I have no idea what I’m doing but if Brodie can go out, why can’t I? Being pregnant doesn’t mean my life is over and that I can’t date. I’m a sexy, single woman. Maybe not as sexy as I once was by the way Brodie ran out of the bathroom at seeing me naked, but Ben always did flirt with me.

When I asked him out, he was more than eager to meet up.

I let Klaire know that I’m meeting up with my friend Ben, in case Brodie magically comes home and wonders where I am. Judging by the hungry way Lisa was looking at him in the street earlier, I doubt he’ll ever even know I’m gone. Would he even care that I am out with another man?

I arrive at the bakery and coffee house at the same time as Ben. I can’t have alcohol, but a tea and muffin can’t hurt.

When Ben’s eyes land on me, he takes in my stomach and smiles. Immediately he draws me into his large arms, crushing me with a bear hug. “Damn, girl. Look at you all sexy, rocking motherhood like nobody’s business. I don’t give a damn what Rod said, I’d pay to watch you dance any day.

“Thanks.” I laugh as he releases me. His cologne smells nice, but nothing in comparison to Brodie’s.

“I’m glad you called. I’ve missed seeing your smiling face and that fine ass. You know I quit the club after Rod fired you. That shit wasn’t right.”

“You didn’t need to do that. I’m fine. Things have worked out relatively well.”

“Don’t mention it. I got me a job working out in the oil fields. You just happened to catch me on my off weekend. Don’t get many of them but the pay is damn good.”

We make our way inside to place our orders and grab a table. My phone goes off a few times, but I ignore it to give Ben my full attention.

“So, what made you call me?”

“I don’t know. Guess I was thinking about you.” I pick at my muffin, unsure of what to say. Now that he’s here I can’t stop thinking about Brodie and imagining him fucking that bitch.

Before I found out I was pregnant, I was attracted to Ben, but now no one compares to Brodie. I’m afraid he’s ruined me. I came here expecting fireworks. The big ones that bang, but all I’m getting is cheap sparklers and snap and pops.

“It’s good to see you. Gotta be honest with you though. I’m not really into the seeing some other dude’s baby mama drama. I like you. Always have. I think you’re a beautiful woman, but I want to make my intentions clear. Once you have the baby if you’re still single, hit me up.”

I appreciate his honesty, and we spend the rest of our time catching up. He fills me in on some of the drama from the club right up until he quit. Rod caught Stacie fucking two dudes in one of the VIP rooms and lost his shit and finally got rid of her. I’m not surprised she was doing two guys at once. Only surprised Rod kicked her to the curb.

Ben kisses my cheek when he walks me to the car. I feel nothing. No boom. Not even a tingle. He’s cute, but I know I won’t be calling him again anytime soon. He doesn’t compare to Brodie, and I’m afraid no one ever will.

When I get back home he’s at the bar pouring a drink. He doesn’t seem happy. Maybe his reunion with Lisa didn’t go as expected.

As I put my purse on the counter he stalks toward me with a dark look in his eyes that I don’t like.

“Where have you been? I called you several times.”

“Was out with a friend. Not that it’s your business.” I give him a confused look. Nowhere in our agreement did it say I have to answer to him or explain my comings and goings. I don’t answer to Brodie. I’m my own person.

“Ben, right?”

“Klaire told you.”

“She did. Is he a friend, or someone you’re seeing?”

I don’t appreciate his tone.

“Does it matter?” I scoff and stare out one of his giant windows. “You were out with Lisa.”

He shrinks back as though I slapped him. “I was meeting with Lisa because she works in the fashion industry. I wanted to hire her to be a consultant for you to handle the parts of the business I don’t understand or that we can’t take care of ourselves. I was seeing her for you. I wanted it to be a surprise. She’s interested in being a partner if she likes your portfolio.”

My stomach drops. I feel like an asshole.

“So, you weren’t meeting her because you wanted to fuck her?”

With a heavy sigh he steps into me, backing me against the wall. “I won’t lie to you. Lisa and I briefly dated, years ago. She’s an old friend, but no, I didn’t go to her tonight because I wanted to fuck her. Did you go see Ben to fuck him?”

There’s no space between his face and mine. Our mouths are so close I can feel and taste every breath he takes.

“Yes.” I whisper the word.

“And did you? Did you fuck him?” He growls his questions in my ear.

I shake my head ever so lightly from side to side.

“Good.” He shifts around so that his face is right in front of mine. “Because no dick but mine will go inside you while my child is in there. You want fucked—” His hand moves between us and up my dress. Grabbing my pussy, he grits in my ear in a low and dangerous voice. “You come to me to get fucked. You want to get off, I’ll make it happen. No one else. Understand? No one will fuck you but me. No one will taste your cunt but me. No one will spread these fucking thighs and make you come but me.”

A whimper leaves my throat and his mouth is on mine.