“I’m feeling fatigued after such a heavy meal,” I explain.
Kaye frowns a bit but nods. “Okay, you boys have fun. I’m not leaving my new bestie behind.”
She loops her arm through mine as we leave the dining room, while the others head the other direction.
She’s wobbling a little, so I help her walk. Her hand rests on her rounded middle as we reach my door and she follows me inside.
But then her phone rings. She pulls it from her pocket and answers it, talking to the other end for a while. I can’t follow as fast as they’re talking.
Kaye covers the receiver with her hand. “It’s my mom,” she whispers. “She wants to check on me. Kinda love that she does this ‘cause we get to bond over pregnancy problems together.”
She steps in and hugs me quickly.
“I’ll let you rest in here, Em. Sorry, I couldn’t keep you company.”
“I understand,” I whisper.
Kaye smiles at that. “God, you have no idea how much that means to me,” she says. “Seriously, Em. Thank you, and rest up, ‘kay?”
She releases me, lifting the phone back to her ear as she turns toward the door.
“Oh, wait!” Her feet halt. “I left some sleepwear for you in your drawer. Thought you might like the ones that definitely don’t fit over this big bump of mine.”
Patting her middle, she grins and resumes the conversation with her mother over the phone.
The door closes slowly, leaving me alone in the quiet of my room.
After a while, I change into the clothes she mentioned, easing the silk slip into place. The fabric is cool against my skin as I step into the bathroom that connects my room to the adjoining one.
To Lix and Stan’s room. Where so many instances have come to pass. The memories of our intimate moments cause heat to rise straight to my head, as images of them being together—and being with me—fill my mind the way their warmth does. Nearly overwhelming, yet undeniably always leaving me satisfied beyond my wildest dreams.
I stop in front of the mirror over the sink.
The nightgown should hang looser on me than it does. I saw the size on the tag, and usually, this sheer short dress should give me more slack. Though, I’ve never worn silk, so maybe this fabric doesn’t breathe as well as others.
The silk follows the lines of my body more closely, gathering atmy waist and fitting more snugly across my chest. My breasts sit fuller against the smooth fabric, the neckline not quite forgiving.
Idris wasn’t wrong. I seem to have gotten swollen in parts of my body.
Taking in the subtle changes, I study the fuller softness of my body where there hadn’t been any. It’s unfamiliar but not unpleasant. In fact, the weight I’ve gained appears flattering. Perhaps it’s from eating well the past while, especially with Lix and Stan making sure I always have my fill.
I stand there a second longer, then turn from the mirror, when a knock breaks the quiet. So I cross the room and open the door.
Idris stands there with one shoulder braced against the frame. The faint scent of whiskey reaches me before his smile does. His gaze moves over me slowly and appreciatively, with no attempt to disguise it.
“Well, hello there, Em,” he says, voice lower than it was at lunch earlier. “That’s a dangerous thing to answer the door in.”
“Kaye let me borrow some clothes,” I say, adjusting my glasses. “I was simply trying them on, and I didn’t expect anyone to come into my room…”
He hums, smiling wider, and stepping closer. “I know.” His blue eyes lift to mine. “I’m teasing, Em. Unless you mean to dress up as a present for me, or maybe the two you have wrapped around your lovely fingers?”
I open my mouth, planning to explain. But he lifts a hand, stopping me.
“Em, before we keep talking, I should apologize.” He tips his head downwards. “I had a few shots of whiskey. I hope the scent doesn’t offend you.”
I shake my head. “It’s fine.”
He shuffles his feet, his shoulder brushing theframe before he catches himself.
