A Life Unplanned (10 page)

It was my turn to feel embarrassed and ashamed. "I already told you, I wanted another baby and didn't want to look like a slut. Ironic, right? I had to act like a slut, so people wouldn't think I was one."

"But why did you want to have another baby?"

I rubbed my belly and smiled when Katie kicked. "My reasoning is stupid, now that I look back on it. I didn't really have any interest in dating. I was content in my life with Tyler. My parents didn't push me to have more kids, not really. My mom just made some very valid points. Of course, she was hoping I'd start dating and get married, before I added to my family like she suggested, repetitively. I just didn't see a reason why I should, though, if I could get what I wanted and still have my uncomplicated life with Tyler." I shifted, trying to get more air. The baby had been kicking up in my ribs more.

"So when you contacted me, it wasn't to tell me about Tyler?" Trent asked sadly.

"No, you already knew that. I already told you I planned on using you. I guess I was no better than you were back in your college days. I planned to get what I wanted and disappear. I assumed you wouldn't mind. You seemed to enjoy yourself."

He chuckled. "It'd been a while. I realized on the way to the hotel room I was giving you a breast exam. It was clean, by the way, but you should still do your monthly one."

"Um, thanks?" I said before laughing at him.

He smiled. I was glad for the shift in the conversation. I wanted to get away from the heavy topics.

He sat back against the headboard again and patted the same spot as before next to him. This time, I didn't hesitate to scoot next to him. When he wrapped his arms around me, I knew I'd made the right choice.

Chapter 11- On Reactions, Good and Bad

Even with explanations, I was still wary of Trent. His interest in me didn't make sense. I was a conniving woman who had stolen his sperm for her own purpose. I was no better than the girls who had done him wrong before. I had used him, and he didn't deserve that. It was difficult for me to believe he could look past that.

I had told him the truth the first chance I had. I wasn't going to hide it from him. If he was going to give me crap, then he had to know where I was coming from. I thought for sure it would turn him off from me, and he'd not want to be involved with me and possibly Tyler. I honestly wasn't sure how he'd react, when I'd told him at The Burger Joint that day. I guessed I was hoping he'd storm out angry and never come back. Somehow, it'd had the opposite effect on him. And now, after hearing his history with women, I honestly didn't know why he was still talking to me, let alone cuddling with me. He had to be nuts or have an ulterior motive.

Needless to say, I had to stay on guard and try and keep my loneliness at bay. He was a very, 
very
 attractive man, and his supposed interest in me was tempting. I wouldn't lie…I was horny, and I had a feeling he'd be good for another round. I just wasn't sure it was a good idea to get involved with him like that.

Kissing him, though…I needed to stop that. For some reason, when I was in his arms, and his lips were on mine, I didn't want it to stop. All reason went out the window, and my body shouted, "Consequences be damned, just do it!" and I wanted to.

We cuddled on the bed a little more, talking about things he'd like to do with Tyler. He was hoping to go to the zoo and maybe take me with him. "We can wait until you're on leave, and I'm in Waco. Then we can walk around the zoo. It'll help your body get ready for labor." His hand ran down my belly, and little Katie shifted under it.

"Are you having a good time?" he asked nervously, and I shrugged. "Do you feel comfortable here…welcome?" he asked.

"Yeah, your mom is nice. The room is lovely. I just…" 
think she went overboard.

"I think the baby shower is probably going to be here. So at least you'll get to use the room twice," he said with a grimace.

I shifted and tried to push the baby down out of my lungs.

"Clara, would you be open to maybe…visiting more? At least until my transfer comes through? I know it's a lot to ask and so much easier for me to come see you, but you'll be on leave and…and…I'll have to…I'd just really like to see…spend time with…could you please just think about it, maybe coming down again after the baby's born?" he fumbled, and I nodded to appease him.

"I need to use the bathroom," I said, scooting off the side of the bed. I needed to put some space between us. I was feeling way too agreeable. I headed for the door, so I could use the bathroom and be further away from Trent and the bed.

"Why don't you use yours?" he asked confused.

"My what?"

"Your bathroom." He pointed to what I had thought was the closet door. I waddled in the direction of it, curious. When I opened it, I was blown away. I should have known Maylene would have put me in a fancy master-like suite.

"It has a nice deep soaking tub. Babies float. You should try it out before you leave, give your hips and back a break," he said, running his hand down my back and cupping my hip. I wanted him to pull me closer to him, and I knew I needed to step away from him. I took a deep breath and nodded.

"That sounds nice. I'll have to give it a try."

He kissed the top of my head and paused at the door before he stepped out. "If you need help to get out of the tub, you can call me." He waved his cell phone at me and walked out. I didn't think I'd call him, but having my cell phone so I could maybe call my mother to help pry me out of the tub would be a good idea.

I started the water to get it warm and then used the bathroom. I set my phone on the floor next to the tub, so I could reach it easily, and then I proceeded to fall in love with the massaging jets. I slipped down in the warm water, and the baby did float up off my hips, it was heavenly. I let the water cool twice and just added more warm water to it. I didn't want to get out. I could breathe and relax. I actually fell asleep for a while.

When I woke up, it was dark outside, but someone had come in and turned on the light for me and left me a robe. If I hadn't been so relaxed, I would have been embarrassed. I just didn't have it in me to care.

My stomach growled, and I knew I had to relent and get out of the tub. I sat up and tried to get into a better position, so I could get out. Just like Trent predicted, I was stuck. I needed something to pull on a little, so I could shift more onto my knees, but there wasn't a bar on the wall, like in my little apartment. It was a ground floor one and handicap accessible, where this bathroom was not.

I sat back and contemplated just staying there, but my stomach growled again, and Katie gave me a good hard kick. She was hungry, too.

"Alright, alright," I groaned, rubbing my belly. I picked up my phone and saw I barely had one bar. I hoped my mother had better reception wherever she was. I called her, but it went straight to a recorded message, saying she was out of service range. I sank back into the tub and looked at my phone, wondering if I was brave enough to call Maylene. I could ask her to send my mom up. When I opened my phone screen, I saw I had a text.

Call me when you're ready-Trent

Dare I call him? I looked at the robe on the counter, and I wondered if he was the one who had brought it in. He had already seen me naked, but of course I hadn't been pregnant at the time.

I shot off a text to him.

Did you leave me the robe?

I had to know if he'd been in here, if he'd seen me naked like this or not.

Yes, I was worried and wanted to check on you. I left the robe and turned on the light.

Well, at least he was honest. Was I brave enough to call him in for help? No, I wasn't. I sent a quick text and asked him if he knew where my mom was.

His answer was instant.

She and my mother are out shopping again.

It was official, I was stuck. If I wanted out, it'd have to be him.

I felt my hair to make sure it wasn't sticking up all over, and then I washed my face. I was hoping I looked alright and finally got up the nerve to text him.

Can you come help me out?

He didn't reply, but I heard a knock on the door.

"Come in."

Trent poked his head in, smiling. "I told you you'd like the tub. You feeling better?" he asked, walking over to me.

"Yeah," I shifted, trying to get into a better position, so I could get up withouth looking like a floundering beached whale. In one smooth movement, he had his arm around my back and under my arms and lifted me with ease out of the tub.

The weight of the baby hung heavy on my body, making me groan.

"Are you alright?" he asked, sounding worried.

"Yeah, the baby weight is all back in place, though."

He gave me a soft smile and wrapped the robe around me. I realized his eyes stayed pretty much focused on my face the whole time he was moving me.

"Thank you for helping me," I said blushing. My stomach chose that moment to growl loudly.

"Sounds like it's time to feed the baby. You get dressed, and I'll see what's left in the kitchen."

"I missed dinner? What time is it? Where's Tyler?"

"Tyler is with our dads still. They only caught small fish and a frog. Your father said he could keep the frog. So after dinner, they went to the pet store to buy a tank for it. I don't think they'll be gone too much longer."

"So we're here alone?" I didn't know why I asked that.

His eyes darkened, and he stepped closer to me. He brushed a piece of hair behind my ear, while his other hand cupped my hip and pulled me to him. My baby belly bumped into him.

I knew I should stop him. I was pretty sure that when I put my hands up on his chest, it was to push him away from me. Somehow, though, wires got crossed, and I ended up pulling him closer and kissing him. He deepened it and lifted me, setting me on the counter. My robe fell open, reminding me that I was naked. It was enough to pull me back to reality. I had to stop him. I was pretty sure he was just trying to seduce me, so he could be a part of my son's life. I couldn't let the charming Trent Carrington get the better of me.

Of course, his hand slid between my thighs, and my judgment went from being clouded to a deep fog of pregnancy hormones. It didn't take long for me to whine out my release, and he left me confused and panting, when he stepped back and closed my robe.

"Let's get you dressed and fed," he said, helping me off the counter. I tried to discreetly glance at his pants, wondering if he was turned on at all, or if his little display of attraction was just for show. He left the room before I had a chance to tell.

I dressed for bed, since it was so late. It was nearly eight o'clock, and I hoped my dad would bring Tyler back soon. He knew I liked to keep him on a schedule. Instead of going straight downstairs, I went across the hall to Tyler's room and laid out his clothes then went to the guest bath to ready the bathroom supplies.

"Clara?" I heard Trent looking for me. I considered not answering. I didn't want to make more of a fool of myself. "There you are. What are you doing?"

"Just getting things ready for when Tyler comes home. I need to keep him on his schedule. I hope the men make it back soon."

"I'm sure they will. Why don't you join me in the kitchen for some dinner?"

My stomach growled again, and I wondered how I had been able to put off eating so long.

As we ate in silence, I mentally reprimanded myself. I was a hussy. I'd never thought of myself as easy. I'd only ever slept with two men, but it was obvious the second man had turned me into a slut. I had to watch myself around him. I was sure he thought I was loose…hell,
I
thought I was loose, because around him, I was. I didn't know what had gotten into me, but I needed to be careful, before Trent ended up inside me.

I was relieved when the front door opened, and I heard Tyler call for me. I answered him happily, grateful for the buffer. Tyler wrapped his arms around me and then put a frog right in my face. We were literally nose to nose. "Look!"

I wasn't a squeamish person, so I was able to hold my smile. "Do you want me to kiss it to see if it's a prince?"

Tyler pulled his frog back against his chest, appalled. "No, yucky!"

I laughed as I watched my dad help Tyler settle down and put the frog away.

"No prince for me?" I said with a mock pout.

"I wouldn't say that," Trent said with a wink and then cleared our plates. I knew then I had to do something about our "relationship" and fast…otherwise, I'd be screwed, and not in a good way. Well, maybe that way, too, but I wanted to avoid getting hurt, and I wasn't sure how to go about it. I had a feeling whatever I decided; things were going to turn bad between us fast when I did it.

Chapter 12 – On Roommates, Good and Bad

The baby shower was set for the following weekend. Trent decided he'd come into town on Thursday night and drive me down on Friday. Apparently, my parents were going to be there early on Friday, so I wouldn't have anyone to follow me in my sad car. I didn't want to skip out early, because Friday was my last day before my maternity leave started. I knew they were having a surprise party for me at work, and I didn't want to miss it.

Trent dropped me off at work Friday morning, insisting it was on his way. He was taking Tyler out for breakfast. It was their first day alone together. I would have thought I'd be more anxious about it, but I wasn't. Somewhere along the way, I’d ended up trusting Trent with my son. I'd seen them interact, and Trent never seemed lost. When it came to being a daddy, he was a natural. It made my stomach turn and my head hurt just thinking about it. I wanted to trust him with more than just our children. I was thankful he lived out of town, so it was easy for me to distance myself from him after last weekend's events. God, I was so confused.

He called and chatted with me and Tyler frequently during the week. I didn't know what to make of it when he said he missed me. I think I answered back, "That's nice." I really was out of practice when it came to relationships and dating, but I wasn't sure if we were doing either of those.

I knew I'd have to talk to him about our relationship soon. With others present, he didn't do more than give me a light hug and a kiss on the cheek. I wasn't sure if I was relieved or disappointed. Of course, if he had blatantly kissed me in front of our family, our mothers would have called the clergy and had us married before we could come up for air.

I decided Trent putting in to be transferred to a Waco hospital wasn't a bad idea. We could pursue things a little more discreetly, if that was what I decide to do. I just couldn't see why he'd be interested in me. I considered myself pretty, but at the moment, I was big as a house, and what little he knew of me wouldn't logically make him want to trust me, especially when it came to his track record with women.

I spent most of my last day training my temp, who would be filling in for me for the next couple of months. Her name was Melissa, and she seemed nice enough. I was surprised to learn we both had attended the same college, and she had graduated two years before me.

I was called into the break room, and everyone was there. Melissa stayed out front, just in case there was a walk-in, but other than her, everyone was in the back. The cake was perfect, and the little outfits and boxes of diapers were much appreciated. I was a crying happy mess, hugging everyone.

I heard my son squeal, "Mommy work!" and looked out the window to see Trent setting him on the sidewalk. Tyler took off like a shot toward the front doors, so I waddled down the hallway to meet them. Tyler headed for my office, and I caught him in the hallway just outside my door. I took him back to get some cake and headed toward the front to show Trent back, so he could have a slice, too. I was just out of sight, when I heard Melissa greet Trent.

"Trent Carrington, look at you. I'm surprised you weren't beaten to a pulp and left for dead."

"Excuse me?" He sounded worried.

"Oh, I know you don't remember me. You don't remember anyone, do you? We went to school together. Apparently, you got me and my twin mixed up, at least that was your story at the time."

"I…ah…"

"Melissa and Miranda," she snapped. "You think us being twins would make us more memorable, but I heard we weren't the only twins you screwed, now were we?"

"I'm sorry, Miranda-" Trent started, only to be cut off.

"I'm Melissa," she laughed blackly. "I'm surprised you're still in the area. I know there was an old flame of yours trying to gather a group of us 'cast-aways' together to exact revenge. I wouldn't stick around if I were you. Of course, it might be fun to watch the great Trent Carrington go down in flames. I heard you were a gynecologist. Still can't get enough pussy, can you?"

"I went into that field for other reasons."

"I'm sure your other victims will come forward and get your ass thrown in jail soon. Bubba's gonna love your pretty face."

"Everyone I was with in college was a willing participant."

"That didn't make you any less of an ass. I've got a few phone calls to make," she said, pulling out her cell phone. She headed back toward the break room, passing me on the way. I heard the first part of her phone conversation. "Guess who's in town," she said to the person on the phone, and I was inclined to follow her, but then I heard our front bell ring on the desk and knew Trent was waiting for me.

"Hey, Trent," I greeted him with a smile and a hug. He kissed my cheek and gave me a weak smile.

"Are you ready to go?" he asked.

"Just about, let me say goodbye first, and then we can get out of here."

He nodded and took a seat in the waiting room.

Dr. Coust and the others helped me carry the gifts to Trent's car. I noticed Melissa's eyes linger on my son, as Trent carried him out. She looked confused, especially when he rubbed my shifting belly, after he buckled our son in the car.

"It was nice to meet you, Trent," Dr. Coust said. "Be sure to call us after the baby comes."

"We will," Trent answered with a smile. I glanced over at Melissa again and saw her pull out her phone and start texting someone. I could swear she took a picture of us, and it was very unnerving.

"We'll drop the stuff off at your apartment first and then head out to my mother's."

I nodded in agreement, still distracted by Melissa's behavior.

"Are you alright?" he asked after a span of silence.

"Yeah, I was just wondering how you know Melissa?"

He looked slightly panicked, and his hands tightened on the steering wheel. "I…ah…she was someone I went to college with."

"One of the girls you slept with?"

He rubbed the back of his neck nervously.

"No sleep!" Tyler shouted from the back seat, reminding me that this wasn't a conversation we should be having in front of him.

"We'll talk about this later," I said. Trent looked relieved.

It didn't take long for us to get the car unloaded of gifts and packed with our bags. We went through a drive-thru for dinner and hit the highway. Tyler dozed off not long after he finished off his kid’s meal.

Trent and I sat in relative silence, and I wondered how I could bring up the topic of Melissa and the supposed scorned ex looking for revenge.

"We should probably wake him at the next rest stop," Trent said, breaking the silence.

"He's going to be a bear to put down tonight," I said with a sigh.

"I'll take care of it, if you'd like. Bedtime was my favorite when I was a kid growing up."

"Sounds good. I'm thinking about soaking in that tub again." I moaned quietly with my eyes closed just thinking about it.

I felt Trent touch my thigh and squeeze it. I looked over at him and saw him clench his jaw. I was debating between telling him to not touch me and letting him leave his hand there.

"Be sure to call me when you want to get out. I'll gladly stay and help you again," he said in a husky voice.

I glanced at his pants, curious to see if he was hard, and noticed there was something stirring there in his loose-fitting jeans. I had a feeling he didn't wear the trendy skinny jeans for a reason.

"My mom will probably be around to help me out this time."

He frowned, taking his hand back. "Oh…yeah…" He looked sad, and I didn't know why it bothered me.

"Can you tell me about Melissa and this ex hell-bent on revenge?" I asked, changing the subject.

He scowled, and his fingers tightened on the steering wheel. "Don't worry about them. I'm not going to let them stop me from moving to Waco. My kids are worth whatever trouble they plan to cause."

"I don't want my children being put at risk because some nut is after you. Do you at least know who the ex is?"

"I have an idea, but I don't know for sure. Things have been quiet since the last time they came after me. I'm hoping I'll be able to keep my moving on the down-low, so hopefully they won't find me too quickly."

"Trent, that girl sounded ready to feed you to the wolves. What on earth did you do to her?"

"I've been trying to remember. I think I know who she is, but it was a long time ago. I'm pretty sure I wasn't sober. If she's who I think she is, I can understand why she was upset, but I really didn't know there were two of them."

I laughed despite the serious nature of the conversation. "So did you date them both or…"

"Not quite. They were both at the same party. I didn't realize there were two of them, until I told one of them to meet me upstairs, and I'd bring her a drink. On my way up, I ran into the twin, thinking it was her, and escorted her up to the room the other was waiting in."

"What's the big deal? I'm sure they get mixed up all the time. So you invited them both to your room, it would've been their choice to follow you and stay or go."

"Ah…yeah…I’d kind of already started some major foreplay with them both. One in the laundry room and the other in the bathroom, before I suggested we move to the bedroom."

"Major foreplay?" I asked curious.

"They may have given me head?" he said cringing. "I swear, I thought it was the same girl, though!"

For some insane reason, I giggled. "What did you do when you got them both into your room?"

He blushed. "I was a little drunk and an asshole."

"What did you say to them?" I pushed.

"'Sweet, there's two of you. I can handle that.' They weren't interested in a threesome. They both stormed out together, but one of them came back about twenty minutes later, so she couldn't have been that pissed. I don't know which one it was, though."

"Oh my gosh, that's nuts," I guffawed.

"I think you're a nut, if you think that's funny," he said, smirking at me.

"I just can't believe one of them came back."

He shrugged, and the car fell silent again.

I needed to ask him about the ex-girlfriend looking for revenge, though. "Do you know who it is that's out to get you?"

He frowned.

"Trent, I need to know."

"I'm not sure. I tried to find connections between the women who accused me last time. I thought the one who I didn't know at all would lead me to the ringleader, but I wasn't able to pin them down. I do know it's someone from college…unfortunately, that's a very long list."

"You need to narrow it down before you move to Waco. Melissa said you had an ex who was trying to recruit others to go against you. That person would have to know you well enough to know who your conquests were."

"Do you think you could get Melissa to talk to you? How well do you know her?" he asked hopefully.

"I just met her today. I don't know her well at all. She seemed pretty nice, until I heard what she said to you. She sounded crazy. I think she may have taken a picture of us and Tyler. It's freaking me out a little to have a crazy person looking at a picture of my kid."

"I'm sorry, Clara. I'll try and get it taken care of as soon as possible. Maybe my lawyer can get Melissa to talk. You're always welcome to hide out in Livingston until it's settled." He gave me a cheesy grin.

"Nice try. I already agreed to come down after the baby was born. Don't push your luck, Carrington."

After the long car ride, my body was sore. I took Trent up on his offer and left him to put Tyler to bed, while I went to go soak in the heavenly tub.

I must have fallen asleep, because I woke up in cold water and light knocking on the door. "Clara, are you alright?"

"Yeah," I answered, sitting up and yawning.

"Everyone has gone to bed. I stayed behind, because I wanted to say goodnight. Are you ready to get out? Do you need a hand?"

"My mom's asleep?" I pouted.

"Yes, it's nearly one o'clock in the morning," he answered back.

"Really?" I groaned.

"Would you like my help?" he asked again.

I let out a defeated sigh, so much for keeping distance and sanity between us. "Yes, please."

He came in holding a towel and the big pink robe. He looked happy but tired. He set the stuff down, and just like last time, he scooped me out of the tub like it was nothing. He quickly wrapped the robe around me and hugged me close. "Are you cold?" he asked.

I had been a little before, but when I snuggled deeper into his arms, I wasn't anymore. "I'm fine," I answered, muffled by his chest.

He chuckled and rubbed my back. I felt him kiss the top of my head, and his hand slipped down, cupping by butt, pulling me tighter against him. I knew I had to slow things down. "Trent." I wondered if he heard me say his name against his chest.

His other hand rubbed my neck and then moved to my chin, tipping it, so I'd look up at him. I knew he wanted to kiss me. I wanted him to kiss me. The baby kicked, knocking me back into reality, and I pulled away before he could get any closer with those voodoo lips of his.