Page 66 of Unexpected Pass

“Don’t disrespect me.” Kellon kissed my lips before pulling back and staring me in the eyes.

“Why would you find a place when your man has a perfectly nice one right here?”

“I don’t want to impose. We’ve only known each other for a few weeks.”

“The best few weeks of my life. You’re already my girl. We’re already expecting a child. Why wouldn’t you stay here?”

He kissed me again, and I stood still, letting the silence wrap around us before asking the question clawing at the back of my throat.

“Kellon… are you sure about this? About me? Taking on my baby… all of it? You’re stepping into something messy and life changing, and you’ve only known me for a short time.”

His brows furrowed like I’d offended him.

“Phileigh…” His voice was low and firm. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life, and that includes football. I don’t care how complicated this shit is or how complicated it’ll get. Iwantthis. I wantyou. I want the baby and everything that comes with that. I’m not some nigga that needs time to figure out if you’re the one. I know you are, so why waste time?”

My chest tightened, and I reached for him, kissing him like I needed to feel his words, like I needed to feel him.

“I’m all in, Phileigh Cheese. Are you?”

“Yes.” I didn’t need to think about it further or consult with anyone. It felt right. “I’m all in.”

“I’ll call Dr. Gaines in the morning,” he said, brushing his thumb over my lower back. “She can get you started with care.”

“That’ll be great.” I nodded. I couldn’t believe all that had happened today. From my parents to this life-changing job offer. I stepped back to grab my phone off the couch.

“Where you going?”

“I have to tell Lolo the good news. She’s going to lose her mind.” I exhaled a laugh, and Kellon chuckled.

“Go ahead, baby. Tell the world. I’ll arrange to get some of your things from your apartment back home.”

I nodded as I ran off to call my best friend, and for the first time in a long time, I was actually proud of the news I had to share.

I watchedPhileigh adjust her dress in the mirror for the fifth time. She hadn’t said anything, but I already knew what it was. She was seeing changes in her body. Her fingers smoothed down the sides of the dress and the small pouch that seemed to appear overnight. The burgundy dress she wore hugged every curve of her body and complemented her brown skin. Hell, she looked fucking beautiful. If my mom hadn’t ordered us to attend this function tonight, I would have been ripped her out of that dress and bent her over the bed.

“You are gorgeous,” I assured her as I walked up behind her, kissing her bare shoulder. Her skin was warm, and she smelled sweet. It was taking everything in me not to get sidetracked.

“You’re just saying that to make me feel better.” She smiled softly, meeting my gaze in the mirror.

“It’s the truth,” I said, wrapping my arms around her waist. “You’re glowing.”

Her hand drifted to her belly. “I don’t look too… I don’t know... fat? You can’t tell I’m pregnant, right?”

I leaned closer. My lips brushed her ear. “You look like a woman who has a man that don’t play about her.” I kissed the corner of her mouth. “Are you ready? We’re going to turn heads as it is. Let’s not add being late.”

“Let me just grab my purse.”

“Actually…” I walked to the other side of the bed and pulled out the box I’d stashed earlier. “I’ve got something for you.”

She raised an eyebrow with curiosity and confusion as I handed her the Chanel box. When she opened it and saw the sleek black bag inside, her eyes widened and watered at the same time.

“Kellon… this is gorgeous. You didn’t have to do this.”

“Happy Valentine’s Day,” I said, kissing the side of her neck. Then I picked up the smaller Tiffany box I’d hidden with it. “And this too.”

Her mouth fell open as she opened the box, revealing the diamond Cuban link chain and the heart pendant necklace that cost me over fifteen bands. I removed the necklace from the box and fastened it around her neck.

“Kellon, this is too much,” she whispered.

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