by Rye Hart
Rebecca pursed her lips and remained moodily silent. She had been difficult the entire time the stagers were there. Laura, the designer, didn't see eye-to-eye with Rebecca on a few things, but we were paying Laura. Rebecca, on the other hand, had ulterior motives and couldn't be trusted to make decisions. Not that she really had any say one way or the other. I let Laura have free rein with things and that had obviously pissed Rebecca off.
As did Hadley's presence.
“How many bedrooms does it have?” she asked.
“Five. Well, technically six,” I said. “But, one I've set up as a library-slash-computer gaming center.”
Hadley chuckled. “Still very much a nerd, I see.”
She patted me on the back as we stepped inside. She walked around the place, taking it all in, while Grayson went straight for the saltwater aquarium that ran along the wall.
“Very nice,” she said. “Who decorated?”
Rebecca stood up tall. “I did.”
The two women shared a look, and then it hit me. “Oh yeah, Rebecca, Hadley is an interior designer actually,” I said.
Hadley continued. “Before you show the place, I'd consider nixing the accent wall though, it makes the living room appear disjointed,” she said. “Accent walls should be used for very specific reasons – ”
“It is. It's to separate the formal living area from the casual one,” Rebecca said matter-of-factly.
“Oh yeah?” Hadley asked. “There's a formal and a casual living area? In one room?”
“Yes, it's an open floor plan,” Rebecca snipped.
“Ah, I'm a designer, sweetie. I know an open floor plan when I see it, and this is just a large living room,” Hadley said, her voice clipped, her smirk almost painful to look at. “But if it works for you, that's fine. I'm just saying, from a potential buyer's perspective, you may want to nix it.”
“Perspective buyer? Are you interested in buying our house?” Rebecca asked.
“Maybe,” Hadley said, taking me by surprise. “I mean, I have been looking at moving back home, and this place is nice. Really nice.”
She turned her attention to Grayson who remained standing at the fish tank, completely transfixed with it, and smiled.
“Does this come with the house?” she asked.
“Uhh, I guess it could,” I said and scratched my head. “I hadn't really thought about it.”
“It's Nemo, mommy,” Grayson said, pointing out the orange and white fish.
“Oh, it is,” she said.
She walked over and knelt down beside her son and the two got lost in conversation about the fish tank. Rebecca took the opportunity to sidle in beside me to whisper in my ear.
“We could have that one day,” she said.
“What do you mean?”
“A baby,” she said. “You'd make such a good father, Evan.”
A knock at the door caught us both off guard.
“Must be Laura,” I said and ran to the door.
The guys from the staging company started carrying in some baby furniture as Laura and I talked. Rebecca came over, as did Hadley and Grayson. I introduced Hadley to Laura.
“Oh, and Hadley is a designer as well,” I said. “A professional one, I mean.”
Rebecca scowled at me, not missing the slight, but didn't say a word. She just crossed her arms in front of her and rolled her eyes.
“Is that so?” Laura asked as she reached out and shook Hadley's hand. “I'm Laura Ashburn, it's a pleasure to meet you.”
“Wait, the Laura Ashburn?” Hadley said, looking at me with wide eyes. “I mean, I knew Evan had good taste, but wow.”
“I take it you've heard of her?” I asked.
“Duh, she's an inspiration to designers everywhere,” Hadley said. “And to think, she's staging your home? That's – wow, Evan. You never cease to surprise me.”
“To be fair, our realtor put us in touch. Said a house like mine needed the best of the best,” I said, feeling a bit sheepish for not knowing who I was dealing with.
Laura seemed pleased, however. She grinned from ear-to-ear. “Evan, I like her already,” she said. “You should keep her around.”
I blushed slightly, staring off toward the delivery guys coming down the stairs. “Uhh, she's just a friend,” I blurted out.
“I see,” Laura said, straightening up. “Well, if you don't mind, I'd like to supervise the guys upstairs.”
“Oh, I wanted to show Hadley around. She's, umm, possibly interested in buying the place.”
I wasn't sure if she'd meant what she said earlier or not, but Hadley nodded, going along with it. Maybe she was telling the truth. It was a pretty big place for just her and Grayson, though she was trying for another baby. Maybe she had plans for even more children in the future too.
“Not a problem,” Laura said. “We'll try to stay out of the way.”
We followed Laura up the stairs, and Hadley oohed and aahed at the stairwell, running her hand down the length of the railing. I couldn't help but watch her stroke the wood and imagined her hand was stroking me instead. A tightness in my jeans caused me to adjust myself, hoping to hide the obvious erection before someone caught on. The last thing I needed was drama between my ex and my best friend.
We got to the top, and the landing overlooked the foyer below. Hadley stood there and looked down, taking everything in. Perhaps she was serious about buying the place after all. I stepped up to her, close enough that I could whisper.
“So you really interested in the place?” I asked.
“I am, actually,” she said. “I'm still not positive if I'll be moving back to Castle Creek, but – ”
“But what?”
She bit her lip and looked away. Rebecca stepped up beside me, the scowl on her face deepening.
“What's the holdup?” she asked, her voice low and tight.
“Nothing,” Hadley said, pushing away from the railing.
She took Grayson's hand and walked toward the first room, which was being set up as a little boy's room. Grayson ran in and hopped on the race car bed with glee, giggling as he rolled around on it.
“I want to sleep here!” he said.
“No, honey,” Hadley laughed. “We aren't staying here.”
“Why not, mommy?” Grayson asked.
“Because it's not our house, baby.”
God, if only I could find someone like Hadley. She was bent over, showing off some of her cleavage by accident, and I couldn't tear my eyes away. She caught me staring, and that broke my paralysis. I looked away quickly, feeling the heat in my cheeks. She chuckled as she stood up, then winked at me as she walked out of the room. Grayson walked with her, chattering excitedly.
We walked into the next bedroom, which was set up as a nursery for a little girl. Hadley's smile wavered a bit as she walked around the room, running her hands along the crib. Grayson picked up a teddy bear and was playing with it, but Hadley was in a world all her own. She stared down into the crib, a distant look on her face.
Rebecca hadn't followed us into the room, I noticed. Either she'd ducked away into the bathroom or got held up along the way, I wasn't sure. Truthfully, I was grateful for the repreive and I took it as a chance to talk to Hadley, alone.
I sidled up next to her, and she jumped a bit as if I'd startled her.
“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you,” I said softly.
“It's okay. I was just lost in thought,” she said.
“What's on your mind?” I asked.
“Evan, I have to tell you something,” she said, turning toward me.
We were standing really close together now, I could feel her breath on my face as she stared up at me. There was something in her eyes I couldn't quite identify.
“I'm – ”
Rebecca's voice cut her off before she could finish that thought.
“This is really nice, actually,” she said.
Hadley flinched as if she'd been slapped, and she pulled away from me.
“I
have always wanted a little girl,” Rebecca continued. “A little princess to dote on.”
“What if she prefers superheroes over princesses?” Hadley asked curtly.
“No little girl prefers – ”
“Hadley did,” I countered.
Both women looked at me in surprise.
“What? I have a good memory. I remember when you used to dress up as Batman and play in your front yard. Not Batgirl, but Batman,” I said. “You argued with anyone who tried to correct you.”
Hadley and I both chuckled at the ridiculous memory, but Rebecca didn't look amused at all. She pursed her lips and went back to pouting, mumbling something under her breath. Hadley's smile warmed my heart, making it easy to forget about my ex moping, pouting, and trying to manipulate me by talking about a future that we would no longer be having together.
“Ready to see the master bedroom now?” I asked, motioning for Hadley to follow me out.
“You know, I think I've seen enough,” she said. “It's a lovely home, and if I decide to move back to Castle Creek, I'll definitely consider it.”
Her face had paled since we'd first stepped into the room. Something was on her mind. She'd mentioned wanting to tell me something, but what? With Rebecca tailing us, it wouldn't be easy to get an answer.
“Let me walk you to your car,” I said. “I think I'm going to head out myself actually, since it looks like they're finished for the evening.”
Hadley nodded, and the three of us walked out of the room. Rebecca wasn't far behind, of course. Her presence was like a lead weight around both our necks. As we walked down the stairs, she was still on our heels and followed us to the front door. Finally, I'd had enough, so I turned around to face her.
“You don't have to walk with me, Rebecca,” I said.
“What if I want to say goodbye?” she said.
“Goodbye,” I said. “There, we've said it.”
She stared at me, her jaw on the floor, but she stayed put as Hadley and I left the house. We walked quietly to our vehicles, but I stopped as soon as I got to hers, opening the door for her to put Grayson in his car seat.
“What did you want to tell me earlier?” I asked.
“Uh, well,” she stammered, looking at her son in his seat, “I'd rather if we discussed this another time. When we're alone.”
“Why don't you come over to the guest house after putting him to bed,” I said.
She buckled Grayson in his seat and closed the door, I opened the front door for her. She still hadn't answered me, and I could tell she was stalling. Whatever it was, it seemed to be bothering her a great deal. Even more reason for us to talk, so I could figure out what was going on and try to help her. If she wanted to talk to me, well, I'd make sure it happened.
“My door is always open for you, Hadley. Come by anytime,” I said.
As we stood there, staring into each other's eyes, I had the urge to kiss her. I shoved my hands in my pockets and stepped away, resisting the urge – though, it wasn't easy. I could have sworn there was a look of disappointment on her face as I stepped back.
“I'll be by soon, Evan,” she said. “I just need some time.”
“Of course,” I said.
She went to get into the car, but I stopped her. I leaned forward and brushed my lips against her cheek, wishing it was her lips instead. When I pulled away, she was blushing, but smiling.
“Take care of yourself, Hadley,” I said.
“You too, Evan,” she said.
She got in her car and drove away. I was behind her, headed in the same direction, but going somewhere else entirely. All I could do was hope that she stopped by soon.
***
I was on my computer, reading over some emails at almost midnight when there was a light knock on the front door. Given how late it was, I knew who it was before I even opened the door.
“It's unlocked,” I said, hurrying to get to the front door.
The door opened and in walked Hadley wearing nothing but a cute pair of gray shorts with a matching tank top that with penguins on it. Her hair was pulled back in a messy bun, her skin free of all makeup. Yet, she was still the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen. Especially with the way that tank top barely covered her breasts, showing off her ample cleavage without her even trying.
“Sorry it's late, but I saw the light was still on in here, so I thought you might still be up,” she said.
“Yeah, working late,” I said.
“Should I go, then?”
“Oh no,” I said, slamming my laptop shut. “It's nothing important. What's up?”
Neither one of us took a seat, even though there was ample seating in the living room of the guest house. Hadley wrung her hands and stared at her feet, biting her lip as if she couldn't find the words to say what was on her mind.
“I'm not sure if I should be telling you this now, especially since the others need to know too,” she stammered.
“Tell us what?” I asked. “I just need to tell someone, and well, you've always been the easiest one to talk to,” she said.
An ominous feeling of dread stole over me, seeing how visibly shaken she was. Hadley started pacing the room, but then turned back to me and blurted out two words that rocked me to my core.
“I'm pregnant,” she said without preamble.
My heart stopped, and I stared at Hadley for a long time, hoping to see some sign of excitement in her eyes. “This is what you wanted, isn't it?” I asked.
“Of course,” she said. “It's great news!”
“I hear a but coming up,” I said.
She sighed and balled her fists up at her side. “It's just – now that it's happening, I'm scared, Evan. Not about raising the baby, of course, but about what it will do to the three of you. One of you is the father, and I just don't know how everyone will respond.”
“By everyone you really mean Gabe, right?”
“Yeah,” she whispered.
I took a deep breath, and my head started to spin. I could be a father. Not that Hadley had any way of knowing which one of us was the real father of her child, but still, it could have been mine. I felt faint all of a sudden, and Hadley must have noticed something was off with me because she rushed over to me.
“Everything okay, Evan?”
“It's just – I didn't expect it to all happen so fast,” I said.
“Me neither,” she said.
She was standing before me, a look of excitement tinged with fear on her face, and she looked up at me as if I might have all the answers. I wished I had them for her. I would have done anything to give her whatever she wanted.
I took her face in my hands, and she didn't pull away. She let me hold her. Let me stare deep into her eyes and stroke her cheeks.
“I am so happy,” I said.
I should have said, “I'm so happy for you,” but it didn't come out that way, and honestly, I was happy for more than just Hadley. There was a new baby in our lives, and there was a chance it could be mine.
“Yeah, me too,” she said. A crooked smile spread across her adorable face. She leaned into my hands and kissed the tips of my fingertips.
“I just had to tell someone. I couldn't hold it in any longer.”
“I'm glad you trusted me, Hadley.”
“Of course, Evan,” she said.
Our eyes were locked on one another, and without meaning to, I leaned down and closed the distance between us. I kissed her lips softly, and she opened her mouth to me. She invited me in, kissing me back. Even though she had what she wanted, she was kissing me back.
I almost couldn't take it. My erection ached against my jeans, yearning to be free. Hadley's hands moved over my body, lifting at my shirt and pulling it free from my pants.
We backed slowly toward the bedroom, as Hadley's fingers raked across my skin, pulling at my clothes. Her green eyes shone like emeralds as she yanked my shirt off over my head, and hers wasn't too far behind. Her skin was velvety soft and smooth, so pale yet dotted with
freckles across her chest and shoulders. So many freckles. I wondered if her new baby – our new baby, maybe – would inherit them from her?
Imagining my child growing in her womb caused a surge of testosterone to run through me. I pulled Hadley's shorts down and she stepped out of them, her panties went along with them. She stood, naked and perfect before me. I grabbed onto her ass and lifted her in the air, pulling her against me and carried her the rest of the way to the bedroom. She giggled as I picked her up, but then stopped when I kissed her. My tongue moved through her mouth, exploring it like I yearned to do to other parts of her body.
I'd never been the dominant type before, but there and then, with her, I planned to take her. I planned to claim her. She was mine, at least for the night, and I would explore every inch of her beautiful body with my hands and mouth.
I kicked open the bedroom door and she wrapped her legs around my waist, her hands around my shoulders. She stared deep into my eyes and smiled as I laid her down gently on my bed. Her hands fumbled with my pants and she fought with the zipper, finally getting it free.
Hadley slid my jeans down my hips, her fingernails grazing my flesh. My skin was on fire, every touch ignited it even further. As my cock sprang free from my boxers, hard and thick, precum seeping from the tip, she went to town. Her mouth wrapped around it, her lips covering the tip. I groaned, entangling my hands in her hair as her tongue flicked along the sensitive head of my cock.
She moved up and down on my shaft, savoring and devouring me. The warm walls of her mouth felt amazing, causing the fire inside of me to grow even more. Every nerve in my body was reacting to her touch, to her mouth. Never before had I felt such intense feelings before, and the words came tumbling out of my mouth before I could stop them.
“God, I love you.”
Hadley stopped going down on me and stared up at me with wide eyes. I considered taking the words back – mostly out of fear of her rejecting me – but decided against it. It was the truth, and she deserved to know how I felt about her.
“I don't care if you feel the same way about me or not,” I said softly, running my fingers over her cheeks. “I just wanted you to know. I love you, Hadley, I always have and I always will.”
