One night stand with my daddy's best friend
22

Chapter 22 Liam

Ava led the way into her apartment and flipped on the light switch. A warm glow enveloped the living room. Everything was in its place, neat and organized.

Until she shucked off her shoes and tossed her scarf on a chair. Then she raised both arms and yawned.

"You need to go to bed."

I shouldn't have let us walk the streets for so long. She seemed okay in the moment. But it likely was too much.

Plus, having crazy hot sex on the way home didn't help. "It's not even that late. I told you I'm fine."

"You're tired, so the time makes little difference." I moved to her and ran a thumb over her cheek. "You'll get some sleep?"

"Yes, I guess so." She turned her back to me.

It took a few seconds to catch on, but then I did and drew her zipper down.

"Need anything else?" I kissed the soft curve of her neck. She moaned softly, tilting her head for more.

I wrapped an arm around her waist and drew her up against me. Her sweet feminine fragrance and the brush of her hair against my cheek spurred me on. Then the little kisses turned into sucking and I growled low in my throat. Ava spun in my arms and pressed her soft lips to mine. Her hands rode up my chest and went to my hair, rubbing my scalp.

What was I doing? She needed sleep.

"Ava," I rasped, capturing her hands in mine and pulling them away. "We shouldn't."

"But we could," she whispered.

The sound went straight to my cock. I contemplated giving in for one second but shook off the thought.

"It's been a long day. You're tired."

"Not anymore." Her eyes twinkled and she reached for my buttons. "Ava." I caught her hands between mine.

If she touched me again, I'd forget myself and that wouldn't be good for her.

She blew out a breath. "Okay." "Hang on, you have that look."

"What look?" She raised both brows over wide, innocent brown eyes. "That look that says you're just agreeing with me until I let my guard

down again."

We were both thinking of the drive home. I could see it by the blush on her cheeks and her eyes dropping from mine.

"That's not what I'm doing." "If you say so."

"It's not!" "Prove it."

Her eyes shot to mine. "Fine. I will." "Okay."

She huffed and spun on her heel, headed to the bedroom. I chuckled. That should turn her off for a while.

When she came back out, I'd leave so she'd get some rest. Then I remembered.

"Ava?"

"Yes?” Her voice came out muffled from the bedroom. "Where are the cleaning products you use for your business?"

It took a few seconds for her to answer. Probably wondering why I asked. "In the cabinet under the sink."

I took off my shoes and went in search of the products.

I was crouched by the cabinet, reading the labels on the bottles when Ava came back out.

"What are you doing?"

I glanced up. She was in a bright purple nightshirt that clung to her frame and highlighted her curves.

The temptation to say nothing and instead collect her in my arms and kiss her silky lips was too

rong.

I pulled my gaze back to the bottle. "Just making sure everything you use is free of harmful chemicals."

"Why?" She leaned against the counter, looking down.

"You're pregnant. And these are all organic. Safe for pregnant women." "Oh my gosh, seriously?" A rueful smile pulled at her cheeks.

"Yes." I put the products back and shut the cabinet. "So, is that all, Dr. Cooper?"

I ignored her teasing tone and rose to my feet. "No, you have to be careful, too."

"In what way?" She folded her arms across her chest, watching me. "The positions you take."

"Oh, like this one?" She flattened both hands on the counter and stuck her ass out.

"Ava..."

She wiggled her pert backside, tempting me to no end. "I'm serious."

"Okay." She giggled, straightening. "What positions?"

Now that she'd put the idea in my head, it was hard to get out. But I managed.

"Can you avoid certain tasks?"

"Like what?" A line formed between her brows.

She loved what she did and I wasn't about to veto everything. "Like cleaning the bathtub. You'd have to bend over and-"

"Isn't the baby protected in the womb and secure in my body? And right now, they're very, very tiny."

I paused. Good point.

"But bending over like that engages the abdominals in a way that's not completely safe for you and the baby, especially doing it as often as you're required."

"Oh yeah?" She pulled close and ran a finger down my chest. "I recall bending over just a couple of hours ago and it wasn't a problem then."

"Yeah, that." I bowed my head, a flush running up my neck. "I wasn't thinking."

"I like you when you're not thinking."

I lifted my gaze to meet hers. Her eyes gleamed suggestively. "Remember our bet?"

She bit her lip, eyes rolling up. "Yes. Is my time up yet?" "Not quite. But soon."

"I don't like this bet."

"I know." I ran my hands down her sides to her hips and back up to her trim waist. "You have to be careful, Ava."

"I am careful."

"No backbreaking positions, no strenuous activities, none of that." "Okay."

"And anytime you feel even a bit uncomfortable, take a break immediately."

She laughed. "Liam, you worry too much."

"I'm worried just the right amount." I nuzzled her cheek. "It's my baby in there and I need to make sure you're both safe and healthy."

"Liam..." Her face turned a pretty pink, her eyes soft. "That's sweet."

I smiled and pulled her securely against me. She fit just right. Like we were made for each other.

The words danced on my tongue but I swallowed them. We'd been through enough today, and I didn't want to rock the boat and cause her any more strain. Would it scare Ava off if I said something like that?

The question evaporated from my mind as her lips met mine. Soft and sweet and searching. She tasted like mint toothpaste and home.

Her soft moans played on my senses, and reeled me in, drugging me.

I lifted her up and placed her on the counter, just to get her off her feet.

She spread her thighs and pulled me close. Her tender hands ran through my hair, down my face, and landed on my chest. Like she couldn't get enough. Neither could I.

My cock turned to steel in my pants but the last thing I wanted was for this to go further.

It was oddly comforting to just hold her, and feel her in my arms. With her lips playing across mine and our tongues tangling.

"Oof!"

I pulled away, a bit breathless. "Ava, are you okay?" I searched her face. "No, not really." She pressed a hand to her stomach. "Was it a cramp?" My mind worked with all the reasons why she could be hurting.

"Kinda."

I frowned.

"I think I'm hungry again."

"God, Ava." I sighed and rested my head against her shoulder. "Way to scare a man.'

"What?" She rubbed my back, then my shoulders. "I'm really hungry."

"Fine, we'll get you something. What do you want?" "Pizza with pineapple on top."

"What?" I reared back. "Really?"

"Yeah, I don't know. I'm just craving it badly."

I chuckled. "Okay, we'll get you...pizza with pineapple." It was a struggle to repress my shudder.

"Kiss me before it gets here because you look like you won't after I eat something like that." "What? No..."

Ava's eyes remained narrowed. "Okay, okay, come here."

She laughed and pulled me back in. After a few seconds, she broke off. "That pizza, though." "I'm on it."

I helped her off the counter. While she went back to the living room, I called in the order.

"What are we watching?" I dropped onto the couch.

Ava scooted closer and tucked herself in the crook of my arm. Her softness, warmth, and sweet smell went to my head. I didn't hear her answer.

All I could focus on was wrapping my arm around her shoulder, keeping her secure against me. She belonged here.

"Have you seen it before?" "No." I never watched TV. "Oh, this will be fun."

Ava's eyes stayed glued to it, a small smile on her lips. Watching the light play on her features was more enjoyable for me. But I managed to tear my eyes away for a few moments to catch the show.

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It was a home makeover. Every few scenes, Ava would rant about what they were doing. I had no idea what any of it meant, but it was important to her, so I paid attention enough to get the gist of it. "Is she changing the kitchen floors to hardwood?"

"She's not supposed to do that! It'll be a disaster." Ava looked aghast. "Crazy Teresa."

"And Jan said not to. Why didn't she listen to him?" "It's probably a power play."

"Right? She wants to seem important and make the decisions. Ends up making the wrong ones!"

The pizza arrived just as the show's host presented the renovated home to the family. After I collected the boxes and came back, the scene was somber- looking.

"What did I miss?"

"They hated the makeover."

"Oh, that's too bad." I reclaimed my spot and opened Ava's pizza box. She dove in immediately, still commiserating with the homeowners.

I flipped my pizza box open and she scooted closer. "What did you get? Oh, extra cheese." Her eyes rounded. "You want some?"

A smile curved her lips. "Would that be greedy? I keep eating your food." "I don't mind." She looked unconvinced. "Fine, we'll swap slices."

Two slices in and Ava wasn't going for the pizza anymore. She leaned against me, her head on my chest.

"So cool they redid Teresa's bad designs." "Will she be kicked off the show?"

"Nah, the drama is good for ratings." "Hmm, makes sense."

I rubbed her arm, watching the homeowners' six months update. They loved their new house and took good care of it.

Speaking of homes, I looked around Ava's. It was cozy and warm. Full of plants.

Nice for a single woman. But not much space for a baby to move around without obstacles.

"Hey, do you think "

A sharp inhale cut me off.

"Ava?" I brushed her hair to the side.

Her eyes were closed and she was fast asleep.

I eased her down onto my lap and she stretched her feet. But not once did her eyes open.

She must have been very tired.

I rubbed her back, encouraging her rest. She needed the strength for herself and the baby.

I wanted the best for them both.

They were quickly becoming all I cared about it. I'd been back in Hannibal for a couple of hours and hadn't reached out to Thomas about the locking up at the clinic. I'd do so tomorrow. For now, Ava was all I could think of.

Was living here the best for her and the baby? It seemed too small. Plus, I'd like to be around for night feedings and all the chaos that came with a newborn.

We couldn't do that here.

When the time was right, I'd ask her to move in with me. The decision settled in my chest.

I ran my hands through the silky strands of her hair.

Would she like that? My pulse was already racing just thinking of it.

Even before I considered all the angles, it was clear what I felt in my heart.

No more quiet, boring nights alone. No more Ava rushing to leave the next morning. We would be together.

But first, we needed to tell Thomas.