Her Baby Secret (Friends & Lovers Book 1) (15 page)

When he returned from the kitchen, she was sleeping. He took the comforter off of her bed and brought it out from the living room and wrapped her in it, glancing away from her shapely calf exposed by her skirt.

It had been more than two months since they'd made love and he ached for her. But he knew he couldn't rush her, although he knew she'd enjoy it no matter what. He didn't want her to regret anything that happened between them.

Her phone beeped and he saw it was a text message from Emerald.

How are you feeling today?

Hey, it's Dev. Robyn's good. Having a nap.

Okay. Have her text me later.

Will do.

Thanks.

No problem.

He wondered what Emerald thought about him answering Robyn's phone. He soon got his answer when Robyn's cell phone rang and Emerald's number popped up on the Caller ID. Being that she knew that Robyn was asleep he knew she was calling to talk to him.

“Hello?” He answered, looking at Robyn, who didn't stir.

“What do you want with my friend?” Emerald demanded. “Seriously.”

“I want to be with her,” He answered, surprisingly calm in the face of her immediate interrogation. He admired Emerald for looking after her friend. That's the way they'd always been.

“Well what does that mean, Devin? Because the last time you said it, it didn't mean shit.”

“I guess I deserve that,” He said, shaking his head. “I love her and I'm going to get her back.”

“You better not break her heart again,” Emerald said, quickly issuing her warning. “This will be your only child because I'll cut your balls off and feed them to you.”

He knew it would be a mistake to laugh. She truly sounded serious although he couldn't take her threat seriously.

“I won't ever break her heart again,” Devin said, “So I'm not worried about my balls.”

“Are you serious this time?”

“She's going to be my wife,” Devin quickly assured. “She just doesn't know it yet.”

“Oh my...” Emerald breathed deeply. “You really do mean it, don't you?”

“Yeah, I do.”

“I knew you guys would be engaged by now if it wasn't for Casey,” Emerald said bitterly. “I swear, don't let me catch that bitch on the street.”

“Don't go getting yourself in trouble,” Devin said. “You'll be the one who gets locked up and she'll go on with her life as if nothing happened.”

“No worries,” Emerald said, laughing a little bit. “I actually do have a plan for her and it's not going to require me touching her at all.”

Devin's eyebrows went up but he didn't ask her to elaborate. The less he knew, the better.

“Well, I have to go,” Emerald said, “Tell Robyn to call or text me when she wakes up.”

After he hung up, he wondered what Emerald had planned but then gave up thinking about it. You could never predict what tricks women had up their sleeves so he wasn't going to give it anymore thought.

He leaned back on the couch and pulled Robyn up against him, breathing in the citrus scent of her shampoo and feeling her lush curves against him. He grew hard but he ignored it. Holding her felt too good. He'd missed it so much. And he'd treasure whatever little triumphs and little pleasures that he could get.

Robyn slowly drifted awake, breathing in the fresh sent of Devin's cologne. Her face, buried in the crook of his neck, pressed against the hot skin there. She could feel his erection pressing against her and she was instantly turned on.

She began to lift herself off of him but he twined his arms around her, making a soft groan deep in his throat. Lifting up, she saw that his eyes were closed but that he was slowly waking up.

His hazel eyes opened and he smiled up at her, filling her with so much warmth that an ache quickly spread throughout her body. Not giving it a thought, she leaned down and took his mouth, greedily possessing his lips.

He angled his head beneath hers and pushed his tongue into the hot recesses of her mouth. She moaned, pressing her body down onto his as much as she could. Her core was throbbing, her body throbbing, waiting for release. Her hormones had spun out of control in record time and she didn't give a damn.

She reached under his shirt, running her hand over his flat stomach and up to the hard panel of his chest. She lightly raked her nail over his nipple, shivering when he grasped her ass in both his hands, thrusting his body against hers.

“Oh god...” She whispered desperately, wriggling against him, panting and hot.

She reached down between them and unbuckled his jeans.

“Whoa, slow down, baby,” He whispered brokenly.

“No,” She said, the ache between her legs so intense that it was almost painful. “I can't.”

His eyes darkened and in a matter of moments, he was free from his jeans and boxers, balancing her on top of him as he pushed them down and off of him.

Her eyes brazenly stared at his thick shaft for a moment before she pushed her panties to the side and slid over him. She sank down onto his long shaft, her eyes closing, her breath hitching.

She'd only moved up and down a few times, Devin gripping her hips, before the first orgasm tore through her. She wasn't aware of anything but the sensations coursing through every nerve in her body. She fell against him and he turned their bodies on the couch until he was above her. He pressed hot, wet kisses against her throat as he began to thrust quickly, pushing them both towards and over the brink.

“Devin!” She cried, the orgasm so powerful that it stole the rest of her breath.

He groaned as he reached his own climax, his teeth ground tightly, his eyes so dark that they looked brown now instead of hazel. He rolled off the couch onto the carpeted floor, pulling her down on top of him.

“Well...” He said after a few moments, when his breathing had calmed down, “That wasn't the reunion I had in mind but damn.”

She smiled, pressing her face against his chest. She ignored the worrisome thoughts warning her that she'd crossed the line and that she'd regret it. Of course she was scared she shouldn't have done it. But she hadn't been able to resist and there was no going back now. She still had her priorities in order. They'd made love countless times and were having a baby together. How much could making love now really effect what their relationship was?

She knew she was selling herself a pack of improbable truths but she didn't care. She was tired of fighting what she felt for him. And even if she couldn't have him emotionally, she could have him physically, at least for awhile.

“I'm sorry,” Robyn murmured. “I guess I shouldn't have done that.”

“No, babe, don't be sorry. I'm damn sure not.” He pulled her closer for a toe-curling kiss, causing her body to heat up again.

“I didn't even give you a chance to say no,” She said when he'd pulled back.

“As if I'd ever say no to you.” He kissed her chin. He smiled up at her, looking so sexy and so at peace that it caused a pang in her heart.

“I have to use the bathroom,” She whispered, standing up on shaky legs, looking down at her skirt. She was terribly wrinkled but she didn't care. She felt a trickle on her leg and hurried to the bathroom saying, “I'm going to take another shower.”

Once she'd closed the bathroom door and used the bathroom, she stared at her reflection as she removed her clothing. Clearly, she'd lost her mind, she thought, staring at her flushed skin and mussed hair. But it had felt so good. She'd missed being with him so much and it had been just as powerful as it always had been, even more so.

Stepping under the hot spray of the shower, Robyn closed her eyes and relived their lovemaking over and over again until she craved him again. She washed quickly and got out of the shower, surprised to see Devin washing up at the bathroom sink. She'd been so lost in her own thoughts that she hadn't even known he'd come into the bathroom.

He reached for her towel before she could and she stood still, letting him gently pat her dry. He patted her hair, shoulders and neck before coming down to her chest.

“These are bigger,” He whispered, pressing the towel against her aching breasts, “But the rest of you is the same.”

She nodded wordlessly. He continued on, drying her belly and back, then her legs. He spread her legs apart, softly rubbing the towel against her center before letting the towel drop. She closed her eyes, feeling his hand caress her leg, up down and up again. Slowly, he went higher and higher, sliding his hand between her legs and easing her apart. He slid one finger into her and her knees trembled.

“God, you're so wet,” He whispered, kneeling in front of her. He eased his finger in and out of her, leaning over and nipping her thigh. Adding another finger, he increased the pace, and she was forced to grip his shoulders to steady herself.

The growing tension was unbearable and she let her head fall back, biting her lip as she began to thrust against his hand. Suddenly he removed his fingers from her, standing up and carrying her quickly from the bathroom. She was so overcome with lust that she couldn't think of anything else.

He lay her on the bed and she eagerly spread her legs to receive him. Only he didn't thrust inside her as she wished. He pulled her to the edge of the bed, pushing her legs up, completely opening her up to him. His ragged breaths against her sensitive flesh made goosebumps rise all over her skin.

The last thing she saw before her eyes drifted shut was his dark head lean forward to kiss her in that most intimate place. His tongue stroked up and down over her folds and she jumped, raising her hips helplessly off of the bed. He grasped her hips, anchoring her to the bed as he began his torment, his tongue entering her, stroking the walls, moving around and around until her entire body shook.

He nibbled and suckled her clit, adding a finger, then two, making her insane with pleasure. She had no idea how many times she'd come before he finally rose up above her, thrusting into weak body, an edge to his jaw as his gaze met hers.

She came again, the force of the orgasm so enormous that she felt tears sting her eyes and she shook for several moments afterward, the aftershocks rippling through her. In that moment she knew, without a doubt, that she'd gratefully enjoy whatever she could get from Devin. She'd enjoy it while it lasted because he was the best she'd ever had and she knew that there was nothing better than what they shared.

Chapter Twelve

“So,” Robyn murmured as she tied her robe. “I guess you should be going now, huh?”

From his spot in the center of her bed, his mouth dropped open. She quickly looked away, making a show of looking for her slippers and stepping into them. As much as she'd enjoyed their day together, she didn't think they should pretend that everything could instantly go back to the way it was.

She went to her dresser and picked up her brush, taking her time brushing through her long hair. And still he didn't move or speak. She nervously turned to face him, careful to avoid looking at his bare chest. The blankets were up to his waist and he was laying against the pillows though he now looked far from comfortable.

“Is that what you want?” He asked in a very low voice, sitting up and crossing his arms over his chest.

“I think that would be best,” she admitted.

“Why?” He demanded, a dark frown on his face. “Best for who?”

“For both of us,” She said defensively.

“I don't get it,” Devin said, “We've spent the whole day together and now you're kicking me out?”

“I'm not kicking you out, Devin!” She denied, her voice raising.

“What do you call it then?”

“I just don't want us to kid ourselves, that's all.”

“Kid ourselves about what, exactly?” He got out of the bed and she stared down at the floor trying not to look at his beautiful, nude body. The man exuded power and sex, and without him even really trying she'd end up back in bed with him if she wasn't careful.

“This was just sex, Devin,” Robyn said, hearing the rustle of his clothes as he got dressed. Still she stared at the floor. “I don't want us to confuse it for anything else, because it's not.”

“Why are you doing this?” He demanded, walking up to her and lifting her chin. His eyes met hers, “Why do you keep pushing me away?”

“I...” She felt the prick of tears at the back of her eyes and held her breath, trying to regain some control.

“You see how good we are together. Don't you think we deserve a second chance?”

“N-no,” She said, although it wasn't completely the truth. But she wasn't in any position to put herself at risk. Not after the devastating heartbreak that she'd endured.

He looked as if he'd been slapped. He quietly finished dressing then put his shoes on. She awkwardly stood in the middle of her room, clasping her hands together.

“D-Devin,” She stuttered, not even knowing how to explain her feelings.

“There's nothing else to say, Robyn,” He said, a hard edge to his voice. “I won't be used for sex.”

“I'm not using you!” She exclaimed, pain running through her. She never thought he'd accuse her of such a thing.

“I'll talk to you tomorrow,” He said, walking out of her bedroom.

She hesitated to follow him but then almost ran from the room. She didn't want him to be mad at her. She couldn't stand the idea of the distance, the coldness, that they'd recently gone through.

He was putting his coat on when she stopped beside him.

“Devin, please...let's talk,” She said quietly. “I don't want you to be angry with me.”

“We don't always get what we want,” He said sadly. “Call me if you need anything.”

He rushed out of her apartment and she stood in shock, several emotions weighing her down, trying to crush her. The entire thing had happened so quickly that her head was spinning. She felt tears roll down her face and wondered what she could have done differently. What could she have said? But she could not deny that when she'd come on to him, she'd been the one to cross the line. She'd been selfish. And now she had no one but herself to blame for the wedge that was once again between her and Devin.

A couple days later, Robyn packed her duffel bag, making sure she had enough clothes for the few days she'd be at her parents. Although her mother liked to nag it would feel good to be around her parents. She'd been so depressed since her argument with Devin; it would be good to get out of the house. She hadn't spoken to anyone, not even Emerald, and she was desperate for some company.

As much as she loved her best friend, she didn't want to confess to Emerald about what had happened with Devin, but nor could she act as if everything was okay. They'd sent each other a few texts but nothing more. Emerald assumed that Robyn and Devin were practically back together and all Robyn could do was tell her that they were taking it one day at a time.

Robyn locked up her apartment and slowly went downstairs and out of her apartment building. She had a slight ache in her lower back by the time she got into the car, her newest pregnancy ailment. Whenever she did the slightest thing, it caused her back to hurt. She'd spent most of Sunday cleaning her apartment and doing chores and she'd had to stop several times because of her back pains.

She stopped at a convenience store for a couple of snacks and texted Devin to let him know where she was going. He simply replied “okay”. She sighed and began the drive to her parents' house. She'd called Devin the day before and he'd answered, telling her he was busy working. He hadn't even said he would call her back, just that he had to go. The hurt she'd felt had been overwhelming.

The drive went by in a blur, so absorbed was she in her thoughts. She thought of everything that had happened between her and Devin and wondered what the future possibly had in store for them.

When Robyn pulled into her parents' four car garage, she breathed a sigh of relief to see only her parents' cars there. As far as she knew, no one but Angelica and Jared were coming for New Year’s and that was a couple of days away. And though she knew Devin's mother would probably nag as much as her own, she knew that since she was pregnant they wouldn't be too hard on her.

“I was looking out for you,” her father said, opening the front door before she'd even gotten to the top step of the porch.

“Miss me already?” Robyn asked with a bright smile, touching his cheek.

“Always,” Quintin answered simply. He took her bag and followed her into the house.

“Hi, sweetie,” Marjorie rushed forward, pulling Robyn close. “How are you feeling today?”

“The morning sickness is the same,” Robyn said honestly, relieved that she
could
be honest, “But I'm feeling good overall.”

“I made lunch,” her mother said, a small frown on her face. “I hope you can eat.”

“I took Elena's advice and have been sticking to mild foods. Seems to be working.”

“Want the blue room again?” Her father asked.

“Yes, Daddy.”

“Come to the kitchen. Let's see if this food agrees with you.”

Her mother had prepared chicken sandwiches and salad and Robyn was already eating when her father entered the kitchen.

“I can't wait for you to see everything I bought for the baby!” Marjorie grinned broadly.

“
Everything?
” Robyn raised her eyebrows.

“I think your mother bought out the whole store.”

“I did not,” Marjorie said with a wave of her hand.

“She bought tons of clothes and baby furniture. It's crazy.”

“Mom!” Robyn said, “Why would you do that? I told you it's too soon.”

“I can't help that I'm excited.”

“Please don't buy anything else until summer.” Robyn took another bite of her sandwich.

Her parents began to eat too.

“I can't do that!” Her mother said with a laugh. “What if I see something perfect for the baby? Am I supposed to just ignore it?”

“Mom, we don't even know the sex of the baby yet. You need to slow down.”

“Oh, don't worry. I've gotten boys' and girls' clothes. I don't want my grandchild dressed in only neutral colors.”

Deciding her mother was crazier than she thought, Robyn shook her head. “You must be wasting a ton of money.”

“It's okay,” Her mother said nonchalantly. “Once we find out the sex of the baby, you can have those clothes and I'll give the other clothes away to someone else.”

“Are you really okay with this?” Robyn asked her father.

Quintin shrugged his broad shoulders while smiling indulgently at his wife. “She's using her own spending money so it's not really bothering me. Yet.”

“So when's Devin going to be joining us?” Marjorie asked as they cleaned up the remnants of their lunch.

Robyn's heart lurched and her mind raced, trying to come up with an appropriate response.

“Oh, did you invite him?” Robyn asked innocently, trying to stall.

“Of course everyone is always invited,” Marjorie said in a huff. “That's not what I mean and you know it.”

Quintin laughed under his breath and wandered from the room, saying that he was going to his office.

“Well, then...” Robyn shook her head quickly. “If you're expecting him to come for my sake, better get those thoughts out of your mind right now.”

“And why is that?” Her mother frowned incredulously. “You two were just together two days ago.”

Even though Robyn knew her mother meant together in each other's company, not
together
physically, she still felt a blush rise up on her cheeks.

“We had a big fight,” Robyn said simply. “We haven't spoken since.”

“But-”

“There's nothing to talk about,” Robyn pushed on. “He and I are going to be the best parents we can for the baby's sake. But that's as far as it goes.”

Hearing herself say the words aloud filled Robyn with a fresh wave of sadness. She quietly filled the tea kettle with water and placed it on the stove to boil. She was aware of her mother's eyes boring into her but Marjorie remained quiet.

Robyn fished one of her maternity tea bags from her purse and looked for a mug. Her mother wordlessly handed her a mug and sat down at the kitchen table again.

“I've seen the way that you and Devin look at each other,” Marjorie said at last. “I saw it when we were all together for Christmas.”

Robyn's eyes widened, wondering how obvious she'd been. Of course she'd failed at keeping the baby a secret, but she'd thought she'd hid her other feelings well.

“I didn't know that you two had been together, of course, until we found out you're pregnant. But I thought you would be together soon. It was obvious that you two were falling for each other. That both of you were falling for each other.”

Robyn bit her lip and walked to the stove, mug in hand, staring at the kettle as if that would make it boil faster.

“I don't understand what went wrong. Help me understand.”

“Mom, I-” Robyn took several deep breaths before looking at her mother. Marjorie had tears in her eyes.

“I don't want you to miss this chance with Devin. He's a good man. And it was so obvious that he loves you as much as you love him. You two have to work this out.”

“I do love him,” Robyn confessed, fighting her own tears. But she'd cried so much over the past few months and where had that gotten her? “But it's just not meant to be. Love isn't always enough.”

“What does that
mean,
Robyn?” Marjorie asked, jumping up from her seat and rushing over to her daughter. “Did Devin cheat on you? Is that why you two broke up?”

“No!” Robyn hurriedly denied. She would never want her mother or anyone to think he'd betrayed her like that. “He was a great boyfriend and he was faithful. It just didn't work out. Can't we leave it at that?”

“If you didn't love him that would be different. I wouldn't push so hard. But-”

“Mom, please. I've had enough of this.” The kettle whistled and Robyn nearly snatched it off the stove before pouring the steaming hot water into her mug.

“I just-”

“No, Mom,” Robyn cut her off firmly. “What happened between Devin and I needs to stay between us.” As much as it can, anyway.

A couple of minutes later, Robyn entered her room, closing and locking the door behind her. She sat on the bed and sipped her tea, wondering if she'd made a mistake in coming to her parents' house. She'd assumed her mother wouldn't be that bad but Marjorie had been as adamant as ever. Well, it was too late to leave. That would just cause another confrontation because her parents knew she'd planned to stay through New Year’s Day.

Once again, Devin came to mind and Robyn closed her eyes, wishing that she could stop feeling so scared and insecure about a future with him. But after what had happened, the doubt played with her thoughts and emotions, and made her question how dedicated he was to her. The doubt made her question how much he cared about her. She'd been so sure that what they had was real and would last forever and then had been left with a broken heart. She never wanted to feel that pain again. Unfortunately, the feeling that was creeping in felt a lot like it and there was nothing she could do but wait out the storm.

Devin stepped off the elevator and into the lobby, headed to a late lunch. He'd been able to push thoughts of Robyn out of his head while he worked but the thoughts never were very far away. He didn't know what the hell to do now so he was just going to lay low, regroup and give her some space. Until he came up with a new plan, he was going to keep to himself.