Page 68 of Pieces of Us
“Please kiss me, Linc.”
I study her eyes for any hesitation, because shit, here we are again. She only kisses me during doctor’s appointments. Even though it’s strange to me, I won’t waste the opportunity. I slowly lower my lips to hers, and she brings her hand to the back of my neck. Her tongue pushes at the seam of my lips, and I throw caution to the wind, because I’ll take whatever she is willing to give me.
I kiss her hard. Our heads tilt and I pull her close. She brings both arms up to my shoulders and wraps her legs around me. Fuck, this is good—the way her lips taste, the way her body feels against mine. My mind has me believing I can make up for lost time in this kiss, but it isn’t possible. Not in the time we have, not here.
I feel my cock jump to attention, and I know I need to stop what we’re doing. I don’t want to stop, but I can’t walk around an OB/GYN office with a hard on.
I slow the pace and whisper against Mel’s lips. “I can’t walk around this place with an erection.”
She laughs as she catches her breath. I place both hands on her cheeks and catch her gaze. “Why do we only do this in an ultrasound room?”
“Because here, it can’t go further than a kiss.”
I nod. “That makes sense, I guess.” I place my lips on hers one more brief time. “This is the last time we kiss at the doctor’s office, then.”
Chapter Forty-Seven
Melonie
It’s been a couple of weeks since we found out we’re having a girl. Linc said he didn’t care about the sex of the baby, but I think he’s pretty happy with the news. He made me FaceTime his parents with him right after, showing them the ultrasound picture and pointing to the telling spot. Then it was Jax and Audrey, Marcus, and then Gigi. His eyes sparkling the entire time. He even took one of the ultrasound pictures to work to show his team.
I left a voicemail for my mom, which she hasn’t returned. But my dad did call me to congratulate us and to see the picture, so I know she got my message. I’ve never seen my mother hold a grudge like this, and it’s infuriating.
Tonight, Linc and I are sitting on the couch. I’m curled into his side, both of us in a food coma. We devoured a casserole that his mom had put in our freezer when she visited last weekend. I love his mom already.
We’re watching the latest season ofLove is Blind. We started binging it after we made it through all the episodes ofThe Golden Girls. Linc won’t admit it, but I have a feeling he secretly loves it.
Currently, he’s shaking his head, pointing at the TV. “Laura is way too good for Jeramey. Why the fuck was he out so late? Who does that when they’re engaged?”
He’s so invested it’s hilarious, but I hold back my laughter. “I would make him share his location, too, if I were her.”
He doesn’t take his eyes off the TV as he speaks. “That’s not a relationship. They don’t trust each other, and rightfully so. You need to be able to trust your partner.”
I think about his words. Specifically, the word trust. I have a moment of realization that I trust Linc. Fully. Over the past few months, he has followed through on his words. I can count on him; I don’t feel the doubt that I used to. I would trust him with my life and the baby’s. He’s the only man in my life that I have trusted like this outside of my father.
I look up at him as I sit beside him. His brow is pinched, and he’s still shaking his head at the argument on the television. I study him for a moment. I feel like my mind is playing tricks on me, because all of a sudden, at this very moment, he just looks different. A really good different. Gigi’s voice pops into my mind. “Time for a new pros and cons.”
Pros start stacking in my mind as I imagine a chart forming. He’s respectful; he thinks of me first; he kisses like a God; he’s sexy; he already loves this baby more than I ever imagined he could; his family is great; he’s okay with being a homebody; hecooks breakfastanddoes the dishes; he’s supportive; he’s neat for the most part. And he smells so good right now.
Cons? His side of the fridge is messy, and I’m scared.
I’m only scared because, right now, I think I could let my walls down for him. He already knows practically everything about me, but crossing that line and fully letting him in? That leaves me vulnerable. I don’t like being vulnerable.
How am I able to trust him with the life of my child, but not the safety of my heart? I realize how stupid that sounds. If I would allow myself to open up, things could be so good.
What am I doing? He’s shown me he’s what I’ve been looking for, what I need. Slowly, he’s shown me I can trust him.
He catches me staring at him. “You good?”
“Yeah.” My voice cracks, and I clear my throat. “Yeah, I’m good.”
“You think it’s weird that I’m so worked up over this show, don’t you?”
I can’t stop staring at him. “No, it’s actually really funny.”
“Sorry, I can’t help it when guys act like assholes.”
I straighten and turn toward him. “Linc.”
