For the first time in this conversation, I feel the tension rush from my shoulders. I inhale deeply and then take a moment to really look at the incredible woman sitting in front of me. As much as I thought that Leonora and I were in love (at least at the beginning), I recognize that those emotions were more closely aligned with lust.
But with Lori, there’s something else there. Something pure, true, and precious, and I’m increasingly confused by what I feel for her. Of course I want her because physically, she’s utterly sexy and irresistible with her luscious curves and sassy build. Not only that, but emotionally, she’s surpassed my expectations, displaying maturity and wisdom beyond her years. After all, even after telling her about my checkered past with my ex, she’s still willing to see where our relationship might go. Gratitude wells up in my chest, and I swallow hard around the lump in my throat.
“I’m not quite sure how I got so lucky finding you,” I say in a brusque tone. To be honest, I’m not one to be so open, so I’m slightly taken aback by my own candor.
But Lori merely smiles again, her brown eyes gentle.
“Miracles happen every day, Caleb,” she says. “And I’m pretty sure we met through my dad,” she teases easily.
“Ah that’s right,” I growl before pulling the luscious woman back into my arms. She snuggles into me and rests her head against my chest as contentment spreads through my form. “You’re a nice piece of womanflesh to have in my lap,” I growl into her curls. “Sometimes this is exactly what a man needs.”
Lori merely giggles and looks up, those chocolate eyes piercing me to my soul.
“Oh good because I think you’re an incredible man and father and sexy on top of it all, Mr. Minor. You’re a DILF, remember?”
A chuckle escapes my chest, a deep rolling sound that makes Lori shake with the movement. She sighs with contentment again, and nestles against me. Suddenly, a realization strikes: I haven’t felt so relaxed in a long time. The world seems brighter and filled with hope, even as we sit in easy silence for a few moments. I wish Weston could have a mom like Lori.
The thought jerks me to sanity. What am I doing? I just met this woman, and not only that, but she’s far too young to be starting a family. Yet, I can’t help myself and feel an intense urge to put a baby in her. What would she look like, this curvy body swelling with my child inside? Unbidden, my big hand goes to her stomach, resting on the softness there.
“Something on your mind, Mr. Minor?” Lori asks in a gentle voice. I try to get myself in order, reminding myself that I need to take things slowly with the young woman, despite my desires. And yet, I can’t help but wonder…
“Do you think that you want children some day?” I ask aloud, startled at my own candor.
She smiles, pressing her hand against mine on her tummy. “Honestly?” she says. “I’m only twenty, so I haven’t given it too much thought. I mean, a baby was always more theoretical than anything.”
“I didn’t mean to force this subject,” I immediately apologize.
Lori just laughs. “No, it’s fine. Again, I guess I just haven’t spent a lot of time thinking about it. Which is kind of ironic, really.”
“Oh?” I raise his eyebrows at the odd statement.
She smiles coyly.
“It’s nothing crazy, but you know how I’m really into science right?”
I grin. “Yeah, your dad’s told me. Again and again, in fact.”
“I know,” she apologizes, laughing anyways. “But yeah, recently I designed my own home pregnancy test. The goal was to create something more accurate than what you’d get at a drug store and the crazy thing is that my invention actually works!”
My jaw drops open.
“Wow, that’s impressive,” I growl, genuinely captivated by her talent. Just as quickly, I feel my heart catch in my throat. Is she pregnant? “And how do you know it works?” I ask, feeling a little frantic. After all, we’ve been making love constantly in the short time we’ve known each other, and it’s possible she’s pregnant even now. The girl is young and undoubtedly fertile, and no contraception is perfect. But Lori must hear the concern in my voice because she immediately laughs and reassures me.
“I didn’t test it on me,” she says in a soothing tone. “But I did give out a couple tests to women I know, and one of them turned out to be pregnant, so we know it works. We confirmed it with other home pregnancy tests, and then she even went to the doctor to do a blood test, so it’s definitely usable. But as for me, I’m really happy because it means I’m truly a mad scientist!”