The hotel isn’t fancy and the room is basic, but it has everything I need. A clean bathroom and a bed. I drop my purse on the dresser, then fish out what I need. Bending down, I take off my shoes and pad into the bathroom, the tiles cold underfoot. I diligently wash my hands with soap and then lay out what I need on the vanity.
When I glance into the mirror, I pause, studying my reflection carefully. My life could possibly change tonight. I fiddle with my hair and smooth my hands down my clothes, twisting this way and that in the mirror.
Now, what do I do while I wait? Peering out of the glass doors to the small balcony, I think some fresh air is in order. The sounds of the city greet me as I step outside and draw in a deep breath. I love this city. I love the skyline at night, and I love the sunsets on the beach. I love spring walks along the river and hikes in the fall. This city has everything I need, which is one of the reasons I didn’t want to leave when Michael got his promotion.
A knock sounds and I jump.Shit! Calm down, girl.My foot connects with the soft carpet as I step back inside to answer the door with a racing heart. I pause for a moment, my hand on the knob, and take breaths to calm my nerves. AJ’s been cool and laid back throughout the entire process so far, and he’s happily gone along with every request I’ve made. I shake out my hands while I draw in and blow out a long breath, put on my best smile, and open the door as though I’m not a nervous wreck.
My eyes connect with AJ’s, and then dart around his face, taking in the five o’clock shadow he’s had every time we’ve met. I then skim down his fit physique and the navy Henley, which hugs his torso like a second skin to the black ripped jeans, clinging to his defined thighs. He’s definitely got great genetics. Physically, he’s my ultimate in every single way. I wonder how he stays in such great shape when his job keeps him tied to a desk? My eyes make it back to his face and the smirk he’s wearing, his eyes crinkled in humor. My cheeks heat having been caught admiring him so blatantly.
“Hey.”Good one, Sarah.
“Hi.” He leans forward, laying a chaste kiss on my cheek and sending heat racing through my body, then bends down to collect a bag as if his kiss was of no consequence. When he steps over the threshold, I take a step back to allow him to pass through the doorway. I’m not sure why he needs an overnight bag, his part will be over and done with and he’ll be able to go home shortly.
He places his bag on the luggage rack and glances around the room. AJ walks over to the bed and presses down on the mattress, then turns to me with a sparkle in his eye. “Are you nervous? Because I’m nervous and I really hope I’m not alone in my nerves.” He chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck, making his bicep bulge. My eyes follow the action with appreciation. “I’ve never had sex on demand before.”
Uhm, what?His words jolt me out of my stupor and I snap my eyes back to his face.
What does he mean, he’s never had sex on demand before? Does he think we’re having sex tonight?
I can’t have sex with him. Whenever someone sticks their dick in me, I fall in love with them. I can’t separate my emotions from the act. My stupid hormones and heart think it’s love. It’s why I can’t have one-night stands like Mel.
Well, this is awkward. I shuffle on my feet, glancing around the small space. Has the room shrunk? It suddenly feels too small. And hot. Is it hotter in here? My pulse pounds in my ears like a drum line.
AJ steps into my space, and this close I can smell his citrus aftershave. He smells so freaking good—his pheromones play havoc with my senses. I tip my head back, hoping he didn’t notice me drawing in a deep breath of his scent. “Are you okay, Sarah?”
I nod, then bite my bottom lip, his eyes drop to the action. His pupils dilate and his nostrils flare. I take half a step back, putting more space between us. “I, uh, think maybe there’s been a … a … misunderstanding.”
Creases form across his forehead and his eyes narrow. “In what way?”
“Well, uh, we don’t actually need to have sex for me to get pregnant.” I semi-chuckle awkwardly as I spin on my heel and head toward the bathroom. Collecting the sealed items I placed on the vanity earlier, I turn back toward AJ, bumping into him. “Uh, sorry. I didn’t realize you were so close.”
He glances down at the items in my hands, then up at my face. “What the hell is that for?” He waves his hand around the items I’m holding.
I hold one of the items up higher. “Well, you’re going to collect your semen in this collection condom.” I shake the pink packet in front of him. “Then you can go home. I’ll use this syringe to get the sperm where it needs to go.” I wave the plastic device around between us as I explain the process—I assumed he would be somewhat familiar with the collection process.
He studies the items as if he’s never seen either of them before, then his eyes flick up to mine as his hands land on his hips. He opens and closes his mouth several times, then raises his hand to grasp the back of his neck, making his bicep bulge again.Nice.“You can’t be serious.”
“What do you mean? Of course I’m serious. I’ve never been more serious about anything in my life.” I place the items back on the vanity.
“I figured we’d be doing this the old-fashioned way. You know … having sex.” He paces away from me, shaking his head.
I cross my arms under my breasts and huff out a breath. Oh God, I hope he doesn’t change his mind. I narrow my eyes and try to work out a way to keep him here. To ensure he follows through with our plan and our agreement. “You’re not going to change your mind, are you?”
He spins around to face me, his eyes dropping to my breasts, then sliding back up to my face. “I said I’d give you my swimmers until you were pregnant. I don’t go back on my word. Ever.” He softens his voice, stepping closer to me. “Don’t worry, I won’t back out.”
I blow out a long breath, my shoulders dropping from around my ears. “Oh, thank God. I was worried for a minute there. Well, if you want to get started”—I gesture with my head toward the bathroom—“I’ll wait out here for you.” I give him my best smile, trying to appear less frazzled than I actually feel.
He steps into the bathroom, studying me like he’s investigating a science project and my body heats under his gaze. “So I wear this condom and do the deed in here, while you … you’re on the other side of this door?” He points to the bathroom door.
“Uh, yeah. Do you need anything?” Maybe I should have brought some nudie magazines or something?
His eyes linger on me for several long moments before he shakes his head and begins to unbuckle his belt. I take the hint and pull the door closed. It’s weird to be out here with a flimsy wall and door between us, knowing what he’s doing in there. I glance at the door as I pace around the small room.
I can’t believe he thought we’d be having sex. Iknowhe didn’t have sex with his sister-in-law to get her pregnant. I assumed he knew we wouldn’t need to actually ‘have sex.’ I check my purse to make sure I’ve got my handy dandy bullet and tuck it beneath the pillow.
I pace the room and I pace some more. Stepping closer to the bathroom door, I’m tempted to press my ear against it, but I resist—barely. As I’m pulling away, the door flies open and AJ is revealed. Shit, he nearly caught me about to eavesdrop. His hair is disheveled and his cheeks are adorably pink. He holds up the collection condom, the top pinched between his fingers. My heart gallops in my chest and I want to jump up and down on the spot with glee. He did it! My eyes snap to his and I hope he can see the gratitude I have for him.
“Thank you so much, AJ. You have no idea how much I appreciate this.” I reach forward to take the condom from him but he drags it toward himself and away from me.