“Everything is going well. I’ve been taking the vitamins the doctor gave me every day. I’m still having a hard time keeping some foods down, but I think I found the ones I can manage and still maintain a somewhat balanced diet.”

After that terrible morning where I had unbearable sickness, it’s calmed down some, to where I can function. Some days are worse than others, but I think I’m adjusting, and I am getting used to that constant queasiness that just won’t disappear.

“Oh, good. I felt terrible when I heard about that. Anything else? I read that many people are more exhausted than usual in their first trimester. Any issues with that? Have you been drinking enough water? Any pain? Or strange cravings—”

I cut Zoe off before she can fire any more questions at me. I know she’s the mother of this baby, and of course she’s going to be concerned, but she can be a little overwhelming at times. “I have been tired, but I’m used to functioning on very little sleep, and I feel I am managing well with that. I am drinking plenty of water, no pains, and so far, the only thing I’m craving is strawberries.”

Zoe laughs on the other line. “Next time I go to the store, I’ll make sure to pick some up for you.”

My chest fills with emotion at the gesture. “You don’t need to do that.”

“I know, but I want to. It’s the least I can do. Keep me updated on what you’re craving, and I’ll make sure to keep you stocked in it.”

My eyes fill with tears, and I choke back a sob, trying to keep it together. Why would I cry over something like this? Oh gods, am I getting overly emotional like River wished upon me the other day at Dad’s? Wait till I speak to him next; we will be having words.

Before I can answer, the bedroom door swings open and Evander is standing there, still wearing his work clothes. His eyes sweep down my body before stopping low, and I remember that I’m still holding my underwear in my hand and I’m standing in the middle of the room completely naked. Evander smirks and raises his eyebrow as he sucks his lip ring in between his teeth, his gaze never leaving my limp cock that’s becoming less limp by the second.

Zoe chimes in from my phone, still thrown on the bed, before Evander can say anything.

“Lake? Are you still there?”

Amusement shines in Evander’s eyes as he enters the room and clears the distance between the two of us. “Hey, Zo. Sorry to interrupt your conversation,” he says as he wraps his arms around me and kisses me soundly on the lips.

“Ev?” she asks.

“Yup, it’s me.”

“Sorry! Didn’t mean to interrupt. Lake said he was alone.”

Evander’s hands slide down my back, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake. They continue their downslide until they stop on the curves of my ass and he squeezes tightly. With a small gasp, I tuck my head in the curve of Evander’s neck, no longer interested in this phone call with Zoe.

“He was. I just came in now. How are you and Avery?” Evander asks casually as one hand slips in between the crease of my cheeks and his dry fingers graze my hole, though he doesn’t penetrate. As his thumb rubs tiny circles on my pucker, his other hand slides forward to lazily caress my dick. I moan into his neck, hoping Zoe doesn’t hear.

“We’re doing good! Rehearsals start soon forA Chorus Line, and Avery’s been busy at work. We’ve also started the process of converting the spare bedroom into a nursery. I know we have some time, but I figured it’s better to start early rather than too late . . .”

I zone out Zoe’s words as Evander continues to torture me. “Unzip me, sweetheart,” he whispers into my ear as Zoe continues to talk. My eyes widen. Is he really going to continue this while still on the phone with Zoe?

Evander watches me with smoldering intensity, making his intentions clear. Swallowing, I reach for the zipper on his charcoal-colored slacks as he responds to Zoe. “That’s amazing, Zo. If you two do decide to go with the literary theme, let me know. I have plenty of ideas.”

Literary theme, what? What is happening right now? How can he focus? I apparently stop my task mid-unbutton because Evander dips his chin with a pointed glance down at his bulge. Oh . . . right . . .

Zoe continues excitedly, something about paint samples, as I get back to work loosening Evander’s pants and freeing his hard cock. Evander’s gaze is on mine, never leaving my face, as he spits in his hand and grabs both of our dicks. His other hand slides up to my hips again and holds on possessively as he begins to pump both of us at the same time.

“Definitely, Zo. Are you going to be at the New Year’s party at Lake’s dad’s house in a few weeks? Maybe you can bring them there?”

Bring what, where? I can’t bring myself to focus on their conversation, and I have no idea how Evander is managing. I nuzzle his neck, parting my lips enough to taste his skin. I’m all sensation: Evander’s hand as he jerks both of us off, my cock hardening against his hand and rubbing against his, the piercings decorating Evander’s length rubbing against me, increasing the feeling and causing me to leak pre-cum. And then, as if that isn’t sensation overload on its own, Evander’s spicy scent fills my nostrils, making it impossible to focus on anything else.

My hips jerk of their own volition as Evander increases the pace, and I bite into his neck to keep from moaning out loud. “Fuck,” he mutters as his cock leaks out a trail of pre-cum.

Evander’s grip on my hip tightens into a bruising hold. My arms are wrapped as tightly as possible around his back and I’m holding onto his hunter-green polo like my life depends on it.

“Ev? Lake? Did I lose you guys?”

I fight back a laugh as Evander groans, both of us so close. “No, sorry, we’re still here,” Evander roughly replies. Finally, he’s losing some of that self-control I lost ages ago. “We’re just getting ready for the Christmas party at my work.”

My release hits me at that moment, and I bite Evander’s shoulder hard to keep from screaming. His grip becomes erratic and his eyes roll back as he also loses control, and his orgasm hits him hard. He somehow manages to stay quiet, with just heavy breathing as the only indicator of him being affected at all.

Zoe either doesn’t have a clue or she’s hiding it well. “Oh, of course! I won’t keep you guys any longer. Try to have some fun tonight, Lake!” she tells me, her tone slightly scolding, like a worried parent.