“On what, exactly?” She gives me a finger swirling motion, and I turn again.
“So what’s the criteria?” she pushes again.
I suck in a breath and exhale. “Well, if it was my pregnant girlfriend or wife, absolutely. Nothing sexier than a woman carrying your child.”
Kaitlyn stills, and I wish I could see her face. But then she drops it. I’m determined to keep the boundaries after my slipup in front of her whole family.
We ended up buying every outfit she tried on. She tried to pay, but I yanked her wallet out of her hand and told her it was my treat. Mama deserves to be pampered, and I’m more than happy to spend money on her. In fact, I’d spoil the shit out of her every day if she’d let me.
When we get home, Kaitlyn lies on the couch and falls asleep. As much fun as we had, she’s exhausted. While she naps, I unload the bags.
I place the few things we picked out in the room that’s starting to look like a nursery. Leaning against the doorway, I envision exactly what my daughter’s room will look like and how she’ll decorate it over the years. A smile meets my lips, knowing how many happy memories we’ll make and how much she’s already loved. There’s no doubt in my mind she’ll have a better childhood than I did. That’s something I will make sure of.
After a few hours, I make dinner, then wake her up to eat.
“You know this is my favorite,” she sing-songs, twirling the spaghetti noodles around her fork. When she notices the big dill pickle I set on a plate, she bursts out laughing.
“Our baby is thankin’ you right now.” She crunches into it and moans with delight.
“Gotta keep my girls happy.”
“Thank you for such a good time today. I was dreadin’ having to wear maternity clothes, and you made it a good experience.”
“It was my pleasure to take you. Now, we’ll just have to plan a day to go Christmas shopping.”
“I’m down for that. Preferably sooner rather than later because today kicked my ass, and the bigger I get, the harder it will be to stand on my feet for long periods.”
“I’ll look at our schedules and plan something.”
After dinner, Kaitlyn decides she wants to take a bath, so I offer to draw it for her. Then I decide to light a few candles and sprinkle in some salts. When it’s ready, I grab her hand and lead her to it.
“This is so sweet,” she gushes. “Will you help me undress?”
I give her a puzzled look because she’s always demanded privacy. “Are you sure?”
She nods, taking her hair out from the ponytail and allowing it to fall around her face. Slowly, I slide my fingers into the elastic band of her pants and lower them down along with her panties. Then I take my time lifting the sweater over her head. I meet her heated gaze as I reach behind her and unsnap her bra. Her supple breasts fall, and I swallow hard, wishing I could suck on her taut nipples.
“You’re hard,” she states, studying the large bulge in my jeans.
I clear my throat, readjusting myself. “Do you need help gettin’ in the tub?”
“Yes, please.”
I hold out my hand to help her, but she stops in place. “Touch me, Payton.”
Cautiously, I step closer and place my hand on her hips.
“Not like that. You know what I need.”
“I can’t,” I whisper. My words nearly destroy me.
Defeat washes across her face. “Why not? Am I not your type?”
Placing my hand on her cheek, I blow out a breath. “My sweet Kate, you’re so goddamn beautiful, the prettiest woman I’ve ever met. But you made the rules. I’m just following them.”
“Fuck the rules,” she hisses.
I shake my head, trying to stay strong even as she pushes the limits. “It’ll only complicate things, and you know that. We’ve gone this far. I don’t want to ruin what we have.”