by MJ Carnal
In a panic to catch the phone, Kevin’s towel dropped from his hips. “What the hell, Andi?”
She never even looked down. “Let’s see. Well, Ashley called. She’d like to know when you can come over and do, and I quote, ‘that thing again’. Melanie called. She will be in town for a few days at the end of the month and wants to make sure she gets on your schedule. She will have Holly with her this time.” Andi turned the paper over and kept reading. Her face was on fire. “Sue called. She said that you once told her that as long as you had a face, she’d have a place to sit. Apparently, she’s ready to sit down.”
Kevin couldn’t help but laugh. Angry or not, Andi was adorable. Her hair still hung wet across her face, her white t-shirt hinting at the outline of that amazing piercing and her eyes on fire with madness. When she looked at him dumbstruck, he laughed even harder.
“You’re an asshole.” She wadded up the paper and threw it at him. “On the plus side, no call from Ryan so you have time to help Sue out. Seems she’s lost her chair. Poor girl.”
Kevin turned his back to her as he rummaged through his top drawer. Let her sweat. Green was a good color on her. The more she fumed, the more he knew he was making a dent in that untouchable exterior. It wouldn’t be long before she gave in. And if she didn’t give in, he would die trying. He wanted her more than he had ever wanted anyone. He wanted to feel her tight body wrap around him. He wanted to know what she sounded like when she was turned on, what she looked like when she came, how she felt when he was buried inside her. He felt himself getting aroused again. Taking a deep breath, he shut his eyes and tried to think of anything else.
“Not that it isn’t a good view, but could you please put something on?” Andi curled onto her side with a huff.
“Andi, cut the shit.” He pulled his boxers on and marched to the bed. Kneeling on the floor so their faces were level, he continued. “Those women all have one thing in common.”
“Loose morals?”
“Stop.” He put his hand on her arm. “They aren’t you. It’s time to admit we have something. Shit, Andi, at least admit it to yourself.”
“You are delusional, Deuce. Completely insane.”
He grabbed her hand and pulled it to his boxers. “You do this to me. Not Sue, not Ashley, not anyone else these days. You have me so fucked up. I haven’t been with a woman since Lily.”
“Oh, the heartbreak.” She tried to pull her hand away. “How many days has that been? Huh? One? Two?”
“Look me in the eye and tell me that you don’t feel something for me.”
She squeezed her hand around his erection. “Oh I feel something. But it isn’t something I want.”
Kevin stood up and stormed out of the room, slamming the door as he went. “Frustrating fucking woman.” He dialed his phone as he threw his sweatshirt over his head. “Liz, I’m on my way. Unlock the door. I’ll be on the bike and I’m not bringing my keys.”
Chapter 5
“Thank you so much for last night.” Liz stretched her legs before stepping on the treadmill. “Dinner was amazing.”
“Any time Lizzy.” Kevin threw his water bottle into the trash and hopped on the treadmill next to hers. “I think Lil will be a great addition to your program. She’s really good with kids and I couldn’t imagine not having her here.”
“Well, that explains it.” She wiped her forehead. “Last week when you told me you were coming over, I actually thought you had seen the light and you were ready to jump into my bed. Now I know you hold a torch for Lily. And good for you. She’s gorgeous.”
Kevin chuckled. “Nothing like that. Lil’s a good friend. She’s friends with Moretti and his wife. She’s been looking for a position in LA for a few months now and I know she’ll be good for you.” He leaned in and kissed Liz on the cheek. “And thank you for the invite. I may just take you up on that someday.”
Liz smiled. “You are so sweet and so full of shit.” She laughed when Kevin dipped her and kissed her on the mouth.
Liz had been involved with Kevin’s best friend when they were in college. Spending every weekend with the legendary Kevin Merck had solidified her desire to be exclusive. Daniel died in a car accident a few months after Kevin’s sister had been killed. They had turned to each other for comfort and had been exactly what the other needed. She had helped Kevin heal, finding him help through the guidance counselor at the university. After months of joint meetings, Liz had graduated and taken a job at an elementary school for children with special needs. On her first day, she had met Scott Hilton and married him a year later.
Andi ran through the front door of the gym looking flustered and out of breath. Still mid dip, Kevin’s eyes met hers and the look on her face stopped him in his tracks.
“Where the hell is your cell phone?” Andi threw him a towel and jogged toward the office. “Why have one if people can’t reach you? Let’s go.” She ripped the phone from the charger and stopped to stare at the treadmills.
“What the hell’s going on? Why didn’t you call the gym?”
“Would it have mattered? You have your hands full. Where’s your car?” Andi glared at Liz.
“I have the bike. What’s up? Andi? Hey?”
Andi pushed past him. “Layla’s in labor. Let’s go.”
Kevin threw the keys to Liz. “Lizzy, lock up for me. I’ll come by tonight and pick them up. I’ll bring Lil.”
“Shocking.” Andi mumbled under her breath.
“Just get on the bike, Allen. I don’t need your mouth today.” Kevin threw her a helmet.
“I can’t ride on this.” Andi’s face went pale. “You go. I’ll meet you there.”
Kevin took Andi’s face in his hands. “Trust me. For once in your life, just trust me. I would never hurt you. Hold onto me.”
She wrapped her arms around his waist and took a few deep breaths. She buried her head against him as tears ran down her cheeks. “You hurt me every single day.” She whispered.
“Right back at ya, slick.”
She tensed. “How did you hear me?”
“Skull candy, doll. You can talk to me the whole way there if you need to. Now, hold on, I’m not missing this.”
Andi threw on her cap and mask and scrubbed her hands. Her rotation in labor and delivery was new but she had been in three deliveries in her first week. She took a deep breath as she stepped into the room that she knew would change her life.
Layla was quiet, breathing deeply as Ryan paced the room. She smiled as she placed her hand on Ryan’s arm. “Deep breaths, West. It won’t be long until you’re holding that beautiful baby.”
Ryan’s head snapped up and locked eyes with Andi. “Thank God you’re here. I’m freaking out.”
Andi giggled. “Go sit down with Lay. Rub her back. Do whatever it takes to get you both to relax. I need to check and see how far along she is.”
Layla winked as Andi looked up at her. “Well, doc? What’s the verdict?”
“You’re at ten centimeters. Let me go get the doctor so we can have a baby.” Andi stood up and ran right into Kevin coming into the delivery room.
“I’m sorry.” Kevin pushed past her and sat down next to the bed. His eyes never left Layla’s face as he whispered how proud he was of her.
Andi couldn’t tear her eyes away from him. The doctor rushed into the room to deliver the baby and Andi was frozen in her tracks. Kevin and Ryan held hands across Layla and the love in their eyes was heartwarming. Layla smiled between the two, tears streaming down her face. Kevin leaned in to kiss her cheek and rubbed her belly one last time. Tears fell freely from his eyes and he made no attempt to disguise them or wipe them away. His love for his two friends was something amazing to see. In that moment, Andi ‘saw’ Kevin Merck for the first time.
“Let’s deliver this baby.” Dr. Folsom patted Layla’s leg. He waved Andi toward him and she smiled up at Layla and Ryan. “I have several interns helping me and if it is ok with you..”
Ryan interrupted. “We wo
uld love it if Ms. Allen could deliver. She’s family.”
Kevin’s eyes went wide, searching the room for Andi. “What?”
Ryan leaned over and whispered. “Watch out, Merck. Your heart is showing.”
Andi took a seat on the stool to begin the delivery. She turned toward the nurse so she could wipe the tears from her eyes. “Thank you, Ryan. This is a huge honor.” She took a deep breath. “Are you ready, Lay?”
Her eyes locked with Kevin’s and her heart beat sped. In that one moment, everything was different. His bright eyes looked right through her, seeing everything she never let anyone see. He smiled a genuine smile, not the snarky smile that he saved for their fights. She shivered.
“When you feel your next contraction, I want you to push. Kevin, come down and hold her right leg. Ryan, I want you on the left. Layla, I need you to take a deep breath and blow it out while you push. You ready?”
Layla shook her head and took a deep breath.
“And push, push, push, push, push, push. You’re doing great honey. And relax. Good. We are going to do it all again. Deep breath in and push, push, push, push, push.”
“Oh my God.” Ryan’s eyes met Layla’s. “I can see the head. Oh my God this is amazing. I love you so much.”
Kevin looked down and stumbled on his feet a little. “Merck, eyes on me.” Andi’s voice was stern. “Take a deep breath in through your nose and don’t lock your legs.” Kevin did what she said. “Now I want you to focus on Layla’s face. Let her look at you. She needs a focal point to stare at. Let her be that for you as well.”
Kevin nodded and looked at Layla. They stared at each other as the next contraction hit. “Ok, Layla, big push. Take a deep breath in and push, Layla, push push push. You can do this.”
Tears fell down Ryan’s face as he watched Andi suction the baby’s mouth and nose. “This should be the last push. I want you to bear down hard. I know you are exhausted but you can do this. Give me everything you have, Lay. Ready? And push…..”
Ryan gasped as he watched Andi work quickly, removing his shoulders and wrapping him in a blanket. The most beautiful sound he had ever heard echoed through the room. The baby’s cry brought everyone to tears.
Andi smiled. “Congratulations you two. You have a beautiful baby boy. Dad, would you like to cut the cord?”
After Ryan cut the cord and Andi placed the baby on Layla’s chest, her eyes met Kevin’s. “Great job, Deuce. I was worried that you might hit the floor there for a minute.” She giggled when he smiled.
“That was intense.” Kevin wiped the sweat from his hands. “You were amazing, Andi. I’m serious.”
She laughed and stepped in to hug him. “You were too. I’m going to go clean up.”
“Wait,” Ryan reached out and pulled her into his arms. “Thank you for everything. It’s hard to believe little Andi Allen just delivered my son.”
Layla giggled. “We have a son.” She looked over at Kevin’s stunned face. “You want to hold him?”
He shook his head. “Can I?”
Ryan lifted his son off Layla’s chest and motioned for Kevin to sit down. “If it hadn’t been for you, I wouldn’t be here. You are the reason this is all possible.” He looked at his son and smiled at his perfect face. “Merck, we’d like you to meet Kevin Samuel West.”
Kevin stared at his god son in awe. He had a head full of dark hair and sleepy blue eyes. He counted his tiny fingers and sighed. “Hi Kevin. I love you so much already. You’re going to make one hell of a wing man.”
They all laughed as Kevin snuggled the one person that would forever mean the world to him.
Chapter 6
“I want you.” Andi begged him to touch her. When his hand slipped under the waistband of her pants, she threw her head back. His fingers slipped into her, easing in and out, her body spiraling toward an earth shattering orgasm. Her hands fisted in the sheets. “I’m so close.”
“Let go, Andi.” His strong hands continued their glorious assault and his thumb pressed into her clit. Her world stopped. She screamed as the most powerful orgasm of her life overtook her. She couldn’t catch her breath.
“Andi!” Caleb yelled her name and her eyes snapped open. “Wake up. Are you ok?”
Andi looked around the room in a panic. “What?”
“You screamed. Are you OK? Jesus, you’re covered in sweat. What’s wrong?” Caleb ran his hands up and down her arms.
Andi’s face flushed. “It was a dream.” She covered her face with her hands and let out a sob.
Confused, Caleb looked at Jena and shrugged. “Go back to sleep honey. I’ll sit with her for awhile.” Jena kissed Caleb on the cheek and shut the door behind him.
“Some dream you had.” Jena laughed as Andi’s eyes went wide. “Rumor has it that he’s back from his photo shoot this afternoon. He wanted to be back for Ryan and Layla’s welcome home party. You may want to get that skimpy bikini out.”
“Jena!” Andi wiped her tears and giggled. “I have to figure out how to get him out of my head. I can’t just be a conquest. It will ruin everything.”
“Who says you’d be a conquest?” Jena laid down next to her and brushed her hair out of her face.
“Casanova likes more than one woman at a time. He’s a walking man whore. He’ll crush me.”
“Andi, he just hasn’t been with the right woman yet. We can’t help who we love. It’s out of our control.”
Andi shook her head. “I don’t love him. I can hardly stand him.”
“I’ll remind you of that on your tenth wedding anniversary.”
Kevin settled into the lounge chair and sighed when he felt the sun hit his face. The weather had finally warmed enough to be outdoors enjoying the pool and all the perks LA had to offer. The last few days he had spent in rainy Oregon for his photo shoot had been wonderful but there was nothing like being home.
Ryan and Layla had been home from the hospital for one day and had already wanted to celebrate with friends. Kevin’s heart had almost burst at the seams when he saw his namesake sleeping the day away in his crib. His tiny arms flung over his head and his face, angelic in every way, relaxed in pure joy. He wanted to wake him just to hold him but knew the wrath he would face from both Ryan and Layla would not be worth it.
He laughed as he glanced to the chair next to him. Ryan was sound asleep, snoring in the late afternoon sun. Layla was yawning while she stood with Molly and Sophie discussing diapers and all things baby. Mark was manning the grill, his legendary steaks well on their way to perfection. Lily was stretched out across the pool staring at whom? He couldn’t tell. But her gaze was focused the exact place his hand landed. Andi and Steve. Where the hell was Amber? Kevin growled and sat up.
Andi’s laugh echoed through the backyard as she shoved Steve into the frigid water. When he surfaced, he jumped back onto the side, soaking Andi in the process. She squealed and ran but he was in pursuit before she could take a couple steps.
“No. Steve.” Andi screamed as he carried her to the side of the pool. “Please. Don’t. I’ll do anything.” But her words went unanswered as he jumped back into the water with her in his arms. When they both broke the surface and laughed, Kevin made eye contact with Lily. She frowned.
“Come here.” Kevin mouthed and she stood up to make her way toward him. “What’s up, lil bit? You look pissed. I thought I was the only one that brought that fire out in you.”
She laughed and sat in his lap. “Steve is hot. Andi is moody. Not a good match. And I would seriously like to get my claws in that hunk of meat.”
Kevin tickled her. “Does someone have a crush on Mr. dark and mysterious?”
“Shit yea. Look at him. His eyes scream fuck me.” Lily sighed. “And Amber is a fool for cheating on him.”
“What?” Kevin’s eyes snapped to hers.
“I heard through the rumor mill that he caught Amber in bed with someone. Or he heard she was. I don’t know. All I know if that perfect ass has my name on it and I will c
ut a bitch to get it.”
Kevin watched as Andi wrapped herself in a towel and ran inside. Steve watched her every move before heading to the grill to check on Mark. “I’ll be right back.”
Kevin walked into Ryan’s quiet house. He had officially lost his mind. He was stalking her. “I’m an idiot.” He said to himself as he walked down the hall toward the nursery. He would check on the baby one more time before getting another beer and heading back out to the pool. He heard Andi whispering and stopped at the door.
“You are so beautiful little one.” Andi rubbed his tummy. “Your little lips are perfect. You’re gorgeous. You look just like your daddy. You need to wake up and come play with me.”
Kevin smiled. “Gorgeous like his daddy huh? Have a thing for Ryan do you?”
Andi rolled her eyes. “Caveman.”
He stepped into the room and spoke against her neck. “I’ll let you in on a secret. He’s married.”
She flinched away from him. “It’s a shame.”
He followed her down the hall, watching her perfectly toned backside sway as she headed for the kitchen. His body immediately stirred. His heart pounded. It was time to make a move. She hopped up onto the kitchen counter and picked at the appetizer tray.
“Want a beer?” Kevin buried his face in the fridge.
“How’s Lily?” She continued to pick.
“She’s fine. Do you want a beer?”
Andi put the food down and looked at him. “I’m shocked that you have been sniffing around the same woman so much. The solo woman thing isn’t getting old?”
“Stop.” He twisted the cap off the bottle and handed it to her.
“What happened to the shiny rollercoaster ready to take everyone for a ride?”
“Andi.” He growled.
“I haven’t seen the ‘now serving’ sign lit up over your head for awhile. The log ride must be getting cozy.” Andi smirked.
“Shut up woman.” He took a large swig of his beer.
“Come to think of it, I haven’t seen you with anyone else. Awww. Is Kevin Jr happy with just one woman? Somebody mark this date on the calendar. Kevin is…”
