Chapter 7

Seven

Gabriella

" E verything will be fine, he said." I leaned my head against the cool porcelain of the tub, allowing my body to fall to the bathroom floor. "I promise, he said."

My stomach rolled again and I braced, ready to jump up and heave over the toilet again, if necessary. But the nausea receded. Finally.

I sighed with relief and gave myself a few more minutes rest just to be sure my stomach wasn't going to revolt again.

The last month had passed in a blur. And true to his word, Mac had done his best to take care of me.

What he hadn't counted on when he made his promise was that my body and our baby would conspire against him. All those What to Expect books had said that morning sickness usually wore off as you entered your second trimester.

Not in my case. It only seemed to get worse. According to the doctor Mac had found for me in town, this was perfectly normal. My body was going through the normal amount of changes that came along with pregnancy. And along with those changes came the morning, noon, and night sickness for some. I fell into that category and man did I wish I could fast forward to about ten minutes after delivery already.

But the last month hadn't been all bad. I started showing in the last week or so.

I smiled and stroked my hand over my little baby bump. I should probably be freaked at the thought of raising a little soul who would depend on me for every little thing. But for some reason, I stayed completely calm about it. And with each passing day, I got more and more excited to meet my baby.

I'd also managed to find a job. Mac argued with me a little bit about that, but I had made it clear, I had no intention of living in Hardwood indefinitely with no means of supporting myself.

Things might be good with Mac and I right now. That didn't mean I was stupid enough to assume they'd stay that way. I needed to be sure I could take care of myself and my baby no matter what. And that meant gainful employment.

As it turned out, Hardwood had one tattoo shop and an empty seat needing filling.

I stopped in with a portfolio of my work. Plus, my tattoos—the hummingbird on the inside of my left wrist, the lotus flower on my shoulder, and an interwoven Celtic knot with a cross drawn in simple black on my hip. While I hadn't done the actual tattoos, I'd painstakingly designed each one.

And the irony that I had a similar cross tattoo on my hip to the one on Mac's shoulder didn't escape my notice.

The shop owner hired me on the spot and was thankfully flexible about my hours.

And as far as things being good between Mac and I…things had been good between Mac and I. So good that if I were a different kind of person, I might even say great.

The first night had been weird. We had a late lunch of chili and brownies and then Mac took me into town and showed me around. When we returned to his house, we ate leftovers and as usual, since I'd gotten pregnant, exhaustion had hit me early in the evening.

And then Mac had asked me if I wanted to share his room or use his guest room. Everything in me jumped to life at the thought of sharing a bed with Mac. And seriously, we'd already been intimate. Obviously. It seemed a bit like closing the barn door.

But living with him in his house, having his baby—our relationship had changed completely from the one night only, no strings attached fling we'd both thought would be the beginning and end of our association. To something much more. I didn't want to ruin things by going too fast, too soon.

So I'd opted for the guest room. And I'd been kicking myself in the ass ever since.

Because for the last month, living under the same roof as drool-worthy Mac Becker, sharing meals with him, making plans for our baby's future together…everything about it felt right. Yet it was all hands off. At least on my part.

My days had fallen into a natural rhythm of work and taking care of the house. I didn't spend too much time thinking about how taking care of the house meant taking care of Mac.

I'd even gotten to meet Mac's friends and business partners—Sawyer, Dyson, and Eeli. And with the men came their women, Trinity and Clara.

Trinity and I had formed a fast friendship, something that never happened to me before. Being women among rugged mountain men and former soldiers and trying to fit into their world gave us an instant reason to bond. And if that wasn't enough, I sensed Trinity had a past that was a lot like mine. We didn't talk much about that, but just the fact she was as eager to leave the subject alone as I was spoke volumes.

Mac had also not given up on the idea of us sharing his bedroom. Or more accurately, his bed. He flirted, he touched, he caressed. He fucking drove me wild and then walked away with the biggest damn grin knowing he tortured me.

The persistent man found every opportunity to skim his hands over any inch of skin I left bare. Run his tongue over the pulse point just below my neck. Walk out of the shower, his hardon bouncing against his thigh only to stroke himself before slowly closing his bedroom door.

I shuddered just thinking of how it felt when he stood behind me in nothing but sweatpants last night, his hard cock teasing my ass all the while whispering dirty fantasies in my ear.

The man made it hard to resist him at every turn.

But I somehow managed to keep my legs closed and my hands to myself.

Like an idiot.

Which brought me to now. Lying on the bathroom floor, praying my stomach would stop its shenanigans so I could finish making dinner.

"Gabriella? You home?"

I groaned as Mac's voice floated up the stairs. I'd come to love and hate hearing those words. Every time he said them, my heart leaped and my pulse started pounding.

My body also responded in other ways. My nipples always turned rock hard and the throb between my legs became so unbearable I had to press my legs together to try and snuff out the need for his hands and tongue there.

With each passing day, the deep soul-wrenching feelings he stirred inside me felt more and more true. Like I was home. That he was home.

When he'd returned last night he'd pulled me to the couch and we made out for two hours, our movie forgotten white noise in the background.

Kissing, touching, the heat of his body over mine. I couldn't resist. He'd gone down on me and I had such a strong orgasm I felt my walls clenching even now, ready for seconds.

But I knew better than to settle into those feelings. The minute I let my guard down, I knew— I knew— something would happen and the rug would be pulled out from under me. Again.

Because I also knew that if Mac betrayed my trust, I might not be able to pick myself up again.

"Gabriella?" He called up the stairs.

I heaved myself up from the bathroom floor and moved slowly to the sink, bracing myself on the vanity. I made quick work of brushing my teeth and rinsing my mouth with mouthwash.

I could hear his feet pounding up the stairs just as I finished wiping my mouth on the hand towel.

"You okay, beautiful?"

I turned to find him leaning on the bathroom door frame and my breath left my lungs. Even after a month of seeing him daily, his rugged good looks could take me by surprise.

Concern brought his brows together and he stepped into the small room. "Gabriella?"

I shook off my horny hormones. "I'm fine. Baby's just making sure I don't forget about him today."

Mac grinned and reached for me, wrapping his arms loosely around my waist. "The little one's giving you a hard time, huh?"

I nodded. "Some days more than others."

He kissed the tip of my nose and I shivered, melting into him. I laid my head on his chest, right over his heart.

"Are you exhausted?"

I nodded, not bothering to pick up my head. He gathered me in closer and rocked me a little in his arms, his head resting on the top of mine. It was a position I found myself in a lot, and I hated to admit how much I was coming to rely on the comfort I got being in his arms.

After a few minutes, Mac pulled back. "How about a warm bubble bath?"

I wrinkled my nose. "I've read that baths aren't good for you when you're pregnant. I'm not sure if it's true or an old wives' tale, but I rather not take any chances until I talk to the doctor."

"Okay, how about you take a warm shower with some of that gel stuff that makes you smell so good." He ran his nose along my jawline, up to my ear. "I'll make some dinner while you get comfortable."

"You'll make dinner?"

"I can cook, beautiful."

My mind traveled over the last month. I'd seen Mac nuke some canned spaghetti one afternoon. He'd brought home takeout a bunch of times. He'd made himself sandwiches here and there.

But aside from those few exceptions, if I didn't cook, he didn't eat.

"Are you sure? I'm thinking canned spaghetti is not on the top of recommended meals for pregnant women."

His hands slid up to my shoulders and he did his best to look indignant. "I'll have you know I can make more than canned spaghetti. I can also grill a mean steak. And a mean pork chop. And a mean chicken breast."

I smiled at him. "I'm beginning to see a theme here. You want me to design a tattoo for you? Maybe something like if you can kill it, I can grill it. I can weave the words into some deer antlers."

He shook his head and used his grip on me to turn me around. With a light spank on my ass, he nudged me toward the shower stall. "Shower, smart ass. I'll see what I can manage for dinner."

I giggled. That's right. Me. Gabriella Cole. I giggled. And I wasn't even ashamed of myself.

In fact, I think a silly grin stayed on my face through the entire shower. I took my time, enjoying every minute of the warm water coursing over my tired body.

By the time I got out and slipped into some pajamas—lightweight pink shorts and a camisole top—my fingers were pruney and every inch of me felt relaxed. I slathered some jasmine-scented lotion over my skin, smiling even more when I thought of Mac's remark about my scent.

I stepped into the living room, feeling cozy but stopped dead in my tracks. While I was taking my time pampering myself, Mac had been busy down here preparing his own bit of pampering.

He'd turned the lights down low. Even though the sunset didn't come until late this time of year the forest canopy kept too much light from leaking into the room.

Mac had a small, crackling fire going in the fireplace and he'd set candles all over the room. Wood smoke and vanilla filled the room with a fragrance that was homey and a little sexy at the same time.

Instead of setting the dining room table, Mac had put placemats on the low coffee table. He'd lined pillows and a few soft throws on the floor so we could get cozy and eat in front of the fire.

As I was taking it all in, the French doors off the kitchen opened and Mac stepped inside from the deck. He carried a big platter of grilled steaks and veggies. When he caught sight of me, he paused and his gaze ran slowly from the top of my head to the tip of my bare toes. A slow, hungry smile spread across his face and he started moving again—heading straight for me.

He leaned down, holding the platter of food to the side, and kissed me, slow and easy. The touch of his mouth on mine sent tingles of awareness through my body. My eyes drifted closed and my toes curled into the carpet beneath my feet as my hands came up to rest on his chest.

He pulled back and I stood swaying, my eyes still closed for several seconds, savoring his warmth and taste even after he stepped away.

His low chuckle brought me out of my kiss-induced stupor. I opened my eyes with a soft, happy sigh.

He placed the platter in the middle of the coffee table. Staring at the perfectly grilled steaks, potatoes, and veggies, my stomach growled.

Mac's chuckle turned into an outright laugh. The sound moved right through me, warming me from the inside out.

I placed a hand over my stomach. "Easy, Slugger. You're about to get fed."

"Slugger?"

I dropped to one of the spots Mac set up on the floor and didn't hesitate in filling my plate. "This kid's beating the tar out of me and he hasn't even started kicking yet. I figure in another month he'll be practicing his curveball with my kidneys as the catcher."

Mac smiled, shaking his head. He dropped down into the spot next to mine and forked a steak onto his plate. "Not to put down your first choice because Slugger is a perfectly fine name. But have you considered any other names for the baby?"

I paused in the middle of cutting into my steak and tipped my head to the side. "I haven't come up with anything I love. Amber is my best friend's name. So if Slugger turns out to be a girl, maybe a twist on Amber? I don't know. Do you have any names you like?"

"My grandfather's name was John. He was a good man who died way too young. I always thought I'd like to name my son after him."

I'd been meeting his family here and there during my stay. Mac made sure they didn't come to visit in full force. Something I was eternally grateful for, especially after hearing Trinity's story of the sneak attack meet-the-family-get-together she experienced.

I always felt a little out of place when Mac's family was around like I was on the fringe of things. They'd all been very nice and done their best to welcome me. But I never felt more like the random chick Mac accidentally knocked up than when his family was around.

One thing I couldn't fail to notice, though, was how much they all loved Mac. His parents and his brothers and sister were obviously thrilled to have him home. And as I thought of it, I realized I loved the idea that my child would be born into a big family with that much love to give.

"That's lovely," I said softly. "I like the name John. And I love the idea of giving our baby a name that's meaningful for your family."

Mac offered me a gentle smile and I couldn't look away from him. I could feel my heart pick up speed and for the first time, I gave into the instincts that seemed to be constantly drumming inside me lately.

I leaned forward, closing the distance between us, and I kissed him. Took his lips with mine and let all the bottled up emotions, the fear, the excitement, all of it, and let it bleed through our connection until I didn't feel like I would drown at any second.

It started slow and sweet like the kiss he'd given me. But it didn't take long for him to take it over, deepening it and running the tip of his tongue across the seam of my lips.

I opened to him, dropping my fork on my plate and turning toward him more fully. He took advantage of my new position, reaching forward and tugging me across his lap without breaking the kiss.

I slid my arms around his neck, pulling myself against him. He cradled me in his arms, holding me close to his body. All the emotions and need that built over the last few weeks surged to the surface with an urgency that left me panting as I tried to get closer and closer to him.

Mac slanted his mouth over mine, his tongue plunging into my mouth, searching and tasting. I grasped handfuls of his T-shirt, trying to pull myself closer to him.

He ripped his mouth from mine and kissed his way down my jawline. I tilted my head back to rest on his shoulder, giving him easier access. A soft moan escaped my lips as he kissed and nipped the sensitive skin of my neck.

His teeth scraped against the spot where my shoulder and my neck met, and I arched up against his mouth.

"Damn, Mac." I shuddered in his arms.

"Let me keep making you feel good, beautiful." His mouth moved away from my neck and his tongue flicked over my earlobe. "I want to bury myself inside you, Gabriella. Tonight. Not ten months from now. I need you now."

He pulled back so he could look down into my face. I stared up at him, my mind offering me so many reasons I should say no.

But when I opened my mouth, there was only one word I could push past my lips.

"Take me."