Page 25 of Irresistible Temptation

“Why is that?” I ask in wonderment.

“Maci, a woman in your delicate situation shouldn’t be around cigarette smoke.” I’m caught off guard again with my laughter. Boy, I’m really running through the gamut of emotions. One minute I’m happy, the next I’m crying, and now I’m back to laughing.

“It’s not funny. I won’t be the one at fault for hurting my godchild.” Samuel is taking this very seriously.

“You won’t, but, honey, Johnny owns Undercover Lovers, and from what the girls told me, when the guys have their little meeting to catch up, which I think is more for them to gossip about life, we’re at his club. He has an area above the dance floor sectioned off, and he keeps it reserved for Winnie or the guys. Now, Lennie, Asher’s wife, and Winnie are pregnant. Kennedy, Trent’s wife, will be there shortly, if she isn’t already. This group of men like their women near, and they like them not being fucked with. Therefore, Johnny put some kind of state-of-the-art air filtration system in that room only,” I tell him.

“Well, that’s good. Great, really.” He’s not picking up what I’m putting down.

“I’m sure I can reserve the room for us to use at some point in the future.” The lightbulb goes off in his head, and the look of defeat is swept away.

“Genius, you’re a genius. We could also do brunch, with mimosa flights and flowers everywhere, maybe in a garden somewhere. Oh no, that won’t do. We’ll save that for your baby shower. I call dibs on throwing it, by the way. Your mom can help, so can Tysen’s, because sharing is caring.” I can tell you one thing: the baby shower is going to be absolutely stunning.

“I’ll be sure to put you in a group chat and then do a formal introduction soon.” Samuel is pulling his phone out.

“Look, we can do this or go gender neutral, depending on what you and Tysen decide to do.” The whole not using technology is thrown out the window when he starts creating a mood board for the shower.

“Babe.” Tysen grabs my attention from Samuel’s phone.

“Hey, honey.” I watch as my man’s face softens. He tips his head for me to come to him. I’m off my feet and close enough for Tysen’s hands to wrap around my waist.

“Everything good?” he asks.

“Never better,” I reply without a pause. Tysen licks his lips, and now I’m wishing we’d take a couple of days off work to stay in bed.

“Hate to break it up, but Liam is escorting the passengers in any minute. You let me know, no matter what, you start getting sick or if anyone does anything to make you uncomfortable.” I can see Samuel has been talking to Tysen about the McCarthys.

“I will. My chewable tablets are in my pocket and my prescription is in my bag.” My head tips up, and luckily, Tysen takes advantage. His mouth touches mine, his tongue slides along the seam, and he gains entrance with my moan. The worst part is he stops before we even get started.

“Later,” he promises, and I know Tysen well enough he does not go back on his word.

“Okay.” My voice is laced with want.

“Love that I give you that look. Plain love you, Mac.” Someone needs to pinch me because I’m not sure I’ll ever get over having Tysen in my life.

“I love you, Tysen.”

“Fuck yeah.” His hands drop my hips and slide into his pockets, and in doing so, he hides his growing erection. I moisten my lips, and his eyes darken. Later tonight, I’m sure he’ll make me pay for that moment, and it’ll be completely worth it.

19

MACI

“Maci, babe. You have no reason to be nervous.” I’m fiddling with the ring on my index finger again while sitting in the car, trying to calm my traitorous stomach. I can’t even blame it on morning sickness since that happened earlier this morning, much to Tysen’s chagrin. I didn’t care for it too much, either, since he insisted on being in the bathroom with me, holding my hair out of the way and putting a cool washcloth on the back of my neck. The tricks we were using didn’t work today, and I reluctantly took the medicine I’d been prescribed. It also made me tired, so after a shower, I took a nap.

I felt like a new woman a couple of hours later and got to work whipping up fresh salsa with the ingredients I picked up at the farmers’ market yesterday with Samuel. My car, which is now parked next to Tysen’s in the garage as of the day after he moved me in with him, allowed me to make the short trip into town. I suggested that Tysen could come, but he gave me the look that saidthanks, but no thanksand headed to the gym instead. I almost canceled with Samuel just to follow my man around to watch him get hot and sweaty.

We went our separate ways, being apart for the first time since we reconnected. It felt different, weird almost, and when he came home hours later after I’d been home by myself a little bit, I let my intrusive thoughts take over. I ran full on toward him, jumped up, wrapped my legs around his waist, and kissed him as he held on to me. It ended up with our clothes being ripped off and him taking me on the kitchen counter.

“I know, but I still am. Talking to them via text is one thing. In the flesh, well, that’s totally different.” Tysen takes my hand in his, calming my fidgeting fingers, which is a task in itself, seeing as how he’s carrying the plater of broccoli salad in one hand, and in the bag on his forearm is everything we need for the appetizer.

“Babe, Samuel is already inside. He’s been blowing your phone up the entire way here. You’ve got your best friend, but you also have your girls.” I grumble beneath my breath.

“I hate it when you’re right.” He helps me out of the car. I grab the one bag I’m allowed to carry, which weighs nothing and holds our towels, bathing suits, and sunscreen.

“You love me regardless.” He laces our fingers together, further proving that he’s not letting me go. I close the door, and then he’s pulling me up the front walkway to Jagger’s house, a last-minute change of plans due to Asher’s work schedule. The fire station needed him for half the day today, and he flat out refused to have it at Lennie and his place. He didn’t want his pregnant wife with twins to do everything on her own, cooking, cleaning, and moving pool furniture around.

Basically, he doesn’t want her on her feet all day long; neither does anyone else. Even though Lennie sent a message in our group chat stating Asher is taking things too far on what she can and can’t do. The doctor hasn’t given her any restrictions, but her husband sure has. Her words, not mine, except I get where she’s coming from, and I also get where Asher is coming from. I’ve got an overprotective man of my own who would more than likely do the exact same thing.

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