Crazy Imperfect Hearts

Chapter Thirty

Regan

“Another three miles in the books,” Lucas says as we approach the trailhead.

Since the day we left Dr. Russo’s office, Lucas has insisted I meet him for the ‘brisk walk’ the doctor prescribed. Three times a week, we secretly and separately meet just before dusk at one of the trailheads at the rear of Calloway Creek Park. If we see anyone approaching, which rarely happens, he jogs ahead as if he’s just passed me on his nightly run.

This time, though, our luck runs out and we’re caught red-handed as Lucas’s brother Blake comes blazing around the last turn and almost plows into me.

“Whoa!” Lucas says, making sure there isn’t a collision. “Watch where you’re going.”

“Oh, hey,” Blake says apologetically. “Sorry, Regan.” His eyes dart between us, amusement dancing in them even in the ensuing darkness. “How are you?”

“I’m great. Just out for a walk. Lucas here almost plowed into me just before you did,” I say, trying to explain our close proximity.

“Of course he did.”

I don’t miss how Lucas shoots Blake a disapproving glare.

“How’s Ellie?” I ask.

“She’s good,” he says as well as signs like it’s a habit. “She mentioned you the other day. She has a big load of clothes she’d like to drop off.”

“Tell her I’d appreciate anything she has.”

“Will do. See you around.” He lifts his chin at Lucas and continues his run.

I turn, hands on hips. “Why didn’t your brother seem surprised to see us together?”

Guilt is written all over Lucas’s face.

“Oh my god, you told him.” I shake my head when he doesn’t deny it. “Lucas, we said we’d wait. Do you know how hard it’s been for me to keep this a secret from Ryder? For three weeks, I ran down to the shop to throw up in the boutique bathroom just so he wouldn’t hear me retching up my insides. Do you realize how difficult it’s been not to say anything to Maddie and Ava? To my other friends? Especially Amber, who has a new baby now? And Nikki, who’s pregnant herself?”

“I’m sorry.”

“Does anyone else know?”

“Just Dallas.”

“How long have they known?”

He paces in a circle. “I told them the day we found out.”

My jaw slackens. “They’ve known for months?”

“I’m sorry. I couldn’t keep it in. I didn’t realize how much finding out I was going to be a dad would affect me. I just had to talk about it with someone.”

“How do you think I feel?” I touch my stomach. “I’m the one growing the tiny human.”

“So tell Maddie and Ava.”

“Maybe I will.”

“Good. Because it is nice having someone to talk about it with.” He nudges my elbow. “You know, other than you.”

Sometimes… okay, lots of times… I could swear he’s flirting with me. He’s quick to grab onto my arm if he thinks I’m about to stumble. And if I’m not mistaken, he holds on a bit too long. He’s always complimenting the way I look, even when I’m sweaty after a walk. And he’s been sending me deliveries of fruit baskets, my favorite pastries, and even the occasional meal from Goodwin’s or Lloyd’s.

Oh, and he sends me daily reminders to check my blood pressure. Which I’m happy to say has been near perfect.

He’s doing so much for me. Then again, I could be entirely misreading the situation. After all, I am carrying his baby, and all of those things could be related to that.

Or… I’m imagining his sultry looks. His stolen glances. His prolonged touches. Maybe it’s just my hormones gone amok. Because for the past few weeks, ever since the morning sickness abated, my hormones have definitely gone into overdrive. Which is to say, I’m horny.

All. The. Time.

And no matter how many times I masturbate—which isn’t as often as I’d like, because Ryder is still crashing on an air mattress in the next room—I still can’t scratch the itch.

When he leans in to touch my stomach, I almost kiss him. That’s how sexually charged I am. I’m willing to complicate things by having another one-nighter with my baby daddy just to satisfy my carnal appetite.

“How’s M&M doing today? He kick you yet?”

I’m amused by the nickname he’s given our son. Yes—our son . Sometimes I still can’t believe there is a little Lucas Montana inside me. The blood test we had a few weeks ago confirmed it, along with alleviating any stress we had over congenital defects. Everything was normal. So far, I’m having a textbook pregnancy.

“I told you that’s probably not going to happen for months. Maybe longer since I have a little extra padding.”

“Yeah, but he’s a Montana,” he says, in that flirty tone of his. “We’ve always been over-achievers.”

I laugh, but in all honesty, I can’t wait to feel those first kicks and flutters.

Then I realize we’ve been standing around far longer than necessary. And that maybe I’m enjoying his company a little too much. Damn hormones. “I’d better go before anyone else sees us.”

He touches my shoulder. “See you Wednesday for another three miles?”

“That’s the plan,” I respond, as heat sears through me at his touch. I shake the feeling away and walk off toward home.

~ ~ ~

One hour, and two self-imposed orgasms in the shower later, I’m sitting on the edge of my bed feeling anything but satiated. My clit is practically tingling against the seam of my tights. And I can’t get Lucas off my mind. His light touches. The way he smelled, both before and after our walk. His uber-sexy smile. How it’s been months since his large hands wandered my body. His huge cock slid inside me.

Oh. My. God. I almost come just thinking about it.

“What is wrong with me?” I shout.

Ryder knocks at the door. “Everything okay?”

Making a split-second decision, I hop off the bed and stride to the door. I rip it open, catching him a bit off guard. “I’m fine. I’m going out.”

“You hungry? You going for dinner?”

“Yes. I’m hungry. I’m very, very hungry.” I hold out my palm. “Can I borrow your car?”

He shoves a hand in his pocket and comes out with his keys.

I’m through the door and heading down the stairs when he calls after me. “At least you could ask me if I want anything.”

I throw up a dismissive hand, not bothering to turn around. I’m a woman on a mission, after all. “Not today. Sorry. See you later.”

Ten minutes later, Lucas opens his door. His eyes widen in surprise. “Is everything okay?” He looks at my stomach. “The baby?”

I don’t answer. I just push him back inside, shut the door behind me, and crash my lips to his.