Page 60 of Blurry Little Lines
Mallory nods and glances my way with remorseful eyes.
“If you need to have a conversation about something, then talk. Or, let one of us know if you’d rather talk to someone else without your mom around. I know life has thrown you off kilter the past year and you’re angry. I was too when my mother took off.” He bends down to her level and brushes a curl out of her face. “You have a strong family who is here for you. Don’t be scared to use your voice.” Her lip quivers as she wraps her little arms around his neck for a hug.
“Thanks, Max.” Her voice wavers. “I miss falling asleep listening to you playing guitar. I wish you didn’t have to move back into your condo.”
“Okay, fine.” I hold back my own tears, putting my issues aside for Mallory. “Max can move in whenever he wants to.” He was moving in eventually, so might as well rip the band aid off now.
“Really?” She pulls back with a smile. “When?”
“Your mom and I will talk about a date.” His hands cup her face as they both share a smile. “If there is nothing you need to talk about right now, please go back to bed.”
“I’m sorry, Mom.” Mallory gives me a brief hug. “I’m going to sleep in James’s bed with him tonight.” I nod as she walks to his room.
I let out a sigh and made my way toward the living room. I’m barely holding it together, feeling like I’ve failed. My daughter has a better relationship with my best friend than her own father. My heart warms with their bond, but at the same time, I married her father, thinking he’d be there for her. My eyes rest on the bowl of strawberries I set out to eat earlier. My changing body has ruined my love for this fruit. I keep trying to eat them, but they disgust me.
“Do you want to sit?” Max asks, and I melt into the couch, slouched between lying and sitting up.
“It’s going to be difficult hiding this soon.” I want to cover the bump with my hands so he stops staring at it, but touching this hard ball makes it all seem too real. “I have to go to another gala event at the end of next month. I’ll leave and be the talk of the elite world,” I whine and feel insecurity take over. “There I go, tainting more of my perfect image and giving them more headlines for the world to print.”
“Own the fact that you’re not perfect to their social standards. Who gives a fuck what people think.” He stands over me, and I know he’s debating if he should sit and pull me on his lap. “Everything about you, whether it’s your choices or appearance, makes you the person I want to be with.” My lungs collapse, making my head feel light.
“Benson wanted Mallory and I before, and then he changed. I didn’t see it. I was blinded by what wewouldbecome. You have spent your life avoiding a family. I need to scrub my eyes and stop making mistakes.” There. I said it.
“Mistake? No.” Max kneels in front of me between my legs with his hands resting on my thighs. “This baby, without a doubt, was created with love. Our connection and emotions gave whatever spirit a gateway to be blessed into this world.” Large hands rest on my stomach for the first time. It would be a beautiful sight if the circumstances were different.
“Max.” My hands cover his in an attempt to pry them off my bump.
“Stop.” His voice is sharp, but pained with desperation, causing my eyes to sting. “Hey, little dumpling. Your mama is taking good care of you.” He lifts my tank top and rubs his thumbs over my thinning skin. “You are about to have the best siblings to play with and look out for you.” I want to push him away for causing this much emotion to fill me, but really, I should be thankful Max is this interested.
“I am excited to watch you grow and take your own path in life.” Max continues talking to my stomach before his lips meet my bump.
I try to block out another wave of sweet emotion, stop my focus on how turned on I am from his touch, while at the same time, still channeling all my annoyance I feel with Max. Pregnancy hormones are ruthless.
“I love you so much, little dumpling. Keep growing so we can snuggle you.” He looks up at me with glassy blue eyes and smiles. “I cannot believe your body is growing. It’s magical.” His hand runs over my stomach once more and he gives it another kiss.
“Yeah, stretch marks and a sore back are pure magic.” Hello, sarcasm. I’ve never been this cynical, but I’m not hating it.
“It means the baby is growing like it’s supposed to.” He grins without missing a beat.
“Max, I’ve seen the bodies of past girls you’ve been–”
“Past. None of them are carrying my child, nor who I respected as a person. Kelsie, I haven’t been able to look or think of anyone else but you since our night at the gala.” He gently pats my stomach. “The night we unknowingly created this little being, I’ve only wanted you.”
“Okay,” I sigh. “I believe that.” I could see the devastation on his face the night I called it off. Especially because he knew I wanted us. But still, he wasn't into telling me he wanted me that night. He’s been by my side since the moment I tested positive. His words have held the truth since the moment he promised me in the elevator. I have to give him that much credit.
“You better believe it.” Max leans forward, resting his forearms on each side of my hips. He glances down at my growing breasts, then back to my face. “I’m not the same fucking guy as Benson.”
“You can move in whenever it works best for you.” I fight to keep composure and suppress my sex drive. “It might be handy having you so close to me.” My body hums with need. These damn couch cushions are tingling my skin and lighting up my body as they rub against me.
My goodness, how long until everything I touch doesn’t make me desperate for orgasms?
“How handy?” His lips are a breath away from mine, but he doesn’t move.
I give in to my body. My vagina throbs, needing more friction than the touch of my panties. My legs wrap around his waist, pulling him closer. Our lips meet and a desperate whimper vibrates through our mouths. His arm slips behind me and he switches positions to guide me to straddle his lap. I grind myself against his dick, deepening the kiss with hunger. As his hands grip my ass, I roll my hips hard against him. My shorts may act as a barrier to the real deal, but they are chasing the high just as quick as if I were completely naked.
I tighten my grip in his hair, pulling myself as close as I can to brush my clit against his solid dick. My breath hitches as my body locks. I break our kiss, resting my forehead against his as the quickest record-breaking orgasm pumps through me. My blood tingles as my stomach flips, stealing the air from my lungs. The intensity is nearly too much to handle. I continue to grind against him a few more times, waiting for the pleasure to subside, but somehow, it doesn’t.
“Holy shit, that was fucking hot.” Max’s wild eyes stare into mine as a devilish smirk forms on his awe-struck face.