“You watch after her Chris or I’m coming for you.” Nick threatened.
Chris threw his hands up. “I got her, nothing’s going to happen I promise.”
Nick nodded. “Good.” Was all he said before focusing his attention back to me. “Call me when you get there ok?” he asked, when I nodded he bent down and kissed me. When he pulled back he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “I love you babe.” He whispered.
I grinned. “I love you too.” I assured him before making my way inside the airport with Chris and Carter.
After we got passed security and found our gate Chris took a seat next to me. “So you two are serious huh?” he asked.
I nodded. “How can you tell?” I asked dryly.
“Other than the fact he practically threatened my life? It’s apparent he’s crazy about you.” I chuckled and he cleared his throat. “By the way I’ve been wanting to ask you something but I don’t want to offend you.”
My eyebrow went up in curiosity. “Sure, what is it?” I asked.
He leaned in close and lowered his voice. “Are you… you know, umm.” He gestured to my stomach with a wave of his hand and pulled on his collar. I couldn’t help but laugh at how uncomfortable he looked.
“Am I what?” I knew what he was getting at. I’m sure he’s seen the baby bump but seeing this normally cocky and flirtatious guy looking like he’d rather jump off a building right now was classic. I couldn’t help but tease him.
He cleared his throat and his eyes flew from side to side. He leaned in even closer until his face was almost touching mine. “Pregnant.” He whispered before pulling back to look at my face.
I scowled and had to refrain from laughing in his face. “Are you saying I’m fat?” I asked.
His mouth dropped open and his hands went up in defense. He started shaking his head frantically. “No, I mean I don’t think so… it’s just that well, I noticed that um… ok maybe I should just stop talking.”
I couldn’t help it. I laughed so loud that more than a few people looked our way with curious stares. It’s not like people weren’t already buzzing a bit about his presence here in the airport but we had a security person with us today keeping people at bay. “I am totally fucking with you.” I slapped my knee as I tried to calm my laughing. When I accidentally snorted I broke out into another fit of laughter, I tried to calm myself when tears started falling from my eyes.
“What’s so funny?” he asked frowning.
“Y… You!” I told him pointing at him. “You are so freaked out and it’s hilarious. Oh My God, you have no idea how awesome that just was.”
“I don’t get the joke Mel.” He said confused.
When I was able to speak again in sentences that weren’t broken or slurred I met his eyes. “I am totally pregnant but you just looked so fucking scared that I couldn’t help but tease you.”
He grunted. “Damn Mel, that’s fucked up. I felt so bad just now and didn’t know what to do. Then I’m like fuck she’s going to call Nick and he’s going to hop on a plane to come for my ass and I definitely will never play ball again when he was done with me.”
I rolled my eyes. “Relax… he’s not that crazy.” He cocked and eyebrow at me in challenge and I shrugged. “He would’ve caught you before you boarded the plane.” I told him with a smile and he shook his head.
“He damn sure has his hands full with you.” He muttered and I stuck my tongue out at him.
The flight passed by quickly since we spent the whole time cracking jokes and acting like five year olds harassing Carter and the security guard. Carter did a lot of mumbling which resulted in us throwing carrots at him while we tried to make the security guard drop his stoic demeanor which didn’t work at all. Chris was getting so desperate to make him crack he was considering flashing him. I would’ve died to see what the guy would’ve done, unfortunately the flight attendant overheard his plans and shut them down before he had a chance to follow through. By the time we landed, and were hopping into the waiting car, Carter was complaining and regretting his decision to bring me along since I appear to be a bad influence on Chris when we weren’t working.
Chris had a large two floor condo by the water and I would be staying there with them. He had more than enough spare rooms to accommodate me. The room he escorted me to was on a separate floor and I would be the only one sleeping here. after I got myself settled my stomach growled informing me that I needed to eat and I found my way to the kitchen. When I got there, there was a blonde woman who looked to be in her twenties standing by the stove. When I entered she looked me over and seemed to come to some conclusion before continuing what she was doing.
“Hi, I’m Melanie.” I introduced myself.
She gave me a forced smile. “I’m Nancy, I’m the housekeeper.”
I frowned this has to be one of the strangest encounters I had with someone’s maid. “Oh ok. Do you need any help there?” I asked.
She shook her head. “I have everything here.”
“Hey Nancy.” I heard Chris greet from behind me. “Is dinner ready? I’m starving.” He came over to my side and threw his arm around my shoulders as I glanced up at him. “I’m sure that baby in there is hungry too aye Mel?”
I heard something drop and I turned to see Nancy bending down to pick up the lid to the pot. She walked it over to the sink and washed it off before placing it back where it belonged. “Oh it will be ready shortly.”
Carter came into the room and scowled at us. “You know, the two of you are fucking horrible together.” He grumbled.
I smiled and walked over to him looping my arm through his. I rested my head on his shoulder as I patted his arm. “Yes dad, we promise to behave from now on. We’re sorry for throwing carrots at you.” I told him while batting my eyelashes.
I could hear Chris chuckling behind me as Carter scoffed. “I’d be a damn fool to go for that.” He turned his attention to Nancy and walked over to her. “And how are you doing? You enjoying your time away from that idiot?” he asked.
She blushed. “Everything is fine Carter, thank you. Dinner is almost ready, I made stew beef.”
Carter groaned. “Will you marry me? You’re such a sweet girl… why can’t they be more like you?” he asked.
Chris laughed. “Because your life would be boring.”
Nancy excused herself then to get plates and things and we all sat down at the table. She left after our plates were made and we all dug in. I moaned, “Oh this is good. I think I love her too Carter.”
Carter laughed. “You’re not the only one.” He muttered. My eyebrow flew up in question and Chris choked. I hid my smile behind a bite of food as I let that sentence work wonders in my head.
The press conference was tomorrow and I went to sleep early, that is after I was able to get Nick off the phone. We had to be there at noon so we were up early. We got some training in and then got ready to go. I threw on my dress and heels and made my way downstairs. I heard a wolf whistle and I rolled my eyes.
“Damn girl you look hot. Spin for me.” Chris said with a grin.
I rolled my eyes and flipped him off. “How far is this place?” I asked.
“Like thirty minutes or so, why?”
I grimaced. “So the thing about being pregnant is that the baby kind of rests and beats up on your bladder making you have to go constantly. I wanted to make sure I’d make it.” I confessed and he shuttered.
“there are some things a man just doesn’t have to know. If it makes you feel any better you tell me if we need to go and we’ll stop.” He assured me.
I nodded. “Thanks.”
“You speak to Nick?” he asked.
“Yes, he’s going to be watching so you better behave.”
He chuckled. “Don’t I always?”
“No Chris, you don’t. now let’s go before we get into even more trouble with Carter.”
He sighed. “Where were you all my life? You’re like my perfect partner in crime. I don’t think anyo
ne has ever been able to age Carter but me but you’re a natural girl.”
I giggled. “I’m not even sure if that’s something I want to be proud about.”
We made it to the place on time and I found my spot in the front row off to the side. They asked him questions and he answered just like we discussed. He was his normal cocky self and made sure to make the girls in the room swoon a few times and I just rolled my eyes. I’ve seen this side of him but I have also gotten to know what I consider is the real him. the person he is when no one else is around and we’re working or just hanging around on a break. He’s funny and caring and pretty down to earth. He hasn’t done anything to make me feel uncomfortable or tried to make a move on me which was a relief. After he found out about Nick and I he made it clear he was attracted to me but he wouldn’t do anything that could be a problem. He respected me and the way I worked, and he also enjoyed just hanging out. We joked and acted like kids and it was always mainly fun. Carter noticed this and he initially was relieved seeing that we had more of a familial relationship, that is until we decided bothering him was fun now he tries to put us on timeout in separate corners of the room. The conference was coming to a close when a reporter asked if they could expect him to make an appearance at one of the red carpet events happening that night.
He shrugged. “Only if my therapist gives me permission.” He said gesturing to me.
All eyes swung my way and I turned red from embarrassment and shrugged. “Only if he promises to behave.”
He saluted me. “Well you heard the woman. Scouts honor Mel.” And I rolled my eyes.
That concluded the conference and we went back to the car. “You know you’re coming right?” Chris said as soon as we pulled off.
My eyes went wide and I shook my head. “Absolutely not! I’m not going with you.”
“Why not?” he challenged.
“Bun in the oven here if you forgot I am not going out to party mister. Plus I have nothing to wear.”
He rolled his eyes. “Did you forget who I am woman? I will have options waiting for you at the house by the time we get there.” I opened my mouth to argue and he held up his hand to stop me. “No arguments, this is happening. You’re in New York City and we’re going to have fun so suck it up.” I knew there was no point in arguing so I just sat back and sighed.
True to his word, when we arrived at his place there was a well-dressed woman chatting with Nancy in the living room and there were racks with clothes on them. I looked to Chris in disbelief but he didn’t seem the least bit fazed by it all. I walked over to the dresses and let my hands skim them. They were all really formal evening gowns that looked utterly expensive.
I sighed. “Chris I can’t do this.” I admitted.
“What do you mean? Just pick something pretty and get ready.” He told me.
“You’re not going to let this go are you?” I asked and he shook his head.
I grabbed three dresses at random and found my room. I sat on the edge of the bed fiddling with my phone and finally dialed Nick. “Hey baby, I was just thinking about you.”
I smiled. “Back at ya, what are you guys up to?”
“Shakira and I are watching cartoons, you?”
I sighed. “I am staring at these dresses that Chris had brought over so that I could attend some event with him.”
“What are you talking about?” he asked. I heard the shift in his voice from lazy and playful to fully alert in seconds.
“There’s some event and Chris invited me to go with him. I’m not sure exactly what it’s for or anything but I was thinking about going.”
Nick grunted. “I don’t want you to go.”
I frowned. “What do you mean you don’t want me to go?”
“Exactly what I said, you didn’t go to New York to go on dates with your clients Melanie. You went out there to work. Last time I checked, partying wasn’t a part of your job description.”
“Don’t you think you’re exaggerating just a bit? It’s not a date Nick and you know that, we’re just going out. It’s no big deal ok? Don’t you trust me?”
I heard him growl. “I know Mel, it’s not that. I trust you I just don’t trust anybody else. I’ll talk to Chris but I swear neither one of you wants to give me a reason to have to get on a plane tonight, I mean it.”
“Yes sir!” I replied sarcastically.
His tone softened. “Have fun baby and call me when you get in. I love you sweet cheeks.”
I couldn’t help my goofy grin. “Will do, I love you too Nick. Thanks for being understanding.”
“It’s only because I’m the best man in the world, you can admit it.” he urged.
I chuckled. “You’re the best fiancé EVER!” I told him.
He laughed. “Even better, see you’re learning.”
I rolled my eyes. “On that note my dear, I need to get going. I’ll call you back tonight alright?”
“You better or else I’ll be there to kick your ass when you wake up.”
I sighed. “Promises….” I heard him groan and I clicked off.
I chose a simple black gown with matching shoes and joined Chris downstairs. “Darling you look stunning.”
I threw my hand on my chest. “Why thank you sir, you look quite handsome yourself.” I said making my way over to Chris.
“Ready?” he asked and I nodded. As we pulled up in front of the hotel where the party was being hosted I grew nervous. There were a ton of paparazzi and it was just sinking in what I was getting myself into. I had never really done anything like this before, outside of Dean or James events but those were different. I had no idea what to expect here. Chris got out and extended a hand to me. I took it and did my best to make a graceful entrance. As soon as my head cleared the door the flashes went off like crazy and I was momentarily blinded. Chris clutched my arm to his helping me maneuver onto the red carpet. He stopped us a few times to take photos.
“Chris are you and Melanie together now?” I heard a reporter say and my head spun around. Chris held my elbow to balance me and someone passed behind me slightly bumping me making me lurch forward. His hand came out to rest on my stomach protectively while he tightened his grip on my arm. He didn’t comment but ushered me inside promptly.
“Are you ok?” he asked.
“Yea I am thanks to you. I’m sure I would’ve met pavement if you didn’t have a hold on me.”
He shook his head. “Fucking people.” He muttered. “You thirsty or anything?”
I nodded. “Can I have some water please?”
He nodded and walked off to get us drinks. I used that time to take in the scene around me and I was in awe. The place was done up elegantly, there were chandeliers and the colors and things seemed to be coordinated to a T. I also took note of all of the famous people around me showered in diamonds and things and I hadn’t even thought to wear earrings. I shrugged because I really didn’t give a shit if these people thought I was poor girl he found in the corner alley, it’s not their business. He was only gone for a couple of minutes before he returned with my ice cold water, it was like heaven. He took a seat next to me and chatted with people as they came up to him.
After a while I looked at him. “You know you don’t have to babysit me right?”
He chuckled. “I’m not babysitting you, we came here together I’m sticking with you. I’m not going to leave you hanging all alone so quit it while your ahead.”
I rolled my eyes. “Yes sir.” I said with a salute.
A blonde with a barely there dress sauntered up to his side. “Hi Chris, I’m a big fan.”
He threw her a sideways smirk and I’m sure she almost fainted. I took a sip to muffle my laughter. “Oh really, how big of a fan are you?” he asked.
She put a finger up and began drawing circles on his chest. “A really big fan, one of the best.” She purred and I wanted to gag.
“Good to know.” He said giving her an appraising look.
“So do you want to go find somewh
ere more private to talk or something?” she asked.
“I would love to, but I’m on strict orders to behave and I can’t leave my date now can I?”
She looked at me and pouted. “Is that your girlfriend?” she asked.
“No, but she’s my date tonight. I’m a gentleman I don’t leave my dates hanging. How about you come look me up another time babe I would love to get to know you better.”
She grinned from ear to ear and slid him a napkin which I assume contained her number. “Anytime.” Then she sauntered away making sure to make her ass shook with her walk.
When she was out of earshot I turned to him and chuckled. “For real? Is this what your life is like?” I asked.
He shrugged. “These girls only want me for my money and status. I’m no fool Mel, but a guy has needs.”
I rolled my eyes. “You sound like a dog.”
He scoffed. “No I sound smart, now let’s dance.”
He tugged on my hand and we went out to the dance floor. I made sure not to overdo it but we had a bunch of fun. He kept trying to twirl me around and do these formal dances and I’m sure we looked like two fools but it was awesome. He made sure to keep me hydrated and take breaks often. When it got a bit late the party was still in full swing but he decided to call it a night for my sake. I felt so bad and tried to talk him into staying but he refused. We left and headed back to the house where I assured Nick that things were fine before I retired to bed. We spent the following morning working and he left at around noon to go see his family since we were leaving early tomorrow. I made my way to the kitchen to make a sandwich and I found Nancy there.
“Hi Nancy, how are things?”
“They’re going good. How are you… and the baby?” she asked hesitantly.
I smiled. “We’re good. I’m kind of ready to head back home to my daughter and fiancé he’s driving me nuts about coming back.”
She frowned. “You’re engaged?”
I looked at her confused. “Yes, I’m engaged to Nick Rivers this is going to be our second child.”
She tilted her head to the side. “I thought you were with Chris and that’s where he’s been.”
Needing Her (The Lexington Series Book 3) Page 17
