I smile. “Me? How can I be sad when I have a hunk of a man waiting to eat my pussy?”
“You’re so romantic, wifey,” Brad says. “But I like it. I love a woman who knows what she wants.”
I sigh deeply as he arranges himself between my legs and then proceeds to pull down my shorts and panties. He kisses my belly again, and I bite down on my mouth. This is not the right time to tell him. We must concentrate on the custody case.
All rational thought escapes me when Brad’s tongue probes my pussy folds. I hiss and make noises that would otherwise be embarrassing but are acceptable under the circumstances. His tongue and hands are magical. They do things that propel me from this world to the next. For the next hour, I’m in heaven as he loves me with his hands, tongue, and his cock.
Later, we lie intertwined in each other’s arms. Brad strokes my hair and my face as if he cannot get enough of me.
“I thank God for the day you decided to rent the house next door,” Brad says. “The moment I laid eyes on you—”
“You wanted to rip my clothes off and fuck me!” I finish for him with a laugh.
“Actually, yes,” Brad says. “Every time I saw you, all my blood dropped to my cock. I’ve never been so hot for a woman.” Why does he have to be so perfect? He knows the right words to say all the time. He builds me up this husband of mine; makes me feel as if I can fly.
“I felt the same, you know,” I tell him and chuckle when I remember telling Jessica about my hot neighbor. “I used to stand behind the curtain to watch you coming home. Does that weird you out?”
“Not at all. It’s flattering that a sexy, smart woman like you would have the hots for me.”
The day goes by too fast. At some point, we manage to get some food into our tummies. And then go back to bed for another lovemaking session. All too soon, it’s almost time for Isaac to come home. We jump into the shower together and proceed to wash each other.
“I’m so sore,” I tell Brad.
“I’ll be gentle,” he says and goes on to do just that. He pours shower gel into the palm of his hand and washes my pussy gently, rubbing softly between the folds.
I take a turn to wash him too, marveling at his muscular build. I have to keep telling myself that this hunk of a man belongs to me. At least for now. And several months from now, he’ll be the father of my baby, and Isaac will have a baby sister or brother.
Unexpectedly, emotion grabs me by the throat. I visualize Isaac playing with a baby sibling. I see him being a protective big brother. That’s the kind of sweet kid Isaac is. He would be an awesome big brother.
“Worried about tomorrow?” Brad says as we towel each other dry.
I shake my head. “Not really. Our relationship is real enough. I will be happy when it’s over, though, and you can get a good night’s sleep. I feel you tossing and turning at night.”
Creases of concern form on his forehead. “Do I keep you awake?”
“Not at all. I’m not usually asleep myself,” I tell him.
Ten minutes later, I hear Debbie’s van in the driveway. I fling the front door open and wave at Debbie. As I watch Isaac sprint from the car to the house, fear grips me. We cannot lose the custody case. We would be nothing without him. Isaac makes us a family. Without him, we’d be lost. Please God, don’t let them take away Isaac from us. He throws himself into my arms, and I hold him tight.
“You’re hugging too tight, Mila,” he says while wiggling to get out of my grip.
“Sorry, buddy. Is it my fault that I missed you so much?” I ask him.
He giggles and enters the house.
“Who is home first today?” Brad says and lifts Isaac to him.
“Dad! You’re home early,” Isaac says. “I’m hungry,” he continues without breaking a beat.
“Come on; we’ll get you something to eat.”
I stand and watch my boys walk hand in hand to the kitchen. Brad explains to Isaac about the change in shifts.
“Does it bother you that I won’t be here tonight?” Brad asks.
Isaac shakes his head. “No Dad, I’m fine. Mila will be with me, won’t you, Mila?”
Tears fill my eyes. I nod. “Of course, I will.”
My throat closes up. Luckily the boys continue with their conversation. I’m glad because I cannot manage a single word.
Chapter 39
Brad
It has been so long since I’ve done a night shift. The night drags. I keep glancing at the time. I manage to catch a two-hour nap. I glance at my watch one more time as I’m playing poker with the boys. Six. Just an hour to go, and I’ll be home. I’ll have enough time to shower and drop Isaac at school. Then Mila and I can get ready to go to court. The fire station alert bell goes off, and we all let out a groan. Nothing pisses us off more than a call out just when a shift is about to end.
Still, we jump to our feet as more details emerge. There’s a house on fire, and there are occupants in it. We get ready, and in minutes, I’m in a fire truck headed to the burning house. The address of the burning house comes through the radio. My blood freezes. I must have heard wrong.
“Fuck,” someone says.
“That’s my house,” I manage to yell. “Step on it!”
The truck is not going fast enough. Please, God. No, please. Nobody speaks as the truck races toward my home.
I see it then when the truck enters my street. Thick grey smoke has engulfed the whole house. I get off the truck before it comes to a complete stop. My pulse jacks. I run up to the steps of the porch. Voices shout behind me. I hear none of them. Isaac. Mila. Please, God. Help them be safe.
Hands grip each side of my arms. My team. Someone grips the door and pushes it open.
“Mila!” I shout through my gas mask. Behind us, men with hoses aim at the flames in the kitchen. I think quickly. “I’ll go through the back.”
I race out of the house, down the porch, and go around. Men with hoses water down the house from every angle. I see them as soon as I reach the back. Isaac’s terrified eyes peering through a window too small for him to squeeze through.
“Dad!” he shouts. He looks away. “Dad’s here.” His voice is loud above the hiss of the fire.
Two planks of wood are nailed across the door like a cross. That’s the reason the door won’t budge, and they can’t get out. One of the guys hands me an ax, and I go at the planks nailed to the door like a madman. It feels like a lifetime before we break them and the door bursts open.
I grab Isaac and Mila. “Are you hurt?” I ask as I hurry them away from the burning house.
Mila is crying. “I saw him. It was Clay.”
My blood goes cold.
***
Somehow, we manage to make it to court with minutes to spare. There’s no time to change into clean clothes, and Brenda snickers at us as we enter the courtroom. We stink of smoke, and our clothes are caked with soot and ash. I keep Mila’s hand in mine. I’m still shaking. I came so close to losing Mila and Isaac. It wouldn’t have taken long for the smoke to overwhelm them. I can’t think about that now. All I know is that I can’t ever take another night shift. I have to be there to protect them, even though Mila’s ex won’t be free for a long time.
It didn’t take long to get him. He was hanging around waiting to verify that his plan had worked. His intention was to kill Mila. He’d kept shouting through the window that if he couldn’t have her, no one would.
Collins called Debbie, and she came for Isaac. I tried to convince Mila to go with them, but she wouldn’t hear of it. I can’t help looking at her with admiration.
“What happened?” My lawyer whispers as we take our place, and I quickly tell him everything.
Brenda’s smug smile at our disheveled appearance is soon wiped off as the case proceeds. The report from the court evaluator is favorable and positive. My chief has taken the time to show up in support. He explains what caused our near lateness. He tells the court everything that transpired this morning.
D
uring the court adjournment, Mila and I go to a private spot behind the courthouse, and we sit on a bench. I hold her in my arms. Her shoulders shake.
“Are you crying?” I say.
“I’m sorry. It’s my fault we almost lost Isaac,” she cries.
My chest squeezes at the despair in her voice.
“Can you forgive me?” she says.
“There’s nothing to forgive. You’re not responsible for your ex’s behavior,” I tell her and kiss her forehead.
We sit quietly until an hour is almost up, and then we return to the courtroom to hear the judge’s decision.
Chapter 40
Mila
My tears are mixed with water as I cry silently in the shower at my rental house where we have all moved so repairs can be made to Brad’s house. I don’t want to drag this on for longer than necessary. I’ve fulfilled my end of the bargain, and it’s time to go.
I don’t want to make it harder for Brad than it already is. No matter how kindhearted he is, I know that no man would want to be in a relationship with a woman who endangered his child. Knowing Brad, he won’t say anything to me, but it would break my heart to see him start to get impatient with me.
I rub shower gel on my belly. My poor baby. He’ll never know his dad or brother. But he’ll have me, and right there and then I vow to myself to do a good job. By the time I turn off the shower, my eyes are swollen and red from crying.
From the bedroom, I hear the sound of the front door opening. Brad and Isaac are back. I smile amidst my tears. Isaac is exactly where he belongs, and I’m glad that everyone agreed that Brad is an awesome dad.
I dress and then begin to pack my clothes into the open suitcase on the floor. Every item I place in it feels like a piece of myself that I’m ripping away. How will I manage without Brad’s love and Isaac’s joy? What will be my source of happiness?
Heavy footsteps sound in the hallway, and then Brad opens the bedroom door.
“I thought—” There’s silence before he continues. “What are you doing?”
I shut my eyes to gather my courage. I bite my lower lip as a sob threatens to burst out of my mouth. My chest swells until I think it will explode.
I finally look up and meet Brad’s gaze. His eyes are wide with an emotion I can’t describe. “We’ve accomplished what we set out to do.” The words sound so hollow. I feel like a coward.
“Tell me why you are really leaving.” Brad’s voice is harsh. “You owe me that much.”
His words pierce my heart. He’s right. I owe him the truth. It doesn’t matter if he rejects me. Or rejects us. I drop my gaze. “I’m pregnant, and before you say anything, I don’t expect anything from you. I’m going to raise my baby—”
“What did you say?” Brad says, his voice edged with steel.
Startled, I look up. “I’m pregnant.”
“How dare you do this to me? How dare you presume to make decisions for me? How dare you deny me the chance to love my wife and my child?”
I’m at a loss for words. I stare at Brad. Hope swells in my chest. “Do you mean it?” I whisper.
He closes the distance between us and cups my cheeks. “Can’t you tell how much I love and adore you?” Brad says and then drops one hand to my belly. “You and our baby?”
Tears fill my eyes. I can’t speak. It’s too much to take in. Brad loves me. He wants me and the baby.
“Just tell me. Are those tears of joy or sadness?” he says.
I laugh through my tears. “Happiness. I love you.”
EPILOGUE
Mila
“I must be the fattest bride that ever walked down the aisle,” I grumble as I hold on to Brad’s arm and waddle toward the reception room.
I still can’t believe that Brad talked me into having another wedding, saying that we needed to have a real wedding. Despite my grumbling, I think it’s terribly romantic of my husband.
Brad stops walking and takes me into his arms. We’re alone in the hallway. All the wedding guests are already in the reception room, and we’re about to make our grand entry as husband and wife.
It’s not the ideal time to be a bride, but my husband differs. He thinks that at eight months pregnant, I’m the prettiest I’ve ever been. It brings tears to my eyes when I think of all the trouble Brad goes to for Isaac and I. Anything for our happiness.
“You’re the most beautiful bride in the whole world,” Brad says earnestly. He sways with me, and we dance to music only we can hear.
“Thank you,” I tell him.
“No, thank you,” Brad says with feeling. “For bringing love and light and joy into our lives. For showing me what it means to love and trust someone. For showing Isaac a mom’s love. For being the mother of our unborn child.”
We cling to one another. A door sounds somewhere in the distance. We don’t look up. Then a voice brings us back to the present. Our son, Isaac’s voice.
“Dad, Mila. You’re supposed to dance inside, not here.” Laughter sounds from the other side of the door.
“Coming, son,” Brad says and leads me to our wedding reception.
THE END
Dear reader,
First of all, thank you so much for reading my books! It’s passionate readers like you that allow me to live my dream and do the thing I love most on earth, which is writing books and entertaining people!
Do you want more steamy romance?
Then make sure to keep on reading! I’ve included a preview of my novel “My Best Mistake” – which features some of the characters of this book! ;-)
Preview: My Best Mistake
Chapter 1
Brooke
Whoever designed tuxedos did so with Jason Cooper in mind. I can’t drag my eyes away from his hot male form as he dances with an impossibly thin blond bombshell. Everyone in L.A. is super thin. Do they all have air for breakfast and dinner? Liam shifts in my arms and I cradle him tighter.
He’d fallen asleep as soon as his parents took to the dance floor for their first dance. He settles back into dreamland and my eyes return to Jason as if drawn by an invisible force. Tall and broad-shouldered. Ripped biceps. The finest specimen of a man that I have ever laid my eyes on.
And the one man I cannot stand.
Except my brain and body don’t work in sync where Jason Cooper is concerned. Looking at him now, a warm liquid ache rises from the depths of my body. I squeeze my legs together to ease the rising pressure.
I’ve fantasized about him for more times than I care to count. Grazing my fingers through the blond curls at the back of his neck. Sucking on his full lips, made for kissing. A soft groan escapes my lips and I clear my throat loudly, in case anybody heard it.
Then he turns to me and the world stops. My breath comes out faster. A smile plays at the corners of his lips as if he can tell just how badly I want him.
“Too bad your brother is off the market,” Madison says, and I break the stare. I didn’t even hear her return to her chair.
“You knew that,” I say and throw her an affectionate glance. Madison has had a crush on Marvin as far back as I can remember. My brother and a thousand other men. She crushes on a different man every week. All he has to be is good looking and sexy and Maddie is all in. “Marvin’s been off the market since college.”
My gaze shifts to the groom and his bride. They’re wrapped in their own world, as they sway to the slow music. Marvin and Ellie. They met in college and had been together since then. Seven months earlier, they’d had a baby and decided it was time to make their union official.
“They look so happy,” Maddie gushes. “Do you think it will ever happen for us, Brooke?”
Memories come over me. Waiting in the small room off the altar for Eric to arrive. Angry that he’d dare be late for our wedding. The rising panic as it dawned on me that this was not a simple case of forgetting to check the time. And then the realization that I had actually been stood up on my wedding day.
I turn to Maddie and shake my head.
“Not for me. I’ve walked down that road and I didn’t like it.”
“Eric was an asshole,” she says.
Her words hit me like a ton of bricks. I make an abrupt movement and Liam stirs. I rock him. If he wakes up now, he’ll be super cranky and putting him back to sleep will require a miracle.
“You never said so at the time,” I hiss. “In fact, if I recall correctly, you said that you liked him.”
Madison grins sheepishly and then shrugs as if it doesn’t matter. She’s my best friend and she’d pretended to like the man I was going to marry.
“I know, but I also added that he was a selfish prick.”
I roll my eyes and exhale. There’s no point in getting angry about it. Sure, it would have been nice if she’d been honest at the time.
“I hope I meet someone soon. I’m running out of patience,” she says now.
“It might help if you don’t hop into bed with a man the same day you meet him,” I point out. It’s not the first time we’ve had that discussion. Maddie doesn’t believe in denying herself.
“I do not! Well, maybe I do but it’s better than living the way you do,” Madison says and then her voice softens. “I know what Eric did was terrible but, Brooke, you can’t let it stop you from living. Go on, have a wild affair with someone. You might even meet the real love of your life. Get married, have a family, the works. Take a risk.”
Tears burn my eyes. It’s easy for her to say. She’s not the one who had to face hundreds of people like the girl whose fiancé had gotten cold feet. I hadn’t told anyone but a year after my wedding that never was, I’d come across a picture of Eric, his new wife, and a baby. The pain had been unbearable. I couldn’t help but think that that would have been me holding our baby.
The wound reopened and it had taken me months to go through a whole day without bursting into tears. No thank you. I wasn’t going back there again. Not ever. Though I did like the idea of indulging in a wild affair. My eyes searched for Jason.
Unexpected Heat: An Enemies to Lovers Romance Page 21
