Chapter 33
JUNE
It was nine o’clock before we arrived home with my parents.
Centennial Airport is only a twenty-minute drive from the house.
The plan was to pick them up at four and bring them home where we’d have dinner.
But just like it’s been happening in the past few weeks, nothing has worked the way I plan it.
“The house is beautiful,” Mom says as we enter. “The Christmas decorations are lovely. I think you could use a few more lights outside. Your dad could install them.”
I look at Sterling and smile because I told him just that. The trees could use some twinkle lights and maybe we should hire someone to frame the house too. Sterling just rolls his eyes and mouths, like mother like daughter. I shrug.
Talking about Christmas and since Jackson hacked my evening with my parents, I suggest, “Maybe you can help me convince Jackson to spend Christmas Eve here. We have plenty of room for everyone.”
She studies the place and looks at me. “It’s Caroline and Marianne’s first Christmas.”
When she mentions the twins, I know I have to get on with the program and forget my amazing idea.
“Well, next year it’s ours if we’re going to follow that protocol,” Sterling says and looks at my belly with a smile.
“Sounds like a good idea,” I agree and glance at my parents nervously but neither one says a word.
“Why don’t you follow me, Mr. and Mrs. Spearman?” Sterling says. “There’re a few features I need to show you.”
I sigh with relief. I’m not sure when we’ll speak about the big elephant. Well, I don’t look like one yet but I’m sure since I’m expecting two babies, I’ll look like one soon. Still, are we discussing my pregnancy now or not until the kids turn eighteen?
When we picked up my parents neither one mentioned the subject. I assume it was because Jackson met us at the airport. We ended up going to his house for dinner.
Dad glares at Sterling when he grabs the bags and asks them to follow him. Actually, he’s been glaring at my guy since he arrived. Okay, today isn’t a good day to talk about the babies. I follow right behind. They’re staying in the downstairs room, far enough from the master bedroom.
Not that we’re having sex. Not until I have a clear understanding of what we mean to each other. Morning sex in the kitchen was a little slip that I won’t let happen again. I slipped because with that speech he gave me I was in a daze. It didn’t let me think much. Tonight, it is different.
Because you’re not horny now?
I admit, the desire is choking me. If I could, I’d drag him to the room and ask him to fuck me. Not that I can behave like that in front of my parents. I want them to like him.
So far, he’s been a gentleman with my parents. Not that he’s ever been rude. Actually, I had no idea what to expect from him until I saw him in action. He’s polite with Dad and charming with Mom. I continue walking behind the three of them.
“Just place your finger on the scanner,” Sterling says as he programs Dad’s fingerprints on the alarm keypads.
“Is this necessary?” Dad asks as he watches Mom while she’s following Sterling’s instructions.
“We arm the alarm around ten o’clock at night and it doesn’t disarm until six in the morning,” he says. “If you need to leave the house before or after, you have access. Also, when we leave, we turn it on.”
“This seems like a safe area, I don’t feel like this is necessary,” Dad protests.
“If you need anything, Beck and the team are available to help,” Sterling continues. “June has a security detail.”
“Is that necessary?” Dad insists, studying the house. “What are you, a drug dealer?”
“James,” Mom says his name with a warning voice.
Dad glares at Sterling. “He has more bodyguards than a diplomat.”
“He’s had stalkers parading around his property,” I explain, lying just a little because Sterling’s stalkers sound dangerous and his fans intense. Then I add, “Like Alex.”
“I don’t like this.” Dad pauses and looks at me. “I trust your judgment, but I don’t have to like it, Junie.”
“It’s been a long day,” Sterling speaks, taking my hand. “Please, make yourself at home, Mr. and Mrs. Spearman.”
“I agree, James, let’s go. Good night, Sterling. Junie.”
“Good night, Mom,” I say and walk to her open arms. Then I whisper, “Is Dad upset?”
“We’ll talk tomorrow, Junie.” She hugs me one more time and says loud enough for everyone to hear, “Just give him time, you’re his baby.”
I roll my eyes because things never change. Dad gives me a hug, kisses the top of my head, and nods toward Sterling.
“Hey, come with me,” Sterling requests, pulling me toward the office.
“What are we doing?”
“Deactivating my social media accounts,” he responds, taking his computer out of the case and setting it on top of the desk. “Should I write something on my website?”
“All of them?”
He nods once.
“After you’re done, I’ll type a news release or maybe just a quick note. Something simple and yet eloquent,” I offer. “Maybe we can add one of your life changing quotes.”
I pull out my phone and take a picture of him. “We’ll post this with something like, time to step into a new chapter.”
He smiles and kisses my cheek. “Thank you, I think that’s genius. Now, tell me how to win your dad because nothing I did today was good enough.”
“Stop trying so hard, he can smell bullshit,” I say, laughing. “You heard Mom, I’m his baby. Be yourself, I don’t think you realize how amazing you are, Sterling Ahern.”
“There’s nothing special about me.” He sits on the chair and pulls me into his lap. “I’m a lucky bastard, because I found you, precious girl. You’re who makes me want to be a better version of myself.”
I close my eyes when he grips my hair to the side and his mouth kisses my exposed throat. The erotic way he grazes my skin makes me gasp. He then kisses my mouth and what seemed like a sweet tender moment becomes a desperate exchange.
His hungry mouth ravishes mine. I should be pushing him away because … I can’t remember even why. He kisses me again and again, telling me how much he needs me. Our chemistry doesn’t diminish, it strengthens as the days go by.
He anchors my hips against his hardness. I quiver as I beg him to fill me. “Please!”
I am overcome with desire and I sway my hips searching for release.
“June.” I hear Dad calling me. “Where is she, Ari?”
“Let me go and check on what they need,” I say, rising from my seat. “We agreed to no sex, Mr. Ahern.”
He gives me a mischievous smirk. “I just do what you ask, sweetheart. Your body was asking for it.”
The next morning, I wake up early, take a shower, and get ready to face my parents. Unfortunately, I forgot to let Mom know that the bacon makes me nauseous and as I enter the kitchen my stomach contracts violently. It’s the plate of bacon and eggs on top of the counter.
I run to the powder room and barely make it on time. Seconds later, I feel Sterling’s hand rubbing my back and he places a cold compress on my neck. “Sorry, baby. I asked your mom to start the kettle.”
After the whole, washing face, brushing teeth, and taking a few deep breaths, I go back in the kitchen.
Sterling is already preparing my tea and oatmeal.
“She doesn’t like oatmeal,” Mom says.
“Surprisingly, I do now,” I correct her.
“When are you due?” Mom asks. Dad sighs.
“August first,” I answer, waiting for a congratulations or something nice. Neither one moves. “I’m having twins.”
She nods, Dad fires a question, “Where are you going to live? In case you’re interested, there are a couple of houses for sale in our neighborhood.”
“I’m not going back to Sacramento. As you’ve heard last night, I’m selling the company. Jackson and I are discussing the possible buyers later today. Colorado seems like a nice state to raise children and they’ll have Marianne and Caroline.”
Sterling stands next to me. “I support her decisions. If she wants us to move to San Francisco, stay here in Colorado, or try another country. I’ll follow her.”
“What are your intentions with my daughter?” Dad asks and Sterling looks at me.
“Dad, not now,” I say.
“Do you understand that the lives of two children are at stake and you don’t want to talk about it?
This isn’t Facebook where you can check the option of it’s complicated.
I thought you were more responsible than this, Juniper.
From all my children, you’re the last one I’d think would be screwing with the future of her own children. ”
Sterling steps in front of me and says, “Before you judge, you should congratulate her. She’s been wanting these children for a long time and she’s finally reaching her dreams. With all due respect, sir, don’t screw up your relationship with her because of society standards.
June is more ready than anyone I’ve ever met.
Our relationship has nothing to do with the future of our babies.
They’ll grow up loved with two loving parents.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do. ”
He turns around, kisses me, and leaves the house.
“What does that mean, June?” Mom asks.
I explain everything and once I’m done Dad hugs me and apologizes. “Sorry, I just don’t want to see you hurt. It’s so hard to not see you as a six-pound five-ounce baby who needs my protection.”
“Congratulations, sweetie. I’m sorry for the inquisition but I’m worried you’ve been acting so strange and haven’t confided in anyone.”
I don’t tell them Em and Hannah have been supporting me. “Look, I was going to do this one way or another. Instead of an anonymous donor, it happened with Sterling. He’s a loving man and if you give him a chance—”
“Are you two together?” Dad asks.
I shake my head. “No, I’m not ready. He’s giving me space; I hope you can respect it.”
Dad’s nostrils flare. Mom goes to his side and rubs his arm. “She’s not a little girl, James. But she needs us, and we’ll be beside her. You asked me what I wanted to do next year. I want to be with her.”
“You don’t have to, Mom, but if you guys want to stick around, I have plenty of room.”
She smiles because usually I tell her off and send her to Alex or Jeannette who like to be babied.
“We’ll find a place nearby. I’ll ask Jackson or Jason to recommend us a realtor.”
He opens his arms and I walk toward them.
“I had no idea you wanted this and I’m happy for you, sweetie. You know I’m going to love them and spoil them.”
“Thank you, Mom and Dad.”
This wasn’t that bad, I’m not sure how Jackson is going to react, but I’ll be ready for his outburst.