Kelly screams out in bliss as she comes hard against my mouth. Her body shaking uncontrollably beneath me.
As she slowly comes down from the high of orgasm, I pull back, rest my buttocks on my heels, and look up at the dreamy smile spreading across her lips. And I know I want this more than ever.
She looks absolutely radiant, and it’s the moment I know that this time, I’ll never let her go again.
Chapter 7
Kelly
I stretch my arms upward, feeling the soreness in my muscles from my yoga workout. Being pregnant has made it harder to keep up my usual exercise routine, but I’m determined to stay active and healthy for the baby.
As I change into some comfortable clothes, my mind wanders to the logistics of continuing my marketing degree while living in New York City. I can’t give up on my education, not when I’m so close to finishing. But the thought of juggling school, a new baby, and a new relationship with Mac is overwhelming.
I need to clear my head.
Pulling on a light jacket, I pop my laptop into my tote bag and step outside. The crisp air is fresh when compared to the heat of California, but honestly, it’s reviving.
As I pass by a cozy café, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee lures me inside. I order a decaf and find a secluded corner to sitand people-watch. The bustling energy of the café is calming. I smile as I get lost in the surrounding conversations.
My mind drifts to Mac, wondering how his practice is going. I miss him already, even though it’s only been a few hours since I last saw him.
Sipping my coffee, I pull out my laptop and start researching online degree programs. Surely, there must be a way for me to complete my studies remotely while living in New York.
I’m so engrossed in my research that I don’t even notice the time passing. It’s not until my coffee cup is empty that I realize I should probably head back.
Closing my laptop, I gather my things and step out into the fading afternoon light.
As I walk back to the apartment, my cell rings.
I answer the phone, my heart pounding. “Hello?”
“Kelly, it’s Piper. I’m so glad I caught you!”
“Hey, Pips. What’s up?” I try to sound casual. She’s still in a wedded bliss bubble. A bubble I’m not ready to burst.
“Nothing. I just wanted to catch up with you. The wedding was a blur, and then you disappeared before I left for the hotel. I just wanted to say that I’m sorry I never spent a lot of time with you.”
My heart sinks, and I have to resist the urge to blurt out the truth about her dad…about the baby. “Piper, I—” I start, but the words catch in my throat.
“When can you come back to New York?” she continues.
I bite my lip as I glance around, and know I’m about to lie to my best friend. “Soon,” I choke out.
“I don’t want to lose you just because I’m married and live on the east coast now.” There’s a tremor in her voice that tugs at my heartstrings.
“Me neither.” I swallow back the lump in my throat, hating myself for lying to her.
“Okay, well, I should probably get going. Connor’s taking me out for dinner after training.” She pauses, and I can hear the smile in her voice. “I’ll talk to you soon, okay?”
“Absolutely. Enjoy your dinner, Pips.” I force a smile, even though she can’t see it.
“Bye, Kel. Take care of yourself, okay?”
“I will and you too. Bye, Piper.” I end the call, my hand trembling slightly.
I stare at cars passing, my mind racing. How am I ever going to tell Piper the truth? The thought of losing her friendship is too much to bear.
But I can’t lose her dad either.