Chapter 50
Chapter Fifty
Zoe
“I feel used,” Max complains as we make our way toward the table where my parents sit, his brow furrowed, and lips pressed into a thin line.
I stop abruptly, my heart skipping a beat. Turning to face him, I raise an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”
Max’s eyes dance with mischief, betraying the seriousness of his tone. “You used me for sex—so you wouldn’t be here on time,” he says, his fingers tightening around mine.
A vivid memory flashes before my eyes—me on my knees, taking him deep into my mouth, my lips stretched around his cock as he groans in pleasure. His hands tangled in my hair, guiding me as I sucked him eagerly, the taste of him filling my senses. I remember the way his eyes darkened with lust, his hips thrusting as he pushed deeper, hitting the back of my throat.
“Fuck, Zoe, you look so good like this,” he had groaned, his voice husky with need. “Your mouth was made for my cock. Take me deeper, baby. I want to feel your throat around me.”
The sensation of him filling my mouth, the way his cock throbbed as I took him in, was intoxicating. My tongue swirled around the tip, tasting his precum, knowing that I owned him in that moment. The salty taste mixed with the heat of his desire drove me wild.
“You’re such a good girl, aren’t you?” he murmured, his grip tightening in my hair. “You love sucking my cock, don’t you? Love making me feel this good?”
I moaned around him, the vibrations making him groan louder. My hands gripped his thighs, steadying myself as I took him deeper, my eyes watering but not wanting to stop. The power of having him like that, knowing I could bring him to the edge, was exhilarating.
“Swallow every drop, baby,” he commanded, his voice a low growl. “I want to see you take it all. You’re mine, Zoe. All mine.”
I could feel his cock pulse as he neared his release, my own arousal building at his filthy words. The anticipation of swallowing his cum, knowing it would send him over the edge, made me feel powerful and desired. I was ready to take everything he had to give, knowing that in this moment, I owned him completely.
“I have receipts—and I showed them to you,” he insists, a hint of a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.
I snap back to the present, my cheeks flushing slightly. “You did, but that doesn’t mean I’m convinced,” I retort, trying to maintain my composure. “I’m pretty sure I’m cutting you off after today.”
“Oh, you won’t, Minx.” Max laughs, the sound rich and warm. He leans in close, his breath hot against my ear as he whispers, “You’ll do it again, and you’ll love every second of it. You’re so fucking good, Zoe. The way you take me deep, the way you make me feel. You’re my good filthy girl. Tonight, if you beg nicely, I’m finally going to claim that sweet ass of yours. I’ve been waiting for this moment, and I know you want it too.”
A shiver runs down my spine at his words, my cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and arousal. The knot in my stomach tightens, but it’s not just from nerves anymore. The anticipation of what’s to come later, the promise of his reward, sends a thrill through me.
We walk toward the table, my heart pounding with each step. As we reach my parents, Dad’s posture stiffens, his voice taking on a defensive edge. “Aren’t you Ethan’s friend?”
I take a deep breath, steeling myself. “His name is Max. Maximillian McCallister,” I say, squeezing Max’s hand for support. “You already know him, Dad.”
Dad’s gaze flicks between us. “Why is he holding your hand?” He glances toward Mom, who’s sitting unnaturally still. “Did you know anything about this?”
Mom’s eyes widen, and she leans forward, her voice dropping to a stage whisper. “What does this mean? Are you two dating?” Her gaze darts to Max, a mixture of curiosity and concern in her eyes. “Is his mother as crazy as Ethan’s?”
I feel Max tense beside me, but his voice remains steady. “My mother is a respectable woman,” he answers, his jaw clenching slightly.
“Yes, but the wedding—” Mom starts, her eyes already taking on that familiar, dreamy look.
“Mom, we’re not getting married,” I interrupt, my voice sharper than intended. I take a calming breath before continuing.
“I gather you’re here because you’re delivering some news,” Mom says a little short.
Dad’s face pales, and he reaches for Mom’s hand. “Other than you’re dating him?” he asks, concern etched into every line of his face. “Are you sick? Is this why you’re with him? There are always options?—”
As Dad’s words trail off, I feel a mix of frustration and affection wash over me. Leave it to my parents to jump to the worst conclusions. I squeeze Max’s hand once more, drawing strength from his presence as I prepare to drop our bombshell.
“Dad, can I speak?” I interrupt, my voice firm but tinged with a hint of desperation. My father’s words are veering off in an entirely wrong direction, and I can feel the tension building in my chest.
Dad blinks, caught off guard. “Sure, sit down.”
I shake my head, my feet planted firmly on the ground. “No, I think I’m just going to give you the news, let you work through it, and then when you’re ready to support me, you can call me.”
Dad’s eyes widen, his mouth falling open slightly. Mom leans forward as she says, “That’s not how things work in the Harper family.”
I take a deep breath, squaring my shoulders. “I agree, but I’m starting my own family—McCallister-Harper. Which means we’re doing things our way,” I say boldly, my heart racing but my voice steady. “Max and I are expecting a baby. We don’t know exactly how this is going to look, but we’re happy about it and we hope you’ll receive our child with the love they deserve.”
A heavy silence falls over the table. I can see the shock written across my parents’ faces, their eyes darting between Max and me. Before they can recover, I lean down, quickly kissing Dad’s cheek and then Mom’s. Without a second glance, I turn and walk away, my legs trembling slightly but my stride purposeful.
I hear Max’s voice behind me, calm and polite. “We’ll be in touch. It was great seeing you, Mr. and Mrs. Harper.”
Once we’re outside, the cool air hits my flushed face. Max turns to me, his eyebrows raised. “That was . . . different. Can you repeat it this evening with my parents?”
I laugh, the sound a mixture of relief and lingering anxiety. A sigh escapes my lips. “It was crazy, wasn’t it?”
“Why did you do it that way?” he asks, his hand finding mine and giving it a gentle squeeze.
I pause, considering my words carefully. “When I saw them, I realized that no matter what I said, they were going to have an opinion on what I should do.” I run my free hand through my hair, the events of the last few minutes replaying in my mind. “You heard Mom. She’s already wondering about the wedding. Dad’s going to tell me I have to beg my former boss to hire me again.”
“You don’t need to. I can take care of you and our baby,” he reminds me and before I can protest, he adds, “And I’ll support you in anything you want to do with your career. Anything.”
I look up at Max, my eyes meeting his. There’s understanding there, and it gives me the courage to continue. “Thank you. Honestly, I . . . I’m tired of listening to everyone’s opinion on what I should do with my life.” My voice cracks slightly. “This is our baby, our decision. I just want their love and support.”
As we step into the McCallisters’ house, my stomach does a somersault. The grand foyer, with its gleaming hardwood floors and tasteful artwork, is a far cry from my parents’ cozy bungalow. I’ve met Max’s parents before, but never on their home turf. My palms feel clammy, and I resist the urge to wipe them on my jeans.
“So what’s the plan?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. The enormity of what we’re about to do hits me like a freight train, and I can feel my heart racing.
Max’s eyes twinkle with mischief as he turns to me. “I’m just here to sacrifice you, don’t worry,” he teases, his lips curving into a playful smirk.
I growl, narrowing my eyes at him. “Not funny, McCallister.”
He chuckles softly, leaning in to plant a gentle kiss on the tip of my nose. The tender gesture helps to calm my frayed nerves, if only a little.
“Just kidding,” he says, his voice warm and reassuring. Then, his lips brush against my ear as he whispers, “Tonight, I’m going to reward you for dealing with them. I’m going to love every inch of you, Zoe. I’m going to worship your body, remind you how much you mean to me. You’re my good, filthy girl, and I’m going to make you beg for more.”
Heat pools between my legs, my breath catching at his words. The promise of what’s to come later, the intimacy and raw desire in his voice, sends a thrill through me. I can already feel myself getting wet for him, my body responding to his filthy promises. How am I supposed to meet his parents like this?
Max pulls back slightly, his eyes locking onto mine with a heated gaze. Seeing my flustered state, he smirks knowingly. Then, raising his voice slightly, he calls out, “Mom, Dad, we’re here.”
I brace myself, expecting a formal greeting or perhaps an awkward silence. Instead, I’m caught completely off guard as Max’s mother appears from around the corner, her face lit up with a radiant smile. Before I can even process what’s happening, she’s enveloped me in a warm, welcoming hug.
“Zoe, darling. It’s so wonderful to see you,” she exclaims, her arms wrapped snugly around me.
For a moment, I stand frozen, my arms hanging awkwardly at my sides. This isn’t at all what I expected from her. Slowly, I relax into the embrace, bringing my arms up to return the hug.
“It’s great to see you too, Mrs. McCallister,” I manage to say, my voice muffled against her shoulder.
She pulls back, holding me at arm’s length and giving me a once-over. Her eyes are warm and kind, crinkling at the corners as she smiles. “Please, call me Linda. We’re practically family now.”
I feel a lump form in my throat at her words. “She knows?” I mutter, a little miffed at this. What happened to telling them together?
“Yeah, I had to have a long talk with my adorable mother, didn’t I, Mom?” he says, pulling her away from me. “We agreed, no meddling or being overbearing.”
My cheeks heat up at the secondhand embarrassment. “Umm . . .” What am I supposed to say here? “I . . .” I trail my voice.
“It’s all about boundaries. Someone suggested I set them before today because sometimes she can get carried away,” he explains.
“I do get carried away,” she confirms. “My therapist and I are working on that. It’s something I’m trying to do for my children—and grandchildren too.”
“Which we appreciate you doing,” Max says, his voice warm as he steps forward to give his mother a hug. His arms wrap around her, and I can see the gentle squeeze he gives her, the easy affection between them making my heart ache a little.
Linda’s face lights up, her eyes sparkling with unbridled excitement. She clasps her hands together, practically bouncing on her toes as she calls out, “Steve, come over to greet Max’s girlfriend—and the mother of our first grandbaby.”
Steve McCallister’s tall frame comes into view, his expression soft and welcoming. “Congratulations, Zoe,” he says in a gentle voice that instantly puts me at ease. “It’s good to see you.”
I manage a smile, my nerves slowly unwinding. “Same,” I reply, surprised by how genuinely I mean it.
Linda’s enthusiasm is infectious as she beams at us. “Ready for dinner? I prepared all the things you like—and are safe,” she says, her eyes twinkling with motherly concern.
A sigh escapes my lips, but it’s not one of frustration. Instead, I feel a sudden pang of longing. This is the kind of talk I need to have with my own parents. One where we set boundaries and start understanding each other .
As we follow Linda and Steve into the dining room, the aroma of a home-cooked meal wafting through the air, I find myself lost in thought. I adore my parents, and deep down, I believe they’ll be great grandparents if we work things through. The realization hits me: instead of looking for ways to avoid them, maybe it’s time to bridge the gap.
Max’s hand squeezes mine gently, pulling me from my reverie. He gives me a questioning look, and I offer him a small smile. Later, I’ll tell him about my newfound determination to mend things with my family. For now, I allow myself to be enveloped in the warmth of the McCallisters’ welcome, hoping that one day soon, we can all sit around a table like this, united in our love for the little one on the way.