Alpha’s Baby(46)

Stefan’s words came back to haunt me. We need to play this smart.

But why play anything when there was no one around? After a moment, I made up my mind. I walked over to my closet and dug out one of my sexiest bathing suits.

Sometimes, a girl just has to say what she wants. And I wanted him, I thought as I changed quickly, making sure my butt was just properly outlined in the high-cut leg holes. Ignore that, Stefan.

Night air caressed my skin, causing goosebumps along my flesh as I strolled outside into the backyard.

The cool earth enveloped my bare feet as I made my way over to the swimming pool, garbed in a red silk bathrobe that covered my bathing suit.

I stood at the edge when I reached the pool, watching Stefan swim laps back and forth, his powerful arms sending up large splashes of water along the sides.

He seemed oblivious to my presence, so I was content to stand there, taking joy in watching his powerful body at work.

Stefan finally seemed to notice me, halfway through a lap, and he literally flipped his body over in the water to get a better look at me.

“Bella,” he said with some surprise as he waded in the water, his blonde hair plastered to his skull. I liked the look on him. He looked incredibly sexy when he was wet. And I could tell with one glance that I had his attention. “I’m glad you decided to join me.”

“Of course I was going to come join you,” I replied. “I couldn’t let you swim out here all by yourself.” I nodded at the water. “Is it cold?”

Stefan grinned at me playfully, wiping water out of his eyes. “It’s just right. Come on and jump right in.”

I dipped my toe into the water and jerked it back instantly. “Liar,” I accused him.

Stefan chuckled, delighted he had tricked me. “Come on, it’s not that cold.”

I scowled, placing my hands on my hips. “It’s fucking freezing.”

Stefan threw back his head and laughed, sinking into the water by several inches. “I love it when you talk dirty. But seriously, it’s not that cold.” Stefan swam his way to where I was standing and grabbed ahold of the edge. He looked up at me, his eyes flashing with dangerous excitement, his deep voice husky. “Especially when you have me to warm you up.”

A warm flush came to my cheeks as excitement coursed through my body. “Well, when you put it that way . . .”

With sensual flair, I took off my bathrobe and tossed it to the side, revealing my red one-piece swimsuit.

Stefan’s eyes went wide with surprise. “Holy shit,” he sputtered.

“What?” I asked, immediately self-conscious.

“You’ve put on some weight.”

I frowned, almost wishing I’d kept on my robe. Was I really already becoming a whale?

Stefan noticed my displeasure and shook his head vigorously. “No, it’s amazing. You've filled out in all the right places.” He bit his lower lip as he ogled my curves and continued to shake his head in amazement, boosting my self-confidence.

“I hope you will still feel the same way when I get even bigger,” I said. While I was pleased Stefan wasn’t bothered by the little weight I’d put on, I knew more was to come as my pregnancy advanced.

I’d be a fool to think that looks weren't important to Stefan. He was a young, All-American, red-blooded male who was incredibly handsome and could have any girl he wanted.

But if I didn’t want to worry myself to death about the issue, I’d have to take his word for it.

Stefan stared at me as if he was appalled by my lack of faith in him. “I'm going to want you even more.”

“Well, since that’s settled . . .” I dipped my toe in the water and kicked, splashing Stefan in the face.

“I’m going to get you for that!” Stefan yelled with surprise, wiping at his eyes.

“You have to catch me first,” I said.

Stefan was quick to oblige, rocketing out of the pool so fast I hardly had time to react. Shrieking, I took off for the house. I only got to the edge of the lawn before Stefan’s powerful arms wrapped around me, pulling me close.

“Where do you think you’re going?” he whispered in my ear, his breath hot on my neck. I squealed with surprise as he hefted me up into his arms and brought me back to the edge of the pool.

“Stefan, no!” I cried, recognizing his intent, squirming against his solid grasp.

“All is fair in love and war,” he grunted. And in one smooth motion of muscle and grace, he scooped me up and literally threw me into the water.

I gasped with shock as the cold water hit me and I heard a muffled sound of a large splash behind me.

Blinded, I began to swim away from him, but I was no match for the seasoned athlete, and he quickly caught up to me with several powerful strokes and pulled me into his arms.