by Rye Hart
Drake helped me out of my dress and into a bed. Paul came skidding around the corner, holding my pink and yellow bag as well as the baby blanket I had purchased a few days ago. It was always such a relief to have Paul’s calm and quiet demeanor around, but even he was shaking and falling apart at the seams.
“Hello Delia, just try to relax. I’m going to check your dilation,” the doctor said.
My legs were spread and his fingers were inside of me before I could protest. The pain took my breath away as another contraction hit around my body. I reached out for Drake’s hand as Paul wrapped around, grabbing my other one as tears poured down my face.
“Epidural. I need—I need one of those,” I said, breathlessly.
“She’s eight centimeters dilated. This baby is coming now, and she’s too far along for an epidural.”
“I’m what?” I asked.
“Delia, look at me.”
Paul’s voice ripped me from my fear as I turned my watery gaze towards him.
“There ain’t no one in this room that can do this but you. This baby’s stubborn, just like you. And it’s gonna be beautiful, just like you. Now you hunker down, roar as loud as you can, and show us men what real strength is.”
Tears poured down my face as Paul brought my hand to his lips to kiss. He smoothed my sweaty hair back before he nodded toward Drake, then made his way for the door. Nurses were piling in with all sorts of equipment as I looked up at Drake, my eyes pleading with him for mercy.
“Help me,” I said, breathlessly, “I can’t move my legs.”
“I got you, baby. I got you, okay?”
Drake hooked his strong arms around underneath the crook of my knee and bent my leg back toward my chest. Contractions were tumbling on top of one another now, rendering me speechless. I couldn’t scream. I couldn’t cry out. I couldn’t cuss, and I couldn’t lash out. I could only allow the pain to sweep me underneath its current and become one with it. If I kept fighting, it would only prolong this agony.
I felt a nurse crook her arm underneath my other leg as my body opened up for everyone in the room. All of my inhibitions went out the window as I felt my body beginning to push. I placed my chin against my chest and bared down as hard as I could, roaring out into the room as everyone cheered me on.
“That’s it, Delia. Come on. Yell as loud as you can!” Drake said.
I shrieked out into the room as my hips began to split themselves open.
“Another push,” the doctor said. “Come on. You got this.”
I bared down again, my toes curling and my legs shaking as I squeezed Drake’s hand tight.
“I hate you!” I said, into the room.
“Come on. Tell me again. Tell me how you feel,” Drake said.
“Why the fuck did I let you touch me?” I said. “What the hell was I thinking!”
I pushed again, feeling a searing hot pain.
“I need a nurse over here,” the doctor said. “Delia, give me one last push. One more push and that beautiful baby will be here.”
“It hurts so much,” I said, with a whimper.
I felt Drake press his lips to my ear as my head collapsed onto the bed. My body overrode my exhausted state as my legs shook with pain. It felt like every molecule in my being was being burned at the stake. I was trembling as my grip weakened against Drake’s hand as one last contraction wrapped around my body.
“Show everyone how strong you,” he said, with a whisper.
I flexed my feet, angled my hips, and roared into the room as I gave one last push. I felt relief course through my veins as people started to run around the room. I felt something slide from between my legs as Drake and the nurse set me back down onto the hospital bed. I heard chairs rolling around and machines being turned on. People were running around and Drake’s eyes were locked on something in the distance. Tears barreled down my cheeks as I waited for the sound. That glorious sound I’d been dreaming about for the last two months.
And as if the heavens above parted for only me, I heard it.
I heard the sound of my beautiful little infant.
“What is it?” Drake asked. “Is it a boy or a girl?”
“You guys don’t know already?” the nurse asked.
“I think it’s a girl,” I said breathlessly. “It’s a girl, right?”
“Sounds like momma’s got a strong intuition,” the nurse said. “Because you have a beautiful, healthy baby girl.”
I leaned my head against the pillow as the nurse lowered my daughter to my chest. I smoothed my hospital gown open and laid her directly onto my skin, cradling her closely as Drake looked down upon the two of us. I stared up into his eyes, tears of joy streaming down the sides of my face.
He bent down and kissed my forehead as more movement occurred underneath me. I felt blankets being moved and things being switched out. I felt someone cleaning me up and putting my legs down onto warm, fresh bedding. I cradled my daughter’s head as she nuzzled toward my breast, her mouth puckering for food as I lowered her to my nipple. I helped her to latch on, flipping her lip up so she could drink from my aching breasts.
“She’s a natural,” one of the nurses said. “But I’ll send in a lactation consultant just in case you have any questions.”
I felt Drake sit down beside us, his hand still cradling my head. I looked over at him, watching as a goofy smile trickled across his cheeks.
“My girls,” he said. “My healthy, beautiful girls.”
“What do you want to name her?” I asked. “We never did settle on a girl’s name.”
“I have now,” he said.
“Oh really?”
His eyes panned over to mine as he sighed. He leaned up and placed a kiss to my lips, warm and wet and soft to the touch. I knew what name he was going to pick. I recognized that look in his eye. Our foreheads connected as our daughter unlatched, then I shifted her to my other breast as I settled back into bed.
“I think Helena is a beautiful name,” I said.
“You don’t mind naming her that?” Drake asked.
“Nope. Your mother was a strong woman. A good woman. A woman who was steadfast and took care of those she loved. I think that’s a good legacy for our daughter.”
After Helena was done eating, I passed her over to Drake. His large hand tapped lightly against her back, trying to burp his newborn daughter as she fell asleep on his shoulder. Her cheek was smashed into his muscles and her lips were parted while she slept. Her back rose and fell with the small breaths she was taking, cradled against the strength of her father.
I saw the love Drake had for her in his eyes. I saw the moment he fell in love with her. Neither of us would ever be the same again. Not after this moment. That little girl already had this huge man wrapped around her newborn pinky finger, and as I watched Drake settle back in his chair my eyes began to flutter closed.
I fell into a deep contented sleep. I had a career I loved, a man I adored, and now, a perfect daughter that would get the best of both of us. Life had never been better.
The End
THE BETTER BROTHER
PROLOGUE
I turned to face him, and my eyes dropped to his lips. He was just inches away from me now, and my entire body was crying out for him.
Our kiss was hot and fast. The second our lips touched, his body reacted. He shoved me roughly against the elevator wall, holding me in place with strong hands. I’d been dreaming of this moment since he first picked me up that night. Seeing him in a tuxedo was almost too much for me to handle. I knew what was beneath those clothes, and I was desperate to get my hands on him.
“God,” I whispered as his lips found my neck. “I’ve wanted this all night.”
“You have no idea,” he growled, his lips still pressed against my skin.
His teeth bit down lightly, and I moaned. His hands roamed over my body, sliding over my hips and reaching around to grip my ass. Every inch of me that he touched lit on fire.
“Come here,” I dem
anded, pulling his face back to mine.
I kissed him so hard we were soon out of breath. My tongue slid into his mouth desperately. I could taste the martinis he drank that night, and it only made my head spin faster. Alcohol coursed through my veins, propelling me forward. I was reckless. I was horny. The elevator couldn’t rise fast enough.
His hand reached down for my thigh. He tightened his fist around the light material of my dress and pulled it upward. His finger caressed my bare thigh, moving higher with each stroke.
I moaned and let my head fall back. Panting, I wiggled beneath his touch. He slid his fingers even higher, soon realizing that I wasn’t wearing any panties.
When he touched my bare pussy, he groaned and buried his face in my neck. His fingers played with me, lapping up my wetness and then sliding upward to tease my clit. I moaned loudly and pushed my hips forward.
“You’re the devil,” he said roughly.
He pressed down harder on my clit and rubbed me roughly. The elevator door chimed behind us, and we jumped apart. My pussy was throbbing, aching for his touch, but neither of us wanted to get caught. We stood a few feet away from each other while the doors slid open.
There were a few people in the hallway, so he dipped down to grab my wrap off the floor, and we hurried toward our room. Neither of us said a word until were safely tucked away behind the door.
The second we were inside, he grabbed me and tossed me roughly on the bed. He crawled up below me, taking my legs in his hands as he moved. His lips traced light patterns over my calves as he moved upward, shoving my dress aside as he did.
Soon, I was completely exposed to him. He gripped my thighs and buried his face between my legs, his tongue already lashing out at my waiting clit.
“Fuck!” I cried out. For the first time in my life, I didn’t care about being overheard. I cried out his name repeatedly as his tongue flicked back and forth over me. Wet desire rushed between my legs, dripping onto the bed while he pushed me further toward the brink.
He reached around to grip my ass, holding me tightly while his tongue took me harder. My legs shook, and just like that, I came so hard that my back arched. My mouth opened but no sound came out. The cry of pleasure got caught in my throat as my whole body shook with ecstasy.
He stood up and tore his tux from his body. I wiggled upward just enough so that I pressed against the pillows. My eyes trailed down his body, growing wider when his rock-hard cock sprang free.
“You’re so fucking sexy,” he told me as he climbed onto the bed, now fully naked.
“Prove it,” I teased.
CHAPTER 1
JULIE
Either I’ll end up in a mental institution, or this will be the best damn decision of my life.
My new place was small but charming. The walls of the living room were painted a shade of green that lightened both the space and my mood. I leaned back in my desk chair and stared at the wall in front of me. Dallas was good to me, but there were too many bad memories now.
I needed a change. This place was just forty-five minutes outside of the city. Quaint. Quiet. Peaceful. And, away from pain – at least that’s what I wanted so desperately to believe.
Ennis, Texas, was the last place I ever envisioned myself settling down. I thought I’d spend my entire life in one big city or another, chasing my dream of being a journalist. Now, freelancing was all I needed. Living a quiet life seemed perfect and relaxing. After the last few weeks of hell, I longed for quality alone time.
Just as the thought crossed my mind, there was a loud knock on my front door. I frowned and got slowly to my feet. The only person who knew where I lived was my best friend Andrea, but I couldn’t imagine she would drive all the way down here.
“Hey!” Andrea said when I opened the door.
I laughed and shook my head. Standing aside, I let Andrea pass by me. She quickly made herself at home, kicking off her shoes and collapsing in a heap on my couch.
“I know it’s only like an hour,” she said. “But god, I really hate that fucking drive.”
“What are you doing here?” I sat down in my chair and spun around to face her.
“Ouch.” Andrea placed her hand over her heart and feigned a hurt expression. “Where’s the love, Jules?”
I rolled my eyes. “You know what I mean.”
“I just wanted to check on you.” Andrea shrugged. “I have the day off, so I thought I’d drive down. Are you settled in?”
I nodded. “Getting there. It’s going to take some time to unpack everything, but I love this house. It’s perfect.”
“I thought it would be,” Andrea said with a satisfied grin.
Andrea helped me find my new house about two seconds after I mentioned the move. She, unlike most of the other people in my life, was totally supportive of my desire to get out of Dallas.
“My parents came down yesterday,” I said. “They don’t feel the same way.”
“Like that’s a surprise,” Andrea said. “Frank and Janice wouldn’t know true style if it bit them in the ass.”
I laughed. “God, that’s so true. Do you remember that purple leather recliner they bought when we were in high school?”
“Oh my god!” Andrea groaned. “I forgot about that!”
“I don’t know how you could,” I said. “It still haunts my nightmares.”
“Well, you had to live with the damn thing in your living room,” Andrea said.
We both laughed and continued our light-hearted abuse of my parents. They meant well, but they never truly understood me.
“So,” Andrea said, her tone suddenly shifting. “Have you heard from him?”
I froze. My heart felt like it stopped beating for a full minute. I knew Andrea would ask about him. Still, it didn’t stop me from feeling breathless and blindsided. My ex was the last person I wanted to talk about.
“No,” I said. “I’m not sure he even knows I left Dallas.”
“Of course, he knows,” Andrea said. She rolled her eyes. “It’s all over Facebook.”
“It is?”
“Well, I posted about it,” Andrea said with a shrug.
“That doesn’t mean he’s seen it,” I said. “Besides, why would he care? He dumped me.”
“Trust me, I know.” Andrea sighed and sat up. “How are you doing?”
Andrea’s green eyes found mine. She didn’t look away. She held my gaze until, finally, I felt my entire body cave and my resolve melt away into nothingness. As much as I didn’t want to talk about him, Andrea knew I needed to.
“I miss him,” I said honestly, “which is ridiculous. I know that. But I can’t help it. I still really miss him.”
“You were together for two years,” Andrea said. “It would be weird if you didn’t miss him.”
“But, he doesn’t deserve it,” I said firmly. “He totally screwed me over. I stayed with him while he finished med school. Despite the long hours he kept and the stupid fights he would pick every time he got stressed out about some test, I stayed. I put up with all of it. Then, he starts his residency and just bails? Who does something like that?”
“An asshole,” Andrea said bluntly. “A pathetic little asshole.”
“Exactly,” I said. “Then, why the hell do I even still care?”
“Because you’re a good person,” Andrea said. “You have a heart. A big one.”
“I wish I didn’t,” I said.
Andrea snorted and moved to the edge of the couch. She reached out her hand for me to take. With a sigh, I slid out of my chair and moved to sit beside her. She held my hand and once again fixed me with a stare that was almost too understanding.
“Do you want me to kill him?” she asked, her tone serious.
I laughed and threw her hand away from me.
“I’m serious!” she said. “I’ll do it. I have the shovel in my trunk already.”
“You’re insane.” I rolled my eyes.
“That may be true,” she said. “But I’m here. Whatever
you need.”
“I’m glad you came,” I said.
“You needed me.”
Her response was simple, but it spoke to the core of who Andrea was. She and I had been through everything together. From Kindergarten to college graduation. From weddings to funerals. It wasn’t a surprise that she knew what I needed better than I did.
“I’m glad I moved,” I said. “This place is going to be good for me. I went into town today, and it’s perfect. There’s this little coffee shop in the square that I could spend all day in. I’m going to get so much writing done here.”
“That’s amazing,” Andrea said. “Now that Dr. Assface isn’t holding you back anymore, you can finally get some real work done.”
I frowned. “Holding me back?”
I was angry and hurt by my break up, but I never thought of Joshua as someone who held me back.
“Oh, come on,” Andrea said. “You know he did. In the two years, you were with him, you barely wrote anything, Julie.”
“My career has been successful,” I said defensively. “I’ve had at least one article published every month since college. That’s pretty damn good.”
Andrea held up her hands. “Listen,” she said. “I’m not questioning your success, okay? But I’m not talking about your articles. As a journalist, you’re killing it. You always have.”
“Then, what?”
“Your book!” Andrea said with frustration. “The book you’ve been writing since high school. The book you’ve been stressing about and dwelling on for ten years. Remember that book?”
“Oh.” I blinked. “Right.”
“See?” Andrea said. “He was holding you back.”
“I don’t know if we can blame Joshua for that,” I said. “I let the book slide. That wasn’t his fault.”
“Do you remember what he told you after he read the first chapter?” Andrea asked.
I frowned again. I hadn’t thought about my book in so long. Honestly, I couldn’t remember the last time I even opened the file on my computer. But when Andrea asked that question, everything came flooding back.
Joshua and I were in his apartment. I’d just given him the first chapter to read. I sat on his couch, waiting for him to finish it. I was terrified to hear what he thought, but I was also excited to share something so personal with him.
