Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 77717 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 389(@200wpm)___ 311(@250wpm)___ 259(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77717 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 389(@200wpm)___ 311(@250wpm)___ 259(@300wpm)
Mom nods. “Consider all your options, Lauren.”
I nod, take a deep breath, and reach for my lemonade. I guess I won’t bring up Noah wanting Ella to have his last name just yet. “I am, and I will. In the end, I want what’s best for Ella.”
“You’re a smart girl, Lauren. I know you’ll do the right thing.” Mom pats my hand and smiles. “Now, let’s talk about the baby shower.”
Chapter 18
NOAH
THE KNOT ON the door is most welcome, giving me a break from my work. I rub my eyes and look away from the computer. I’ve been editing for hours and still have at least a dozen more photos to go through. Stretching, I get up and make my way to the door, wondering why Lauren didn’t use the key I gave her.
Does she not feel comfortable enough to let herself in? If so, isn’t that a problem if we’re going to be living together in a few months?
“You’re not Lauren,” I say when I open the door.
“Hardly,” Melody replies.
I don’t step aside and invite her in. “Can I help you with something?”
She smiles, dark-rimmed eyes narrowing ever so slightly. “I got locked out of my place. Can I wait here until the super brings up a spare key?”
“I’m leaving soon.”
She leans forward and her tits almost fall out of her top. I want to look. Is that bad? “I call bullshit.”
“I’m not bullshitting you. I’m leaving once my girlfriend gets here.”
“You’re still dating that chick with the dogs?”
“I am. Her name is Lauren.”
Melody arches her eyebrows. “I’m surprised.”
“And I’m surprised you still care.”
“I don’t care. What—or who—you do in your spare time is no concern of mine.”
I roll my eyes. Yeah the fuck right. Why else would she be here? She takes a step closer.
“So you’re really not going to let me in?”
“There’s no point. I won’t be here much longer.”
She takes in a deep breath, pushing her tits out. The elevator at the end of the hall dings. I smile as soon as I see a few inches of Lauren’s face, revealed as the metal doors slide open. Her eyes go from me to Melody, and her face falls.
Melody turns, and actually takes a step back in surprise when she sees Lauren.
“What the fuck?” Her hand flies to her mouth and she stifles a laugh. “You two … no way. No fucking way.” She lets out a laugh. “No wonder you keep coming around.”
“Bye, Melody,” I say sternly. She takes a step back, allowing Lauren past. I shut the door as soon as Lauren is inside.
“What was she doing here?” Lauren asks, sliding her purse off her arm. She’s wearing a black dress that’s belted above her belly. Her hair is pulled back into a messy bun and she’s wearing little makeup.
She’s absolutely stunning.
“Nothing,” I say and realize the one-word answer is the worst I could give. “She said she got locked out of her apartment and wanted to stay here until someone let her in. I told her no,” I offer apologetically.
Lauren’s jaw tenses and I wonder if she’s thinking about how Melody and I used to fuck. Because I am, and not in a good way. I feel awkward now, having my girlfriend, mother of my child, and love of my life standing here in front of me. It reminds me how much I don’t deserve her.
I’d take everything back if it meant being with Lauren sooner.
Her lower lip trembles and she looks down at herself. “I’m hideous and huge.” A tear rolls down her face.
“Hey,” I say and rush over, taking her in my arms. “You’re not. Not at all.”
“Yes, I am. Did you see the way she looked at me?” Lauren’s voice is tight as she tries not to cry. I bring her to the couch and pull her into my lap.
“You are beautiful as always.”
“No, I’m not.”
I rub her belly. “You’re carrying my child. What you’re doing is amazing, and you look amazing. I promise. You know I find you hot as hell still. I can prove it to you.” I wiggle my eyebrows. “Want to move this party into the bedroom?”
Lauren smiles. “Kind of. But I want to go shopping too.”
“Then we’ll shop first. Just know I’m going to ravish you when we get back.” I cup her face and kiss her, tasting salty tears on her lips.
“Thanks, Noah.” Her arms wrap around me and the words burn on my tongue. I want to tell her I love you—that I’ve loved her—so fucking much.
But I don’t, because I’m scared. Scared she doesn’t feel the same, that she’ll tell me we’re better off as friends, that she doesn’t think I’m good enough for her and for Ella.
“Where do you put all this stuff?” I ask. “It’s so much.”
Lauren smiles. She’s having fun registering items for the baby shower, and is going a little crazy with that scanner if you ask me. “Maybe we don’t use it all at once? Like this play mat thing isn’t until she’s a little older.”