I watched as he positioned himself on top of me, then grabbed his waist and pulled him close. I liked the way that his shape melded into mine, and I could tell that we had an unspoken attraction for each other. His caress was filled with passion and determination. I could tell that he was a man who knew what he wanted and knew how to get it.
I closed my eyes as he gently spread open my legs. He slid his fingers inside my wet, warm hole, and then circled them around inside me until I moaned with pleasure. I turned my head to the side and relaxed. It felt so good to receive his touch, and I longed for him to move his manhood inside me. He leaned back and then pressed forward, entering me in one long, determined movement. “Yes.” I cried out and ran my hands up and down his back.
“You feel incredible.” Rick thrust himself inside me as I lied on my back, anticipating every move that he made. I delicately arched my back to meet him each time he drove himself inside me, and he groaned with satisfaction. I spread my legs wider, wanting to feel every inch of his body inside me. He pressed harder against me and I ran my hands down his back, enveloped in the steady stream of passion.
“I love how you feel.” I whispered in Rick’s ear and he groaned. I could sense the wave of pleasure building up inside me and I cried out just as the feeling reached its height. I clutched Rick with all my might and then let out one long, extended cry of ecstasy. He had taken me to the heights of enjoyment once again, and my body responded with an orgasmic wave of relief.
The two of us lied motionless for a several minutes. Then I reached down for the blankets and pulled them up to our chins. We smiled in the afterglow and then rolled onto our sides. I ran my finger over Rick’s nose and then kissed him on the cheek. “That was incredible.” I smiled and then looked deep into his eyes. They were a smoky blue color, and they reminded me of a cool February day.
“I hope that we grow closer, Alyssa.” Rick traced his fingers around my breasts, then cupped them with his hands. “You know. You can tell me anything.” He looked at me with concern, and I bit my lower lip. Did he really mean that? Could I really tell him whatever I wanted?
“I’m glad to hear that, Rick. Because I actually do have something to tell you.” I sighed and then propped myself up in the bed.
“And what is that?” He raised his brows and propped himself u, as well.
“I’m pregnant.” I stared straight ahead for a few seconds, then got out of bed to get a glass of water.
Chapter 14
Rick looked at me with astonishment. “Did you seriously just tell me that you’re pregnant?” He shook his head and then ran his hands through his hair. “I must be hearing things.” He leaned forward and then stared at me for confirmation.
“You heard right. I know it sounds crazy, but it’s true.” I offered him some of the water and then sat down on the edge of the bed.
“Obviously, it isn’t mine.” Rick shook his head and then looked away. “Just my luck. The one woman in all of Bozeman who I fall for, and she tells me after we have sex that she’s pregnant with some other guy’s baby.” He covered his face with his hands.
“Not just some guy.” I corrected him and then took a deep breath. “It’s my husband’s baby.” I held back a tear and then looked at Rick as he flew off the bed.
“You’re married?” His voice rose and then he jumped off the bed. “This is unreal.” He walked across the room and reached for his clothes. “It’s about time for me to be going, Alyssa.” He pulled on his pants and then reached for his sweater and started to walk out of the room. I ran behind him and grabbed him by the arm.
“You’re misunderstanding. My husband passed away.” I shook my head and then started to cry. Rick stood before me in silence. “He was killed in a construction accident a few months ago. It was totally unexpected. I didn’t find out about the baby until about a month ago.” I bit my lower lip and then looked away. Rick lowered his head and then reached for my hand.
“I’m sorry, Alyssa. I’m actually sorry about all of this. Maybe we moved to fast. I think that the best thing for me to do right now would be to walk away. I hope you understand.” Rick let go of my hand and then slowly walked toward the door. I covered my face and cried.
“I’m sorry, Rick. I’m sure you think I was being dishonest, but I wasn’t. I knew I wanted to tell you about the baby if we ended up seeing each other again.” I let out an exasperated cry, and he just stared at me.
“Alyssa. Of course I planned on seeing you again, but the problem isn’t just not knowing about the baby. It’s about you going to see Christopher, it’s about you being married so recently. I just need some time to process all of this. I’m sure you can understand.” He adjusted his glasses, put on his hat, then headed for the door. I watched him through the window as he climbed into his truck and drove away. Then I threw myself face down onto the bed and bawled.
Chapter 15
The next three weeks were mostly a blur. I went into Avalanche to fulfill their scheduling needs, then I went home and tried to manage my house. I didn’t see either Rick or Christopher the entire time. “You oaky Alyssa?” Tim called to me from across the kitchen one night, then ambled toward me to check.
“Yes, I’m all right. Just a little tired.” I gave him a wry smile and then walked out with a tray full of food. I was more nauseous than usual, and I could tell that people were beginning to suspect my pregnancy. I looked at the clock, relieved that I only had another hour left before I could go home. Just as I was about to take a break and get a glass of water, I saw the door open and Christopher walked inside.
My heart raced and my palms began to sweat. I couldn’t believe that he was here, and it was all I could to maintain my composure. I wanted to punch him square in the jaw but instead I just walked away. He saw me and tried to get my attention but I ignored his waves. Luckily, my tables were on the opposite side of the restaurant, so it wasn’t difficult to ignore him, but I could still feel his stares from across the room.
At the end of my shift, I bundled up and then headed toward the door. Christopher saw me walking out, and tried to get my attention once again. I stopped on the steps and then turned around to face him. “What do you want, Christopher?” I glared at him and wrapped my scarf tightly around my neck.
“Listen, Alyssa. I know you’re mad at me because of what you saw, but you had no right coming to my house unannounced.” He cocked his head to the side and then shrugged. I put my hands on my hips and stared at him for a few seconds before walking down the steps.
“Seriously? You aren’t even going to apologize? Three weeks go by and all you can say is the basically the same as what you said last time? That it was essentially my fault that I caught you? And not your fault for being a dishonest cheat?” I couldn’t believe how self-righteous he was acting.
“Let’s back up here pretty lady. Who’s the dishonest one? Me? For sleeping with someone who I’ve been dating for the last year? Or you?For not telling anyone inside the restaurant that you’re five months pregnant?” He gave me an indignant stare then chuckled and walked away. I stood motionless for a few seconds, then spun around and headed to my truck.
Who told him that I was pregnant? It could have only been Rick. I was furious. I got behind the wheel, started the ignition, then drove away. I could barely think straight. I tried to calm myself down, but my emotions had gotten the best of me and I had no way to vent my frustration. As soon as I got home I stormed inside the house and threw off my boots.
“Damn it! Damn it, Joe!” I screamed at the top of my lungs and then flung myself down on the couch. “Damn it all.” I covered my face in my hands and cried. “Why did you have to go and get hurt, Joe? Why?” I sat there staring at the ceiling, as if I truly expected a response. When I heard nothing except silence, I got up and trudged out of the living room.
“Rebecca. It’ me. I’m having a crisis.” I knew that she didn’t mind speaking to me but I felt bad calling her out of desperation. “I’m a wreck.” I wanted someone t
o hold me, wanted someone to tell me that it would all go away and that I’d feel better soon. But there was nobody there to restore my confidence. I cried into the receiver and then reached for a tissue.
“Do you want to come stay with us for a while? It’s not good for you to be this stressed out while you’re pregnant, Alyssa.” I could sense Rebecca’s compassion through the phone and I smiled. Sometimes all it took was a friendly voice to make everything feel better.
“No. Thank you for offering, but I’m going to stay here. I need to make sure Lizzie is taken care of. And I need to get to work easily in the morning. I appreciate it so much, Rebecca. You’ve been such a good friend to me.” I meant all of what I said.
“Well, just let me know if I can help, oaky?” Rebecca hung up and I sat in silence for a few minutes before deciding that it would be best for me to get a new job. I could avoid having to see Christopher again, and I could avoid seeing Rick, too, if he decided that he didn’t want to see me anymore. I knew that the money I made at Avalanche would be hard to make at other restaurants, but maybe it would be the best to just leave.
I spent the next week poring over the newspapers, looking for something that would provide me with both the hours and the pay that I needed to survive. There was nothing. I only saw a part-time position at the Bozeman Grille as a line cook, and it paid less than what I was making at Avalanche. I shook my head in despair.
What else could I do now except forge ahead and try to make the best of it? I would have to deal with Avalanche, with Christopher and with Rick, instead of simply running away. Besides, this had been my making, anyway. I had decided to get involved, and I was just as guilty as the others for creating a dramatic situation. I decided that I’d just need to change my attitude and toughen up.
“Hey, Alyssa. I’ve got a tale on the other side of the floor that I’d like you to pick up if you’ve got a second.” Tim tapped me on the shoulder and I nodded in affirmation.
“No problem, Tim.” It was about a quarter of the way into my Friday night shift and I was tired, but still holding up relatively well. I walked to the south side of the restaurant, and stood at Table 4. Rick was in the seat, staring blankly at the menu.
“Hi, Alyssa. I asked the hostess if you could wait on me. Hope you don’t mind.” He smiled shyly and then pushed away the menu. “Honestly?” He looked at me with doleful eyes and then folded his hands across the table. “I’ve been thinking about you ever since the day I left.” He shook his head and then sighed. “Can you sit for a second?”
I looked around and then pulled out a chair. Tim wouldn’t be happy if he saw me sitting, but I took my chances considering the circumstances. “I’m glad to see you. It’s been a weird couple of weeks.” I took a deep breath and then twirled my hair a few times.
“I’ve really missed you, Alyssa. I’m sorry I disappeared.” Rick shook his head and then gave me a wry smile.
“I’ve missed you, too, Rick.” I looked into his eyes and then smiled.
“Why don’t you stop by my place after work? We can relax, have some tea, talk about me and you.” He looked at me with sincerity and it was hard for me to think about turning him down.
“I think that sounds good.” I nodded my head and then realized that I finally felt more centered, more certain about what I wanted. I was beginning to understand that my feelings for Christopher had been an illusion, and that I had been caught up in his good looks and his charms. I should have known that it was foolish for me to try and pursue something with a man like that.
“Well, I’m going to get going then.” Rick got up and then started to get his coat. I remembered Christopher’s comment about everyone knowing I was pregnant.
“Hey, Rick.” I moved closer and then paused. “Did you tell Christopher that I was pregnant?” I titled my head to the side with a look of curiosity. Rick lowered his head and sighed.
“I did.” He looked at me for a second and then rubbed his hand through his beard. “I wanted these guys to know the truth. I didn’t want them playing any more games with you, Alyssa. You deserve better than that.” He shrugged and then stuffed his hands in his pockets. Instead of getting mad at him for admitting what he’d said, I smiled.
“I guess they would have found out sooner or later.” I looked down and rubbed my belly for a moment, then buttoned up my coat and walked down the steps. Rick smiled and walked behind me, then turned toward his truck when we got to the corner.
“Stop by as soon as you can.” He smiled and then waved goodbye. I sat inside my truck for a few minutes before driving away. It had been a whirlwind of a winter and I was looking forward to spring. The baby would be here by October, and I was eager to get through the winter and spend some of my heard earned money on baby clothes and a crib.
I drove out of the lot and then headed up the highway until I got on the mountain pass that led to Rick’s house. As I looked out the window I could see the tiny buds of flower-tops peeking through the ground. Spring was just around the corner and it was going to be such a welcome occasion. I smiled to myself when I thought about how much my world was going to change in a short period of time.
When I pulled up at Rick’s house, I could see smoke curling from the top of the chimney. He was out front splitting firewood and one of his dogs was frolicking in the yard. I parked next to his truck at the top of the driveway and then stepped out. As soon a she saw me he waved and walked toward me.
“It’s great to see you here, Alyssa. Come on in. I’ve already got a nice fire going.” Rick smiled and took me by the hand. I could tell that I had made the right choice as soon as I stepped inside. He had set out mugs of tea for both of us and spread a blanket in front of the fireplace.
“This looks cozy.” I smiled and then sat down on the blanket.
“Give me five more minutes while I get the rest of this wood inside, and I’ll be right there to join you.” Rick smiled and then disappeared back outside. I sat and watched the flames dance on top of the logs. It had been years since I’d sat in front of a fire with someone, and it brought me back to a place of warmth and comfort.
When Rick came back inside, I had kicked off my boots and was propped up on a pillow. He took off his boots as well, then sat next to me and started to rub my shoulders. I looked at him and smiled. “You know, I have to admit. When you first warned me about Christopher, I thought you were just trying to sabotage my relationship with him. I guess now I feel kind of stupid because you were telling me the truth.” I looked at the fire and then at Rick.
“You know, Alyssa, I don’t have time for games. I’m an honest guy, and I call it like I see it.” Rick shrugged and then rubbed my back with his palm. “I knew from the moment that I first saw you that I wanted to be your man. And when I heard that Christopher was responding to a bet, well that just got my hackles up.” Rick shook his head and then moved closer.
“Why don’t we try to forget about some of what’s happened, and focus instead on the time we have together now?” I ran my fingers through Rick’s tousled hair, then leaned back on the blanket. He smiled and then nodded his head. We both moved toward each other, and in front of the flickering fire, opened our mouths and met for a kiss.
He ran his hands down shoulders and then around my waist where he slowly unzipped my pants. I traced my fingers along his stomach, feeling the firm contours of his muscles underneath his t-shirt. I could tell that he performed a lot of physical labor because his body was taut and defined. He ran a hand up my back and then unfastened my bra so that he could feel his way over my breasts.
“You feel so amazing.” He squeezed my nipples and then ran his hands down my belly, stopping when he felt the slight bulge. “And I wanted to tell you something else.” He whispered in my ear and I leaned closer, my body excited and warm, ready and waiting for his touch.
“What’s that?” I helped kick my pants down to the floor, then leaned back so that he could admire my naked body.
“I wanted to tell you that I think
about marrying you, and that I’m going to love this baby just as much as I love you.” He whispered in my ear and then yanked off his jeans. I was completely floored with what he just told me, but I didn’t want to overreact. Instead, I spread open my legs so that he could place himself inside me. Then I leaned back and held him around his waist.
“Rick, this is where I want to be. Right here and right now- this is it.” I closed my eyes and all of the drama from the weeks before melted away. He leaned down and kissed my nipples, then toyed with them gently in his mouth. I caressed his firm body with my hands, then waited for him to slide his manhood into my aching walls of womanly fire.
“Let me make love to you like there’s no tomorrow.” He whispered in my ear, then thrust himself deep inside me. I let out a moan that I was certain the dogs heard outside. He moved like a perfectly created being in and out of my body, his eyes fixated on mine as he did. I didn’t want the moment to end, and I clung to him with passion and desire.
We rocked back and forth, our bodies melded as one, until the moonlight disappeared behind the clouds and made way for the sun in the morning. “Rick, I feel like your body was meant for mine.” I whispered in his ear and he continued to pleasure me with his hardness. I could feel every inch of my body quiver with sensuality as he brought me to the brink of ecstasy.
“I love you, Alyssa.” Rick looked at me as I arched my back to meet his body. He thrust deeper and deeper inside me, until I finally exploded with a massive wave of orgasmic bliss. He collapsed on top of me and I let out a long sigh.
We lay there in silence, and it felt like I was in the right place, and that my life could once again be happy. I thought of Joe, but it didn’t make me cry. Then I ran my hand along my belly and smiled, convinced that Joseph-Michael would indeed have a good life, after all. I gazed once more into the fire, then closed my eyes and dreamed of my new life.
Romance: Luther's Property Page 21
