Page 57 of Blurry Little Lines
“I have never practiced self-control like I needed to at that moment.” He sips his beer and turns his head my way. “Am I pissed you’ve taken care of Kelsiebeyonda friend level? Duh, you fucked my sister, bro.” He cringes and takes a long sip of beer. “I also know how much you care for her. Clearly beyond a friend level.” He points a finger at me. “I hope she wasn’t just to fill an urge.”
“You know I’d never use Kelsie like that. I want us to work out.”
“Kelsie is stubborn. Keep being there for her. Prove yourself.” Adam shrugs with his advice. “I’ll talk to her too.” He pushes the empty glass forward and stands. “I need to head out, but thanks for making me an uncle again.” He grins and pats me on the back. “And judging by the looks of you two, this baby is going to be so fucking beautiful, Max.”
Chapter 24
Kelsie
Twomonthslater.
Given my last two pregnancies, I told Max I’d only ask for help in desperation since I knew I wouldn't need him. My stomach muscles burn as tears sting my eyes, hovering over the toilet, which has my attention more than anything else. Morning sickness was the last thing I expected, and it hasn’t eased up since a week after I tested positive. My need to block out this pregnancy and focus solely on work and my current two children has been impossible.
Mallory and James are arguing as I hear the front door open. You’d think my constant vomiting would make them behave better, but they’ve become used to myflu.Max still hasn’t moved in, but he is here whenever he isn’t with a client. He tells the kids to get their shoes on, and they listen. The first damn time.
“Kelsie.” Max rubs my back as I lean over the toilet in an oversized sweatshirt with no pants. “Hiking a mountain is probably not in your best interest this morning.” I take a cup of water from him and try to stomach a few sips.
“I have to be there for Adam and Lauren. He’s proposing.” I stand and take a few steps into my room, but bolt back to empty the sips of water. “My body does not appreciate you knocking me up.” Annoyance filters through me. “This is brutal.” Morning sickness never interrupted my days with Mallory and James.
“I can FaceTime you while we are there. We have to stay quiet and your vomiting might bring attention to us.” He helps me to the bed like the perfect man he is. “Rest up because I know how determined you are to show up for work tomorrow. I’ll crash here tonight and drop the kids off at their summer day camp.”
“Stop being so nice.” I’ve been nothing short of a cranky bitch the past couple of months and still, he hasn’t blinked an eye.
“I promised I would be here for you. Always.” He tucks me in and kisses my temple. “I’m a man of my word.”
A man who also swore he didn’t want to have this kind of family life.
“Can you hand me my laptop on the dresser, please.” I’ve been able to work from home most days, but the office staff is getting suspicious.
“Call if you need anything. We’re all going for breakfast after.” He leaves to enjoy the beautiful summer day with the kids while I’m left here, growing one who won’t let me do anything except sleep and puke.
I hope I feel like my old self again as I approach my fourth month.
“You look a bit more revitalized.” Adam pokes his head in my office two weeks later.
“Hormones are shifting.” I smile but internally die with them transferring over to being turned on every second I’m awake. Another thing opposite to my previous pregnancies. Everything I do seems to turn me on the past few days.
“I’m glad you’re feeling better. Please let me know if you need anything.” He lingers at my door like he has something else to say. “Any cravings?”
Just for your best friend’s dick.
“No.” I clear my throat and hope my cheeks aren’t noticeably pink.
“I’m stuck on a video conference call with Emmett over lunch, so Max is bringing me food. I told him to bring you some too.” It’s too late to stop my eye roll. “Kelsie, he’s trying his best. The man is going crazy with your cold shoulder.” Acting this way helps keep my feelings in check.
“You’re pissed at him too.”
“Not after seeing how he’s stepping up. I mean, the last thing I want to think about is him defiling you.” Adam cringes and runs his hand over his jaw. “I need to get back to work, but stop doubting him. You know he’s a great guy.”
I fire off a few emails and spend the rest of the morning going over the project. Somehow, my hormones channeled into my sex drive and my smooth fingertips clicking the keyboard turned into an aphrodisiac. Sitting here in my comfy leather chair lights up my body as if I’m bent over my desk and being spanked. I inhale and close my eyes, but my breath sends tingles to my core, aching to be touched. Everything is too heightened, and I feel my panties already becoming wet.
Your door has a lock, Kelsie.
I shake the thought from my mind, appalled I even considered getting myself off on a busy office floor. My legs cross as I shift in my seat, trying to relieve some built up tension. Silently, I pray that this is just a phase and will pass quicker than the morning sickness.
A knock hits my door before it pushes open. Max enters without an invite, and sets a large bag on the chair opposite of my desk. He grins before his eyes meet mine and he studies my face. I take a deep breath, which only brings attention to my growing breasts and shoots more desire to my aching center. Clearing my throat, I remove my glasses while keeping my eyes on the mystery bag of amazing scents. Max’s cheeks tighten as he bites back a smirk and quirks an eyebrow my way.I hate this universe.He knows exactly what my body is feeling.
“What was the point of knocking if you barged in regardless of an invite.” My Office Kelsie tone is sharper today.