Page 16 of Unexpected Love

Chapter Four

Joe

I pull into my parents’ driveway. Before I get out, I take a deep breath. I’ve been mentally preparing myself to tell my parents about Chloe and the baby.

The more I’ve had time to think about it, the more I’m fucking excited. Sure, I might be what others assume as being too young, but I want this. I have a feeling the more I get to know Chloe, the more I’m going to want her too.

Last night after getting her pills for her, we watched a movie, but to be honest I barely paid attention to it since she had fallen asleep with her head in my lap. While I watched the movie, my hand sifted through her hair. Her cat Lagertha was curled up in front of her, and Ragnar sat next to me staring at me like a creeper.

After the movie ended, I gently woke her and helped her up. She used the bathroom first and then grabbed me an extra toothbrush. When I stepped out of the bathroom, I wasn’t sure if I should lie down on the sofa or go into her room. I didn’t want to assume anything.

“Joe? You can sleep in here.” Well, that answered that question.

The scent of peppermint hit me as soon as I stepped into her bedroom. That’s when I noticed a little machine next to her side of the bed with steam or smoke coming out of it. If memory served, peppermint was good for nausea. I stripped out of my t-shirt and jeans so I was in nothing but my boxer briefs.

Chloe held the blankets up as I slipped in next to her. I wrapped my arm around her waist and pulled her toward me until only an inch separated us. “Is this okay?” My lips ghosted over her forehead.

She snuggled closer to me and wrapped her arm around my waist. “It’s great.” Chloe’s voice sounded sleepy.

In seconds, her soft snores filled the room. I felt the cats both jump onto the bed, curling up at the end. The bed was so comfortable, like sleeping on a firm cloud, and almost big enough for my frame. In just a few minutes, I was out.

My eyes opened, and I felt pressure on my chest. I looked down and smiled. Chloe’s head was resting on my chest, her arm wrapped around my waist and our legs tangled. Both of my arms were wrapped around her, holding her tight. I’ve never been a snuggler, but I could’ve cuddled her forever…wait, what? Forever is a long time, and I’m not quite sure what our future holds.

Carefully, I slipped out of bed and stealthily moved around to her side. I grabbed and looked at each bottle until I found peppermint. After reading the bottle, I poured water and four drops of the oil into the little diffuser and turned it on. I stood over the steam and tried to shoo it in her direction.

The cats both looked at me while I threw my pants on but then laid their heads right back down. In the kitchen, I got the water going for her tea and made myself a cup of coffee. I also made some peanut butter and saltines.

When I stepped back into her bedroom, I found her running her fingers through Lagertha’s fur. She wore a dreamy smile on her face.

“How are you feeling?” I asked as I set the tray down and handed her the cup of tea. A laugh escaped as I watched her take a sip and then make that adorable, disgusted face.

“I’m not sure yet. Once I’m up and moving, I’ll let you know. Thank you for starting my diffuser. I’m hoping the peppermint will help. Can I have a cracker?” I climbed onto the bed and settled in next to her. Grabbing a cracker, I held it up to her lips. She looked at me with a question in her eyes.

“Take a bite.” Her eyes went to me and then back to the cracker before she leaned in and bit a small piece off. I watched her plump lips as she chewed the cracker and then swallowed it down.

My dick was hard as a rock, but there was nothing that could be done about it or that I was going to do about it. She’d been sick—sick enough to end up in the hospital. It wasn’t the time to fuck.

I popped a couple of crackers into my mouth and washed them down with a sip of coffee. Chloe climbed out of bed and slowly made it around to the door to the hallway. I climbed out of bed and followed after her. Standing just outside the door as she went to the bathroom, I listened to make sure she didn’t need me.

The toilet flushed, the faucet turned on and off, and the door opened. “I feel okay. I’m a little queasy but not nearly as bad.”

“Good. Now let’s go get your pills.”

Back in the kitchen, I handed her the ginger and thiamine pills and watched her swallow them down.

“Your color is better this morning.” I reached out, stroking her cheek. “I’m going to have to get going soon.” Moving toward her, I wrapped an arm around her waist. “We’re going to talk this week. I want to know how you’re doing, and I want the chance to get to know you better.”

“Sure thing, bossy.” She placed her hands on my chest. “Thank you for coming here. Thank you for showing up and wanting to be a part of our baby’s life. I would like for us to get to know each other better, too.”

That made me happy, and I couldn’t help but smile. “I’ll talk to you later.”

“Call or text me when you get home.” I don’t know why, but her saying that created warmth in my chest.

When I went to leave, Chloe walked me to the door. I only meant to hug her, but I ended up picking her up and putting her back against the wall as we kissed. It was just as hot as every other kiss we’ve shared.

There is no denying that we have great chemistry physically. It’s the mental and emotional stuff that we have to figure out.

Pulling my lips reluctantly away from hers, I took a deep breath. “You make it very hard to think. You’re hell on my willpower.” She reached between us and palmed my aching cock. “You’re torturing me, baby.”

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