Page 68 of Blurry Little Lines
“Max?” I return the same questioning tone. “I would never leave my children. I never had postpartum either.”
“You’re detaching from our daughter.” His voice strains with a tight jaw, and I see how terrified he is about the possibility that I may up and leave.
“No, I’m just stressed with life.” I huff and cross my arms. “I never once have said I don’t want this pregnancy.” Luckily, the roads move steadily and we are close to home. “I need to take a nap.”
His jaw remains tight, and his knuckle turns white on the steering wheel. I’m well aware there is a full rant he is biting his tongue about as we drive back home. The engine is loud and for once I’m thankful instead of annoyed with the sound. I don’t press for him to speak his mind right now, because I probably can’t handle his truths.
Chapter 28
Max
“IthinkMomshouldwear the red dress,” Mallory chimes in as Kelsie scrunches her face in the full-length mirror. “She looks like a mermaid.”
“That’s one of the reasons I don’t like it.” Kelsie reaches back to unzip the dress. “It's tight, and the red stands out too much. Plus, I'm not a mermaid.” She’s still concerned about being the talk of the gala.
“The flowy green dress was nice.” I point to one of the six she has tried on this afternoon.
“Green is my favorite color.” James jumps off the bed, and I feel Kelsie’s anxiety heighten.
“Mallory and James, go put your bags at the door. Uncle Adam will be here soon to pick you up.” I glance at the clock on her nightstand and shoo the kids out.
“I love your galas. We get to go to Disneyland again.” James gets a burst of energy and charges at Mallory, causing, of course, a fight.
“Can both of you please stop,” Kelsie groans, staring at the bed of dresses. “I guess the flowy black one will have to suffice for the event tomorrow.”
“Or, you could show off your cute little bump and not care what people think,” I suggest, knowing damn well it’s fuel to the fire.
“It’s not a little bump.”It is compared to others.“Second, I’m there to talk about work, not about my extracurricular activities, Max.” There’s the sass I’m looking for.
“I’m all for your activities.” I put my hands on her hips and give them a squeeze. This past week, we have been focusing more on our friendship, which has meant that her body has been off limits.
“Hey, little mama.” Lauren walks into the room with Adam trailing behind. Adam takes one look at Kelsie and turns back out of the room. “My God, Kelsie. Are those real?” Lauren zones in on Kelsie’s breast popping out of her bra. Her gown is half undone as her bump holds up the dress.
“Yeah, I feel if I put them on display, more eyes will go to my boobs and less people will notice my stomach.” Kelsie pipes up with enthusiasm.
“Don’t be silly. Screw the judgmental gossip. This baby is so lucky to have you guys as parents.” Lauren smiles, but there is still a hint of pain.
“Thanks,” Kelsie and I whisper in unison. Kelsie doesn’t dare make a remark, given Lauren’s neglected past.
We say goodbye to the kids and Kelsie goes over another safety speech before closing the door with a sigh. I want to bring up the lingering conversation from the drive home from my parents’ house, but the little voice in my head tells me to continue being there for Kelsie. To keep showing her how much she means to me instead of calling her out on her lack of connection to the pregnancy. I want answers, but I don’t want her to push me away either. I’m walking a teetering line of my wants over her needs. I don’t know exactly what’s going through her mind. But, I’m aware it’s not happy joy like with her past babies.
Kelsie chews her cheek as silence fills the room. Her eyes slowly meet mine, anticipating my accusations. With a gentle shake of my head, my hands cradle her sweet face as I brush my thumbs over the apples of her cheeks. I don’t waste any more time before leaning down and closing the gap between us. I catch her off guard, but it only takes a second before her lips surrender to mine. A soft moan escapes her mouth, and her arms reach up behind my neck. She sighs, relaxing into the kiss and my touch. I bend my knees, grabbing behind her thighs, and pick her up. Her growing bump rests between us as a reminder of what our love created. I carry her to her bedroom as my heart pounds with anticipation. I’ve been waiting to get lost in a moment of bliss with Kelsie for months.
The weeks where her hormones were high and she was using me don’t match the emotions we both feel for each other. Her soul consumes me, and I need to feel her skin brush against mine. I kneel on the mattress and set her down to mirror me. My hand cups the back of her neck, pulling her in to deepen the kiss. Our tongues tangle as heavy breaths and sultry moans are all to be heard. I reach behind and remove my shirt, desperate for her soft hands to touch me. Sliding my hands down her arms and back up to cup her face, I know there is nothing else I cherish more than this moment.
“I love you, Kelsie.” I pull back to meet her eyes.
“I know, Max. We have said it our entire lives.” Her silk robe parts, exposing her breast through the lacy fabric. I’m thankful she slipped a robe on to say goodbye to the kids instead of putting on normal clothes.
“I’ve never meant it like this, Kelsie.” I swallow the lump now forming in my throat and force the next part out. “I’m in love with you. I never thought I could feel something so strong within my soul. You consume my thoughts, life, and heart.” I feel my heart fight to break through my chest as she remains silent. “You don’t have to feel the same, but I will do everything it takes to prove that my heart is forever yours. Whether you accept it or not.” She nods with a shaky breath.
“I can’t say it and mean it the way you do.” Her voice comes out in a pained whisper. “Not this second, at least.”
“Will you let me continue to show you?” I ask, feeling immediate relief flood me as she nods and brings her lips to mine.
My touch feathers down her neck and squeezes her breasts. I smirk as her moan echoes in my mouth. Ghosting my fingers to the back of her ribcage, I unclasp her bra and let my hands continue their descent along her spine. My fingers dig into her plump ass as I feel my dick push against her. Kelsie’s fingertips slide down my abs before she reaches to palm my throbbing cock. Her nails gently running up my cock is nearly enough to set me off. For once, I’m worried I won’t live up to her usual expectations of me.
My palms roll against her breasts and my fingers pinch down on her nipples. Kelsie’s heart hammers out of her chest in rhythm with mine. God, I need her. My fingers grip the waistband of her panties to lift her ass up off her feet. Sitting down, I pull her flush against me as my arm engulfs her waist, desperate for this moment to last a lifetime. Arms drape over my shoulders and tighten around my neck. Kelsie’s ass cheeks fill my hands and I growl in appreciation when I feel the bounce reverberate up to her hips. My cock wants to pin her down and fuck her senseless, but my brain screams to take things slow because she is getting further along in her pregnancy.