Come What May (Forever and Always #9)

by E. L. Todd

  “But your body is perfect.” My hands moved up his arms. “You work hard to look good and I’m…soft.”

  “I work out hard because I like pleasing you. But this is so much sexier.” He kissed my stomach again. “I don’t want you to feel unattractive. You are so gorgeous, you’ll never understand.” He grabbed my hand and wrapped it around his shaft. “If you were fat, would I be this hard?”

  I squeezed it then rubbed it gently.

  “No.” He leaned over me then moved through my slickness.

  I gripped his back because it felt so good.

  Sean rocked into me slowly. “I want to come as soon as I’m inside you.” His hand moved to the side of my stomach, touching it gently. “Because you’re so sexy.” He kissed my forehead while he made love to me.

  I latched onto his back and rocked from below. He moved far into me, hitting the right spot over and over. My climax was easier to reach now that I was pregnant. It must be the hormones. The explosion happened between my legs and I yelled out his name.

  Sean let go as soon as I found my bliss. He pushed far inside me then released himself. Knowing he was filling me was always such a turn-on.

  He kissed my forehead again before he pulled out. Then he cuddled beside me, his hand resting on my small belly. Sean always touched me there. It was his new favorite place.

  “We’re okay?” he whispered.

  “Yeah.”

  “I love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  2

  Sean

  I’m glad the issue with the housemaid had been solved. I knew Scarlet would be mad, but she was livid. I thought I was going to be thrown out of the house and into the cold. But the night ended with our lovemaking. And I was happy.

  When we had breakfast the next morning, Scarlet was still uncomfortable. She glanced at Olga while she ate her food. Scarlet wasn’t used to being waited on. Even when we went to a restaurant, she still felt odd. One time, the food she ordered had a hair in it. And she still didn’t complain. I was the one who had to tell them to remake it. And Scarlet felt even worse about that.

  When she walked me to the door, I gave her a gentle kiss on the lips and the forehead. “I’ll see you when I get home.”

  “Okay.” The adoration and love in her eyes returned.

  My hand moved to her stomach. “Thought of any names for our little girl?”

  She shook her head. “No.”

  “How about Diane?” I teased.

  Her eyes lit up in flames. “That better be a joke.”

  I chuckled and kissed her on the cheek. “Of course it is. You would kill me if it weren’t.” I walked out and kept my bag over my shoulder. Scarlet stayed at the door and watched me go. I knew Scarlet wasn’t a morning person. If I didn’t get up for work in the morning, she would sleep until ten. But she woke up early every day just to have breakfast with me. And she walked me to the door. I liked the domesticated routine we made. It made me miss her all day until I was in her arms again. Somehow, I had the perfect wife and the perfect marriage.

  When I got into my car and headed to work, I thought about how different my life would have been if things had been different. What if I ended up with Penelope? It was depressing just to think about. I wouldn’t have the wonderful life I had now. Scarlet wouldn’t be mine. She probably would have ended up with Cortland.

  The thought made me sick.

  I never felt so blessed than I did in that moment. Everything worked out for the best. I had everything I didn’t deserve to have. My beautiful wife was carrying my child, and she was my lover and my best friend. Even a lifetime with her wouldn’t be long enough. I was so damn lucky.

  When I got to work, I smiled and greeted everyone. Since all our friends new about the upcoming baby, I didn’t see the point in hiding it from the staff. I passed Nina in the hall, a human resources secretary.

  “Congratulations on the baby,” she said while she smiled.

  ‘Thank you.” I felt warm inside. “My wife and I are very excited.”

  She nodded then walked away.

  I headed to my office. As soon as I put my stuff down, Mike barged in.

  “Dude, is Scarlet pissed about the servant?”

  “She’s not a servant,” I snapped. “She’s a maid.”

  “Ooh. Someone’s ticked. I guess that means Scarlet was pissed. And kept her legs closed.”

  I glared at him. “Stop talking about my wife’s legs.”

  “Yep. She was livid.”

  Mike always tried to get a rise out of me. I was annoyed when he was successful. “She was upset but we worked through it—and I still got laid.”

  “I hope you didn’t poke the baby in the eye,” he said with a laugh.

  “You’re a pig.” I turned on my computer and scanned through the hundreds of emails I had.

  “Yep.” He walked out and finally left me in peace. When the door opened again, I sighed in irritation. How was I supposed to get any work done around here?

  Ryan walked inside, his hands in his pockets.

  I wasn’t expecting to see him. He and I hadn’t talked since he punched me in the nose. When he came over for Christmas, he didn’t acknowledge me. I assumed he was still angry with me for sleeping with Janice. I was just thankful he was talking to Scarlet again.

  “Hey.” He approached my desk then looked at the pictures. Scarlet’s face was displayed everywhere.

  “Hey.”

  Silence. And more silence.

  I decided to go first. “I’m sorry about everything, man. For what it’s worth, it really meant nothing with Janice. I hope we can work this out.”

  He sighed then moved to the couch. I followed him. “I’m not mad.” He rested his hands on his knees and looked at them. “It bothered me for a while. The idea of Janice being with anyone but me makes me sick. It really doesn’t matter who it is. But I’ll admit it’s awkward since you’re my brother-in-law…but I won’t hold it against you. I didn’t even know Janice at the time.”

  That was a relief. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen to our relationship.

  “And if Scarlet doesn’t act weird around Janice, and she’s still her best friend, I shouldn’t let it affect my relationship with you. And I’ve never noticed anything between you.”

  I nodded. “As soon as we were done, we never spoke of it and moved on. I just see Janice as a friend. I don’t look at her in that way, and she doesn’t look at me in that way. And Janice apologized to Scarlet and said how sorry she was. Everything worked out.”

  “Then I’m not going to be the one person to make it awkward.”

  Ryan was a second brother to me. I was thankful I wouldn’t lose him. And I knew my wife wouldn’t want that either.

  “So, we’re cool?”

  He nodded. “I need someone to pick on Scarlet with.” His usual grin was back.

  I smiled. “I’m your man.”

  “Good.”

  We sat together for a while. It was still a little awkward but camaraderie would return eventually.

  “How’s that brat anyway?” Ryan asked.

  “She’s throwing a hissy fit because of the maid.”

  He rolled his eyes. “Just ignore her. That’s what I do.”

  “It’s a little difficult when she’s my wife—and she’s pregnant.”

  “It’s called ear plugs.”

  I laughed. “Janice is a lucky girl.”

  “Oh. She is.” He winked.

  “I’m glad you two are still together. That’s what Scarlet and I were more concerned about.”

  He shook his head. “That girl could do anything to me and get away with it. Although, I’ll never admit that to her. Wouldn’t want her to take advantage of me.”

  “She wouldn’t.”

  Ryan extended his hand. “Should we shake hands or something?”

  I shrugged. “I guess.”

  We embraced then pulled apart.

  “Does Monnique know about Cortland an
d Scarlet?” I asked. “That seems to be the last dirty secret.”

  “Nope,” Ryan said. “I told him to come clean.”

  “Yikes,” I said. “Monnique seems to have more of an attitude than the others.”

  “Cortland insists he’s into that,” Ryan said with a laugh.

  “Or he’s just into her ass.”

  “Same thing.”

  “You doing anything later?” I asked.

  “Just fucking Janice.”

  “TMI, man.”

  He shrugged. “I don’t care. Did you have something in mind?”

  “I’m buying Scarlet a car. And I need someone to drive it back.”

  A huge grin spread across his face. “She’s going to be sooo pissed, especially right after the house maid incident. Yikes.”

  “I’m trying to get it over with because the hormones get really bad. So, you coming?”

  “Are you kidding? I love watching Scarlet get worked up over stupid shit.”

  “Good. Sounds like you’re my man.”

  “What are you getting?” Ryan asked.

  “A BMW. Something safe.”

  He nodded. “Those are nice.”

  “Scarlet will hate anything I get her.”

  “Because she’s an annoying brat.”

  I smirked.

  “Your parents know about the baby?”

  “No.” The depression settled on my shoulders. “I’m not talking to my mom until she apologizes to Scarlet—really apologizes.”

  He patted my shoulder. “I’m sorry, man.”

  “I don’t understand what the problem is. My mom loves Scarlet one moment, then treats her like shit the next. It makes my head explode. Even if Scarlet was the worst woman in the world, she still wouldn’t deserve that treatment. I don’t get it.”

  “At least your dad is cool.”

  “My dad loves her more than his own kids.”

  “Well, I don’t blame him,” he teased.

  I rubbed my face with my hands. “I love my mom. I do. And it kills me that she doesn’t accept my wife. But I don’t know what to do. I feel like I have to choose. And of course, I’ll always choose Scarlet. But why should I have to?”

  “Scarlet would be willing to work on it—over and over,” Ryan said. “She doesn’t want you to lose your family. She understands how important they are to you.”

  “But she shouldn’t have to,” I said firmly. “That’s what irritates me. Scarlet is always the one making the effort. And I’m sick of it. If my mom wants to be in our lives, she’ll have to do some serious ass-kissing. And I don’t want to get Scarlet worked up while she’s pregnant. She needs to relax.”

  “Which is why you’re getting her a housemaid and a car in two days?” he asked with a laugh.

  I chuckled. “I guess that wasn’t smart, huh?”

  “Nope.”

  I got Scarlet a BMW SUV. The large size would keep her safe, and she could put the kids in the back. Since I had a sports car, I couldn’t take more than one passenger. I paid for it in cash then signed the papers.

  “How about you drive the BMW and make sure it works right?” He headed to the Ferrari then winked at me.

  I knew it was a ploy to drive my car. But I did want to test out the BMW before my wife drove it. “Fine.” I tossed him the keys.

  He practically clicked his heels. “I’ll wait for you at the house.”

  “You’ll wait?”

  “Yeah. Because I’m going to get there before you even pull out of the parking lot.” He got inside then started the engine.

  That jackass. I got into my wife’s car and checked everything. Then I headed home.

  Scarlet spoke to her brother in the driveway. Judging by the confused look on her face, she was wondering where her beloved husband was—me. And I knew Ryan wouldn’t say anything.

  I parked the BMW in the driveway then got out. Scarlet’s eyes were wide and her mouth was open. She knew it was for her.

  I reached her then held up a finger. “For once, just say thank you.”

  She shut her mouth then eyed the car again.

  “I mean it,” I said firmly.

  “You could have gotten a cheaper car.”

  Ryan shook his head. “You’re the worst person to shop for—ever.”

  “That’s not true,” she said defensively. “I loved the blender you got us for our wedding.”

  “Because you knew it was twenty bucks,” he said with a laugh.

  I grabbed her hand and dropped the keys on her palm. “That’s my last big gift. I promise. Unless you want an upgrade on your ring.”

  She immediately pulled her hand to her chest. “I love my ring. I don’t want another one.”

  “Then that’s the last big thing I’ll buy you.”

  She breathed a sigh of relief.

  “Now thank your husband and show him how much you love him.” I moved close to her.

  She took a deep breath and forced the words from her mouth. “Thank you.”

  I smiled. “You’re welcome.”

  “But I don’t know how to drive…”

  “I’ll teach you.”

  “Don’t go near a school,” Ryan teased. “Because she’ll decimate the school population.”

  She glared at him.

  “And maybe we’ll pull over and have sex in the backseat,” I said into her ear.

  “What is it with you and fucking in public places?” she asked incredulously.

  “Well, we can’t do it on planes anymore. Let’s change the tradition to cars.”

  “Let’s just make love in bed like normal couples.”

  “Nah,” I said. “That’s boring.”

  She rolled her eyes then examined the car. It was pearl white. I knew she would like the color. “It’s very nice.”

  “And you have plenty of room in the back for groceries.”

  “Not that I’ll need it,” she said bitterly.

  I ignored the jab. “And room for the kiddos.”

  “Kiddos, as in plural?” she asked in surprise.

  “You thought we were just going to have one?”

  “No. I just think we should concentrate on this one right now.” Her hand went to her stomach.

  I decided to let it go. “Okay.”

  “Alright,” Ryan said. “I’m headed out.” He took my keys to the Ferrari and opened the door.

  “How dumb do you think I am?” I snapped.

  “Damn.” He got out and handed me the keys.

  “Stay for dinner,” Scarlet insisted.

  Ryan put his arm around her shoulder. “Okay, fatty.”

  “Fatty?”

  “You’re huge,” he teased.

  She looked down at her baggy shirt. “You can hardly tell.”

  “If that’s what you think.” He rolled his eyes.

  Scarlet looked at me, fear in her eyes. “Am I fat?”

  I laughed. “Scarlet, he’s just teasing you. Of course you aren’t.”

  “No, I’m not,” Ryan said.

  She hit him on the shoulder. “Don’t be a jerk to your niece or nephew.”

  “I’m not. I’m being a jerk to you.” He walked inside. “Where’s this maid? Is she hot?”

  Scarlet rolled her eyes. “What about Janice?”

  “What about her? I can’t check out the hot housemaid?”

  We moved to the table and saw Olga add the finishing touches. When Ryan saw how old she was, he quickly took his seat with his eyes averted. She clearly wasn’t what he expected.

  “If you don’t need anything else, Mrs. Preston, I’ll be heading out,” Olga said.

  “Scarlet,” she said firmly. “ Call me Scarlet.”

  Olga smiled but didn’t say anything.

  “Thank you for everything. You can head home for the night.”

  “Thank you,” Olga said.

  She waved then grabbed her purse before she left.

  Ryan already dug into the enchiladas she made. “Fuck. This shit is good.” He
shoveled it into his mouth.

  Scarlet eyed him but didn’t comment.

  Ryan spoke again. “This is so much better than your cooking. Good thing you hired her.”

  Scarlet gave him a look of hate. “Don’t be a jackass.”

  He laughed. “I’m teasing. Geez, being pregnant makes you sensitive.”

  Scarlet picked at her food. She didn’t have much of an appetite.

  “Baby, eat,” I said firmly.

  “She doesn’t want to admit Olga is a better cooker,” Ryan said.

  “I know she is,” Scarlet said firmly. She moved her fork around her food.

  I knew what was really bothering her. “Baby, you aren’t fat. You’re pregnant. It’s totally different.”

  Ryan’s eyes softened. “Scar, I was just kidding before. You aren’t fat.”

  “Really?” she whispered.

  “Yeah. You’re prettier than you usually are.”

  She placed the fork in her mouth and took a bite.

  Scarlet was used to being petite and small. She ate whatever she wanted and never gained weight. She never relied on her beauty or even thougth she was beautiful, but now she wasn’t comfortable with the change in her body. She never had a gut or any flab. When I told Scarlet she was beautiful, I wasn’t saying it to coax her ego. I was honestly more attracted to her than ever before.

  After dinner, I took Ryan home. He offered to take a cab, but I’d rather drive him. Plus, it was an excuse to take my car out. Since I spent a quarter of a million dollars on it, I wanted to cruise in it as much as possible.

  When I came home, Scarlet was already in bed. She wore one of my t-shirts and it covered her body until it reached her knees.

  “Don’t let this get to you, baby.”

  She put aside her kindle then turned off the lamp. “I can’t help it.”

  I got in beside her then climbed over her. When I reached for the light, she grabbed my arm. “Just leave it off.”

  “Baby…”

  “Otherwise, we aren’t having sex.”

  “You’re beautiful. You really think I would lie to you?”

  “I know it’s stupid but I can’t help it. I’m just afraid you won’t be attracted to me anymore.”

  I shook my head. “I’m excited for when you’re late in your pregnancy. That will be really hot.”