HISSECRETBABY

ChapterOne

Itwas11o’clockonaFridaynightandIalreadyhadtwoshotsoftequila.My

best friends Donna and Lauren decided tonight was the night to celebrate my

promotion.Iworkedmyassofftopreparemypresentation.Ittookseveralnights

ofdrinkingincessantamountsofcaffeinetostayawake,researchingonmylaptop

untilmyeyescrossedandpracticingmyspeechlikeIwasrunningforpresident.

“Whoohoo!GoCyn!”Donnasaid,joiningmeforanothershot.

DonnaandLaurenweremybestfriendssincecollege.Whenwegraduated,

we feverishly hunted for jobs in our respective fields. Lauren got a job writing

novelsforapublisher,andDonnaworksasmarketingconsultantforaretailstore.

Idecidedtogomoreofthebusinessrouteandbecameabankteller.Ourhomes

wereonlyametrorideaway,sowemadeapacttovisiteachothereveryFriday.

MostofourFridaysconsistofdrinkingwineoveramoviewithpizza,buttonight

wasaspecialoccasion.

“Hey, Cyn, hottie at three o’clock,” Lauren said, gesturing me towards a

broodingmaninthecorner.

Ilookedupfromourseatatthebarandmadeeyecontactwiththe“hottie”.

Helookedupfromhisdrink,staringdeeplyintomyeyes.Mybreathhitched,he

wasdamnattractive.Hestoodtall,maybearound6’3.FromwhatIcouldsee,his

hairwasdarkandclosecroppedonthesides,yetlongontop.Heworejeansanda

blackt-shirt,hisfiveo’clockshadowprominentagainsthissharpjaw.Hismuscled

armswerecompletelytattooed.Icouldn’thelpbutbitemylip.

“Ok, he’s obviously interested in you. You have to speak to him!” Lauren

said.

“Yeah, because speaking to strangers is what I need to do in this state of

intoxication,”Isaid,rollingmyeyesandsippingmytequilasunrise.

“That’s exactly what you need to do! When was the last time you gotten

any?”Donnasaid.

IwantedtofightheronitbutDonnawasright.ThelasttimeIgotlaidwas

withmyex-boyfriendseveralmonthsago.Itwasafteradrunkennightatthebar

whenItextedhimtocomeover.Thesexwasgood,butitdidn’tscratchthatitch

thatIneeded.Isenthimonhismerrywayinthemorning,vowingtoneverhave

mediocresexagain.IguessthatvowmademeignoresexaltogetherasIbecame

fixatedwithmywork.

“Fine.Wishmeluck,”Isaid,takingonelastsip.

Igotupslowly,notyetmakingeyecontactwiththehandsomestrangerand

adjusted my dress. It was my favorite dress and a crowd favorite amongst my

friends, too. It was red, and perfectly accented my brown, curly hair. My curvy

bodywasamplifiedbythetight,bindingfabric.Ipulleditdownalittleinthefront

to show a little more cleavage as I finally walked up to the guy. His cologne

smelledintoxicatingfromadistance.ThecloserIgottohim,thedizzierIgot.

“Hi,”Isaid,tryingtosoundsexyandnotlikeadrunkenidiot.

“Hello,”hesaid,smiling.Histeethwereperfect,too.Holyhell.

“I noticed you watching me over there,” I said, pointing a thumb over my

shouldertowhereIwassitting.Ididn’twanttoturnaroundforfearthatDonna

andLaurenwouldbestaringattheinteraction.

“Icouldn’thelpbutnoticesuchasexywoman.Buttherealquestionis,were

youwatchingmeoverhere?”Hesaid,adjustinghisstancesothathecouldmake

bettereyecontactwithme.

“No,notatall.”

“Liar. I bet you want to know what’s under my clothes just like I want to

knowwhat’sunderyours,”hesaid,movingclosertomyearsoIcouldhearhim.

Myheadstartedtoswim.Whoisthisman?

“Idon’tevenknowyourname.”

“It’sLuke.What’syours,sweetheart?”

“Cynthia,butmyfriendscallmeCyn.”

“Sin,justlikehowyoulookinthatdress,”hesaid,eyeingmeupanddown.

“I’msorry,Luke,butI’mactuallyasaint,”Isaid,winkingathim.

“Even saints lose control sometimes. Tell me something, when was the last

timeyouwerereallysatisfied?”Lukesaid,backingmeagainstawall.

MyheartwasracingasIlookedaroundtoseeifanyonenoticedus.Donna

and Lauren were chatting up two men in the bar and it was as if everyone was

transfixedontheirownconversations.Forasecond,IfeltlikeLukeandIwerein

abubblethatonlywecouldnotice.Ilookedupathim,finallynoticingthecolorof

hiseyesinthelightedarea,hazellikeawolf’s.

“Um, I can’t remember,” I said, honestly. There’s no point in lying, I

suppose.

“That’ssounfortunatetohear.Awomanlikeyoushouldbepleasuredevery

day,” he said, licking the shell of my ear, “if I had you, I would make sure you

wouldneverneedanythingelse.”

“Are you usually this flirtatious with strange women in the bar?” I asked,

giggling.Theliquorwasstartingtosetin.

“Iactuallyhatebars.Butwhenasexyminxlikeyouwalksbyinthattightred

dress,Icouldn’thelpbutimagineallofthewaysIwouldgetyououtofit.”

Mymouthslightlygaped.Ifeltmybodyheatupwitharousal.Ihaven’tfelt

thisturnedoninaverylongtime.Ibitmylipagain,watchinghisjawtightenashe

lookedupanddownmybody.Iwantedhimtokissme,tograbmebymywaist

andtakemehoweverhewanted.IfeltlikeIwaspleadingforhimwithmyeyes.I

wastransfixedonLuke.Iwantedhim.Badly.

“So, how about we go back to my place?” I asked, sheepishly, hoping he

wouldtakemeuponmyoffer.

“Notyet,mydear.Inthespanofthisconversation,IhavedeterminedthatI

wanttoplaywithmypreybeforeeatingit,”hesaid,staringmedown.

“Play?”

“You haven’t been satisfied in a while, now. I’m not going to give you any

cheapthrills.IwantyoutothinkaboutmewhenI’mnotthere.Iwantyoutosmell

mycologneintheairandinstantlygetturnedon.Canyoudothatforme?”

“Um,”Isaid,knowingthatitwasalreadyinthecards.

“Good. Here’s my phone number. Text me when you make it home safely,”

Luke said, plugging his number into my phone before kissing my hand and

walking out of the bar. My hand tingled where his lips touched it. My body was

slightlytremblingasImadethewalkbacktothebarwithmygirlfriends.

“So?Howdiditgo?”Donnaasked.

“Igothisnumber.”Isaid.

“Yes! Go girl! It’s about time you hopped back in the saddle,” Lauren said,

gyratinginherseatasifshewasridingahorse.

Thethreeofuslaughedaswetalkedaboutourlivesoutsideofwork.Donna

gotanewpuppyshe’sbeendyingforustomeetnamedBenedictArnold.Lauren’s

mother has decided that her new venture in life is to write a cookbook so now

Laurenhastovisiteveryweekendtotrynewdishes.Ididn’thavemuchtoaddto

theconversation,outsideofwork,Ireallydidn’tdomuch.Isimplycamehometo

mycat,Mitzy,andbinge-watchedtelevision.

“Alrightladies,it’sgettinglate.Readyforthemetroridehome?”Donnasaid,

yawningmid-sentence.

“Yeah,let’sgo.I’mexhausted.”

Wealltippedthebartender,closedourtabsandwalkedoutofthebar,arms

linked. We laughed about something that happened on television as we walked

downthebusystreettothemetrostation.Donnawasthefirstpersontoboardas

wesatinthedimlylitsubway.Thelightsflickeredaswetalkedaboutnonsense.I

was the first stop. I hugged them both goodbye and asked them to let me know

whentheywerehome.MymindsuddenlyrememberedthatIwassupposedtotext

Lukethesame.

After a brief walk to my apartment, I unlocked the door and turned on the

living room lights. I hated dark rooms. I always thought that something spooky

wouldbehidingintheshadows,ormycupboard.Itookoffmycoatandhearda

familiarsoundwelcomingmehome.

“Meow,”Mycat,Mitzysaid,struttingtowardsme.IadoptedMitzyacouple

ofyearsago.Well,actually,Mitzyadoptedme.Sheshoweduponmydoorstepone

day.Itwasrainingoutsideandshewasfranticallymeowingoutsideofmydoor.I

letherin,fedhersometuna,andcalledthenumberonhercollar.OnceIheard

thedisconnecteddialtone,Iknewshehadbeenabandoned.Thatnight,Itookher

inasmyown.We’vebeeninseparableeversince.

“HeyitsybitsyMitzy,”Isaid,layingonthecouchasshejumpedonmylap.

Shecurledupandbegantopurr,thevibrationsrelaxingmealready.

“Guesswhat?Imetaboy,”Isaid.

Mitzylookedupatmeasifshewasactuallylistening.Ifishedmyphoneout

ofmypurseandsentatexttoLuketellinghimthatIwashome.Icopiedthesame

messageandsentittobothDonnaandLauren.Myphonepingedalmostinstantly.

ItwasamessagefromLuke.

“I’mgladmylittlevixenmadeithomealright.Wouldyouliketojoinmefor

abitetoeattomorrow?Don’tsayno,either.Iknowyoudon’thaveanythingbetter

todo,”thetextread.

Islightlyflushed,realizingthathewasright.Ididn’thaveanythingbetterto

do.

“Okay.Givemethedetailsinthemorning,”Iresponded.

“Ofcourse.Sleepwell,”thetextread.

Igrinnedbeforesittingmyphonenexttome.IgaveMitzy’sheadaquickpat

beforeIstarteddisrobingonthewaytotheshower.Myapartmentwassmallbut

niceenoughforme.Mybedroomwasontheothersideofthelivingroom,andthe

bathroom was on the next wall. I dropped my clothes in the hamper before

turningthelightoninthebathroomandlettingthewaterheatup.

I hopped in the shower, making sure that the water was hot enough. Exes

usedtotellmethatIcouldshowerintemperatureshotenoughforSatan.Iusedto

thinkthatwastheirwayofcallingmeSatan.Mostofthetime,itwas.AsIlathered

my favorite peach shampoo through my hair, I started thinking about life and

abouttonight,thewaterrunningdownmybodyindeliciousways.

Several minutes later, I turned the water off, wrapping a towel around my

hair and drying my body before wrapping a towel around my chest. I grabbed

some body lotion and sat on my bed, Mitzy resting at my bedroom door. I

acknowledgedherwithasmileassheturnedherhead.Moody,much.

I started using the strawberry scented lotion, rubbing from my feet to my

ankles, to my calves, then to my thighs. I started picturing Luke, the memory of

hisfacemerecentimetersfromminemakingmeflush.Istartedrubbingthelotion

even slower up my thighs, then to my belly. I traced circles around my navel

beforemovingevenfurtherupward.MyhandsfoundtheirwaytomybreastsasI

glossedoverthem,mynipplesinstantlygettinghard.IsoftlymoanedasItwisted

them,feelingmybreast’sweightagainstmyhands.

Ilaidbackandletmyfingerstraceeverdownward.Lukewasontopofme

now. His callused hands were tracing up and down my body. I could feel his

weight on me, pressing me into the mattress as he kissed the tender spot on my

neck. I gasped as fantasy Luke tickled my earlobe with his tongue, before finally

pullingmyfaceintohisandbitingmybottomlip.Hesuckeditgently,kissingme

evendeeper.IwassoclosetogettingwhatIneeded.Justtouchme.Rightthere.

“MEOW!”Mitzysaid.

I instantly shot up to find Mitzy staring at me from the door. She still had

thatboredexpressiononherface.Ialmostthrewapillowather.

“Mitzy!Youhavenoideawhatyoujustinterrupted!”Isaid,frustrated.Mitzy

simplylookedatmewithoutanyfacialexpression.

Igroanedbeforelyinginbedandcheckingthetime,figuringthatnowwasas

goodatimeasanytogotobedbeforeseeingLuketomorrow.

ChapterTwo

I woke up, slightly hung-over, to the sound of construction outside. I

pushed my pillow over my head in frustration, knowing that I would never

getbacktosleepnow.Irolledovertocheckmyphone,onlytofindoutthatit

was already 10 am. I stretched for a couple of seconds before walking into

thekitchentopreparemyselfaglassofwater.

As I stood in my kitchen, I started thinking about last night’s

interaction. Meeting someone in a bar is one thing, but meeting that same

person in the middle of the day is another. I took another sip, hearing my

phoneringinthenextroom.Iracedtogetit,spillingwateronthewooden

floorintheprocess.IjumpedonthebedtofindLuke’snameonthescreen.

“Well, good morning, gorgeous,” Luke said. I could hear the smirk in

histone.

“Hello,Luke,”Isaid,stilltryingnottosoundtooexcited.

“IcalledbecauseIwouldmuchratherhearyourvoiceinthemorning

thanreadascreen.Lunchisatnoon,atSarah’sDiner.Areyoufamiliarwith

therestaurant?”

“Yeah, it’s not far from me at all.” I said, thankful he didn’t suggest

anywhereupscale.

“Perfect.Oh,andcouldyoudomeafavor?”Lukeasked.

“What?”

“Don’twearanypanties.”Hesaid,hanginguptheline.

My jaw dropped. Did this guy really expect me to not wear any

underwearonourfirstdate?Isthisevenadate?Mymindwasreelingwith

possibilitiesasIfeltmybodygethot.Whycouldhepossiblynotwantmeto

wearanyunderwear?

Thenaughtinessofitallmademegrin.Ihoppedoutofbedandwalked

tomycloset,thewoodenfloorstillcoldagainstmybarefeet.Ishuffledover

totheslidingdoorsofmyclosetandpushedthembothwideopen,staringin

dismayatmydismaloptions.Jesus,doIwearanythingbutbusinesscasual

clothing? I thought as I threw everything to the floor. I finally settled on a

burgundy sweater dress with black, thigh high boots. I picked out a lacy

blackbraandmatchingpanties.

I walked to the mirror and brushed out my hair before tossing it in a

high-bun.Iputonalightlayeroffoundationandapink-tintedbalmbefore

liberally covering my eyelashes in mascara. My eyes were my favorite

feature,largeandgreen.I’vebeentoldthey’requitehypnotizing.

Seeing it was already 11:30, I started to get dressed. I heard Mitzy

purringinthecornerandIgaveheranodofacknowledgment.Shestarted

licking her paws, as I got dressed. I pushed my breasts up high in my bra,

makingsurethatthescoopneckofthedressshowedthemoffabit.Iputon

my dress, rubbing the soft material as it hugged my curves. I put on my

boots, zipping them up before grabbing my purse and heading towards the

metro,leavingmypantiesbehind.

–

Itookadeepbreathbeforewalkinguptothediner’sdoors.Theplace

was pretty busy as people liked eating there after a long night. I walked

inside,lookingaroundbeforemyeyeslandedonthesexybeastthatisLuke.

HeworeanemeraldgreensweaterwithaslightV-neck.Hishazeleyesshone

asifhewasn’tdrinkingthenightbefore.Ugh,whywashesobeautiful.

“Cyn,youmadeit!”Lukesaid,givingmeatightsqueeze.

Ifelthischestagainstmineandalmostpassedout.Hishuglingereda

little longer than I expected, making my heart race. I rubbed my hands up

his back, feeling the muscles there. I couldn’t help myself; he was so

hypnotizing.

“Please,sit,”hesaid,movingoutofmywaysoIcouldsitinthebooth.

I sat down, crossing my legs high on my thighs. I saw him glance at

them,lickinghislipsbeforeslidingintheboothnexttome.Ilookedathim

oddly,wonderingwhyhewasn’tsittingacrossfromme.

“HelloandwelcometoSarah’sDiner.WhatcanIgetyoutodrink?”She

hadcinnamonredhairthatobviouslycamefromaboxandworeredlipstick.

She looked like a 1950s housewife in her pink uniform. I’m surprised she

wasn’twearingroller-skates.

“Waterisfinewithme,”Lukesaid.

“Orangejuice,please,”Isaid.

“How was the rest of your night? Did you hit another bar?” He said,

staringatmeintently.

HowdoItellaguyImasturbatedtoafantasyofhim?

“Itwasablur.IthinkIpassedoutafterashower,”Isaid,laughing.

“Samehere.Irecallhavingsomeofthebestsleepofmylife,”hesaid.

Webothchattedaboutidletalk.Lukeistheolderoftwosiblings.His

favorite color is green and his last name is Williams. He’s a manager at a

restaurant,andlovestocook.Heexerciseseveryday,andthinksthatriding

a bike beats hitting the gym any day. I found myself enamored by his

conversation,soakinguphiseveryword.

“Alright,sugar,whatwillitbeforlunch?”Thewaitressasked.

“I’llhavetheclassiceggbreakfastplease,”Lukesaid.

“Breakfast?It’snoon,”thewaitresssaid,giggling.

“It’smyfirstmealoftheday,”Lukesaid,givingherasmile.

“Makessensetome!Howdoyoulikeyoureggs,sweetie?”

“Scrambled.Oh,canIhaveacoffee,black?”

“Ofcourseandwhatwillitbeforyoudear?”

“Can I have the blueberry pancakes and also a coffee. Two sugars,

heavycream?”Iasked.

“Yes ma’am. I will be right back with your coffees,” the waitress said,

walkingaway.

“Youlikeyourcoffeesweet,huh?”Lukeasked.

“Ofcourse.Ilikeeverythingsweet,”Isaid,eyeingLukeback.Twocan

playthisgame.

“Hmm,Ipeggedyouasmoreofasavorytype,”hesaid,movingcloser

tome.

“See?Youcan’tjudgeabookbyitscover.”

“Oh,butIcan.Likerightnow,you’regettingturnedon.”Hesaid.

“Uh-,”Istammered.Christ,he’sgoodatthis.

“I bet you’re wet now, too,” he said, licking his lips before eyeing my

thighs.

“No,actually,you’rewrong,”Isaid,myvoiceslightlyshaking.

“Let me see, then. If I’m wrong, I’ll leave you alone,” he said, putting

hishandina“scout’shonor”position.

“Whatifthewaitressstopsby?”Isaid,tryingtofindanyexcusetonot

let him feel the pool that started accumulating between my legs since we

madeeyecontactinthediner.

“She’llneverknow.Goon,spreadyourlegsforme.”

Islowlyuncrossedmylegs,lettingmythighsslightlypart.Luketrailed

his fingers up my thighs, drawing circles up and down them. The closer he

got, the more he could fall away. I was getting anxious, wishing he would

touchme.Mycenterwashotwithneed.

“Alrighty here’s your coffees, your egg breakfast and your pancakes.

Enjoy!”Thewaitresssaid,droppingthefoodoffonthetablebeforeskirting

off.

“I’mnotdonewithyou,yet.Goon,enjoyyourpancakes,”hesaidinmy

ear.

I obliged him and began pouring syrup over the pancakes. He

continuedtracingmythighswithonehandashesippedhiscoffeewiththe

other. To the average outsider, no one would think anything of this. But to

me,theteasingwasdrivingmemad.

Finally,afterIalmostcriedouttohimtofeelme,hedipshisfingerinto

my flower. I bit my lip to keep from making a sound as he traces from the

bottomofmyslittothetop.Iknewhisfingerswouldcomeoutmoist,andI

wasembarrassedtoseewhatitwouldlooklike.Afterafewmoresecondsof

thisdelicioustorture,hepulledhisfingersaway,mywetnesscausingthemto

shineinthediner’slight.

“How’sthatfoodtasting?”Thewaitressasked.

“Spectacular,”Lukesaid,suckinghisfingers.

My jaw almost hit the floor as I watched Luke suck my essence off of

his fingers. He smiled at me, before asking how my pancakes were. I said

theywereamazing.Thewaitresssmiledwithprideasshecontinuedtocheck

onothercostumers.

“Ican’tbelieveyoudidthat!”Iwhispered,tryingtohidethearousalin

myvoice.

“Ineverbackdownfromachallenge.Iknewyouwerewetforme.Ijust

wantedtofeelit.”

“Butinpublic?”

“Sweetheart,there’salotmorethingsIwoulddotoyouinpublic.”

“Like what?” I asked, eager for more information. My face flushed at

thethoughtofLuketakingmeinthemiddleofthisrestaurant.

“Iwouldmuchratheryoufindout.Let’sgototheparkafterthis.”

Lukelaida$20billonthetableandreachedformyhand.Mystomach

feltbutterfliesasIheldhislargehandsinmine.Theywerewarmandsofter

than I imagined. We walked out of the diner and onto the street. As we

headedtowardsthepark,Icouldn’thelpbutstareathowbeautifulhewas.I

reallycouldn’thelpbutnoticesomethingwasalittledifferentinhispants.I

giggledtomyselfsoftly.AtleastIhavethesameeffectonhimashedoeson

me.

Wefinallymadeittotheparkafterwalkingforacoupleofblocks.The

temperaturewasacool65degreeswithaslightbreeze.Everyonewasoutside

enjoying the day, parents pushing children on strollers, dogs being walked,

and women jogging with their friends. It was truly a beautiful day. Luke

looked intently focused on something, though. I couldn’t put my finger on

whatexactlyitwas.

“Followme,”Lukesaidaswebypassedtheheavilypopulatedspaceof

thepark.Heledmetoamoresecludedareaslightlyshroudedwithtrees.I

lookedathimquestioningly.Whatcouldhepossiblyhaveplanned?

“There’s something I need to confess to you,” Luke said as we stood

nearatree.

“What?”

He backed me against the tree, our bodies slightly hidden but still

visible if someone really wanted to look. He looked me deep in the eyes

beforelickinghislips.Hiseyesnarrowedonmelikeawolfhuntingitsprey.I

gulped;hisintensegazemakingmeequalpartsnervousandaroused.

“I’ve been wanting to kiss you since last night,” he said, placing his

handsonbothsidesofmyhead.

“Thendoit,”Isaid,pullinghimtowardsmeaswefinallylockedlips.

His lips were soft against mine as he gently sucked my bottom lip. I

reachedintohishairtopullhimdeeperintome.HegaspedandIflickedhis

lipswithmytongue.Ifelthimsmileagainstmylipsashereachedaroundto

grabmyass.Imoanedagainsthismouth,hisearlierteasingstartingtotake

effect.

“Ilivedowntheblock,”Lukesaid,slightlybreathless.

“Let’sgetthehelloutofhere,”Iwhisperedagainsthislips.

ChapterThree

Idon’trememberhowwemadeittohishome.AllIrememberisbitingmy

lip before going in to kiss him again. Now, my back was against the wall of the

front door of his apartment. It wasn’t too far from the park, and we were still

kissing as he fumbled to get the keys in his pocket. The house smelled like

cinnamon,thesensualsmellmakingmearousedinmorewaysthanIexpected.

Hisapartmentwasdefinitelylargerthanmine.Itwasonthethirdfloorofhis

buildingandhadamasterbedroom.Hislivingroomwasamixturebetweengrey

furniture and dark, wooden features. He had a large television, and a reading

sectionnearthehugewindowthatalmosttookupanentirewallinitself.Hekept

burgundy curtains against the wall, the color looking almost alien against the

otherwisedrablivingroom.

The kitchen was beautifully decked out with the sharpest knives and shiny

dishware.Isawcopperpotshangingabovethegranitecountertop.Hehadduel

sinks and stainless steel appliances. His kitchen was his laboratory, and each

recipehewhippedupprobablyputaspellonwhoevergottotasteit.Ienvisioned

Luke putting me on that countertop wearing nothing but a towel while baking a

cake for me as he fed me every piece, licking the icing off of my body in the

process.

“Wow,niceapartmentforachef,”Isaid,slightlyflushing.

“Thankyou,”hesaidbeforehoistingmeupsoIwasstraddlinghiswaist.We

continuedtokissashecarriedmetothebedroom,pushingthedooropenbefore

gently laying me on the bed. The room was well lit from the windows, but the

burgundyshadesgavetheroomabeautifulredglow.Luke’seyeswereholdingfire

as he yanked off his jacket. I sat up and removed mine with the same fervor. I

pulledhimdownonme,scratchinghisbackbeforerollinghimonhisback.

“Shirt.Off,”Isaid,gesturingforhimtoremovetheoffensiveclothing.

Luke’seyeswidenedashegaveacockysmirk,removinghisshirt.Mymouth

wateredathishardabs.Istrokedthemslowly,easingmyfingerscloserandcloser

to his belly button. I saw his jaw tighten in restraint. He was getting harder and

harderwitheverysecond.Iplayedwiththesensitiveskinaroundhisbeltbuckle,

hearinghimslightlyhiss.Iwantedtoteasehimlikehedidme.

“Oh, this is the game you want to play?” Luke said, a devious glint in his

eyes.

He pushed up, pulling me into him by the waist. I gasped at the sudden

movement. He shifted so that his legs were on the edge of the bed, kissing me

softlybeforegivingmeaspank.

“Standup.Givemeashow.Iwanttoseeyoustripforme.”

Islowlystoodup,mybodyswayingtoaslowsongIplayedinmyhead.Isaw

himleanback,gettingagoodview,hismanhoodrisinginhisjeans.Iplayedwith

the edge of my dress, slowly pulling it up to reveal more of my taut belly. He

pushedoutabreath,thetensionobviouslygettingtohim.Ismiledbeforeripping

the dress off of my head, revealing the black, lacey bra I wore underneath. I

caressedmybreasts,makingsuretoenjoythesensation.IpretendedlikeIwasin

myroomaloneafteralongdayatworkandneedingtorelievesometension.Fora

second,IforgotLukewaseventhere.

Iheardabeltbuckleloosenandjeansfalltotheground.Good,he’senjoying

himself. I unclasped my bra, my back still turned. After a minute of seductively

swaying my hips, I finally turned around, revealing my C-cup breasts. Luke was

strokinghimself,thoroughlyenjoyingtheshow.

Ipushedhishandsoutoftheway,lickinghisshaftfromthebottomtothe

topbeforeswirlingmytongueatthetip.Lukegroaned,hishandssoftlygripping

my hair. I started bobbing my head up and down, rubbing the bottom of my

tongue flat against him. He was getting louder now. I increased my speed,

wonderinghowfarhewouldletmegobeforeexploding.Afterafewminutes,and

hismoansstilleverincreasing,hefinallypulledmeoffofhim,kissingmedeeply

beforekickingoffhispantsandboxers,andpushingmeontomyback.

Hekissedmylipstoasensitivespotonmyneck.Imoanedashetraveledto

my nipples. He swirled his tongue around the left one, blowing softly as it got

moreerect.Mybackarchedashelightlynippedit.Hetweakedtherightoneashe

sucked, finally giving the right one the attention it desired. I ran my fingers

throughhishair,gentlytuggingattheroots.Hemoaned,thevibrationsdeliciously

rumblingmychest.Helookedupatmebeforetrailinghistonguedownmybelly.

He dipped it into my belly button, kissing it softly before finally landing on my

center.

Mybodywasfullofwarmthashelickedmyslit.Hemoanedashekissedme

softly, alternating between sucking and kissing my inner thighs. I was getting

hotter, my moans increasing as he increased his speed. I knew I was about to

explodeanymomentnow.

“Lu-Luke,I’m,I’mgoingto-,”Isaid,pushinghisfaceintome.

“DoyouknowhowlongI’vewaitedforthismoment?Iwon’tstopuntilyou

makeme,”hesaid.

My legs clenched around his face as I exploded. Luke squeezed my hips

tightertokeepmefromalmostfallingoffofthebed.Iundulatedagainsthim,my

stomachconcaveandbackarchedintothesky.Iwasinstantlyoutofbreath,my

browcoveredinsweatasIpushedhimaway.Hereallywasn’tgoingtostop.

“Areyouokwiththis?”Lukesaid,positioninghimselfoverme.

Inoddedmyhead,yes,stillreelingfrommyorgasm.Hepositionedhimself

ontopofme,draggingmemoreintothecenterofthebedforleverage.Helooked

into my eyes as he finally entered me, stretching me deliciously. He had more

girth than I anticipated and it took a little longer for me to be comfortable. He

looked at me questioningly as I gave him the approval to increase his pace. He

gripped my waist as he slowly increased his speed, allowing me to adjust to his

rhythm.Iclosedmyeyesandsoftlymoanedhisnameatthesensation.

I gripped his back, the sounds of our lovemaking filling the room. The

pleasurewascausingmyheadtoswim.Hepulledhimselfdownashekissedand

lickedmyear.Iscratchedhimharder,hisdepthpushingmetomylimits.AsIfelt

mysecondorgasmbrewing,Istoppedhim,smirkingbeforeflippinghimoveryet

again.

I rubbed his chest as I started writhing on top of him. I loved feeling in

controlasIchangedthepacesuddenlytohissurprise.Hewasstokingmyinner

flame with every thrust. My body was covered in goosebumps as I sped up my

pace.Ifeltmyselfgettingclosertonirvanaashespankedmeyetagain.Imoaned

hisname,grippinghishairaswefranticallykissed.Hegainedcontrolandbegan

plunging me from below. I felt us both getting closer, our once steady pacing

gettingmoreandmoreerratic.Iwasreadytoexplode.

“Wait,onemoreposition,”hesaid,gentlyeasingmeoffofhim.

Heturnedmeover,myhandsandkneesrestingonthebed.Hepulledmeup

towards him, gently stroking my body while kissing the delicate spot where my

neckandcollarbonemeet.Myeyesrolledinthebackofmyheadashepushedme

downwardwithalittlemoreforcethanIassumedhewouldhave.Inmyhead,he

wasstillTheDorkfromhighschoolbutinthisbed,hewasasexGod.

Heranhisfingersovermybuttocksbeforegivingitasharpsmack.Imoaned

insurprise,watchinghislipscurlupintoasmile.Iseeheenjoyedbeingincontrol,

too.Heinsertedhimselfinsideofme.Hegentlypushedmybacktogivememore

of an arch as I followed his silent orders. He started off slow, feeling himself

gettingevendeeperthanbefore.Ipushedbackathim,givinghimmoreofme.He

grippedmyhipseventighter,hismoaningbecomingmoreprominent.Ifelthim

run his hands along my back before pulling my hair at the roots. I groaned, the

pleasuringpainbringingmeclosertoorgasm.

His thrusting became more erratic and out of pace. At that point, I didn’t

care about anything but the feeling this man was giving me. I closed my eyes,

finally feeling myself release. As I let myself reach my peak, I felt him doing the

same. He gently said my name as his body began to shake behind me. I begged

himformore,callingouttohimashefinallyclimaxedinsideofme.

Helandedbesideme,agiggleescapingbothofoursmilesaspulledmeinto

him to spoon. I settled into his embrace, wondering how two almost complete

strangerscouldmakesomuchmagic.

“Luke?”Iasked,ashekissedthebackofmyneck.

“Hmm?” He responded, rolling me on my back so he could look me in the

eyes.

“So,whatnow?”Iasked.

Ididn’twanttohavethe“whatarewe”talk.IfiguredLukewouldjustwanta

flingorsomething.Eitherway,Ineededtoknow.Callitmypersonalitytype,but

I’m always asking questions. I would rather we both mutually agree on our next

stepsthanforustobethinkingtwoseparatethings.

“What now? Well, we go on dates, we get to know each other, we have

amazing sex like we did today over and over and over again.” Luke said, kissing

myfaceeachtimeherepeated“over”.

Myheartswelled.It’snoteverydaythatyoucomeacrosssomeonewhoisn’t

afraidofcommitmentandactuallywantstodateyou.It’salsonoteverydaythat

person is someone who is such an undeniably sexy God. I could drown in those

hazeleyes,andnow,theywereonestepclosertobecomingmine.

“Whatdoyouwanttodonow?”

“After we gather our energy, let’s get some food. I’m pretty starving,” Luke

said,pattinghisperfectlyflatbelly.

“Canwedotake-out?”Iasked,testinghim.Anymanwhohatestake-outis

notthemanforme.

“I’m so glad you said that. I didn’t want to leave the house,” Luke said,

sighinginrelief.

“Yes!”Isquealed,wrestlinghimdowntothebed.

“PizzaorChinese?”Heasked.

“Didn’tyoulearntoneveraskawomanwhatshewantstoeat?”

“Thisistrue.I’llbedeadbythetimeyoudecide.Howaboutpizza?”Hesaid.

“Perfect.Ihopewelikethesametoppings.”

“Doesn’tmatteraslongasIcanhaveyoufordessert.”Hesaid,rollingmeon

topofhimandrubbingmythighs.

“Ohno,LukeWilliams,donotlookatmelikethat.Ineedtorecover,”Isaid

teasingly,watchinghiseyesdarkenfromdesire.

“Don’tworry.We’llhaveplentyoftimeformetodiscovereveryinchofyou,”

hesaid,pullingmyfacetowardshimtokissmyear.

“What’syourdefinitionofplentyoftime?”Iasked,lookingatthetimeonhis

nightstand.Itwasalreadygettingdarkoutside.

“Istherestofyourlifeok?”

ChapterFour

“Babe,youokinthere?You’vebeeninthebathroomforawhile,”Lukeyelled

fromthekitchen.Hewascookingforouranniversary,decidingthathewouldfind

it much more romantic if he slaved over a hot stove for me than we spend our

moneysomewhereelse.

Shit,shit,shit,Ithoughttomyself,staringatthepregnancytestinmyhand.

I had been feeling woozy for a couple of weeks. Mitzy had been acting weird

towardsme,too.Itwasalmostlikeshegotclingier.IrememberLukementioning

itonedaywhenMitzyhissedathimfortryingtopickherupoffofmylap.

“That’sodd.Iguessshefinallygotthatjealousstreakwewerelookingfor,”

Lukesaid,laughing.

Wemovedintogether6monthsafterthatday.Ourrelationshipwasgoingso

well that we decided it was a waste of time to live separately. We wanted to be

aroundeachotherallofthetime.Istilltookthemetrotowork,thoughit’sabitof

a longer trip. He brings me leftovers from the restaurant almost every night, I

rememberonenighthebroughthomechocolatefondue.Heproceededtodrizzleit

allovermewhilelickingthechocolateoff.Wehadamazingsexthatnight.

“Yeah,juststaringatmyeyebrows,”Isaid,stowingthestickintomyjeans.

Pregnant. I’m pregnant. How did this happen? I can’t tell Luke about this. He’ll

thinkit’stoosoon!Hemightwantmetogetridofit.Idon’tevenknowhowfar

alongIam.

I sat on the toilet for a bit longer, trying to figure out when I could have

conceived.Wehadsexoften,sotryingtofindatimelinewasnearlyimpossible.I

took birth control, but got a little spotty with taking it on time around three

months ago. Then it hit me, the night of the fondue. I forgot to take my birth

control that day, opting to take it early the next day because I was lazy. Oh my

God,Iamsuchanidiot!

I quickly flushed the toilet, washed my hands and plastered a smile on my

face. I walked over to Luke, holding him from behind as he made his signature

Cajun pasta. The smell of the spices was causing me to feel ravenous. Matter of

fact,InoticedIhadbeeneatingmore.Ohno,thesignswereallthere.

“Ohshit,babeIforgottheshrimp.Letmeruntothestorerightquick.I’m

going to leave this on simmer. Don’t touch anything,” he said, pecking my lips

beforegrabbinghiscoattogotothebutcheronthecorner.Heonlyatefreshmeat,

sothebutchershopwashisgo-toforourmeals.

Assoonasthedoorshutbehindhim,Iwaitedafewsecondsbeforerunning

tograbmycell-phone.Itookthepregnancytestfromoutofmyjeansandputitin

thetopdrawerofmynightstandinsideofabook.IdialedthefirstpersonIknew

could help me, Donna. Donna was expecting, too, with her boyfriend for a little

overayear.Shefoundoutafewmonthsago.Wewerealloverjoyed.Whowould

haveguessedIwouldbefeelingsomuchdreadfromthesamesituation?

“Hello,friend,”Donnasaid,pickinguponthefirstring.Icouldhearachips

bagrattlingnexttoher.She’sdueinacoupleofmonths.

“Donna.Ineedyourhelp.”

“What’s wrong?” Donna said, her tone suddenly deepening. She knew this

wasserious.

“I’mpregnant,”Isaid.

“Shutup!That’samazing!Ourchildrencanbecousins!”

“Donna,we’renotrelated.”

“Doesn’tmatter!I’msoexcitedforyou!”Donnasaid,hermouthmuffledby

chips.

“That’stheproblem.I’mnot.”

“Why the hell not? Have you seen your boyfriend? Hubba hubba. He’s also

obsessedwithyou.Whatcouldpossiblygowrong?”

“Wehaven’ttalkedaboutchildrenorevenmarriage.Whatifhedoesn’twant

kids?”Iasked,mymoralefaltering.Thiscouldgoreallybad.

“If you keep thinking the worst, then the worst will happen,” Donna said

matter-of-factly.

“Isthatfromoneofyourmeditativecalendarquotes?”

“Yep.Thatwasthismonth’s,”shesaid,laughing.

“Great,nowIhavecalendarsmockingme.”

“Oh,hush,”shesaid.

IheardtheLuke’skeysinthedoor.Crap,Iforgotheonlywenttothebutcher

for shrimp. Luke is very good at only getting exactly what he needs. Me? I’ll be

shoppingforaloafofbreadandendupwithanentireproduceaisleplusacouple

oftoysforMitzy.

“Donna,Ihavetogo.He’sback,”Isaidquietly.

“Hey,dosomeintel.Justcasuallyaskhimaboutwhathewantsinthefuture.

Maybeyou’llfigureoutwhatyouneedfromthat.Bye,andgoodluck!”Donnasaid,

hangingupthephone.

“Honey,I’mhome!”Lukesaidinadramaticmanner.

“Coming!”Iyelledback.Iheldmybreathforacoupleofseconds,andthen

letitgo.Heregoesnothing.

“Heybabe.Howwasthebutcher’s?”

“I’m just glad our anniversary is on a weekday this year. It’s much less

crowded than on weekends. Saturdays are the worst,” he said, dumping the

shrimpintothepastabeforeturninguptheheat.

“I can only imagine. Can you imagine cooking for children and us? Insane

right?”Iasked,anervousgiggleescapingtheendofthatsentence.I’mreallynot

goodatthis.

“Yeah,soundslikearealnightmare,”hesaidlaughing.

Mystomachchurned.Wasthatsarcasm?Woulditreallybeanightmareto

himorwashejustkiddingaround?

“And then having to put them to bed? I heard babies take forever to go to

sleep,”Isaid.

Lukeeyedmesuspiciously.Itriedtolookasnormalaspossiblethoughthe

rushinginmyearswasprovingthatIwasn’tfeelingnormalatall.I’veneverbeen

morenervousinmylife.

“What’s all this talk about kids all of a sudden? You never mention it,” he

said,turningbacktohispastaforaquickstirbeforetappinghisspoonagainstthe

pot.

“Nothing!YouknowDonnaispregnantandwetalkedonthephoneforabit.

ShewastellingmeaboutherfearsforherfirstchildandIguessitwasweighing

onmymind,”Isaid.Nicesave.

“Oh, I’m glad you got to talk to her today. Was she in a good mood?” He

asked,hissuspicionmeltingaway.

“She was elbow deep in a bag of chips. She was in a great mood,” I said,

giggling.Onetime,Donnasentherhusbandonafoodrunforbuffalochickendip,

saltinecrackersandachocolatelavacake.Whenhecamebackwithit,shewasfast

asleep.

“Great. Well, my love, dinner is served!” Luke said, pulling out plates from

thecabinet.Ipulledouttwoglassesandfilledthembothwithwater.

“Nowinetonight,babe?”

“No,thanks.I’mnotreallyinawinemood.”

We spend the night eating and chatting about our relationship. I tried to

think of ways I could sneakily ask him if he was ready for marriage. He was

nearingthirty,andIfiguredhewould’vegottenmarriedbeforesometimeagoif

hewantedto.He’shadex-girlfriendsbeforeyetnevermentionedaproposal.The

moreIthoughtabout,thequeasierIgot.

“Babe?Youlookalittlegreen.”

Irusheduptogototherestroom,vomitingupeverythingIate.Istaredat

thetoiletindisbelief,wonderinghowquicklythisallhappened.Icleanedupafter

myselfandflushedthetoilet,aconcernedLukelookingatmefromthebathroom

door.Hehelpedmegetupandwalkedmeovertoourbed,holdingahandtomy

headtoseeifIwasfeverish.

“Whathappened?Imadesureeverythingwasperfectlycookedthrough,”he

said,theguiltcausinglinestospreadacrosshisface.Whatasweetman.

“I’mnotsure,love.Iguessmystomachisalittleupset.”

“Here,let’srestinbed.I’llbringyousomesaltines.”

Thethoughtofcrackersmademymouthwater.Icouldalreadyimaginethe

crispsaltinessbeingwasheddownwithdeliciouscoldwater.Mymouthbeganto

salivate.Ohno,notcravings,too!

“Here you go. What would you like to watch on television?” Luke asked,

kissingmeontheforehead.

“Canwewatchacookingcompetitionshow?Iloveseeingyourreactionsto

otherchef’stechniques,”Isaid.Itwastrue.Lukebecameahugecompetitorwhen

cookingshowscameon.Itwaslikehispersonalversionoffootball.

“Let’sseeifsomethingison,”hesaid.

I made it through three shows before falling asleep. I remember dreaming

aboutLukediscoveringmypregnancytestinmydrawer,smashingitinangerand

plottingonhowtobreakupwithme.Iremembermystomachpullingoutuntilit

was the size of a bowling ball, mocking him with each turn. I woke up in a cold

sweat.

“Nightmare?”Lukeasked.Hewasstillupwatchingtelevision.Icheckedmy

bedsideclocktoseeonlyanhourhadpassedby.

“Youknowmesowell,”Isaid,nuzzlingintohim.

“Wanttotalkaboutit?”

“No.It’sok.Itwasstupidanyway,”Isaid.

“IknowhowIcanmakeyoufeelbetter,”Lukesaid,tracinghishandsupand

down my body. My body instantly responded to him as I arched my back. He

begankneadingareasonmybackwheremymusclesweretight.Heknewaftera

longdayatwork,mybackbeginstohurttothepointwheresleepisdifficult.He

beganworkinghishandsincircles,rubbingfrommyshoulderstomylowerback.I

moanedsoftlyinpleasureasheincreasedthepressureheplacedonmyback.

Lukemoveddownsowewereeye-level,kissingmesoftly.Ikissedhimback,

feelingmybodystarttotingle.Myeyesrolledbackinmyheadashemoveddown

to kiss my neck. He kissed down the collar of my pajama top, unbuttoning each

one slowly. He kissed every revealed inch of bare skin until my shirt was

completelyoff.Hesuckedmybreasts,squeezingthembeforemovingdowntomy

belly.Igiggledashekissedoverit,asmileshowingonhisface.Helookedupat

meforamomentbeforekissingaroundthewaistlineofmysilkpajamashorts.He

wentdowntomyfeet,kissingfromthesoletomyankle.Hestartedrubbingmy

feetforme,mymouthaudiblysighingfromthesensation.

He stopped massaging my feet after a moment to kiss up my calves. He

kissedthesensitivespotbehindmykneebeforeflickinghistongueoverit.Iwas

gettingmoreandmorearousedtheslowerhewent.Hefinallyworkediswaytomy

thighs, kissing the top of them before the bottom then the inner portion. I felt

myselfspreadmylegsforhim,wantinghimtoremovemyshortsanddowhatever

he wished. He smirked before rubbing me through the silk, my lack of panties

makinghimlookatmeinsurprise.

“What?Yousaid‘nopanties’.”Isaid,recallingourveryfirstmeeting.

Luke growled at me as he slowly removed my shorts. He kissed my bikini

line,slowlyworkinghiswayin.Itriedtopushmyselfintohim,usingmyhandto

griphishairandguidehim.Lukewasstronger,though,andpushedmeawaywith

aflickofthehead.Hegrabbedmyhipsandheldthemdown,resuminghistorture.

Imoanedinfrustrationashelaughed.

“Happyanniversary,baby,”hesaidbeforedivingintome,justlikethevery

firsttime.

ChapterFive

Thenextday,IwaseatinglunchwithDonnaandLauren.Donnaspilledthe

beanstoLauraaboutmypregnancyafteratearfulphonecallabouthowtherewas

noicecreaminherhouse.AfterconfessingaboutmyfearoftellingLuke,Lauren

called me at work to schedule an impromptu lunch together at a sandwich shop

downtheroad.

“How did getting information go?” Donna asked, her mouth already full of

sandwich.

“Honestly,Idon’tknow.Ican’ttellifhewantskidsornot.Ikeptmessingup

overmywords,thenIthrewupouranniversarydinner.”

“Ohmy,”Laurengasped.

“That’showminestarted,too.Nothingcouldstaydown,”Donnasaid.

“Clearlythingscanstaydownnow,”Laurensaid,pokingDonna’sbellyand

giggling.

“Guys!WhatamIsupposedtodo?”Isaid,puttingmyfaceinmyhands.

“Calmdown.Whatdidyoudowiththetest?”Laurenasked.

“Ihiditinmytopdrawerinsideofabook.Ifiguredhewouldneverneedto

goinmynightstand.”

“Ok, this is good. Honestly Cyn, you can’t keep this a secret forever. You’ll

startshowingeventually.”

“Iknow.Ijustcan’trightnow,”Isaid,pleadingwiththembothtonotjudge

me.

They both laid their hands over mine, our symbol of sympathy. I began to

tearup.WhatifIruinthisrelationship?Peoplealwayssaythathavingababyputs

strainonamarriage,andwe’renotevenmarried!

“Tell you what, I pinky promise that everything will be ok,” Donna said,

smilingatme.

“HowcouldIeverfightapinkypromise,”Isaid,givingDonnaandLaurena

hugbeforepackinguphalfofmysandwichandheadingbacktowork.

“Cynthia?Youhaveacallonlineone,”thesecretarysaidasIapproachedthe

desk.

“Didtheysaywhatthenatureofthecallwas?”Iasked.

“No,justthattheyneededtotalktoyou.Ithinkhesaidhe’syourboyfriend,”

shesaid.

My stomach lurched. Luke rarely ever calls my job. My lunch breaks are

erraticandchangewheneverI’mnottoobusytoleave.Itjustsohappenedthatall

threeofusfoundtimearound1pm.Iwonderwhathewants.

“Heybabe,”Isaid,catchingthecallrightbeforeitstoppedringing.

“Hi.Areyoufeelinganybetter?”Heasked.

“You’resosweet.YesI’mokay,”Isaid,knowingthathewasreferringtome

vomitingthismorningbeforework.

“Okgood.We’regoingouttodinnertonight.”Hesaid.

“Goingout?What’stheoccasion?”

“You’llsee.Seeyoutonight.Iloveyou,”hesaid,hangingupthephone.

I stared at the receiver for a moment, wondering what was up. We already

celebrated our anniversary last night. Did he get promoted? Is the restaurant

expanding?Mymindwasawashwithpossibilitiesbeforesomeoneknockedonmy

officedoor.

“Yes?”Iyelled.

“Hi Mrs. Cynthia. Do you have a moment? I could use some help on my

presentation,”Mariatheinternsaid.

“Ofcourse,comeonin,”Isaid,gratefulthatIhadsomethingtooccupymy

mindbefore5pm.

–

“Heybabe,welcomehome,”Lukesaid,pouringhimaglassofcranberryjuice

asIwalkedthroughthedoor.Heneverbeatsmehome.Normallytherestaurant

keepshimbusyuntilatleast7pm,andthoseareongooddays.Everythingabout

thesepastfewhoursweremakingmesuspicious.

“Hello,mylove,”Isaid,givinghimakissonthecheek.

“Dinner’sreservationsareat7.Weliveaboutahalfhourawayfromitsoyou

canstartgettingreadywheneveryouwant,”hesaid,kissingmylips.

“You’restillnotgoingtotellmeanythingareyou?”

“Nope!”Heyelled,alreadyturningontheshower.

Isatontheedgeofthebed,wonderingwhatthehellwashappening.Could

thisbethenightthatItellhimaboutthepregnancy?Theenvironmentwasfitting.

A dimly lit, romantic restaurant could cushion any bad news I could give him. I

subconsciously rubbed my belly, wondering if I should even consider the

pregnancytobebadnewsatall.Lukelovesme,right?Loveconquersall.

Istooduptogotothecloset.Lukerealizedthatsharingwithmewasfutileso

hetookoverthearmoireandgavemetheclosetinitself.Iinstalledasmallchest

ofdrawersformyunderwearandsocks,andhungupeverythingelse.Imadean

efforttofindbetterclothes,andreallybuiltmyselfabrandnewwardrobe.

Ilookedthroughmyoptions,weighingjusthowfancythisplacewas.Hesaid

hemadereservations,soI’mgoingtogowithtoptier.Ipickedtwodresses:one

was longer with a slit up to the thigh. The straps were barely noticeable as the

midnightbluevelvetruchedatthehip.IonlyworeitoncetoawinetastingLuke

took me to a few months ago. We made love twice that night: once in the

bathroomattherestaurant,thesecondtimebackathome.

The second dress was shorter and off the shoulder. The black material was

tight and squeezed my frame into a perfect hourglass. I looked down at my

breasts,realizingtheywerelargerthanthelasttimeIworethedress.Ilookedat

myfavoritepairofredheelsinthecorner,thenmyfavoritepairofsilverheelsin

theother.

“Gowiththeblue.Youlovethatdress,andIlovedrippingitoffofyou,”Luke

said. I must have been standing there for quite some time because Luke had

alreadycomeoutoftheshowerandwasstylinghishair.

“Blueitis,”Isaid,hanginguptheblackdressandgrabbingthesilverheels.

“Oh,andbabe?”

“Yeah,yeah,nopanties,”Isaid,giggling.

“Yes,that,andalsoIloveyou,”Lukesaid.

MyheartswelledinmychestasIwentovertohughim.Hegavemeaquick

peckbeforeslappingmybehindtocoaxmeintotheshower.Istuckmytongueout

athimandwalkedintothebathroom.Iturnedthewatertoashotasitcouldgo,

andstoodunderneaththestream,lettingmyhaircompletelysoak.

AmIreadyforthis?AmItrulyreadytotellthemanofmydreamsthatI’m

havinghischild?Mostwomenwouldn’tfeelthisway,butI’mtrulyafraid.Ihope

he accepts us. I would want nothing more than to have his baby. I truly do love

Luke.

Afterafewmoreminutesofscrubbingwithspicypeppermintsoap,Iturned

the water off and dried my skin, making note of any difference in the size of my

belly. Nothing stood out to me, and I breathed a breath. I realize pregnancy

changes do not happen overnight, but in a situation like mine, you can never be

toocareful.

Iwalkedoutwithatowelstillwrappedaroundmyheadandanotheraround

mybody.LukewhistledasIcameout,hishairfinallyperfectedasheslappedon

someaftershave.

“Youlookdelicious.Comeoverhere,”hesaid,pullingmeinfrontofhimas

westaredinthemirror.

“Aren’tweperfecttogether?Iloveyourcurves.You’resosexywithouteven

trying,”Lukesaid,kissingmyneckashecontinuedtostareatus.

“Baby,thefeelingismutual,”Isaid,rubbingagainsthisslighthardness.

“Stopitorwewon’tmakeittotherestaurant.Finishgettingready.AllIhave

todoisputonmyclothes,”Lukesaid,eyeingme.HeknowsIcantakeforeverto

getreadytoleave.

“Fine, I’ll make it snappy,” I said, pulling out my makeup container. Luke

went in the next room, turning on the television, as he got dressed. I started

puttingonmymakeup,optingforaneutraleyeandacherryredlip.Ipulledmy

hair out of the towel and began styling it, curling each ringlet around my finger.

Thiswasthemostexhaustingpartoftheprocess.Havingcurlyhaircouldbeareal

hassle.

OnceIwasfinished,Isprayedmynakedbodywithperfume.Iputonbody

lotion,lovinghowsmoothmyskinwasbeforegoingintomynightstandtofinda

bracelet.WhenIreachedinside,Inoticedthatthebookwasinadifferentposition

Ileftitin.Itookoutthebook,myhandsshakingasIfranticallyturnedthepages.

Thepregnancytestwasgone.

“Heybabe,youready?”Lukesaid,comingbackintotheroom.

“Yep! I surely am!” I said, shoving the book back into the nightstand and

turningtowardshim.Ihopemyskinwasn’tpale.

“Great!Let’sgo.Wecantakemycar.Idon’twantmybeautifulgirlfriendon

themetroinherbestdress.”Hesaid,reachingoutformyarm.Iinterlockedmine

inhisandwalkedoutoftheapartment,fearlingeringinthebackofmymindasI

wondered,whatnow?

After a half hour of sitting in Luke’s Toyota, trying to act as normal as

possible, we finally arrived to the restaurant. I gasped at the beauty of the

restaurant.Fromtheoutside,Icouldseevelvetropelinedfromthefrontdoor.A

valetwasstandinginfront,waitingforthenextcartoarrive.Lukeparkedthecar,

openingthedoorformebeforetossingthevalethiskeys.Afterwatchingthecar

safelypulloff,heheldmyhandaswewalkedintotherestaurant.

“Oh my God. How did you find out about this place?” I said, my eyes still

agapeatthemagnificenceoftherestaurant.

TherestaurantwascalledLaceandwasdeckedentirelyinburgundyvelvet.

Theroomrestaurantwaslarge,sportinganupstairsareaandadownstairswitha

full bar. Waitresses sported sharp black pantsuits while the men wore white

collaredshirtswithblackpants.Icouldsmelltheheavenlyaromaofseafoodinthe

air.

“WelcometoLace!MayIhaveyourname?”Thehostesssaid.

“LukeWilliams,”hesaid.

Thehostess’eyeswidenedabitatLuke,causingmetofeelalittlejealousat

herobviousadmiration.Hegrinnedbeforeescortingustoourtable.Lukegotusa

spotrightbyahugewindowoverlookingtheskyline.Iwasinheaven.Thesound

of violins playing from across the room accented an already perfect evening. I

reachedoverthetabletogiveLukeakiss,mynervesinstantlydissipating.

“Sweetheart,there’ssomethingIneedtoconfesstoyou,”Lukesaid,holding

myhandsinhis.

Mybloodrancold.Thisisit.Somethingisabouttohappen.Mynerveswere

onedgeasItriednottosqueezeLuke’shandasareaction.ShouldIstophimand

tellhimaboutthepregnancyfirst?No,ifhewantedtoleaveIcouldn’tchangehis

mindbythrowingthepregnancyinhisface.OhJesus,I’msonervous.

“Ever since we met Cyn, we always had a magnetic energy. I couldn’t keep

my eyes or my hands off of you. It was almost as if you and I were meant to be

together,”hesaid.

Inoddedmyhead,wipingawayatear.

“Ihadthisplannedforawhilenow,butIdidn’tknowwhentodoit.Then,

the other day, I was going through your jewelry drawer to make sure I had the

sizing right and I found this,” he said, fishing out the pregnancy test from his

pocket and putting it in front of us. I stared at the stick, my face flushing out of

fear.Heregoesnothing.

“Baby,I’msorryI-,”Isaid.

“No. Don’t you dare apologize for giving me the gift of my first child.

Cynthia,willyoubemywife?”Lukesaid,droppingtohiskneeinthemiddleofthe

restaurant,aperfectdiamondringinavelveteenbox.

TearsfelldownmyfaceasIrealizedItrulyhadnothingtofear.Thiswasthe

manofmydreamsaskingmetotakehimasmineforever.Icouldn’tbehappier

thanrightnowinthismoment.

“Yes, Luke! Yes I will marry you,” I said, kissing him as the restaurant

explodedinapplause.

THEEND