The hand that had just been on her thigh snaked up her body, in through the opening of her wrap dress and warmly caressed her breast. Before she could take her next breath, the cold air of the room kissed her skin as Hawk pushed her dress down and her breast popped free from the confinement.
“I know… Oh, God. I know…” She moaned as he ran his thumb back and forth across her pebbled nipple. Every sensation was heightened with pregnancy, and before she could catch her breath, her back was arching and her legs were trembling with the force of her release.
“Told you I could get you there. Now, I want you to think about how good that felt all day, and when I call tonight, be ready to follow my instructions.”
“Sure thing,daddy,” Jessie laughed as Hawk rested his head on her shoulder and groaned.
Man, the diner was busy that morning. Maybe she should cancel her walk with Mae and grab an apron…
Hawk:
Miss you and Bee already.
We miss you too. Safe travels, and get them to sign the contract so you don’t have to leave again.
That’s the plan.
How are you feeling? Nausea level?
I’m great. Don’t worry. Nausea is a one.
Perfect. Tell Bee to practice her kicking. I want to feel it when I get back.
She should tell him where she was. That she was going to try to clear the air with her mom, like he’d been gently encouraging her to do since the disaster of dinner. But if she talked about it, she was going to lose her steam.
“Well, hey, stranger!” Adrienne smiled as she walked by Jessie with a pot of coffee. “I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever! Are you stopping in for something to eat?”
“No. Just a muffin to go for me. But I think Mae will probably want a coffee. I’m just waiting for her before we take a walk.”
“Hanging with the baby daddy’s family more than your friends. Damn,” Adrienne laughed. “That’s cold.”
She knew her friend was only teasing, but it still stung. “I know I haven’t been a very good friend lately. And that I just left here without really saying why…”
“Oh, honey. I was just joking. We’re all happy you have Hawk.” Adrienne stepped in so she was right at Jessie’s side. “We definitely need to catch up though! Things have gone nuclear with my man, in the best way… Jess, I’m not kidding. This man is so hot!”
“Jessie?” Her mom’s voice carried from the doorway of the kitchen.
“Later. Text me when a good time to catch up will be.” Adrienne squeezed her arm and took off towards one of her tables.
“Hi, Mom.” Tears stung her eyes.
“Oh, baby. Come here.” Dolly held out her hand andJessie took it, walking numbly back to the office. They sat on the small sofa, knees touching, as Dolly dabbed at her own eyes. “Where do I even start?”
“I’m sorry I let you down.” Jessie forced her voice to remain steady and clear. “I know you were counting on me for so much and this is all the worst timing. But I don’t regret my baby. How could I?”
“Jessica. Nothing your father said is what I think. I’m sorry I put so much on your shoulders. And my God… I know how good of a man Hawk is. If you’re happy, if he loves you and is good to you, I’m over the moon, sweetie. You have to have known that!”
“I didn’t, Ma. How would I? My whole life it’s been ‘make your family proud.’ Dad’s the head of our family, and you didn’t stand up for me.”
“You’re right. But you would have known if you returned any of my texts. Thank god Hawk let me know how you were feeling these last few weeks. I was beside myself, Jess.” Her mother must have registered her shock because she smiled and patted her hand. “He didn’t tell me anything other than that you were physically okay. Not one other thing, so don’t get mad at him. Besides, I told him I was going to march over to the apartment and camp outside until you spoke to me.”
“That would have been silly. I needed…” She sucked in a harsh breath, her chest shaking as she slowly released it. “I needed that time.”
“I know, baby. Which is exactly what Hawk told me when I called him. You needed space. And I respect that. But you can’t expect a mom not to worry. I imagine you are already feeling so much of that yourself.”
Jessie nodded. “I need you. I don’t want to lose our family over this. I can’t imagine the baby growing up here and not spending time at the ranch. Not sharing Christmas and birthdays with you all. I don’t want that for any of us.”
Dolly wrapped her arms around Jessie. “I know. I don’t want that either. We’ll figure out how to make it right. I promise.”
