Noah’s Journey(32)

“As if the achy boobs aren’t already enough, I cry at the drop of a hat too. I swear I’ll drive Jackson crazy before the end.” She took in a calming breath and began wiping at her tears.

Both Amber and I remained frozen, allowing Bailey the time she needed to gain some control. Any moment she was bound to realize what she’d just said.

“Phew, okay, now that we got all that girly shit out of the way, are you gonna make my dress for me?” When I only stared at her, she shifted her eyes to Amber. When Am only gave her the same look, she began bouncing her gaze between us.

“What on earth is wrong with the two of you?” Her forehead wrinkled in confusion. “Did I miss something?”

“Um.” I was the first to speak, and I said the only thing that came to mind. “Sounds like you missed something already—like your period.”

Her eyes grew wide, and she slapped her hand over her mouth. “Oh shit,” she said, and it came out in more of a mumble. “Did I—?” She closed her eyes tight. “Jackson is gonna kick my ass for sure. He didn’t want to tell anyone until after three months.”

Amber’s eyes widened, and we both began to squeal in excitement. “Oh my God, a baby,” Amber cried, causing Bailey to wince.

After about five straight minutes of gushy, happy overload on all our parts, Bailey made us vow to act just as surprised when the news finally came out as we did today. Seeing the happiness pregnancy had given both my girls made me want to rush straight over to Noah’s and curl up in his arms. I couldn’t help but want the same life both Amber and Bailey had been blessed with.



***



The days when my new inventory arrived from the vendors I chose to carry were like Christmas morning. I would close the store at two and spend hours getting lost in all the newest designs and materials, the feel of the newest line of silk nighties. The colors were always so bright and flawless.

It was honestly my favorite part of owning my own store.

I had been so consumed with stocking the shelves and hanging up clothes that I lost track of time. A light tap on the front door startled me, and I spun around with my hand placed on the center of my chest.

There stood Noah, holding a large cup of coffee with a huge smile spread across his lips. Just to his left stood Austin, with a matching smile and a bag from Heavenly Temptations. They were so adorable, looking back at me all innocent and sweet. I couldn’t help but return the grin. They just made me feel special.

I walked toward the door, flipped the lock, and pushed it open to let them in. I stepped back to let them enter, and Noah made sure to relock it before holding the coffee out to me. “Hey, baby, we thought we’d stop by with some fuel.” He nodded toward Austin, who held the bag out to me, matching his daddy’s movements.

My heart warmed both at their gestures and the yummy goodness they’d brought me.

“Thank you, handsome,” I said to Austin as I took the bag and peeked inside. “Chocolate chip, my favorite. And it looks like there’s just enough for all of us to share.”

Austin’s face brightened with excitement, and he looked over at Noah for approval.

“Well, go on, boy.” Noah nodded. “If a pretty lady offers you some sweetness, you take her up on that offer.”

I blushed as I picked up on the hidden meaning of Noah’s words. Austin rushed past me and waited patiently near the counter while Noah smirked.

“You think you can spare a little sweetness for me later?” he said in a low, husky tone, and once again I was blushing.

“I’m pretty sure that can be arranged,” I assured him as I sauntered over to Austin and began pulling the cookies from the bag. Refusing to look back at Noah, I focused on grabbing a paper towel and breaking the huge, still slightly warm cookies in two. Holding out half of one to Austin, I kept the other half for myself. Together we bit into the soft cookie, and my eyes fluttered shut as the sweet flavor of chocolate engulfed me. Amber was a goddess in the kitchen. That girl could bake anything and you would get lost in it. I was so consumed by the flavor, I hadn’t noticed Noah step around the counter to stand directly behind me. The moment he pressed against me, I felt his erection pushing against my hip.

“You can’t moan like that and expect me not to be affected. Holy hell, woman,” he whispered in my ear just before he kissed my neck in that spot that makes my entire body ache instantly. Now that he’d spent so many night exploring my body, the man understood what spots to touch to make me yearn for more. He played dirty when it came to teasing, and I found it hard to resist the urge to demand more.