by Tiana Cole
Amanda cupped his face and gifted him with a soft smile. “I’m fine Alex, thanks.”
She leaned back but since she didn’t seem to mind his attention, he rubbed her belly and spoke to his sons. “Hey boys, it’s me your father. I can’t wait to meet you but I need you to stop kicking your mom. She’s a tiny little thing and can’t take it.” He laughed when she swatted at him, deftly ducking her hand.
Alex stood and went to get her plate and a glass of juice. “Here you go, dinner is about an hour away.” He released a long breath. “We need to talk.”
~
Ever since bringing up the special occasion he’d planned for Friday Alex had been acting odd. Well odder than usual. She’d caught him smiling at her for no reason more than a few times and he didn’t even look away or look embarrassed at having been caught. Instead he looked pleased.
A little too pleased now that she thought about it.
He was up to something. But what?
“What’s up with the frown,” he asked, running his thumb between her brows to smooth the wrinkled skin.
“Just thinking,” she answered. “I got you something. Well sort of for you,” she clarified in case he hated what she’d had done. “When was the last time you were in the nursery?”
He shrugged. “It’s been awhile, why?”
Amanda pushed the door open and stood back, eyes tracking Alex as he circled the room, then moved in closer to check out all the details. He was, at the very least, intrigued. She could see that much. But what did he think?
“The coast like of Silmana,” he said matter of factly.
“Yes. That is part of their heritage and someday they’ll go there and when they do, they’ll already feel a connection to their father’s homeland.” Tears began to trickle down her cheeks and she swiped them away. “Stupid hormones,” she chuckled.
“Hey,” he drew closer until his hands cradled her head while his thumbs smoothed away her tears. “It’s okay, I love it. I’m touched by it, actually.”
“You mean that? You don’t have to say it to save the crying pregnant lady, Alex.”
He laughed and the sound shot straight to her soul, heating up her body with every vibration. “I’m saying it because this was thoughtful and sweet. Kind and beautiful. Just like you.”
“Now you’ve done it,” she joked as more tears poured down her face.
Alex smiled, tilting her head up so their gazes connected. “Let me take you to a movie tonight. We’ll sit in the back, eat too much popcorn and make out like teenagers.”
She smiled up at him and bit her bottom lip. “If the movie is really boring I might even lick butter from your fingers.”
He groaned and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Do that and I won’t be responsible for my actions.
A shiver passed up and down her body at his words. It had been too long since they’d been intimate together and she could admit that she missed it. “I’m too fat,” she said rather than thought. “Forget I said that.”
“You’re not fat. You’re carrying my babies and I think you look fucking sexy. Your skin is so soft it sparkles, your breasts are magnificent and your nipples are always so hard I just want to wrap my mouth around them. You’re beautiful and I’d prove it to you right now if I thought you were ready.”
I am ready! Oh I am more than ready. Beyond ready. A groan escaped and she closed her eyes in mortification. “What if I am ready?”
His blue gaze narrowed. “Are you?”
“I could be,” she lifted her chin in defiance.
He pressed a sweet kiss to her lips and smiled. “You’re not but you will be. Soon.”
This might be the best thing that ever happened to her, or her biggest mistake. Ah, hell, she groaned and pulled him down again, kissing his mouth hot and hard, pressing as much of her body into him as she could. She could have wept when his hand went to her breast. “Might be sooner than you think,” she told him, stepping back but not before caressing him from his shoulders all the way down to his waistband.
Chapter 17
“I don’t see why I need to get dressed up when the only thing that fits is a parachute.” Amanda stood in front of the mirror pouting at the image she made in her plain black bra and panties. Nothing says sexy like pregnancy lingerie.
“Because Alex said it was a special occasion and you want to look beautiful for him. Don’t you?” Misty’s chin rested on her shoulders and took in both of their images in the mirror.
“It’s not possible to look beautiful right now. The most I can hope for is not looking like a whale. Oh and I don’t have any nice clothes to fit all of this,” she gestured to her larger than life belly. “Being barely five feet ad pregnant with twins isn’t a good look for me.”
Misty laughed and placed her hands on Amanda’s belly, laughing when one of the boys kicked her hand. “Naughty little monkey,” she said, twirling Amanda around. “That man loves you and more importantly, he knows you. There are three dress inside a Louis Vuitton garment bag in the back of your closet. I slid it in there last night.”
Brown eyes round with surprise she pulled it out and unzipped it, gasping at the beautiful fabric inside. “What’s all this?”
“Alex knew you’d complain about your wardrobe so he took care of it.”
Just like he’s been taking care of me. She couldn’t stop the thought and didn’t want to, she realized, because it was true. Since their kiss a few days ago, he’d grown more comfortable with light touches, general caresses and long, lingering kisses that left her longing for something more.
“Well what do you think?”
She fingered the fabrics again, salmon chiffon, royal blue silk and a stunning wine colored number with an empire waist. “I think this is the one,” she said and held up the last one. “The crystal beading on the straps and waist are gorgeous. I can’t believe he did this.”
“Believe it, sister.”
She let Misty help her into the gown and finished off her hair and makeup. “You know he hired a chef and waitstaff tonight. Where will they fit?”
Misty shrugged, looking like a goddess in her green and gold gown. “They’ll fit. Alex has it all under control.”
“I know. Is it wrong that I find it kind of sexy?”
“Not at all,” his deep voice boomed from the door. “In fact I accept gratitude in the form of toe curling kisses.” That slow sexy smile spread, making heat spread to her core. Must be the pregnancy horniness I read about, she justified.
“Maybe if you tell me what this is all about, my lips might be a bit friendlier.” She couldn’t believe she was here again, flirting with Alex as though it were the most natural thing in the world.
“In that case I think I’ll wait,” he said, eyes brightening when her shoulders fell in disappointment. “On second thought,” he marched to her, cupped her face and smacked a hot—but entirely too quick—kiss on her lips. “Hurry up ladies,” he said as he walked from the room, turning at the last minute. “By the way you both look breathtaking. Andy and I are two lucky guys.” Then he was gone.
Misty fanned herself. “Girl you never stood a chance. That man is radioactive hot!”
“Tell me about it. I’m the one who can’t stop thinking about sex with her baby daddy.”
“It’s not like he can knock you up again.”
Amanda gasped in amused shock at her friend’s blunt words. “I can’t believe you said that!”
She shrugged all casually. “It’s true.”
“Yeah because that’s why I haven’t done it yet.” The truth was since that kiss at the counter she wanted to make love with Alex again, and hearing him talk to their sons had only made it worse. She loved him but the idea of making love with him again terrified her.
“Honey just go for it. We both know that belly is too big for you to handle it on your own. And everyone knows that some of the best sex occurs after a couple’s first dinner party.”
Shaking her head, Amanda let Misty help h
er down the stairs where four incredibly handsome men waited for them. “Holy hell Baxter and Aidan, you two look seriously hot!” She’d grown used to seeing them both in casual clothes and sporting a scruffy look, so this clean shaven dressed up look threw her for a loop.
“Thanks,” the both answered with a laugh.
Alex cleared his throat and she smiled. “You all look very handsome, but you two dress up all the time,” she clarified with a smile for Andy as well.
“It’s been awhile since you’ve seen me undressed so I’ll blame your hurtful words on your pregnancy brain.” She laughed and grabbed the offered arm just as the bell rang.
“Seriously Alex I don’t think we’ll fit anyone else in the dining room.”
He kissed her nose and told her, “Trust me,” before guiding her to the door and pulling it open.
A beautiful blonde with silver eyes beamed a smile at Amanda. “I’m so excited to finally meet you Amanda!” Then she lunged forward, wrapping Amanda in a hug, or giving it a good try given the increased circumference of her body.
She looked to Alex for help or an answer. Something. He smiled. “Amanda I’d like you to meet Princess Elena and Prince Stefan, my brother and sister-in-law.”
She could only stare, mouth open and eyes bugged out at the beautiful couple smiling down at her. “Oh, um, nice to meet you-r highnesses?”
Stefan laughed and stepped forward, again wrapping her in a strong hug that made her feel safe and loved. “Stefan and Elena will do just fine, Amanda. You’re family after all.”
She nodded, struck mute for some inexplicable reason before her senses returned. “Right, sorry. This is a great surprise.”
“Surprise?” Elena squeaked out the question and glared at Alex, “You didn’t tell her we were coming?”
He smiled. “You’re only part of the surprise Elena so calm down.” He stepped back. “Come on in brother and his annoying wife,” he said affectionately, clapping Stefan on the back and accepting a kiss from Elena. “We have more people for you to meet, and you big brother have a fan club here tonight.”
“Oh boy,” Elena rolled her eyes and smiled at Amanda. “Everyone crushes on him,” she explained. “It’s quite annoying really, does tremendous things for his ego.”
Amanda laughed and took Elena’s hand. “I think I like you Elena. Let me introduce you to the other gorgeous blonde in my life. Misty come meet Elena.” Amanda took in her crowded home and smiled. She’d always wanted a house filled with family, people she loved and who loved her back. And now she had it and it was all thanks to Alex. “Thank you,” she mouthed to him from the other side of the room.
His only response was a wink that caused her to shiver.
~
Dinner was a success, at least by Alex’s estimation. Amanda sat beside him and Misty, bolstering her confidence to get to know Stefan and Elena better. And it worked beautifully, he thought as he watched her laugh and joke with them both.
Now that dinner was over his nerves had taken root deep in his gut and he could barely hold on to any thread of conversation at the table. Dessert would soon be served and the next phase of his plan would be enacted. If he could muster up the courage.
“I guess you won’t be able to travel back to Silmaña for Stefan’s party?” Elena appeared so distraught Alex thought his brother might find a way to make it happen.
“I doubt that’s possible,” she said in her soft voice. “We’re having twins which already poses greater risks even at my age, and flying even with a doctor on standby would pose an unnecessary risk.” She rubbed her belly, wincing again at the kicking babies.
“You alright,” he whispered, feeling relieved when she nodded.
Smiling at Elena she explained, “The boys kicked for the first time a few days ago and now it seems they can’t stop.”
Elena’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really? Oh my goodness, can I feel it?” At Amanda’s agreement she placed her small hand on Amanda’s belly and waited patiently. “Wow that’s amazing. Does it hurt?”
“Not really but it definitely doesn’t feel good,” she assured the woman. “How far along are you?”
Elena’s went round with shock. “How did…oh well, twelve weeks.”
This was the first Alex had heard of a second royal baby. “Congratulations, brother.” Stefan wore a proud smile and wrapped an arm around his wife, while everyone sent their congratulations. Alex sucked in a deep, fortifying breath, figuring now was as good a time as any. He stood and turned to Amanda. “If you can all bear with me, I’d like to say something to my lovely Amanda.”
“It’s about damn time,” Misty mumbled, raising an eyebrow at the daggers he shot her way.
“As I was saying, Amanda I know we’ve had more than our fair share of problems and that’s on me. You can’t possibly know how sorry I am for hurting you with my immature behavior. But you should know that I love you Amanda, with all of my heart. I was in love with you long before I had to go back home and I hate that you spent all this time thinking I didn’t care about you because dammit, I do.”
“Alex,” she pleaded with a hand to his arm.
“No Amanda I need to say this. Even when you hated me, I loved you more than anything on this earth. I want us to have a future together. Me and you, our boys and any other kids we have together.” Alex knelt beside her, one hand holding hers and the other holding the ring he’d purchased a few days ago. “Amanda Haze, the love of my life, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife and letting me spend the next eighty years showing you how much you mean to me?”
One tear escaped and then another, and another until she was a beautiful sobbing mess. “You really want to marry me?” Liquid brown eyes searched his face for a hint of something. Not finding it she cupped his face. “Do you mean it Alex?”
“Of course I do you crazy woman.” He pressed his forehead to hers and smiled. “Are you going to make me wait until the babies are born for an answer?”
That brought her up and she leaned back, rubbing her belly in a protective gesture she always did when she was worried. “Are you allowed to marry me? I mean your mom went to some pretty gnarly lengths to keep you away from me.”
He chuckled. “Don’t you worry about Mother, Amanda. What matters to me is you and our boys.”
She slid a glance to Stefan for confirmation. Instead of being offended Alex felt glad she cared enough to ask. His brother nodded. “She won’t be pleased but this is not her decision to make, despite what she thinks.”
Amanda turned a heart stopping smile up at him. “In that case Alex, I would love let you spend the next eighty years lavishing me with love and affection.” Her kiss stopped his words for a moment before she pulled back. “I can’t wait to be your wife, but no more lies. Alright?”
“Nothing but honesty from here on out.” He smiled at her and stole another long kiss while their dinner guests looked on, whopping and clapping. Finally he slid the ring on her finger which caused Elena and Misty to flock to her, squealing over the compressed coal on her finger.
Mine. The word came to him immediately and he knew it was true. She was his to love. His to protect. Just, his.
Amanda leaned over to him while the women examined her ring. “By the way, I love you too.”
~
She had a serious problem and it was as embarrassing as it was necessary. “Alex we need to talk.” She saw the wary look in his eyes and smiled. “It’s not bad but it is…odd.”
His smile grew even wider. “Now I’m just intrigued. Tell me.”
When he looked at her like that, as though he could see through her organic cotton nightgown, her nipples pebbled against the ultra soft fabric making her suck in a breath. “I have a problem.”
His smile faded and Amanda felt her heart swell with even more love for him. “What’s wrong? Do we need a doctor? Why don’t you have a seat and tell me about your problem.”
She could do that, it would probably be the easiest way to go ab
out this. But it would also be the most boring way imaginable and Amanda was tired of being boring. She wanted to be exciting. Sexy. Adventurous. “The problem,” she said as she took a few steps forward, “is that I need something from you. But I don’t know how to ask for it.” She grabbed the hem of her gown and lifted it over her head and tossed it aside.
“Amanda,” he warned in that deep gravelly voice that drove her crazy.
“Do you think you could help me out?” Her teeth sank into her bottom lip, desire filled eyes drank in the sight of him.
“Hell yes!” He was off the bed, arms wrapped around her and tasting her mouth with a franticness that overwhelmed her. His mouth was everywhere, kissing and nibbling her sensitive spots until she was shaking with desire.
“Alex,” she rasped out when his mouth traveled down the column of her neck, between her breasts before pulling a nipple into his mouth. “Oh yes!” His body pressed against hers until she was flat on the bed with his big body hovering over her.
“Amanda you are so beautiful.” His gaze raked over her and she wondered if he truly liked what he saw. A swollen belly covered in stretch marks despite her nightly cocoa butter ritual, raspberry pink nipples that were…embarrassingly large. She squirmed and he stopped her. “Don’t ever hide from me,” he caressed her belly. “I love the way your body looks now, carrying and protecting our boys. It really is a turn on.”
She smiled and yanked at his shirt as best she could around her belly. “Show me,” she challenged him, and lie back, enjoying the way his mouth moved all over her body before licking at her core until her body tightened and bowed under the force of her pleasure. “Alex,” she cried out before collapsing onto the bed.
“You taste different,” he told her and she cringed. “What? It’s not bad it’s just different than it was. You think it’s the pregnancy?”
She looked up at him and grinned. “Probably. You like it?” He licked his lips and she shivered deliciously.
“I love it.”
“I love you,” she answered back, turning to her side to remove his pants. “And I love your mouth, but right now I really, really need you. All of you, Alex.”
