Page 46 of Unexpected Love

“Absolutely, and again, it fades in time. I have to believe that things happen for a reason. I wouldn’t have Ryder and Shay right now. I wouldn’t have this baby.” She places a hand over her stomach. “I still get nervous while I’m pregnant that I could lose the baby. I was the same way with the twins.”

“Not that I want to hear about your sex life, but did you have trouble conceiving the twins or this one?”

“Not at all. We weren’t even trying with the twins.” I’m not sure why I asked. Well, maybe I do. I’m in love with Chloe. Shit, I think I’ve been in love with her for a while—I just haven’t told her because I’m not sure that’s how she feels about me. If I try to picture my future, I see her in it.

I know we haven’t been together long, and hell, most of our relationship we’ve spent apart, but I know how I feel. God, I hope she feels the same.

***

Chloe should be here any time now. I can’t fucking wait—to get ready, I went and bought new sheets for my bed, washed them, and put them on. I also bought some new towels since most of my mine were threadbare in spots.

I’ve cleaned my place top to bottom so she’s not scared to stay here. My place isn’t a pit by any means, but after being at Chloe’s place that even with two cats was immaculate, I want to make sure my place is good enough for her. Her being comfortable is important to me.

My refrigerator is stocked with her favorite beverages. Her favorite snacks are in my cupboards. I even had my mom get me one of those diffusers like the one Chloe has, and I had her get several different scents. I’m nervous as fuck. We’re having dinner at my parents’ place tonight. I was hoping it could be just us with them, but Haddie will be there.

Abby wanted to come, but I didn’t want to overwhelm Chloe, even though she’s been around my family before. This is her first time coming as my girlfriend. Wow, I think that’s the first time I referred to her as that. My thoughts are interrupted by a knock on the door.

I move quickly and pull it open. Chloe smiles widely and jumps at me, wrapping herself around me like a spider monkey. She smiles down at me before kissing my lips. It’s short and sweet and ends far too soon. “I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve been climbing the fucking walls.”

“I broke several laws getting here, but my boyfriend’s a cop, so I’m not worried.” I chuckle and reluctantly set her down on her feet. She wraps her arms around my waist, resting her cheek against my chest. Neither of us says anything while I stroke my hand down her silky locks.

Her light floral scent makes me half hard, but I don’t want her thinking this is the only reason why I wanted her here. I pull away enough to look down at her. “Fuck, I’m so glad you’re here.” Chloe’s smile warms me in a way that terrifies me but leaves me feeling exhilarated and alive.

I bend down and kiss her softly on the lips. I take her bag from her and put it in my bedroom. Back in the living room, Chloe’s looking at the only pictures I have on the wall. Most are of my nephews and niece, Cari’s twins, and a picture of my brother and sisters—from when Abby graduated high school.

Coming up behind Chloe, I wrap my arms around her chest. She leans against me. “I can’t get over how cute Abby and Ben’s kids are. I know you said Abby isn’t Natalie’s biological mom, but she looks like her.”

I lean in closely, and the more I look at the picture, the more I see it—from the matching dimples to their smiles and twinkling eyes. I place my lips against her temple. “You’re right, baby. You should really tell Abby that. I know she’d be thrilled.” I lead her to the sectional and sit down, maneuvering her until she’s on my lap.

“How was your week?” This past week we haven’t talked a whole lot because I picked up shifts so I could get this weekend covered and I could be off. I plan on spending every moment with her. Of course I do have to share her with my mom and sisters tomorrow, and my mom threatened to beat me if I encroached on their girl time.

“Busy with Hailey still on vacation. I worked two sixteen-hour days while trying to get all the orders done so I could be off. Wednesday night I had to quit working on the bracelet I’m making because my hand started to cramp.”

Whether she’s at the jewelry store or at home, Chloe’s always working on some piece. “My poor baby—maybe I’ll just give your poor hands a rubdown later.” She told me once that when she gets her nails done and they massage her hands, she embarrasses herself by moaning loudly.

She lays her head down on my shoulder. “Mmmmm…that sounds amazing. What time are we going to your parents’ for dinner?”

“Dinner is at six thirty. Mom says bring your appetite.” I lift her up and then stand. “Come on, let me show you around.” I show her my apartment, and then hand in hand, we walk around my complex.

“This is really great. It’s beautiful.”

“Yeah, I like it. It’s nice that Abby’s able to bring the kids over to swim occasionally. I use the gym a lot, especially if the weather’s bad, and the big selling point was the ability to rent a garage. I keep my bike in there and also use it as storage.”

We make our way back inside, and Chloe excuses herself to freshen up in the bathroom so we can head over to my parents’ house. I’m in my room changing when she comes in. She changed out of her jean shorts and t-shirt and put on a pair of tailored black shorts and a peasant top, the blue color matching her eyes.

Her makeup is light, and her hair hangs down her back in soft waves. She’s barefoot and has the cutest, daintiest feet. “Do I look okay? I don’t want them to think I was trying too hard.”

“You look great.” She kisses me quickly and then stuffs the clothes she was wearing into the bag she brought.

After I’m changed, we head toward my parents’ place. Chloe’s quiet as we make our way across town. Her leg bounces up and down, and she wrings her hands together. I place my hand on her leg to stop it from bouncing. “Why are you nervous? You know my parents.”

She looks at me. “Well, this is the first time I’ve been to their place with us being together. Don’t they think I’m too old for you?”

“Baby, my dad is a lot older than my mom. Age is nothing. They only want me happy, and Chloe, I am happy. Aren’t you?”

Chloe pulls my hand up to her mouth and kisses it. “I’m happy. I just wish we lived closer together, that’s all.”

“Me too, baby.”

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