Page 69 of Unexpected Kisses

“Oh my.”

“Right? So there went that plan.” I tell her how I held myself so stiff and still with my eyes and mouth squeezed shut tight to try and limit the overwhelming sensations. “I shut down so well that he had to use lube. Lube, Em!”

She squeezes me tight. “Oh, Sare.”

Tears form again. “He wasn’t going to go forward with the plan because he felt like he was forcing me. I convinced him and let him kiss me and worked on relaxing and engaged a little, but I had to focus on everything else, so I wouldn’t come. I … I couldn’t be that vulnerable with him, Em. Anyway, mercifully, it was all over and done with pretty quickly. I’m not sure I could have held out much longer. He felt amazing but I’m reasonably certain he thinks I hated every single moment of it.” I sob. “Then he left me to do my thing and he ordered dessert! Dessert, Em. Who does that after the woman laid there like a dead fish? AJ does. Because he’s so damn sweet. And now I can never see him again, which means my dream to become a mom is over!” Tears flood down my cheeks.

As I cry, Em tucks my head into her shoulder and strokes my hair while whispering soothing words like the amazing big sister she is. The silence is broken when Em’s phone buzzes.

Theo:If he’s hurt her, I’ll grab Max and we’ll pay the asshole a visit, just get his address from your sister

With wide eyes, I look up at Em. “Oh my God. I love your husband.”

A slow smile spreads. “Me too.” She looks at me. “He knew you were seeing AJ tonight because I told him earlier. Then when I called you, I told him I needed to get to you as I was grabbing my car keys because you were upset.”

A giggle escapes which makes Em smile. “You can tell him he can put his white horse and sword away.”

She chuckles as she texts him back.

Theo:Only if you’re sure. I don’t mind

Em shows me the screen before she responds, then tucks her phone away. “Now, what are you going to do? Because avoiding him isn’t going to help you make your dream come true.”

Sighing heavily, I comb my fingers through my hair. “I know.”

“Maybe if you were honest with him about how you’re feeling and your tendency to confuse sex with love it might help him to understand. He might surprise you.”

“How awkward would that be?Oh yeah, I know you’re into someone but I’m into you. Oops.Yeah. I don’t think so.”

“Hmmm, I guess so.”

“I think I’m gonna have to skip the rest of our insemination plans this month and put some distance between us. I’ll use the time to recalibrate and strengthen the walls around my heart. That should work.”

Em nods thoughtfully. “I’m not convinced you can switch off your feelings like that, but it’s worth a shot. Step away this month and see how you feel.”

“Yeah. It’s worth a shot.” That’s what I tell myself anyway.

“What are you gonna tell him?” I frown at Emma. “He’ll need a damn good reason from you for not following through this month. You’ll need to be convincing.”

“Hmmm, true.” I think for a moment, running through different scenarios. “I’ve got it.” I go on to explain my plan.

Em looks impressed. “That should work.”

“I’ll text him tomorrow.” We spend a little more time talking about the kids and then she leaves to head home to her hunky Greek husband and gorgeous kids. Sigh. One day, that’ll be me. Well, the gorgeous kid, singular, and not the hunky Greek husband either.

CHAPTER28

–aj–

I holdmy phone away from my ear. This has become my regular Friday morning, listening to my grandfather dictate my future with no regard for what I want. Or that we live in the twenty-first century where women run corporations all the damn time. A text lights up the screen.

Cupcake:I just found out I have to go to a conference. Flying out this afternoon, won’t be back until Wednesday. Raincheck?

I frown at the screen, my eyes narrowing.What?

“Grandfather. I need to go.” I disconnect the call without waiting for a response and read Sarah’s message again. My gut tells me this is a ruse. That she’s not really going anywhere. That she’s building her damn fortress after last night. Dylan’s not here today, so I can’t get his take on this latest development.

Me:Tell me where. I can book a ticket and meet you. I can work from anywhere while you’re at the conference and we can work on your pregnancy plan at night

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