Man Seeking Woman

by Leah Holt

  “Oh, no, thank you though.” Giving her a smile, I poured myself a cup of coffee and went to sit in the living room to wait for Kay.

  “Alright, well if you get hungry, just let me know.” Pushing the basket against her hip, she went off in the direction of the laundry room.

  The bell rang, causing Valerie to shuffle her way through the apartment and to the door.

  “Ella, Ella, Ella, the cavalierly has arrived!” Kayla blurted out, strutting through the living room like a peacock showing off their feathers. Only her feathers were two grocery bags in her hands.

  “Oh God, what do you have?” Curling my legs up onto the couch, I cradled my cup in both palms.

  “I have the answer,” she said, her smile growing wider.

  “The answer to what?”

  Kayla let out a devious chuckle as she dumped the contents of her bags onto the coffee table. “Pregnant or not pregnant, that is the question.”

  “You are such a dork, you know that?”

  “I do, but this dork is going to help you know for sure. So,” she said, holding out her arms. “Are you ready to find out if you have a tiny little parasite growing inside your belly?”

  “When you put it like that—” Laughing, I leaned forward and grabbed one of the boxes. “Why did you get so many? Don't we only need one?”

  “Maybe, but I've never done this before, have you?” Giving her a look, she arched a brow. “See, so we're pregnancy test virgins. Consider it like finding the right condom, we need to try them all out. The last thing you want to do is go with one and get the wrong result.” Fixing the boxes, she flipped them all over so we could see the front. “Which one do you want to try first?”

  Scanning each one, I didn't have a clue where to begin. I swear, that girl bought one of every pregnancy test on the shelf. There were line tests, easy to read tests, digital, non-digital, quick response, and early detection.

  “How about this one?” Holding up the classic, one or two stripe test, my brows bounced up to my hairline.

  “Looks good to me, go for it.” Kayla rearranged the tests on the table, pointing at a bright pink box. “I'd do this one next.”

  Flipping the box in my hand, I tapped it with my nail. “What if it says I am?”

  “Then you got what you're looking for.”

  “I'm a little nervous about this.”

  “You should be,”Kayla said, picking up different boxes and examining them. “This is a big thing, you're going to have a Godmother in your life now.”

  “What?” I asked.

  Her grin grew wide as she tipped her head. “I'm going to be the Godmother obviously, and I'm going to spoil the shit out of your little one.”

  Opening the box, I took out the stick and stood up. “Let's just see what this says first before you start ordering 'My Godmother is Awesome' shirts.”

  Walking into the bathroom, I could hear Kay talking to Valerie, chatting away about the dresses and fashion advice she would give if I had a girl, or the suits and fashion advice she would give if I had a boy.

  Kayla fit right into this world. She was at home with Valerie, not afraid to ask her for anything, easily accepting her offers for a drink or food. I was happy to have a friend that I could get advice from about living with the elite.

  Following the directions, I peed on the stick, replacing the plastic cap and setting it down on the sink. According to the small booklet I had to wait three minutes to get my results.

  I'm not waiting in here alone, no freaking way.

  “What's it say?” Kay asked, her voice high pitched and excited as she spoke through the door.

  “It says I need to wait three minutes.” Stepping out, I was looking at my phone and setting the timer.

  “Well, here.” Handing me five more sticks, she turned me on my heels and pushed me back into the bathroom. “Why stand around waiting, let's do some more.”

  “Kay, this seems a little excessive.”

  Holding the doorknob, she started to shut me inside as she talked. “You know what they say, if you got 'em, use 'em. And girl, I made sure you had plenty so there were no doubts.”

  The door closed, and I was left standing with a hoard of pregnancy tests. All the directions were basically the same. Pee on the stick and wait. Simple. The most difficult part was cutting off the stream to grab another test.

  Laying them out across the bathroom counter, Kayla knocked on the door. “You done or what?”

  “I'm done.” Kay opened the door slowly, peeking her head inside. “We have a buffet to choose from, hopefully we don't get different results and they're all the same,” I said, fanning out my arm over the array of different plastic sticks.

  “What are you hoping for?” she asked, leaning against the wall and crossing her leg.

  “I don't know. I want them to be positive because that's the whole point of this, but the thought of that also scares the crap out of me.”

  “Because you like him.”

  “What? No, because having a kid is scary shit.”

  “And because you like him. You can admit it, El, I know you well enough to see right through you.”

  “I don't like him, because I can't like him.”

  “Says who? You?”

  “Says the contract we agreed on. Says the fact that we're two totally different people who would never have crossed paths in a million years if it wasn't for his ad.”

  “But he had the ad, so none of that shit you said really matters. You two did meet, you two are living together, and you two will have a baby together. He's a good guy, Ella, there's nothing wrong with having feelings for him. He treats you good, you guys get along great, why is it hard to admit you like him?”

  “It's not that simple. For one this isn't real, none of it is. And two, I don't fit in here. His mother hates me, like legit hates me. It would never work.”

  Pursing her lips, she tucked her arms into her ribs. “That's bullshit and you know it. When have you ever given a crap about what someone else thinks?”

  “I don't.”

  “Exactly. Why do you think he chose you to begin with?” Kayla stared at me, waiting for an answer, but I didn't have one to give.

  Shrugging a shoulder, I peered back at her empty with out a clue as to why he picked me over all the other girls he could have chosen.

  “He chose you because you're different, because you don't fit into that bubble his mother and the rest of the world created. He picked you, because of you.”

  “Hey, Kay. . .” Pausing, she followed my eyes to the sink. “I'm not seeing things am I?”

  Kayla stepped to my side and we both just stared speechless. Every single test was positive. A small smile perched on my lips, while my heart began to race and my body grew warm.

  I really am having a baby.

  Chapter Twenty-one

  August

  Opening the door to the apartment, the lights were dim and the candles were lit on the table. Dropping my bag to the floor, I shut the door as I walked inside.

  “Hello? Ella?” I called out, looking around for her.

  I could hear soft classical music playing from the speakers, an orchestra of instruments all blended, each one complimenting the next perfectly. It wasn't something I was used to hearing, but it had a nice melody.

  Two spots at the table were set, the glasses filled with white wine, and plates full of food. The center of the table was lined with more plates, each one covered with a cloche. Purple flower petals were sprinkled across the white table cloth, adding the perfect pop of color.

  What's all this for?

  “Hello?” I called out again, walking through the living room and moving down the hall. “Ella, you here?”

  “I'm in here!” Her voice floated out and instantly I smiled to myself.

  I loved having her to come home to, I loved having someone next to me at night, someone to share my day with and just have a nice laugh. We spent our nights watching movies, sometimes going out for dinner or
to poke around Tribeca Greenmarket.

  It took this woman being in my life for me to realize how much I was missing. After an entire lifetime of solitary confinement, a single soul had set me free. She had dusted my life with purpose, with meaning.

  “What's all that for?” I asked as I stepped into bedroom, only to find it empty. The bathroom was glowing, so I moved to the door and knocked lightly. “Can I come in?”

  “I was hoping you would,” she said, her tone sexy, alluring, highlighted in playful notes.

  Pushing the door open, Ella was sitting in a tub full of bubbles. Her hands swayed back and forth over the top of the water, pushing the bubbles up between her tits. With her legs rested up on the side, she was reclined back, her eyes glowing with a look I hadn't seen yet.

  What is that in her eyes?

  “How was your day?” she asked, swirling a single finger across the top of the bubbles. Scooping up a small palm full, she blew them across the tub and smiled.

  “Better now that I'm home. But we're offering a new flavor soon and I'm kind of excited about it.” Sitting on the edge of the tub, I pulled my jacket off, and draped it over the sink. “Guess what I'm naming it?” Rolling up both my sleeves, I slid my hand into the water, moving it back and forth.

  “What?”

  “Always Ella Ale.” Finding her foot, I pulled it out onto the edge and started to massage it. Smoothing my thumb up the center, I pressed my fingertips into the pad right beneath her toes and back down to her heel.

  “You're naming a beer after me?” she asked as she melted deeper into the water with my foot rub.

  “I am, what do you think?”

  “I think you're crazy, no one is going to want to drink it.”

  “I think you underestimate my powers.” Moving my hand up her calf, I kept massaging, digging my fingers into her smooth skin. “I'm really good at what I do.”

  “Is that right?”

  “It is,” I said with a smile.

  Ella opened one eye and peeked at me. “Look at that smile on your face. You think that smile is going make me believe you?”

  “A smile can do all kinds of things.” Kicking off my shoes, I started to climb into the tub. “A smile can bring you to your knees, especially if it's done right.”

  Ella sat up quickly, her eyes wide as saucers. “August! You still have your clothes on!” Giggling, she was forced to spread her legs open as I slid in between them.

  “I don't care, you look so good all wet and soapy, I just can't help myself.”

  The water sloshed around us, splashing up over the edge and against the tile walls. I felt the water soak through my shirt and pants, seeping into my boxers and making the fabric stick to my skin.

  Ella tugged her bottom lip in as she bit down, grinning at me slightly. “Can't help yourself, huh?” Her fingers started to work the buttons on my shirt, popping each one free. “That's good, because I couldn't wait for you to get home.”

  “Did you miss me?” I asked as she peeled the shirt back off of my chest. Kissing her hand, I wriggled the shirt down my arms, letting it fall off into the water.

  “Maybe a little.” Ella smirked, running her hands up my abs and around my chest.

  “Just a little? There's a whole buffet out there that says you missed me.”

  Her fingers tickled down my stomach, finding the button on my pants. “So, maybe I missed you, what would you say if I did?”

  Kissing the tip of her nose, I shifted my hips as she worked my pants down. “I'd say good, that's how I want it. I want you to miss me, I want you to think about me when I'm not here. . .” Pausing, I kissed her lips softly. “And I want you to get wet when I walk in the door.”

  Reaching her hand into my boxers, Ella gripped my shaft. Stroking my cock, she licked her lips as she peered up at me. “Ask me what I want,” she said, moving her hand faster up and down my length.

  “What do you want?” Rocking my hips, I fucked her hand as she gripped me harder.

  Squeezing my swelling crown, her fingers swept down the thick vein, curling under to play with my balls. “I want you to fuck me.”

  Growling, I drove my lips onto her neck, taking small bites and licking up her throat. Moving my tongue across the curve of her jaw, I traced her ear and sucked on her lobe. Ella moaned, butterflying her legs wider and guiding my cock to her entrance.

  Even in the hot water, her pussy was drenched with silky arousal, allowing me to slip inside easily. Wrapping her legs around my waist, she gripped me tightly. Driving my cock in deep, I slammed her back against the tub, causing a giant wave of water to crash around us.

  Ella raked her nails through my hair, gripping the roots and tugging hard. There was something about this woman that stuck with me. I woke up thinking about her, I went to work and she was on my mind. I couldn't wait to get home just to see her, I'd smile instantly when her name came across my phone.

  She's destroyed me, She's ruined me. She's completed me.

  Pistoning my hips, I fucked her hard and fast. Her hands tore at my scalp, her back arched against my chest, causing her perked nipples to scrape my skin. Dipping my face, I sucked her nipple into my mouth, releasing it with a pop before moving to the other one.

  Closing her eyes, Ella let out a coo that made my dick even harder. I didn't think it was possible for my cock to turn from stone into titanium.

  “Yeah, harder, harder, fuck me, harder.” Thrusting her hips up, Ella controlled our speed, her body the metronome to our beat.

  Thrust after thrust, I fucked my muse, my unobtainable future, my split second of happiness in this life. All of this would be over in a blink of an eye, it wasn't going to last forever, and it was stupid of me to even wrestle with the idea.

  We were just creating life to save our own. Nothing more.

  So why can't I imagine my life without her anymore?

  I could feel her pussy tighten around my cock as she moaned thick and heavy, pinching her eyes shut harder and piercing my skin with her nails. Raking her nails down my spine, she dug her heels into my back.

  Her thighs began to shake as a wave of goosebumps spread across her chest and arms. Ella's body relaxed into the water as she came down from the orgasm. That was it, feeling her come was all I needed to lose my shit.

  Giving one last thrust, my body stilled as I came deep inside her pussy. Laying my head on her chest, Ella ran her fingers through my hair, teasing and playing with the ends gently. “Are you hungry?” she asked, pressing her cheek against the top of my head.

  “Yeah, I'm starving.” Lifting my face to look up at her, there was something in her expression, a twinkle in her eyes. “What about you? Are you hungry?”

  “I'm actually getting cold.” Her body started to tremble as the adrenaline from the orgasm faded away. The water had dropped from hot to cold while we lost track of everything around us.

  “Let's get out of the bath before one of us gets hypothermia.” Standing up, I balanced awkwardly in my soaked pants as I helped Ella out of the tub and onto the mat. Stepping on the edges of my pants, I yanked my feet free and climbed out of the tub.

  Ella was hugging herself, her teeth chattering as her knees shook and her body was covered in prickles. Grabbing a towel, I wrapped it around her shoulders and grabbed one for myself.

  We both walked into the bedroom and I took her robe off the back of the door. Slipping the towel off her shoulders, I helped her into the robe, then threw on a pair of my shorts.

  “I made you something special,” Ella said, taking my hand and pulling me along. “Come see what it is.”

  “Oh, you cooked? I figured Valerie had something to do with dinner.”

  “Nope, I sent her home early and told her not to come in tomorrow.” Her smile spread and it was infectious, causing me to smile right along with her.

  I didn't know why she was smiling, but it didn't really matter. Just seeing that look on her face made me happy.

  I'm totally falling for this girl.
r />   This wasn't supposed to happen and it wasn't part of the plan. I didn't put that ad out there to find love. But I couldn't stop what I was feeling, or the fact that I just felt like a better man with her at my side.

  Leading me back into the dining room, she said, “I did my best, but I wasn't sure what you would be in the mood for, so I made a bunch of stuff.”

  Looking over the plate, there was steak, carrots, potatoes. “What's under these?” I asked, pointing at the metal domes covering more plates. “I had dessert already, so. . .” Letting the word hang in the air, I gave her a wink.

  “Why don't you pick one up and see.”

  Lifting the cover, I stood silent, not really too sure what I was looking at. “What is it?”

  “Take a good look.”

  “Does that say—” Leaning forward, I turned my head, allowing it to slowly seep into my brain. “Pregnant?”

  Ella's smile grew wider as she wrapped her arms around my ribs. “I'm pregnant, we're having a baby.”

  It was the words I had been waiting for.

  But I wasn't sure I was ready to actually hear them.

  Because that meant, the fun was over.

  Does it have to be?

  I'm not sure I'm ready to go back to normal.

  Chapter Twenty-two

  Ella

  “What are you thinking right now?” I asked August as he stared at the poster on the wall.

  “I'm actually thinking that there's no way whoever drew this giant vagina wasn't a virgin.” Crossing his arm over his chest, he rested his chin on his fist. “I mean look at it, someone had to actually stare at a vagina to get all these details perfect. Any man attempting to draw that shit would have tried to fuck it, and the owner of the vagina would have kicked him in the nuts. If it wasn't a virgin, then it had to be Georgia O'Keeffee. She's the one who paints all those vaginas, right?”

  Laughing, I kicked my feet back and forth as I sat on the table. “It's a diagram, that's how students learn what's what. I highly doubt either of your thoughts are true.”