Page 151 of Between Hate and Desire

It’s not the best I’ve ever had, but until I have this baby and can find my own vagina again, it’s gonna have to get me through.

Sigh. Vibrator dick has nothing on real dick.

It’s been two weeks since Jenna’s surprise visit to Hunter’s work. He tells me not to worry, and I’m trying not to, but until it’s proven with a paternity test, it’ll always be in the back of my mind. The closer I get to my due date, the more anxious I get.

Since Halloween is tomorrow, Hunter and I bought loads of candy to hand out to the kids who live in the apartment complex. Last year, we ran out, so I’m hoping we have enough to last the entire time.

I’m thirty-two weeks pregnant, and the baby will be here in a blink, so I’ve been trying to use my spare time to prepare. Work has been great so far with no major problems, and many of my colleagues are excited for me. I’ve been counting down the days to meet my little miracle.

After work, I sit on the couch and prop up my swollen feet because. Standing most of the day isn’t doing me any favors, and though I try to sit when I can, it’s not comparable to having them elevated.

I’m so tired, I nearly fall asleep, but when I hear the door swing open, I pop up with a grin. After Hunter walks in and we greet each other, he goes to take a shower, and I start pulling items from the fridge for burgers.

On Fridays, we typically order out, but tonight, I volunteered to cook because he’s been doing so much for me. Each room has been completely baby-proofed from top to bottom. Hell, it’s even adult-proofed at this point.

Just as I put the hamburger patties in a skillet, Hunter walks into the kitchen wearing shorts that hang off his hips and a shirt that leaves nothing to the imagination. I try to force myself to focus on the food, but he catches me stealing glances and then smirks.

“Damn, I’m hungry,” he groans, leaning over me. His arm brushes against mine, causing goose bumps to form across my skin.

“Me too.” My stomach grumbles, but I’m craving more than the food.

He shifts on his feet as his eyes meet mine, and I shamelessly enjoy his closeness. He lingers for a moment longer, allowing me to soak in the scent of fresh soap on his body. Hunter asks how my day was, and before I can reply, a knock echoes from the door.

Hunter raises a brow. “Expecting someone?”

“No, don’t think so.”

The first person who comes to mind is Jenna. At this point, I wouldn’t put anything past her.

By the tone of Hunter’s voice, I know it’s not. I hear him laugh nervously, and then I recognize a voice that has my stomach in knots.

“Wifey, look who came to visit us,” Hunter says with eyes as wide as saucers as my mother peers around him.

“Mom!” I force out, searching her face as she walks toward me. I wipe my hands on a dish towel before she pulls me into a hug.

“What a surprise!” I squeal, hoping she doesn’t feel how tense I am. “What’re you doing here?” I keep my tone light, though I’m silently losing my freaking mind. My mother is here, standing in my kitchen. What the hell?

She grins, stepping back into the dining room and glances around the apartment. I feel so vulnerable and unprepared right now. “Just wanted to visit the happily married couple and see how my grandbaby’s doing.”

“Everything’s great.” I smile, hoping she doesn’t see straight through it. What if she figures out we’ve been lying this whole time?

“Well, you’re just in time for dinner, Mrs. Corrigan. Hope you’re hungry.”

“We’ve got plenty,” I add.

Hunter leans over and places a chaste kiss on my lips. “Smells good, sweetheart.” It’s supposed to be sweet and simple, but it has my emotions bubbling to the surface. I desperately want more of him, and when we pull away, I’m completely breathless. A meaningless fake kiss isn’t supposed to do that. I suck in my lips, and my mother’s eyes meet mine as she sits at the table.

“I’ve been following your Instagram page. Everyone loves the updates so much.” She beams proudly.

Hunter distracts her while I finish dinner by talking about the last few doctor’s appointments and what we’ve been doing to prepare for the baby. He talks about the baby proofing and shopping for things he never would’ve thought of before now. Though he seems to be enjoying himself, I interrupt their conversation to give him a much-needed break because he’s been talking for nearly ten minutes straight.

“Hungry, Mom?” I ask, pulling the ketchup and mustard from the fridge.

“Sure, I could eat,” she says.

I take my time making our plates, stalling the inevitable, but all I can think about is how she’ll want to see the nursery and the rest of the apartment.When she sees we’re sleeping in different rooms, our entire façade will fall apart. I didn’t plan for her to show up and it wouldn’t take much for her to figure it out r. The thought of losing my parents, everything I tried so hard to keep and protect, guts me. I could think of more lies, more cover-ups to help the story, but she’d see right through them.

Hunter comes into the kitchen to help me carry everything to the table.

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