I don’t know what to think about what Millie said. She wants us to be a real family and forget about this fake marriage. I thought we already did. All this time, I thought we were already a real couple, but she hit me with that. I look at the time on my watch, thinking that we are late picking up my wife and child from the hospital. All because of Mr. Chapman, the mayor, and his talking about the future of the city. Now we are in traffic, she must be wondering where I am. When I finally get there, I am surprised to see my father. “What are you doing here?” I ask when he acknowledges me. ‘’What, don’t tell me I can’t see my own grandchild?’’ ‘’No, just surprised to see you.’’ ‘’You shouldn’t be. You both have no full support.’’ A smiling nurse comes to stand before me. ‘’Mr. Thomas, would you like a DNA test done on that baby?’’ she asks. ‘’What?’’ I ask in bewilderment. ‘’We offer free DNA testing right after birth, often times the man isn’t the father of the child.’’ ‘’An
While Millie sleeps, I have Ruby-Jo, trying to get her to calm down but I am not cut out for stuff like this. Fatherhood isn’t my thing, have me deal with the toughest people and I can. ‘’Let me see what I can do,’’ the maid says, coming to take her from me. I drop my tired hands to my side, wondering how the heck people do this. Was I like this as a baby? ‘’Don’t worry Mr. Thomas, I have it under control. I raised five kids and three grandkids, go get some rest and be with your wife.’’ I walk out of the nursery and get a glimpse of myself; I look like a mess. With my hair disheveled and bags under my eyes. I stand at the side of the bed and stare down at Millie, not knowing how the hell we are going to do this. The next thing I know, she stirs and looks at me. “How are we doing?” I ask, even though she just woke up. “Not too bad,” her voice croaks. “I still have a little pain and it still hurts to pee.” “Yes. That’s why the doctor recommends bed rest for two weeks.’’ ‘’But I
The next two weeks I spent on bed rest were hard. The only good outcome is that I am no longer feeling pain or depression, but being locked in the house makes it feel as if I am about to lose my mind. I had never appreciated the outdoors as much as I do being in here, but there are good parts. Asher is mostly by my side and Ruby-Jo isn’t so fussy anymore. The maids have also been taking extra good care of me, even though they more it seems as if I am fragile. I remember the third night; I was having trouble sleeping because I hate sleeping on my back and my stomach is the most comfortable position for me. Three days ago…………………. I twist and turn from side to side, but couldn’t get comfortable. The room was dark when he spoke, but on the outside, I can hear a maid walking by to check on Ruby-Jo. “You’re not sleeping,” Asher says. It wasn’t a question. I had my back to him because I wanted him to get some sleep and not have to worry about me. He worried about me quite a lot, and
I finally drift of to the sound of Asher snoring, and I wonder if he only said all those things just to get me to shut up. Present day………. After two weeks, I am now able to get off bed rest even though the pain and all had gone days ago. Now it is back to the hospital for them to take the stitches out. After feeding Ruby-Jo, Asher comes into the nursery and does his daily routine. He hums her a little song, tells her that there is no one greater than her, and places her back in the crib. He then kisses two of his fingers and presses it to her forehead. Watching him do this warms my heart and I wonder how he was saying he didn’t know what to do. He turns around and raises a brow. ‘’What?’’ ‘’Nothing, just watching you. You are a good dad.’’ ‘’Yeah, but I’m not great.’’ ‘’No parent is perfect.’’ He gives a little smile. ‘’Are you ready to go?’’ I shake my head; I don’t think I can lie there and open my legs wide for half a dozen doctors to see up my pride again. When we get t
Millie just about steps out of the shower while I am sitting on the bed sending an email. She stares at me as she clings to the blue and white stripe towel as our eyes meet. I place my phone on the bed at the look in her eyes. I don’t know why she is hurting or even making this confusing. I already gave her several answers to her questions, yet she is still having doubts about everything. Then I couldn’t hold it back any longer. I swiftly move to stand before her and grip her waist, then pull her toward me, gently. She braced herself with her palms on my chest, but she doesn’t push me away. I stare down into her eyes. “Millie.” Her lips twitch. “Asher. I’m angry at you.” “I know, though I don’t know why.” But I do know. She is angry with me because of the three days I left her in the hospital. She is angry because I am busy at work and she feels as if I am avoiding her. But the truth is, I am, and it’s because I’m afraid I’ll tell her. Before any other words could leave her lips
I find myself falling back into my old routine, going to work and instead of going home, I would stop at the bar for a drink or two. Millie is still staying at home, still acting distant and planning how she wants her bakeries to be decorated. I remember hearing her say something about fake snow, four Christmas trees, and Angels. I offered to help her with the plans or to at least decorate, but she would constantly refuse. Saying that she can handle it with the help of her employees, all she needs is the approval to get back to work. When I get home, I was half drunk and Millie was already asleep. I guess I lost track of time, but I had great company. I didn’t even bother getting undressed, just kick my shoes off and drop down on the bed. Millie groans in her sleep before her eyes fly open and I smile at her. ‘’Hi, Millie.’’ ‘’Asher?’’ she asks in a sexy sleepy tone. ‘’Hmm, sleepy head.’’ I continue to smile. ‘’You are drunk,’’ she says. ‘’I’m not, just feeling good.’’ ‘’You
The next morning, I am the one who brought Millie to work. Thinking that maybe we could start over, but I can’t even say the words. All I can think about is that I don’t want this to be me and another Dovey situation. During lunch time, I am at the bakery with a bouquet of flowers. Georgia is the only one who isn’t so busy and tells me that Millie is in her office. When I get there, the door is open and I see her talking and laughing with Noah and the other male. Which you would think they would be working since the place is full of people. Hearing her laugh, makes me think that she has come alive. Maybe she didn’t want to be around me, because she seem to be her normal self now with that grin on her face. Why aren’t these two working? I am upset at what I am seeing from this guy, but it makes no sense I react, so all I do is to knock on the door. Millie looks over at me, I give her a smile and her grin gets bigger. Her eyes then finds the flowers in my hands then she gets up and
‘’Let me put these down and get my coat,’’ I tell Asher. I am honestly in a better mood than days ago. I hate being in the house so much it was starting to get painful. But now, I don’t mind going home. I missed Ruby-Jo. When we get to the main area, I pull Georgia aside. ‘’I’m stepping out for a bit to get lunch. I might or might not come back, so lock up for me.’’ She smiles. ‘’Have fun.’’ I don’t know why I just told her to lock up, as if she hadn’t been doing that all along. Asher and I step into the chilly air and I can’t help my shivers. The place is getting too cold for my liking and this might be the only thing I missed about Queensbury. There was never any snow, mostly sun, and a little rain. We walk the short distance to MacDonald’s. It makes no sense we drive, because it is a one-way street and we would have to go all the way around just to get back to it. When we get there, the few diners turn to look at us. ‘’And here comes the pictures.’’ I sigh. Since having Ru
Asher lustfully licks at my skin. When he quickens his pace just a fraction, I suck in a breath of air. “Shit.” “You’ll come again.” “Always giving orders,” I murmur, all my focus on the spot where we become one. “It wasn’t an order, Millie, just pointing out the obvious.” He buries his face in my neck and pinches my nipple, his thrusts uncompromising. I release something between a gasp and a groan. God, the strength of him holding me, it is just as powerful as his Thrusts. I loosen my hold on his wrist and splay my hand on top of his, silently telling him I want more pressure. “I’ll bruise you,” he whispers. “I want you to,” I whisper back, turning my head and pressing my forehead against his hot throat. “Why?” “I want everything from you, Asher, everything and more. I want you to leave a mark on me.” It is nothing more than a breathy statement that has a double meaning as I realize I am seconds away from another orgasm. “Open your mouth,” he orders, moving his head bac
The second his lips gives mine a break, Asher goes for my ears, licking and nipping his way down my throat to my boobs. I arch my back, offering myself to him. He latch onto my nipple with his mouth and start sucking with deep, sensual pulls as his other hand moves to caress and knead the other, getting it ready for the same treatment. I let my head drop back and tangled my fingers through his hair, gripping tight. My heart feels like it is beating in my throat, my pulse all over the place. There is one thing I am sure of: I would never forget Asher and his touch in this lifetime. When he sucked my nipple into his mouth deeper and harder than I am expecting him to, I have to steady myself with one hand curling around the hard muscle of his shoulder as I try my very best to catch my breath. Never in my life have I come from just that, but I am surprisingly close. “Asher,” I murmur on an exhalation as he hum and sucked my nipples, sending electricity all over my body. I am not sur
Releasing my breath, I lay there and cry my eyes out, wishing this would be easier. I wipe my tears, looking out the window. The door opens and I feel like just yelling at him, it seems as if he is just torturing me. Asher gets into bed beside me. ‘’I’m sorry.’’ His hand soon drops across me and as much as I want the comfort, I can’t let me play with my emotions like this. He moves his hand then start stroking my waist and then my arm. “Talk to me?” He kisses my neck How can I think of anything when he is touching me? “I’m not sure if you’ve noticed but I have nothing to say to you. This is all so confusing and I hate how you are with me at times.’’ I pause, thinking about what to say. ‘’I don’t like mind games and it feels just like that. You want me, you hate me. You are all loving then you are arrogant.’’ ‘’All of this is new to me Millie.’’ ‘’And don’t you think it is the same for me? I got married, lost my virginity and had a baby all in a year. Do you think I wanted
Releasing my breath, I lay there and cry my eyes out, wishing this would be easier. I wipe my tears, looking out the window. The door opens and I feel like just yelling at him, it seems as if he is just torturing me. Asher gets into bed beside me. ‘’I’m sorry.’’ His hand soon drops across me and as much as I want the comfort, I can’t let me play with my emotions like this. He moves his hand then start stroking my waist and then my arm. “Talk to me?” He kisses my neck How can I think of anything when he is touching me? “I’m not sure if you’ve noticed but I have nothing to say to you. This is all so confusing and I hate how you are with me at times.’’ I pause, thinking about what to say. ‘’I don’t like mind games and it feels just like that. You want me, you hate me. You are all loving then you are arrogant.’’ ‘’All of this is new to me Millie.’’ ‘’And don’t you think it is the same for me? I got married, lost my virginity and had a baby all in a year. Do you think I wanted
He also kisses me. I don’t know why I am so surprised, but he kisses me so many times. Every time he leans forward and I feel his lips moving against mine, asking for entrance, my heart lose its steady rhythm and I felt excitement bubbling up inside me, the kind of excitement you don’t know how to hold in, an excess of happiness. I love it. I completely fell for him, I don’t know when but here I am acting like a shy little school girl to a man I am already married to. But this is the most perfect date I’ve ever had in my life. My husband is perfect. With all his arrogance and prickliness, Asher, the once player is perfect for me. He isn’t what I have had in mind or even what I have wanted for myself, but he is perfect and already mine, truly mine. There is no doubt of that in my mind. ****** I wake in the middle of the night, finding Asher spooning me. I guess things are back to normal for us, the first two to three weeks after giving birth he would act as if I have the plague.
I sit down, and he takes his spot across from me. He looks at me for a long moment before he let out a long breath. “You take my breath away, Millie Thomas.” There goes my own breath. That is as real and as perfect as it gets. “Is this one of those times?” “Yes.” Clearing my throat, I lean my elbows on the table and rest my head on my hands. “That’s a good start. Keep going.” He smiles then his eyes slowly drops to my boobs. ‘Finally!’ I thought. “I thought I told you to cover yourself up, head to toe.” “And I listened to you,” I agree easily. “I wore my coat, my scarf, my gloves, my beret. I wore everything I could wear.” “Nice try,” he counter, shaking his head. “It’s freezing out there, you’re going to get sick.” “I won’t. It’s all cozy and warm and perfect in here.” A kid who barely looks sixteen drops off our menus, cutting into our conversation. I drop my elbows from the table and start checking out the options. The kid next to us is chattering away and making
“Take as much time as you need. I’ll wait for you downstairs.” “Okay. Promise I won’t be long. You can keep the maid’s company.” “Yes. How did I not think of that? I’ll just go do that.” When I can’t see him anymore, I shout after him from my perch on the stairs. “What should I wear? What kind of date is it?” “It’s a date—what else do you need to know? And I don’t care what you wear as long as you cover yourself up, neck to toe.” I do exactly that. I wear a red dress that isn’t too flashy. Short sleeves, open V neck, a relax fabric that gently hugs both my boobs and my hips and ends just above my knees. I quickly dry my thick hair and straightened it. I do my makeup, focusing heavily on the eyes. I wear my thick black coat and wrap my scarf around my neck, also donning my black leather gloves. Grabbing my cream ribbed beret from the top shelf of my closet, I put it on my head and walk out of the room in a hurry. I can’t exactly run yet because too much movement still caus
THERE iS a small knock on the door before it cracks open. “Millie?” ‘’Why are you knocking? We sleep in the same room.’’ I narrow my eyes. Then again, if you don’t want to have sex with me don’t come in,” I warn the only person who could be knocking on the door. Despite my warning, he opens it and stands there in all his glory. Same suit, same everything, face and frown and all. I stand there in my thankfully matching green bra and panties. I am standing with the towel in my hands, and I keep standing there as his hungry eyes takes in every inch of my half-naked body. I have hips now, but I like them. I like that there is more curve to me, a curve that love the touch of his hands. My boobs are much bigger from giving birth, but Asher doesn’t seem to mind. I’ve never been happier to have almost C cups now as I’ve been when I caught his eyes on them a time or two. In any case, we stand just like that, him in the doorway with eyes glued to me, me in the middle of the room with my b
“That word, babe just about killed me, Asher.” “You’re trying to distract me,” he mutters, and I smile because it is exactly what I am doing and it is working perfectly. I tilt my head to the side and take a big breath before going in again. No one had ever kissed me like Asher does, sure it hadn’t been much guys who have had the pleasure to search my mouth with their tongue, and I don’t think I ever want to find out if there is anyone else out there who could. “Why would I do that?” I whispers, my lips still touching his. I bite my lip. “Don’t get angry, I’m not saying we should act on it, but I really want you, Asher. Just so you know, it has been two months since I had our baby. I am so horny for you, I need to feel you again.” I feel his smile against my mouth and then his warm chuckle. The sound makes my heart sigh in happiness. “Really? I had no idea. You only say and text it every day, a couple times a day.” “And you never say it, or text it, or do it.” “Because I can