Page 1 of Embracing Us

Chapter one

Max

“You’re sure it’s all right that I go out tonight?” I ask Linda again and she waves me away. “I don’t want to go. Please tell me I can’t.”

“I’m not your mother. I don’t control you,” she scolds then laughs, causing her breasts to rise and fall. I harden. We’ve not been intimate since Jackson’s birth, but I can tell the time is getting closer. In the past few days, she’s been touchier in bed. I’m waiting for the sign from her that we can resume our sexual relationship. Though, she tells me I need to wear protection, which is unwelcome but necessary news. I love the natural feeling I’ve been spoiled with, of being inside her. I’ll miss it. There’s a packet of condoms waiting patiently in my bedside drawer for the day to arrive.

“Go and socialise with Jace,” she replies. “He’s been wanting to celebrate with you for weeks. You can’t keep avoiding him.” I groan.

She’s right. Jackson turned eight weeks old today, and Jace has been nipping my head about marking his birth with tequila since the day after he was born. I’ve run out of excuses, but I hate the thought of being away from my new family.

We are in the kitchen; our son is lying in his bouncer watching us prepare dinner. His bright green eyes move from his mother to me then back to the most important person in his world. I’m chopping vegetables as Linda grates cheese. We move around each other, working in unison but separately. We’ve only known each other for a year, but it’s as if we’ve always been together. Things just work between us, most of the time. Since we met, she’s felt like part of me. All I’ve wanted to do is be with her and make her happy.

“I won’t be late,” I tell her, and she frowns.

“Max, go out and enjoy yourself. If you want to stay at Jace’s house that’s fine. You’ve not left our side except for going to work or the supermarket. I’m capable of looking after Jackson for one night, and I’m feeling much better.” She puts the block of cheese down and turns to face me, then slides her arms around my neck. “No arguments. I don’t want to see you until tomorrow. Marina is out as well and staying at the apartment, so I’ll have peace and quiet. I plan to read and go to bed early. The last thing I need is you bouncing in the door half-cut, waking me, or worse, Jackson, up.”

“Orders understood,” I mutter, and she chuckles, before pecking my lips.

“Good, now, let’s get some food into you to soak up the alcohol you’ll consume,” she says with a smile. “I want you to have a great night with your friend.”

***

Linda

I hope my words and expressions convince him to go. Deep down, I’m terrified. Deep down, I want to beg him to stay here with us. But his friend is important to him, and he deserves to celebrate becoming a father. This is a significant night. I want him to walk out of the door confident of my support.

We finish making our meal then sit at the breakfast bar. Our stools are pulled close to each other, our bodies angled in one another’s direction. His hand sits on my knee as we eat. Jackson is still settled in his bouncer. Every so often, I see Max glance at his son, ensuring he’s safe. My heart swells each time. He’s stepped up to the role of being a father incredibly, his eyes telling me he loves him with all his heart.

“Do you know where you’re going tonight?” I ask him. He shrugs.

“Somewhere on the Southbank. Jace has an itinerary all planned out.” He rolls his eyes. “I’ll be legless after a few. I’ve not had a drink in weeks.” He squeezes my knee. “I’d much rather be here with you.” We finish, and he leaves to get ready while I clear our plates. I’m sitting in the living room with Jackson in my arms when he reappears, dressed to go out in the city.

His dark hair sits in its usual rough style. He’s wearing a simple white t-shirt and jeans. It’s warm out, so a jacket won’t be needed tonight. The sofa sags beside me as he sits and starts to slip on his trainers. “You’re going for a casual look tonight?” I jibe, and he grins at me.

“I’ve no one to dress up for. Left my mini skirt in the cupboard,” he replies, leaning towards me and placing a kiss on my lips.

“You’re such a smooth talker,” I mutter. “A skirt doesn’t do it for me. Maybe a kilt though.”

“You like the idea of a man with no underwear? Interesting. I’m sure that’s what the Scots do, go commando. That could be arranged. I’ll buy one.”

“I like the idea of you commando,” I tell him, and he kisses me again, deeper. My body responds with hardening nipples and wetness between my legs. My libido is returning, albeit slowly, but I’m getting there. “You better go. Jace will be waiting for you.”

“He can wait,” he says, cupping my face in his palm. His eyes bore into mine. “I love you, Beautiful.” He glances at his son then drops a kiss on his forehead. “And you, little man. You both are my world. I’ll see you tomorrow.” With that, he stands and walks out into the night.

***

Max

I meet Jace at Waterloo Station, and we walk to the Southbank together. “Why could we not go to the local?” I ask him, again. He’d insisted on coming into the city to celebrate properly.

He slaps my shoulder, then barks, “Because this is probably the only time we can honour you spawning a kid. Or is Linda broody all ready?”

“Don’t be so bloody vulgar,” I scold, and he laughs. “I think the only way I’ll get near her is by wearing three layers of condoms.” He looks at me and smirks.

“Not getting any action yet then?”

“What the fuck do you think? She was practically ripped in two, her breasts exploded with milk and now, we barely get three hours of consecutive sleep. It’s not exactly sensual surroundings. Never mind the fact three of us are squashed into a small double bedroom.”

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