CHAPTER 14
AVERY
If this were any other day, I would have spent the last few hours doing things I’m overqualified to do, while trying to keep the constant anxiety about being called to my father’s office at bay. Oh, and, of course, avoiding Eric and all the other men just like him.
Instead, I’m wearing a pair of maternity leggings, because it was the one maternity item I had allowed myself to buy, and one of Bridger’s shirts.
I’ve tucked myself into the corner of the couch, while switching between ordering some maternity clothes online and finalizing my baby registry because I don’t want to forget anything.
Bridger has been in and out, but right now he’s sitting next to me with one of the pregnancy books in his hands, and his eyebrows pulled together like he’s going to be tested on everything later. I guess, in a way, he will be.
He also has a notebook sitting next to him where he jots down notes here and there. It’s kind of adorable.
Suddenly, he sits up straighter and looks at me in awe, “I didn’t realize there were so many food restrictions when you’re pregnant. Certain fish because of mercury? No sushi,” he gets a thoughtful look on his face, “but that one does make sense.”
I grin at him and shake my head. “I’m not a huge sushi fan to begin with. I like some tempura stuff, but the raw fish thing is not for me.”
“Well, that makes it easier,” he muses. He eyes me suspiciously. “How much caffeine have you been drinking?”
I don’t know how I do it, but I manage to keep a straight face. “Do I look like a caffeine addict or something?”
He purses his lips as his brown eyes study me like I’m hiding some sort of coffee addict declaration. “I don’t know about addict, but I’d think coffee is part of any office culture, especially since you mentioned the long hours you worked.”
I soften, no longer able to tease him. Because he listened, really listened to me. I’m not even sure when the last time a man cared about me enough to do that. And isn’t that sad? It costs nothing except for time and attention, but even that was too much for someone like my father to give me.
“I do enjoy coffee,” I admit. “I talked to my doctor about it and was told one cup is fine. After that I drink water for the most part. I do like tea,” I share with him.
His eyes light up and he reaches for his notebook.
“Have there been any teas you’ve particularly liked?
I read something in here about ginger tea being good for morning sickness.
” He frowns slightly as he looks at me. “Are you still having issues with morning sickness? The book says it becomes less of an issue in the second trimester.”
“I’m good,” my voice is filled with amusement as I try not to laugh, at least not in his face, with how seriously he’s taking all of this.
It’s funny, but it also warms my heart and makes me feel special. I didn’t think I was going to have these kinds of moments when I found out I was pregnant. I couldn’t envision having Bridger at my side, even though I wanted him to be.
“I like peppermint tea during the winter,” I share with him. “It always makes me think of Christmas. I really love red hibiscus tea. Other than that, I’m open to trying anything.”
He jots down my answers and I cover my mouth to hide my smile. When he’s done, he rests the book down on his lap and looks at me, really looks at me.
“Are you scared, Avery?”
The vulnerability written all over his face has me reaching for him. I cup his cheeks with my hands and feel his surprisingly smooth and soft beard under my fingers.
“I’m scared, Bridger,” I admit after swallowing around the lump in my throat.
“I’m scared too,” he whispers. “I remember Wyatt talking about all the things that could go wrong, especially when Tenley was close to delivering.”
As I nod slowly, I make sure to look in his eyes before saying, “A lot can go wrong. But that doesn’t mean something bad will happen. I am less scared now, though. You wanna know why?”
“Why?” He rasps.
“Because you’ll be at my side. The thing that scared me the most was not having someone with me who would advocate for me if I couldn’t do it myself. I was scared that I wouldn’t have someone there who could make sure our baby was taken care of when I’m too exhausted to do it myself.”
“Avery,” he whispers, my name a flutter on his lips. “I won’t let you down. I’ll be there. I’ll make sure you and our baby get the care and attention you need.”
“I know you will.” I give him a soft smile. “You’ve already shown up more than anyone else in my life ever has. You’re already ensuring I get the care and attention I need. It’s why I’m not as scared as I was.” I arch an eyebrow and ask, “Do you know why you don’t have to be scared?”
“Why?” He narrows his eyes slightly with a hint of suspicion.
“Because you have people, a family, who will have your back as you have mine.”
“Yeah,” he breathes out. Then as if he’s remembered something, he stills and narrows his eyes. “They’re going to try to steal you from me.”
I snort out a laugh. “They’re not going to steal me.”
“They’re going to try ,” he mumbles, clearly put out by the thought. He huffs out a breath. “And I’m going to have to let them because you deserve all the love and all the family you can get.”
I run my nails along his jawline and through his beard. He lets out a groan filled with approval which goes right to my clit.
It’s been far too long since I spent the night with him. Just being around him would be enough to turn me on, but then he’s been caring, kind, and so fucking sweet. I’m going to have to change my panties soon because these are ruined. Just soaked through.
When I lean a little closer and brush my lips across his, just to see what he’ll do, he sucks in a breath and closes his eyes. I freeze, unsure whether his reaction is a good one or not.
Maybe I’m reading into this all wrong.
Sure, he called me his woman, but maybe it was just because we were in front of my parents? Or maybe it’s all because of the baby.
As his eyes open slowly, so fucking slowly, I pull away from him and look away.
His arm shoots out and wraps around my waist so quickly it startles me, and I gasp.
The next thing I know, he’s hauled me onto his lap and I’m straddling his thighs.
My pussy clenches around nothing and I wish I could scoot closer to find out if he’s hard or not.
My belly prevents me from getting close enough. And I let out a groan of annoyance.
Bridger’s large hands slide up my thighs from my knees. He gives my hips a squeeze before he gently caresses my bump.
As much as I loved how he asked for permission, even if it was silent, at first, I love him just touching me when he wants even more. It makes me feel like I’m a treasure. I’ve never felt like this before.
Which is why I can’t look at him. I’ll be crushed if I see regret or even a sense of duty in his eyes. I’m not ready to be crushed right now; today has already been more than enough to deal with emotionally.
“Avery,” he rasps. When I don’t look at him, he cups my neck and uses his thumb underneath my chin to get me to raise my gaze and meet his.
“I want you and the last thing I want to do is make you feel like I don’t.
I also am terrified of screwing this up.
It would kill me, Sweetheart. I won’t hurt you and if being with me hurts you, then I don’t know what I’ll do. ”
“Okay,” my voice gets caught in my throat and I have to blink a few times to stop my eyes from tearing up.
I know part of the problem is that I’m overly emotional right now.
Hormones are wild like that. I’ve been fine throughout this pregnancy, but I’ve been on an emotional roller coaster since yesterday.
These last few hours since coming back here after getting my stuff is the first time I’ve felt settled. And a big part of that feeling is this man.
“I want you too,” I keep my voice soft, afraid that if I speak too loudly that it’ll crack this moment between us. It feels fragile. “I don’t want to hurt you either.”
Bridger rubs his nose against mine and I melt against him. It’s not a sexual move, but it’s intimate in a way that touches my heart. No, not just touch. It grabs ahold of my heart while threatening to never let go.
That wouldn’t be too bad.
“How about we take this one day at a time? We’ll get to know each other. We’ll build trust. We’ll go at a pace that works for both of us.”
“Okay,” I whisper and try not to grimace.
Bridger pulls back enough to look into my eyes. He challenges me, “What?”
Even though I want to look away, the way he’s holding me won’t allow it. I bite my lip and rush out, “I’m horny, like all the time.”
My cheeks get hot and I’m sure they’re bright red.
Bridger freezes for a moment before he laughs with his head back while joyous amusement radiates from him.
As much as I’d like to be embarrassed right now, I’m too mesmerized by the way he looks.
When he laughs, the weight of the world falls from his shoulders, and the only thing left is the good man at the heart of the artist he is.
After I squirm on his lap, he releases his gentle hold on my neck and jaw before gripping my hips. My belly is still in the way, but I don’t mind as the heat of his hands seep through the shirt and leggings I have on.
The smirk Bridger shoots me is sinful in the same way triple chocolate cake is decadent. Fuck; I’m ravenous.
“We might be going slow, Sweetheart, but if you need me to help you out, it won’t be a hardship for me.
” He leans forward, his lips brushing against the shell of my ear, “Quite the opposite. I’d rather make you cum than have you turning to a toy or your own fingers.
It would be a pleasure to service you,” he rasps.