The past ten weeks have come and gone, and the temperature is starting to drop. The leaves are changing, and soon it’ll be Halloween. The major project at work finished last month, and we were well under budget as I had hoped and planned. My boss even gave me a nice bonus and has already pre-assigned me to a few large jobs that will kick off next year. At the moment, I’ve been asked to help with projects that have fallen behind. I’d much rather be in charge, but I can’t complain too much because less responsibility equals less stress. It allows me more time to focus on Lennon and the baby.
As I’m sitting at my desk, getting ready to answer a few emails, I receive a call from Tracie, the lobby secretary who checks people in and out of the building.
“Someone’s waiting for you up front with lunch,” Tracie says in a whispered tone, which is odd.
“Who is it?” I ask.
“She won’t tell me her name, but she’s pregnant. She wanted it to be a surprise,” she tells me.
I shake my head, wondering what Lennon is up to. I look at the clock and realize it’s right around her lunchtime, so I bet she ran a quick errand and brought me something. Though I already ate one of those shitty protein bars I keep in my desk drawer, I won’t refuse a hot meal. “Alright. I’ll be right there.”
I try to hold back a smile as I walk down the stairs and open the door that leads to the lobby. As my eyes land on Jenna, I have no words. I know Tracie is watching us, so I try to act normal even though I’m shocked as hell. I haven’t spoken to her since she threatened me with her lawyer. If I act indifferent, she won’t make a scene. I don’t need anyone at work knowing my business.
“Hey there, Daddy!” she says loudly as if she wants the whole building to hear, and I cringe.
I keep my voice low. “What are you doing here?”
“I remembered how much you loved Chinese food when we were together and thought I’d bring you lunch.” Jenna’s being overly fake as she hands me the bag. I look at it and am forced to take it from her.
“Can we talk outside, babe?” The way she speaks as if we’re a couple aggravates the fuck out of me. I walk past her through the double sliding doors, and she follows me.
“Jenna. What the actual fuck?” I stand on the sidewalk and search for her face. She’s as calm as can be.
“Thought you’d like to know I found out we’re having a boy. Isn’t that so exciting?” She grins wide as if she’s expecting to get the same reaction.
If I could shake her and tell her to wake the hell up and smell the roses, I would. “We’ve already been over this,” I tell her between gritted teeth.
“You’re scared and in denial,” she says matter-of-factly, and I’m positive she believes her own lies. “I gave you enough time to process this, Hunter. It’s time to deal with it.”
“There’s nothing to deal with. You’re projecting the way you feel. Did you tell Craig like I told you?” I cross my arms over my chest, staring her down.
She steps closer and shakes her head. “No, because this baby is yours. I know it in my gut, and I can’t allow you to deny it anymore. It’s time to take responsibility for your actions and man up, Hunter.”
I glare at her, anger simmering through my blood like I’ve never felt before. “You want it to be the truth, but it doesn’t mean it is. You shouldn’t be here. I’ll take a paternity test when he’s born to prove it to you, but don’t you dare show up unannounced again.” I hand the food back to her, not trusting anything she’d give me at this point. It might be poisoned. “I’ve already eaten, so you should have this.”
“So that’s it? You’re just going to reject me again?” she hisses. “I know your little friend is pregnant, too. You’d rather take care of someone else’s baby than your own?” She spews fire, knowing it’ll get me worked up.
I narrow my eyes at her, shaking my head as I try to calm down.
“Yeah, I know all about her and your fake marriage, Hunter. It’s not even your baby.” Her words are venom, and I need to get out of here before I say or do something I’ll regret.
“Leave, Jenna. Now.”
“It’d be a shame if her pastor dad found out,” she says in a taunting voice that has me seeing red. My fists clench, and my jaw tightens. How the fuck does she know all this?
As if she can read my mind, she continues, “The internet is a great thing these days, Hunter. You might be able to trick two middle-aged people, but you’re not fooling me.”
I’m glad we took this outside even though I’m sure Tracie can hear every word Jenna spews. She’s not exactly quiet.
I turn on my heels, growing more frustrated.“Stay away from me, Jenna.” I enunciate every word.
“Do the right thing, Hunter Manning! This isn’t over!”
I walk into the building, leaving her outside yelling like a crazy person. Tracie gives me a sad look and scans me in but doesn’t say anything. I take the stairs two at a time, pissed Jenna has the audacity to show up at my job like we’re dating. She’s not going to let this go, and I’m not sure what else to do at this point. Get a restraining order on her? If she does it again, I might have to.
The rest of the day, I’m overly annoyed with every person who speaks to me. I’m short and need to go work out to blow off some steam, but instead, I drive home, trying to forget what happened. When I walk into the apartment, everything is quiet except for the sound of Lennon’s beautiful voice. I go to her room and stand at the door, listening to her sing “Baby Mine” in the rocking chair with her eyes closed and her hands over her stomach. For a moment, I watch and listen to her, and it calms me in a way she wouldn’t understand. The late-evening sun shines through, casting a warm glow throughout the room, and I find myself smiling, soaking in her natural beauty. I glance around, looking at how the room’s been transformed into a makeshift nursery. The crib and changing table I helped build last month fit perfectly in the space.
To get Lennon’s attention, I clear my throat, and her eyes pop open. “How long have you been there?”
“Not long,” I lie. “Hungry?”
She nods, standing, and I realize how much her belly has really grown. It seems as if she started showing overnight, though it’s been gradual. She glances at me, and she’s glowing. Becoming a mom has come so natural to her, and there’s no doubt she’ll love that baby with every ounce of her body. Hell, she already does and so do I.
“I’ve craved pizza all day long with extra, extra, extra, extra cheese.”
I burst out laughing. “Damn girl.” Lennon’s cravings this last trimester have been random but usually anything greasy.
She narrows her eyes at me, and before she can even throw sass my way, I continue, “Whatever you say. I just hope they add some sauce and crust with your cheese.” I open the app and order a pizza real quick with four times the cheese like Lennon requested. One thing I’ve learned over the past few months is not to argue with a pregnant woman over food. It’s a losing battle.
As we’re waiting for the delivery, I help Lennon hang and fold more baby clothes. This has become one of our traditions, spending our time getting the apartment ready for baby girl. The church ladies have sent so much that I’ve told Lennon she can use my room for storage if needed. Though we’ve been putting up clothes all week, there are still boxes full of onesies and dresses. I’m pretty sure Lennon won’t have to buy clothes until the kid is sixteen.
“I can’t believe they’ve sent so much,” she says with a small pile of clothes in her arms. She’s cleared out the top two drawers of her dresser for the baby.
“Oh my God!” Lennon yells.
“What? What is it?” I panic and stop moving.
She stands as stiff as a board. “Come here. Hurry.”
I rush to her and stand beside her. “Are you okay?”
Lennon grabs my hand and places it on her belly.
“She’s kicking,” Lennon tells me with the sweetest smile on her face.
Right after she says it, I feel a little foot against my palm. My eyes light up. “Wow. That’s amazing.”
I feel it again, even harder this time.
“Keep talking,” she tells me. “I think it’s your voice.”
I drop to my knees so I can be closer to the baby and place both hands on Lennon’s belly. “Hey, little one. Just want to say hello, and we feel you in there. Can’t wait for you to meet your mama. She’s so pretty and nice, and I know you’ve already heard how beautifully she sings.”
The kicking continues, and I look up at Lennon and see tears. I stand, face to face with her, wanting to take her soft cheeks in my palms and kiss the fuck out of her, but I don’t.
“She likes you,” she says, and I wipe the tears away with my thumbs, knowing she has more on her mind.
“Everything okay?”
“I’m just upset Brandon is missing this. The more days that pass, the more he’s turning into a distant memory, and I never want to forget him.”
I nod, understanding but not knowing how to console her. There are days when I wish I could bring him back, so maybe she’d be happy the same way she used to be. Then another part of me wishes I could be the man who makes her smile. Instead, I just try to be there for her as much as I can.
Grabbing her hand, I place it over her heart. “He’s here, Lennon. He’ll always be there.”
She nods, and the doorbell rings, pulling us both away. “Hope you’re hungry for that pizza. There’s gonna be so much cheese; you’ll be chewing all night.”
Lennon shakes her head at me and lets out a laugh. “You’re an ass.”
“Stop cursing in front of the baby.” I go to the door and give the guy a tip, and the apartment immediately fills with the scent. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until Lennon brings plates to the table, and we begin eating.
“How was work?” she asks, holding the crust so the toppings don’t slide off.
I let out a huff. “Fine. Saw Jenna today.”
Lennon stops chewing and furrows her brows. “Why?”
“Trust me, not by choice.” I explain what happened, and I’m pretty sure I can see her pulse throbbing in her neck. “Doesn’t she know how to take a hint?”
“No,” I say, wanting to change the subject because it’s still touchy. I don’t tell her about the threats she spewed either. The last thing Lennon needs is more stress added to her plate. Whatever Jenna thinks she knows, I’m not going to give in to her hissy fit. “I just don’t want her to think she can show up here or anywhere I’m at again. It’s annoying.”
Lennon sighs, and I watch her close up. “Yeah.”
We finish eating in silence, and I think about everything that’s happened over the past few months. We’ve continued to eat together each night, and I’ve tried to keep up with the apartment. Lately, Lennon has been getting fatigued really easily, so I do as much as I possibly can. There have been several times I’ve wanted to kiss her or bring up how I feel again, but it’s easier, for now, to pretend I never said anything. I’ve allowed her to take the lead on us because that night, things changed, though she’d deny it if I called her out. I’m pretty sure I’ve been friend-zoned, and that’s okay because I’m not giving up hope. If that’s all I can ever be, I’ll be forced to accept it, though I don’t think she even realizes how she sends me mixed signals all the time.
After we’ve finished eating, I put the remaining pizza in the fridge. Lennon’s phone rings, and when she answers it, I know it’s one of her sisters by how excited she sounds. The further along Lennon gets, the closer they grow, and I love how supportive they both are. Lennon looks over at me, and I whisper that I’m going to take a shower, and she gives me a thumbs-up.
My shoulders are tight, and I stand under the hot water, hoping it relieves some of the stress. After seeing Jenna today, I’ve been on edge. She’s determined to make my life hell until I can prove I’m not the father of her baby. It’ll be hung over my head until the day he’s born, and I know, just by her threats alone, it’s not the last I’ll see of her.
Once I’ve scrubbed the day from my body, I step out, wrap a towel around my waist, then walk to my bedroom. As soon as I enter, I turn and see Lennon behind me. Somehow, I hang onto my towel, though she startled the fuck out of me.
“Shit,” I whisper, not expecting her to be there.
“Sophie wants me to go grocery shopping with her tomorrow. Anything you want me to add to the list?” Lennon looks at me from head to toe; her eyes linger on my chest and then slide lower. I’ve been doing most of the grocery shopping, but Sophie likes to have Lennon join her often. It’s a way for them to bond, and then she doesn’t have to go alone.
I chuckle as she continues to stare while she bites her lip. It’s moments like this when I know she feels exactly the same as I do but refuses to admit it. And I won’t force the issue.
“I’m gawking, aren’t I? Sorry.” A blush hits her cheeks, and she covers her face with her hands.
“I’m gonna get dressed now,” I tease, and she quickly turns around and walks out of my room. Sometimes, she’s so fucking adorable, and the thought of her being embarrassed has me grinning. If she wanted me, I’d give her every fucking inch. All she’d have to do is ask. Guilt be damned.
I slip on some clothes and go into the living room and grab the plastic outlet protectors I purchased to put throughout the apartment. Sitting on the couch with her feet propped up, Lennon starts giggling.
“What are you doing?” she asks as I go along the walls and plug each open socket.
I look over my shoulder and grin at her. “Baby proofing the apartment since she’ll be here before we know it.”
Lennon continues to laugh. “For the first six months, all she’s going to do is eat, poop, and sleep.”
“And people always talk about how their kids grow up too fast. So she’ll essentially be driving in a few months.” I stand and glance over to catch her rolling her head on her shoulders. “Your back hurt again?” Lately, she hasn’t been able to get comfortable.
“It’s the worst. If I sit too long or stand too long, it makes my back so sore,” she admits.
I sit next to her on the couch. “I’m gonna schedule you one of those prenatal massages. I’ve heard they help a lot.”
She leans her head back on the couch. “At this point, I need more than just my back rubbed.” Lennon closes her eyes tight. “Ignore me. Seriously. I don’t know what my deal is today.”
It’s called sexual frustration, but I don’t dare say that. It’s not the first time she’s hinted about sex, and I’m sure she’d feel better if she found some sort of relief. I think about the toy she has in her room and find myself growing hard at the thought of her using it. Imagining her mouth falling open as she releases soft moans has me wanting to take another shower.
Fuck me.
I quickly adjust myself because I’m hard as a rock. Standing, I force the thoughts of her naked body out of my head, and I hope she doesn’t notice my dick.
“I think I’m going to go to bed,” I tell her, fake yawning.
She nods and agrees she’s tired too. Lennon goes into her room, and I walk into mine. Crawling under the sheets, I grab my cock and stroke myself as I think about her. I’d give her everything she could ever need. I’d take it slow, kissing and sucking her supple nipples, being as careful as I can, making sure she’s completely satisfied. I’d make love to her all night, taking my time until she begs me to fuck her. It doesn’t take long before the orgasm rocks through me, taking full control, and I let out a muffled grunt that I hope she doesn’t hear. Considering the walls are paper thin, I’m sure she did. After I clean up, I lie back in bed and wonder if she’s thinking of me when she touches herself. The thought alone has me growing hard all over again.