Page 59 of Blurry Little Lines
“I don’t know.” I haven’t given much thought to it. “My body has reacted the complete opposite to when I carried Mallory and James.” I shrug. “Morning sickness and the most insatiable need for sex were nonexistent until this time around.” I look down.
“I could help with insatiable.” His schoolboy grin cuts through me. I hate that it causes damn butterflies.
“Stop acting so perfect.” I huff.
“I’m a man of my word. No, I’m not perfect. I’m just trying so damn hard to be everything you need as the father of the baby inside you.”
“Stop bringing that up.”
“When do you plan to tell Mallory?” he pries. “You know she’s going to start asking questions eventually.”
“I barely have a bump.” My loose blouses have done wonders and, thankfully, I’m barely showing.
“You haven’t let me touch or see your stomach unless the doctor lifts your shirt to have a look.” His forehead creases with hurt. Which is the last emotion I want him to feel.
“It’s just skin that looks bloated, Max.” I try to downplay the need for him to touch my bare skin. “It’s not like you can see or feel the thing kicking right now.”
He stares at me intently, and I lose track of time. His hand runs through his hair as his eyes rest on my stomach. For some illogical reason, he looks upset. If it’s because I haven’t let him touch my stomach, he’s being ridiculous. One, his touch will make me want to get naked, and second, there is really nothing to see except a tiny firm bump. Max takes a few more bites of food before putting the leftovers in my mini fridge.
“I have to meet a client for work, but I’m stopping over tonight to discuss what just happened.”
“That’s not necessary.” I turn my office voice on. “I’ve had my fill. Thanks.”
“I didn’t meanthat.And you’re more than just a sexy little body to me, Kels.” How the hell did he say that with a straight face?
“Sexy? Little? Those two words aren’t how I would describe my growing self. They don’t exist in pregnancy vocabulary, Max.” I wish I felt that way, but so far, it hasn’t happened for me.
“Stop.” Max finishes his lunch and leaves agitated. My body begs for another release that won’t happen.
Chapter 25
Kelsie
The attentive fun side of me spent all afternoon and evening with the kids, yet they still put up a fight at bedtime. The number of times I’ve had to repeat myself lately or raise my voice never happened when Benson was in the picture. Even when he was away on business, the kids knew our routine. His final speech royally messed things up. My entire willpower has been channeled into staying positive and laughing with the kids, but exhaustion and the constant jabs from Mallory are getting the best of me. Mallory walks out of her room for the fourth time with her hand on her hip.
“You’re ruining my life, you know. If I am around the city and need to contact you, it’s going to be rather difficult.” She’s relentless.
“You just turned eight. You are not getting a cellphone, nor are you prancing around the city without an adult. You know how dangerous San Francisco can be.” I lean against my door frame, trying to have her hold on to her innocence and stay off social media for as long as possible. But it’s becoming more difficult when everyone else is on them. “Go to bed.” I cross my arms in an attempt to keep my dominance and she shoots me an eye roll. “Do you think your attitude is going to make me want to buy you a cell phone?”
“Ugh, whatever.” She storms down the hall as James continues to bark like a dog until I agree to buy him one. “You’re so bossy! No wonder Dad never wanted to be home. You just tell everyone what to do!” Mallory yells from her room and slams her door.
“Woah,” Max says with calmness and walks down the hall. “What in the–”
Oh, right.
I forgot Max was stopping by after our little office encounter, but I didn’t hear him enter with all the commotion. My head falls back against the wall as I take a deep breath and tune out the barking. Max pulls me to his chest and rests his hand on the back of my head, holding me close. I won’t cry. I can get through this.
“She didn’t mean that, Kelsie,” he soothes, and rubs my back.
I tense, feeling my bump press against his hard stomach. This is the first frontal hug I have given someone in months, and it’s weird to not be flush against him. His hands move to my hips as his thumbs brush over my tiny, bloated bump on the outside of my tank top. I’m going to need to wear looser clothing soon until I find the right time to tell Mallory. In another month or so, she may be suspicious. I roll my lips inward and keep my head against his chest, unable to meet his eyes that I can feel screaming to connect with mine. His heart is beating just as fast as my own.
“Max!” Mallory approaches with a happy smile. “I’ve missed you.” Her voice is light, as if she wasn’t a hellion moments ago.
“Do you not see how your mother is feeling?” His tone means business. “You are alive and thriving because of her. She grew you in her stomach and gave life to you. She loves you and is doing her best to raise you as she sees fit.” He backs away and runs his hand through his hair. “Treat her with more damn respect.”
“You meandang.”Her attitude shifts to anantiMax fan, realizing he is on Team Mom right now.
“No. I mean damn.” His voice remains level-headed but firm. “If you need something, or a situation is affecting you, then use your voice properly. Your words have power, and you have people who will listen. Remember our conversation before?”