Page 59 of Unexpected Kisses

We finish eating and AJ collects the plates from the table. I beat him to the sink and fill it with soapy water, so I can clean up before he does. He’s always cleaning up and I don’t think it’s fair since he provided the meal.

“I was going to do the dishes,” he tells me as he tries to work his body into position in front of the sink.

I turn my head, not realizing how close our faces are, our lips only inches apart. I raise my eyes to his and wish we were in a place where it would be okay to steal a kiss whenever I pleased. His warm breath brushes across my cheek and I quickly snap my head forward and wash the dishes. “Nope. I’m doing them tonight. You’re always cleaning up after everyone. It’s my turn since you brought dinner.”

“And you’re probably beginning to feel uncomfortable and should sit. Come and put your feet up.”

“I’m okay. I can manage.” It astounds me how in tune AJ already is with me, considering we haven’t lived together or spent all that much time together. Michael never knew when I was getting my period or considered I might be experiencing discomfort at this time of the month. He wouldn’t have had a clue when I was ovulating or what was going on with my body. I glance at AJ out of the corner of my eye, checking to see if he’s real.

We work in comfortable silence until the job is complete and my nerves start getting the best of me again. I’m guessing he’ll want to have the ‘talk’ now. I pull up my big girl panties and ask, “Did you want to have that talk now?”

“Yeah, sure. Let’s get you comfortable on the couch and I’ll grab a beer.” He takes over, guiding me to the couch, then returns with chocolate, Midol, and a heat pack as well as a fresh beer. It feels strange to be cared for in such a way but when I think back over every interaction I’ve had with AJ, I realize he’s been doing it from the very beginning. He sits beside me on the couch, handing me my current project. I think he’s figured out I’m better at communicating when my hands are busy.

“Thanks. So, what did you want to talk about?” Let’s get started.

He twists his body so he’s facing me directly. “I hope you know I would never share anything truly personal with anybody outside of our relationship.”

Relationship. He used the word, relationship.

I scrunch my eyebrows together because I’m not sure where he’s going with this. “Um, yeah?”

“In saying that, I was agitated at work this morning and Dylan was asking me what was wrong. Then in between, you and I were texting. He saw the texts as they came through.”

My cheeks heat with embarrassment at Dylan knowing I got my period today, not that it’s anything out of the ordinary, but it’s not something I normally share. I only shared it with AJ so he knew I wasn’t pregnant this month. “Oh.” But then it registers he said he was agitated at workbeforemy messages. “Is everything okay with you? Why were you upset at work?”

He blows out a heavy breath. “Yes and no. I … uh … I felt as though I said or did something which upset you on Saturday.”

I wrack my brain, running through our conversation from Saturday, and shake my head. “I can’t remember being upset with you on Saturday.”

“It sort of felt like we were getting along okay and then suddenly you pulled back from me, which made me think I’d done something to upset you. Then today, Dylan saw the messages and he thinks he knows what I may have said to upset you.”

“Oh. And what does he think you’ve said?”

“He thinks when I say things like ‘I’ll be arounduntilyou’re pregnant,’ it may be upsetting to you. That I’m implying we won’t see each other once you’re pregnant.” My eyes widen. Dylan must be incredibly intuitive to pick up on that type of thing. I don’t know too many guys who would be so switched on. AJ smiles and tips his head down, then looks back at me. “That’s it, isn’t it?”

I nod slowly, embarrassed. “It’s okay, AJ. That was our arrangement, remember? There won’t be any need for us to see each other once I’m pregnant. You have your life, and I have mine and they’ll be quite different once I have the baby. I won’t have as much time to spend with friends, especially in the early months; having to get up for feedings and diaper changes throughout the night. I’m betting on the weekends, I’ll be a zombie and won’t be pleasant company.” I chuckle.

“But you see, the thing is, Sarah, I’ve grown to really like you. I enjoy your company, and I would hope once you’re pregnant, you’ll still allow me to drop around occasionally with dinner. Or, you know, I could watch the baby while you have a nap or something. I really don’t want to lose the friendship we have.”

Friendship.That dreaded word.

“Oh, well, we can definitely do that if I have the time. No expectations, though. I’m sure you’ll be sick of seeing me by then, anyway.” I try to make my voice as upbeat as possible because the thought of not seeing AJ regularly hurts my heart.

I’ve fallen for this guy and it was the last thing I was supposed to do.

“There was something else I wanted to talk with you about. I have an idea and I want you to hear me out before you shoot me down.” He widens his eyes, waiting for my agreement, which I give. “I think we need to try a different approach to getting you pregnant. I don’t think the collection condom/syringe combo is working.”

Dread fills me but I turn my body to face him more directly. “What would you suggest we do?”

“Hear me out, okay?” I nod. “I think we should have sex. Old-fashioned, missionary position, with the cushion under your butt, sex. Or maybe doggy style. I read that’s pretty good for what we’re trying to do. Cut out the middle-man, so to speak.”

I’m frozen. Paralyzed where I sit. All of the air has been sucked out of my apartment.

“Sarah? Cupcake? Are you okay?” He places his hand on my shoulder, squeezing firmly to gain my attention. “Sarah. Take a breath.”

Oh, God! He wants to have sex to get me pregnant. I can’t do that! I’m already halfway in love with the guy.

“Sarah! Take a breath.”

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