Chapter 17 Gracie
GRACIE
Popping a chocolate into my mouth, I moan from the taste of praline cream.
The box on the counter at the boutique arrived perfectly wrapped, which has now been half destroyed.
I have a knack for ignoring the guide of what each chocolate is and instead opt for biting into each one until I find a favorite.
I’ll give a point to Asher because I wasn’t expecting this. I just kind of figured he hates Valentine’s Day. In fact, I can imagine him grumbling at every red item at the grocery store. I bet he was not impressed when team marketing took photos of the players holding roses and stuffed bears.
Still nibbling on my chocolate, I see my mom proudly holding up a hanger with a maroon satin bra and a matching cover-up that has a slit that would fall along the valley between breasts. She gawks her eyes at me while I continue to casually nosh on my treat.
“It’s great for Valentine’s Day and perfect so you don’t need to worry about your growing belly.”
Her conviction causes me to stall mid-chew. “Are you serious right now?” We’re quite open with one another, one major reason for why women shop here. Still… “Can we end this conversation now?”
She sets her choice of apparel on a nearby railing. “What? I’m just trying to help. It’s not like you two are just co-parenting. There is a little more to that. I’m not blind, you two are sharing a bed.”
I cringe, absolutely cringe. “Geez, crossing boundaries.” My spine straightens, and I hold my palm up to stop her.
My mom gives me a knowing look. “Fine. I’m just presenting options should you choose to use them.” She crosses her arms and almost huffs. “The color really makes your eyes pop.”
I slowly shake my head. “Conversation ended ten seconds ago,” I warn her.
Undeniably, this is kind of funny, but also a little awkward.
“Okay, but you two are together, and it seems to be going well. What are your plans for today?”
I shrug a shoulder as I pick up a ribbon that I was using before to pair with a design I’m creating for a very appropriate, lines-not-crossed, spring dress. “Nothing. A box of chocolates is fine.”
My mom seems very unimpressed. “Even if a man hates the holiday, they will love it if you make them love it. Galentine’s day is fun and all, but now you have the man to give you the real thing. Just give him a little push.”
I roll my eyes at her. “Let me guess. Lingerie,” I deadpan.
She pretends to swipe something off the sleeve of her shirt. “If you think it’s a good idea, I have options.”
When I was younger, I felt as though my mom was a bit more reserved, but with age, she has become more outspoken. Right now proves that fact.
The sound of the bell ringing over the door brings our attention to Lainey who just entered. “Hi, ladies.” She sounds cheery today.
“Good to see you. What brings you in today?” My mom smiles.
“Something new. I actually hate this holiday, and I’m sure Tyler will think it’s a normal day, but I kind of feel like reminding him later, and maybe he’ll feel a little guilty and then he is more eager to agree next time I request something.
” She smiles and is already eyeing a nightie number on the wall.
“Wearing his jersey only gets me so far.”
My mom seems to be in her glory right now. “See, daughter of mine. A smart move by your best friend.”
Ignoring them both, I search for another chocolate to be my next victim.
“Ooh, chocolates.” Lainey walks over and helps herself to one. “I love these. It’s great how everyone on the team found the same gift to send.”
I stop in the middle of my bite, drop the sweet in one thud, and draw my eyes up to my friend. “What?” My tone is sharp.
“Yeah. Apparently, it’s some tradition that all the guys send their other half the same chocolates. Least they remember it’s Valentine’s Day, right? Actually, it’s the marketing department sending on their behalf.” She searches for a chocolate that she must already be familiar with.
“Oh,” I let out blandly.
Lainey looks at me, slightly worried. “You okay? If it’s any consolation, my expectations for my first Valentine’s Day with Tyler are low because I told him many times how much I hate this day. Lingerie will throw him off, though.”
My mother presses her lips together to lock in her approving laugh, only to swallow and touch my friend’s shoulder. “A wonderful idea. See anything you like? The maroon number might be reserved for my stubborn daughter,” she says as if it’s a normal conversation.
Lainey abandons her chocolate and steps to the nearby display. “Ooh, that’s gorgeous, but I think I will stick with the purple one I have my eye on.”
They both look at me.
I hold in my breath only to huff it out in a groan and my arm darts out. “Fine. Give me the outfit.”
Maybe Lainey is right, and we should remind our significant others what day it is.
My hands adjust my straps as I stand in the middle of the living room with a silk robe on. Appraising the lit candles, I’m satisfied. Even on a normal night, I cozy up with candles. Lately it’s been fleece pajamas and the TV on to watch the away games. Tonight, I’m going back to my roots.
My eyes sink down to my belly, and my hand naturally finds home there.
“I mean, technically, your dad sees me like this all the time. Which, by the way, if your grandmother wishes to discuss the family company, then run… far away. It’s okay if your dad doesn’t remember what today is, everything else feels perfect anyhow. ”
I quirk my lips out and check the clock on the wall. Asher should be home any moment, and now they are off for the week. The players are, anyway, Asher not so much.
The moment I hear the door open, I feel my heart skip. Why am I nervous?
Suddenly, it hits me why. The man I’m having a child with is actually the man that I love, really love. Maybe we’ve both been falling fast, but we haven’t stopped for a long moment to really say it.
“Gracie, I’m home. Want me to start the fireplaaaa… whoa.” He stills when he enters the living room, and he seems to drink up the view.
My brows furrow, because I wasn’t expecting him to be carrying a bunch of roses that are the color of what I’m wearing, nor was I expecting a small gift bag and a box from the bakery in town.
“Did you only remember the holiday because the team sends chocolates?” I’m skeptical as he places his gifts down on the sofa in passing.
He slowly walks my way as if he is hunting and I’m his prey. “Actually, I had it circled in my calendar, with not only one but three reminders popping up over the last few days.” His hands encircle my wrists.
“Really?” I’m in doubt. “I kind of thought you must hate this day.”
“Oh, I do, but I’m falling in love with you, so now I like this day.
Flowers, your favorite orange rolls from Lake Spark, and even something for our baby, and that one I think I nailed because it says my little cupid.
” He encourages me to step closer to him.
“And I did all of that without answering my mom’s hundredth call because she would probably berate me for not making a reservation somewhere. ”
I stutter a laugh. “You too?” Then it dawns on me. “Wait, did you say love?”
He knows he has me because of the wicked sexy smirk spreading. “I did.”
“As in you are falling, meaning potentially love me?” I’m enjoying this conversation already.
“As in I do love you.”
My bright smile hits my mouth like a firework. “Perfect then, because I love you too.”
His intense eyes send me a message that this isn’t a game. “It’s kind of been obvious between us.”
“It has.” My heart is beating so fast. “I think I know a way that we can celebrate.” I step back and purposely take my time to untie the belt of my robe to let it fall and pool at my feet, leaving me in my new lingerie.
Asher is instantly pleased, and he smacks his hand against the side of his cheek because I’m twisting his mind, heart, and cock in all directions.
“Every time you do this to me, wear something like this, my thoughts go to places far dirtier than I thought I had. You are beautiful, I love you, and you’re carrying my baby.
I hope you realize that combination means I have every intention of living inside of you tonight. ”
I pout with fake disappointment. “But there are baked goods.”
He storms forward and yanks me to his body, his hand fisting my hair in the back of my head. He has a savage look in his eyes. “The only way you are having cake is if I lick it off your body then kiss you.”
Heat prickles my skin, and I feel the pounding of my clit. “That could get a little messy.”
“As much as it could be fun, your little scraps of cloth need my attention. I won’t let you get cold.
” Both of our eyes bounce down to my peaked nipples, then our gazes meet.
“And I need to worship this body that has our baby growing inside of it.” The tip of his fingers touch my belly.
“Most of all, I need to make love to you slowly.”
“Ooh, I like this Valentine’s Day plan,” I rasp.
He slams his mouth onto mine, and I’m certain this is my favorite Valentine’s Day yet. Screw chocolates—okay, not the praline ones, but screw roses and teddy bears, because I have the best thing: a man who loves me and a baby on the way.
Our lips remain sealed as he guides me to where he wants me. We only break our touch when we have to climb the stairs. The moment we both leave the top step, he winds me back to his body and glues our lips together.
When he lays me on the bed, we pause and get lost in one another’s eyes. We are on the road that we are meant to be on.
We both attempt to recover as we stare at the ceiling. “Do you like Valentine’s Day yet?”
He begins taking off his shirt and sweater. “It’s sure as hell less stressful than Chrismukkah.”
I giggle at his response, and it causes my chest to rise, which gives him an open canvas to kiss my chest. My hands comb through his hair to hang on, and my eyes close, as I’m in bliss.