Page 84 of Refuel

“Madison, are you causing problems, princess?” Malik asked.

“Never,” Madison spoke, raising her hands to be picked up.

“I’m starving,” I said.

“When is your appointment?” Mom asked.

“It’s coming up in a week,” I said.

“Keep us updated, Ari. I know you’re grown, but you’re still our baby,” Mom told me.

“I promise,” I said.

“Dinner is ready!” Gabriella said.

“Finally.”

“Stop being grumpy,” Kamden said, kissing my cheek.

I grinned and kissed his lips as Malik and Dad groaned at the PDA we showcased, and we started eating right away. Two hours later, we ended up at his place, lying in bed, watching a movie with the covers wrapped around us. I lay in his arms until I fell asleep.

A week later, I was in the mall, walking around with Rylee, Essence, and Sarai, picking up a few things for the baby even though I wasn’t really showing.

“This is cute.” Essence held up a onesie that said, ‘My Auntie is the Best.’

“I wonder why?” I chuckled.

“I need to be prepared for my godchild,” Essence said.

“Have you guys decided where you’ll live?” Rylee asked.

“No, we’ve been so wrapped up in work, moving hasn’t come into my mind.”

“Arianna, did you see this crib?” Sarai mentioned, standing near the furniture section.

“It’s cute, but I want something a little more traditional,” I said.

“I’ll keep looking. I talked to Kash about the text messages,” Sarai commented.

“We talk about everything now. Going forward with no secrets,” I said.

“Glad to hear that,” Sarai said.

“Check this diaper bin out, Ari!” Rylee called out.

“I’m really going to be somebody’s mom,” I muttered to myself.

“Which means your life is no longer your own, boo,” Essence announced.

Essence’s comment reminded me that I had to come to terms with knowing that my decisions had to include Kash and our future child going forward. Racing was my dream, but it wasn’t the only thing to Arianna Pierce now that she was a mother-to-be and a girlfriend. We stayed in the mall for another hour before going out to lunch then dropping me off at home where I rested up after a long day of being on my feet.

28

Kash

I moved my hand under her dress to skim her hips and thighs. Arianna breathed lightly at my touch, while I explored the soft lines from her pregnancy progressing. Our breakup enlightened me to know that putting things off and not being honest with yourself and the one I love could cause miscommunication. Relationships were still new to me and having the responsibility of not one, but two people looking toward me to put their needs ahead of mine, had caused me to grow up faster than I ever imagined. To see the unconditional love in her eyes as we both knew this was forever, and we would never be separated again. Our past mistakes wouldn’t define the future we would build together. Arianna bent down and captured my face with both hands parting my lips as I removed her thong. She knew wearing a thin piece of cloth would push me over the edge, and I groaned feeling how wet she was for me.

“Kash…” Arianna whispered as she planted her hands on my shoulders.

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