “Are you into being a dad all of a sudden?” I narrowed my eyes at his question and pushed any doubt that this baby was mine out of my head. Jennifer didn’t sleep around, and she was different from the girls that I was used to meeting. “She’s pregnant.”

  “It’s my baby,” I said and looked at his stunned face. “I was with her back in Philly. We broke up before I knew she was pregnant, but now that’s not going to happen.”

  “Holy shit. You’re serious.”

  “I am as serious about Jen as I have been about anything else. Get used to it.” I assured him as I leaned back to watch the game and keep an eye on her. Jennifer looked at me several times if she was out front and her smile filled me with hope, despite my injury and uncertain future.

  Chapter Eleven

  The game ended with a victory for the team, and I cheered as they skated off the ice. Kellan was going to be okay from his second injury, and everyone was happy, including me. I couldn’t believe that Justin was here and that he loved me. No, he loved us. I took care of business before we left for the night and walked out to the main entrance to see Justin looking down at his phone as he leaned against the wall. “You’re still here,” I breathed as he glanced up at me with a smile. “I almost thought this was a dream.’

  “I’m not going anywhere, Angel. I told my buddy that I had a place to stay. I hope that wasn’t too presumptuous of me?” His eyebrow raised and I giggled as I shook my head. “Good. I want to hear every detail of this pregnancy and every thought you had. The only part I wish I’d dreamed is that you were alone through it.”

  “I have my stepmom and my dad. There're friends. I’ve been okay, for the most part,” I assured him as I walked towards him.

  “Now I’m here, and I am never leaving you two.” His voice was confident, and I tilted my head.

  “You’re not out of football, Justin.”

  “We’ll be together no matter what happens. Here, there or anywhere you want. I am happy with you,” Justin bent his head down and pressed a kiss to my lips. My body instantly reacted, well-aware that my hormones were going to get what they desperately needed. “Let’s go.”

  He drove my car home and peppered me with questions as I tried my best to answer them. Pregnancy brain made it difficult to remember all of the details that he wanted to hear though I tried my best. Justin hung on every word I said with a look of amazement on his face, and he parked the car when we arrived at my new condo. “Nice place.”

  “It’s cute. There're two rooms, so I’ll be all set when she gets here.” I watched him unlock the door and enter with a long look at the living room. “My folks are close by.”

  “Good. That’s good.” He said as I dropped my purse on the table and stepped towards him as need throbbed between my legs.

  “There’s something about pregnancy that you need to know,” my voice was low, and he stared at me as I slipped my arms around his neck.

  “What’s that?”

  “I’ve never been so horny.” A look of anger crossed his face, and I shook my head before I gave him a soft kiss. “I haven’t been with anybody. I can’t feel anything for anyone like I do for you. Now that you’re here, I am going to jump you like a teenage girl, though.”

  He kissed me hard and our teeth crashed together as we worked out our passion and started making out against the wall. It was everything that I remembered and more, and Justin stroked my hair before he lowered his hand to my ass and tried to lift me. “Baby, I’m heavy. You’re not carrying me with one arm.”

  “Fine. Where’s your bedroom?” I laughed and showed him before I went to use the bathroom again. I stared into the mirror and hoped that I looked good since I wasn’t feeling very sexy as a pregnant woman. I pushed the insecurity aside and undressed out of my work clothes before I freshened up.

  I found a dress that I sometimes wore alone to sleep in that accented my curves and displayed my expanding cleavage. It wasn’t sexy lingerie by any means, but I thought Justin would enjoy it. It was a dark plum and clingy to my body, and it hung to my mid-thighs. I left off any underwear and ran my fingers through my hair before I walked into the bedroom. Justin was sitting on the bed wearing his jeans unbuttoned, and I took him in with a hungry gaze. He was gorgeous, and I knew that he was all mine. He looked at me and his eyes darkened before he looked down my body with the gaze of a starving man. “Fuck me. You’re stunning.”

  “I’ve grown,” I teased him as I cupped my breasts and his mouth hung open.

  “I noticed that first,” Justin stood up and walked over to me as he took me in. He cupped my face to kiss me, and I got lost in it before he slid his hand down to take mine. “I’m limited for a while.”

  “I don’t care. You’re here.” We made our way to the bed, and he lay on his back as I removed his jeans and bent over him to taste his hard cock. I’d missed my chance before, and he sucked his breath in as I slid up and down his shaft.

  “Jesus, Jen. That feels so fucking good.” I moved faster, and he was stopping me before too long as his hand crept between my legs. “I am coming inside of you tonight, every time. I’ve missed your sweet pussy.” His finger found my needy clit, and I moved against his hand as I felt the pressure in my body building. I knew that it wouldn’t take much, and he found a rhythm that had me crying out his name within a few moments as I got the orgasm that I’d been craving for months. “Oh, God. I love how you come for me.” I nodded weakly and looked into his eyes as a moan escaped my lips. “Take that off. I want to see you.”

  I shimmied the nightgown over my head, and Justin slipped his hand up to cup my round breast with the extended nipple. “Holy shit. They’re beautiful.” I smiled and moved over his body as he stared into my eyes. “I can’t wait to fuck you properly.”

  “Plenty of time for that,” I assured him as I leaned over his face and he took one if my nipples into his mouth. He sucked and nibbled as I rode his cock that was pressed under my wet center and felt him harden. “I think I can work some magic this way.”

  “I wanted to see you riding me. There were going to be so many more times, Jen.” His eyes filled with emotion as I nodded and remembered the day that I left him. “I’ve never felt that broken before about anything except for sports. I was used to not caring for people too much, but I fell for you so fast.”

  I lifted up and felt his head prodding my entrance before I slid over him and moaned. He filled me so completely, and Justin let out a sigh before he started to suck on my other nipple. Our lovemaking was different this time, but I was willing to get him anyway that I could before I was able to take care of him again, to heal him.

  We made love like that twice before we lay and talked about everything naked in bed. There were so many words that needed to be said and so many emotions that had to be freed so we could move into something new. I felt so good as we laughed and even cried while we worked out everything that had gone wrong.

  After that, I used ice on his injury and rubbed the rest of his body before he felt the need to give me another glorious release. He fed me before too long, assuring me that the baby needed food and even started planning a menu for me. It was ridiculous, and I loved him all the more for it.

  The next day, I took him to meet Dad and Rosie, and we explained the situation. I could tell that Dad knew his reputation by the way his eyes flashed at the name, but we talked to him. He could see that Justin loved the baby and me and intended to stick around. We ended up going out to dinner where Justin had them laughing with some football stories. I knew how much he missed it, but he seemed content here. He got to meet my team, and they all took on their protective stance and pissed him off until they felt like he was the real deal.

  Justin couldn't believe that none of them had hit on me as blatantly as he did when I was his therapist. I just laughed, because nobody could ever be like Justin McLeod.

  He stayed with
me in Boston until he went back to his doctor at home. I managed to get away that weekend, and we both cried when they suggested surgery, which he agreed to.

  Justin was healed up by the time Melody Claire McLeod was born and we both cried right along with her as she was born. My parents were there; Coach Michaels showed up, and even some of Justin’s closest friends were waiting outside to see her. Everyone embraced the new Justin, and I fell more in love with him every day.

  He was going back to football, and I easily agreed to join him back in Philadelphia as his fiancée and a stay at home mother to our daughter this time. We were going to get married soon and start our new life in full, and I couldn’t wait. I was so glad that we got our second chance.

  *****

  THE END

  The Quarterback's Secret Baby

  Description

  This is my secret... Mine alone...

  Lindsay Williams still remembers her one passionate night with her best friend’s brother. She’d been in love with him for as long as she could remember...

  But she was left with a big surprise after Ethan Taylor left town: She was pregnant with his baby.

  For years, Lindsay kept the identity of her child’s father a secret. She put her plans on hold to raise her baby, allowing Ethan the freedom to live his dream. When Lindsay learns that her best friend is coming to town to get married, she’s thrown into panic. How will she keep her daughter a secret? And how can she admit to her best friend that she slept with her older brother?

  Ethan never forgot the day Lindsay gave him her most precious gift. Years later and miles away, she still haunts his dreams. Lindsay is the only woman he has ever had profound feelings for. The only appeal of going home for his sister’s wedding is seeing Lindsay again. She may not want anything to do with a notorious playboy, but he’s willing to try his luck.

  When they meet, the passion between them is more intense than ever. Ethan realizes that he has fallen for Lindsay. But, will he be able to forgive her when he discovers her secret?

  Chapter One

  Lindsay

  The noisy, humid atmosphere makes me miserable. I have worked in the same place since I was fifteen and I still can’t get used to the place. Maybe it’s because I want to get away from here so badly but can’t seem to escape. I might very well be in the same town working the same crappy job until I’m old and gray. The thought makes me even more miserable. Letting out a low groan, I head to table two with a tray.

  “Hey, Lindsay, where the hell is my burger?” a raspy voice calls out.

  I pause, take a deep breath to control my temper and turn with a friendly smile. “Relax, Patrick, you just ordered five minutes ago. Give the cook a little time, huh?”

  Patrick, a local and long-time customer of the only diner in town, lets out a huff and sits back. He mutters something under his breath and goes back to tapping his fingers impatiently on the table. Everyone is used to the old man’s behavior, but that doesn’t stop him from getting on my last nerve.

  “Here you go, folks,” I say, placing the tray on table two and unloading it. “Enjoy your meal.”

  “Thanks, honey,” Mrs. Jacobs, another frequent customer, says. Her husband nods at me and gives me a smile.

  As I walk off, I step to the side just as a hand reaches out, brushing against my leg. “Yup, saw that coming,” I whisper. “Keep your hands to yourself, Martin,” I say, glaring at the middle-aged, balding man leering at me. He tries to grab my bottom every time I pass his table. The thing is it’s an everyday occurrence. I sigh and push the swinging double doors to the kitchen open. “I need another job.”

  “Martin tried to grab your ass again?”

  I glance at the woman flipping beef on the massive grill. Marion is the fifty-year-old cook who has manned the grill ever since I can remember. I grew up seeing her at Eddie’s Corner; she’s like a permanent fixture here.

  “Yeah.”

  Marion throws me a sympathetic look. “Well, you can’t blame the old fool too much. Look at you! You’re a stunner. You know, I was the town beauty back in my day.” She trails off, looking into space, reliving her glory days.

  I smile. “I’m sure you were, Marion. Thanks for the compliment. Martin’s behavior isn’t the only reason I need a need a new job, though.” It goes beyond being harassed by customers. Working in the diner is a reminder of how stagnant my life is. I’ve been here year after year, dealing with the same people, people who look at me with pity. I’m a twenty-one year old who was once full of promise. Now I’m stuck in the small town of Lakeville, working two minimum-wage jobs to make a living. I would say that my life sucks. Well, not completely. There’s a pair of green eyes waiting for me at home, eyes that look at me with unconditional love. My three-year-old daughter is my saving grace. I’m reminded why I work so hard. I want to make life for her as good as I can.

  It doesn’t seem like I’m doing such a great job right now, though. We live in a cramped, one-bedroom apartment, and I can’t always buy her the things she wants. Sadness begins to creep up on me, but an irritated voice jerks me from my thoughts.

  “Williams! What’s the matter with you? Get your head in the game. We have a full house.”

  “Er, s-sorry Mr. Edmond,” I stutter, to the owner of the diner.

  “Yeah, yeah. Get back to work and stop day dreaming, kid.”

  “No need to get your panties in a twist, Eddie,” Marion rasps, her voice thick from years of smoking. Mr. Edmond sends her a glare, but doesn’t say another word to me. I give Marion an appreciative smile, and she winks.

  “You finished with Patrick’s order? He’s out there having a cow, the impatient fool.”

  Marion snorts. “I’m finished. If he gives you any grief when you get back out there, you tell him I know where he lives.” She waves her spatula around threateningly, making me laugh.

  “Yes, ma’am.” I go through the door, back into the hum of chatter. It’s been a long day, and lunch hour is no joke. There are only three more hours remaining in my shift, but today three hours seems extra long.

  I serve and clean up tables non-stop until I feel like my feet will explode. No doubt they will be the size of balloons by the time I get home. Finally, the crowd dwindles, and I slow my pace. My phone vibrates in my apron pocket, and I fish it out. Glancing around to make sure Mr. Edmond is nowhere in sight, I check the caller ID. My lips purse as I contemplate taking the call or not.

  Amanda. The name flashes across the screen. My finger hovers over the icon to accept the call, but I lose my nerve and shove the phone back into my pocket. I close my eyes briefly and let out a breath. Guilt assails me for ignoring her call. She’s my best friend. But things changed after high school, and it’s all my fault. I’m the one who distanced myself from her and just about everyone else. What else could do I do? All of my childhood friends have left Lakeville, Connecticut and moved on to live amazing lives. And here I am, an utter failure.

  It’s my shame that pushes me to turn away from everyone. I have ignored countless calls from people who were once a part of my life. Admitting that I haven’t gone on to become the brilliant artist that everyone thought I would be was beyond humiliating. Hell, I didn’t even go to college. My phone vibrates again. I don’t bother to answer, knowing it’s Amanda calling again. I don’t avoid her calls all the time; occasionally I have to pick up, so that it doesn’t look so bad. Then, I lie and tell her how busy I’ve been, and that’s why I often miss her calls. Yeah, I’m a liar, and I’m going to hell. When I speak to Amanda, she always asks how my life is going. She doesn’t know the pain the question causes. Plus, there is the fact that the father of my child is none other than her older brother. She has no idea, of course, and neither does anyone else. Although someone might figure it out one of these fine days. Casey looks more like her father with each passing day.

  I push the thought of my daughter’s father aside, until I get home, anyway, where I can pine over him in private. I wonder what Amanda was calling
about. With a slight shrug, I get back to cleaning tables. She usually leaves a message so more than likely I’ll find out.

  Chapter Two

  Lindsay

  At the end of my shift, I gather my things and make a beeline for the door. Customers begin to file in again, and I quicken my steps before the boss asks me to stay a bit longer. I would gladly do over time, since I need the money, but not today. I’m ready to drop because of exhaustion, and I haven’t seen much of my daughter in a week. Running from one job to the other is taking its toll.

  Sitting in my ancient Toyota, I take out my phone, remembering that Amanda had called. There’s a voice message. “Let’s hear what it’s about.” As I listen to Amanda’s excited voice, a smile appears on my lips. She was always so full of energy. By the end of the message, my smile has fallen away. My heart begins to race. It’s not because Amanda has just said she’s getting married. That’s great; I’m happy for her. The problem is that she wants to have the wedding here. That means her brother will be here as well. “Oh, my God,” I whisper, as memories overtake me and I spiral back into the past. The last time I saw Ethan Taylor was almost four years ago.

  I was eighteen, graduating high school. I found out from Amanda that Ethan would be flying in from Texas to attend our graduation. Excitement to see him after so many years mounted in my chest. It wasn’t because I grew up around him and he was a great guy, but because I had a massive crush on him. I had since the day I hit puberty and was old enough to know what goes on between boys and girls. Ethan was five years older, so I knew I didn’t have a chance. I didn’t mind admiring him from afar and in secret, though. Not even Amanda, who I told everything to, knew I was in love with her cool older brother.