She replies pretty much straight away, making me smile with her words.
A: Yup, I’m home. U comin over? Xxx
L: I’m on my way xx
Turning the key in the ignition, I pull my car out of the parking space and head in the direction of our street. I thank the Lord that we decided to stay in a street close to where I work. I hate driving at night and sometime I finish work when it’s way past dark outside.
Not even ten minutes later and I’m knocking on Alexis’ door.
“Lauren!” Alexis squeals, pulling me into a tight hug. “Feels like forever since I’ve seen you.”
“Yeah, yeah. Let me in, it’s cold out here.” She moves to the side, letting me in. I can hear the crackle of the fire in the front room.
Planting my ass on her soft cushioned sofa, I sigh as the warmth of the room heats my chilled skin.
“You okay?” Alexis asks as she comes into the room and hands me a glass of white wine.
“Yeah, shit day at work.” I sip at my fruity wine, the coolness sliding down my throat. I moan in appreciation, this is what I need after the day I’ve had…even though Alexis can’t drink.
“Can’t be that bad, you love your job.” She takes a mouthful of soda while eyeing me curiously.
“I did love my job. I’m finding it boring now I’ve surpassed all the challenges. I’m thinking of changing my career. I have degrees that I can use in most fields of work. But my psychology degree is what I’m most proud of, and it’s what I want to do. Always have,” I say, blowing out a rush of air. It’s true. I’ve always wanted to work with criminals, get into their minds and find out what they’re thinking when they commit their crimes.
“Then quit, Lauren,” is all she says in return.
I sigh, putting my head in my hands. “I can’t just quit, Alexis. I have to find another job first. I need to be able to pay the mortgage and the bills.”
“Then get your booty moving in finding a job best suited for you.” Alexis throws me a shy smile while absentmindedly running her hand over her bump.
“Baby kicking?” I ask, changing the subject. I reach my hand out and carefully place it on her bump. A small but noticeable kick bumps against the palm of my hand. A smile takes over my otherwise solemn face. “That’s so awesome.”
She laughs at me before saying, “You wouldn’t be saying that if it was you. This little bubba kicks my ribs when I’m trying to sleep every damn night. It’s uncomfortable. To be honest, I can’t wait ‘til he or she is here.”
I long for a baby, but a deep secret has me frozen. Not knowing whether I’ll ever be able to conceive a baby is hard on my heart. It’s harder holding it back from Champ and Alexis but it’s the one thing that no one else knows. Deeply ashamed of an event from my past prevents me from reaching out to the ones closest to me.
“Lauren? Are you okay?” Alexis’ concerned face comes into view, her brows furrowed in question.
“Yeah, sorry, zoned out.” I beam a fake smile at her before standing and brushing down my clothes. “Look, I better get back to cook dinner before Champ comes home. Catch up soon?”
“Sure, chick.” Alexis goes to get up but I push her down, lightly, on her shoulder to keep her seated.
“I’ll see myself out. Put your feet up.” I blow her a kiss as I leave the room. I grab my fleece coat from the hook by the door. Closing the door behind me, I breathe a sigh of relief. I was so close to telling her my secret. No one should ever know.
The drop in temperature has me shivering and pulling my coat that much tighter around my body. I see my breath in front of me and the crunch under my boots from the frost. Jumping in my car, I turn the heating on full blast. After sitting for a few minutes to let me fingers warm up, I turn the key in the ignition. Hardly worth driving when I live a few houses down, but I can’t leave my car out front, not to mention how fucking cold it is outside.
Chapter 5
Champ
After another shit day, I head home, ready to bury my dick into the warm heat of my woman. The bike rumbling beneath me does nothing for my hard-on, and I inwardly groan.
Ten minutes later, I’m walking through my front door. “Lauren?”
“Hey, babe,” she says from the kitchen sink. Turning to look at me with a beaming smile, my heart skips a beat. I growl low in my throat before I stalk towards her.
Grabbing her hips, I lift her effortlessly and carry her to the breakfast bar. I devour her mouth like it’s my last meal, my tongue dancing with hers. “I missed you,” I say between kisses.