It’s been the most pleasant version of hell the last few days. On one hand, I’ve gotten to do a lot of things that I love—snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling as I work with these tightfisted potential customers who all want demonstrations that ADRENALIN’s gear is up to the challenge. But I miss Rose, and every morning, I wake up feeling worse about that. I’m just thankful that it’s over and the contracts are signed. Hopefully, that’ll keep Wes off my back for a little bit longer too.

I slipped off to Maine for what was supposed to be a few days, promising to call Rose every night and be back as soon as possible. But a trip that was supposed to be three or four days has turned into over a week now, and I’m hating that.

Our nightly phone calls were the only thing keeping me sane, even as I enjoy my work of talking to folks about our products and getting to do some real demos out on the machines in the woods. Each conversation started with her telling me about her customers at the shop, but she’s also told me how she discovered that our little Amelia apparently loves hip hop music because she squirms around to the beat, and how she was doing some online window shopping with Brad on furniture for the nursery.

That last one hurt a little, the stab at not being involved in choosing a crib a surprise to me, but mostly, I’ve been glad she’s happy. I’ve told her about the deals I was working, the adventures I had out in the woods, even the bears we’d accidentally come upon in a cave when we we’re getting out of the cold on a hike. In every word, though, it’s been great, because Rose has been positive that she and I would see each other soon and that I’m going to be a part of Amelia’s life.

It touches me, it really does. And I want to be a good father, but that’s more than money. Honestly, the Skype sex is the only thing saving me from quitting on the spot and running back to Rose, knowing she wants me just as much and that soon enough, we’ll figure out our future.

I’ve been thinking more about that as my few days in Maine turned into a week, and I’m excited to see her in person again after the up and down of missing her, having fun with work, missing her again, and then getting to talk to her. It’s going to help me figure out that next step.

Rapping on the door, I’m prepped for a hot reunion, and when the door opens, I can’t help but look Rose up and down, taking her in. She’s dressed in a sweet little dress, hugging her curves and totally inappropriate for the weather . . . but I don’t think we’re going to be leaving the house for a while anyway.

“Damn, Rose, looking good,” I say, pulling her in tight and sweeping her into my arms, hugging her as I kiss her deeply with all the passion we’ve been keeping on simmer while I’ve been gone. Pulling back, I drop to my knees in front of her. “I’ve missed you so much.”

Rose looks shocked, blinking at me as she reaches for my hands. “Nic, we’re right in the doorway. The neighbors can see!”

I hear the embarrassment in her voice, but I hug her belly, kissing just to the side of her belly button. “Just wanted to say Daddy’s home to my baby too, that’s all. Let ‘em watch.”

Rose blushes, rubbing my hair as she struggles to find her words again. “Oh, that’s not what I thought you were doing.”

I look up at her, offering a wink as I get up. Of course I knew what she thought I was doing, and I’ll admit that I’ve mused about it. But this isn’t the time, I know that. “Oh, I want to, but not where the neighborhood can watch.”

Getting to my feet, I put an arm around her shoulders as we go inside and settle onto the couch, Rose curled up in my side as I keep her snuggled against me. For the moment, I’m happy just to hold her and trace little circles around her growing bump. Has it really been that long? Or is she just growing that quickly?

Rose lets me keep stroking her belly through her dress but turns to look me in the eyes. “Hey, Nic, can we talk?”

The tone in her voice worries me, but I nod, looking at her with a slightly distressed smile. “That sounds ominous, but of course.”

Rose shifts, turning a little to look more directly at me, and while my arm’s still around her, it’s not as close as it was before. “What are we doing here? I get that you have a job, and I don’t really expect you to just stay here. But . . . what are you thinking is going to be the reality of things after Amelia is born?”

I’ve known the question was coming. I’ve been thinking about it in the back of my mind myself. But somehow, it doesn’t make it any easier to answer. Mainly because while I’ve spent a lot of hours thinking about it. I still don’t quite know what the hell’s going on. Everything’s moving so fast.

The hardest part was waiting at the airport to come back. I’d talked with Wes, who I was glad was mostly supportive. “Glad to know that, man. Listen, can you set aside some time next week for a serious Skype conversation?”

I held in a chuckle, thinking about the sort of ‘serious Skyping’ I’ve been doing for the past week and some change, but kept my voice level. “Sure, man. What about?”

“About the next few months for you,” Wes said. “I don’t want to be a dick, but you know that the next three months are a big time for us. The summer season’s kicking in and all the new lines are coming out. That means a big deal to ADRENALIN’s bottom line.”

“I know, but she’s just past the halfway mark. I mean, I just learned I’ve got a daughter on the way, and her name’s gonna be Amelia. How can I be running around the ass-end of Vermont or rolling down some whitewater course in Kentucky when Rose might be in labor?”

There’s a silence on the other end, then Wes sighs. “You’re right. I didn’t want to bring it up right now. Listen, we’ll still talk, but I want you to give me a plan on how the rest of the sales staff can handle the territories on a more permanent basis, not just an ‘oh, shit, cover for me’ way. Maybe some of them need to step the fuck up and start earning their keep. Time to stop earning base and earn some commission.”

Now, with her question about what’s next, the conversation comes back to me full blast, and I swallow. Wes wasn’t trying be a dick. He’s legitimately concerned, and that’s the tough part about it. He’s trying to be cool, and I can see he wants to keep me and my skills in the company. But in a single mention, he sent chills down my spine. My salary is base plus a commission on sales over my target.

Granted, my base salary is more than my team since I manage them all, and the VP title comes with some sweet stock options, but I’ve got a daughter on the way . . . one who’ll need diapers, baby food, and braces, and violin lessons. I have to keep the money flowing in somehow, and that worries me.

“Nic?”

A momentary flash goes through my mind to lie to Rose, that my space out was just jetlag, and not to worry. To tell some placating story, because I want to keep her happy . . . and also, right now, my cock wants a little attention too. But instead, the stronger part of me speaks up to tell the truth. “Rose, I’d like to have an easy answer for you. But really, I don’t. But I’m working on it and I’m doing my best here. I’ve always traveled for work, and I can’t change that at the drop of a hat.”

Rose’s eyes fall, but she nods in understanding. “Be honest with me. Do you even want to? I get it, Nic. You’ve always been a nomad, chasing the next adventure. Mixed in with work stuff, of course, and that’s what makes you good at your job. Your passion. Hell, it’s part of what makes you sexy as hell. You’re the sexy wanderer who lives life by his own rules. But this isn’t about hookups anymore. It’s about Amelia and me, and you, if you want it to be. I need to know if you’re going to be in and out forever. Or are you ever going to settle down? Because I’ll admit that I’m getting caught up here in what could be. We could be a family, a real one, but I don’t want to get my hopes up if that’s not what you want.”

I stand up, pacing the floor for a little as I try to form the words that have been burning in my heart for the past week. “I want to. I don’t know just how the hell it’s all going to work out yet, but I want to. Boss is trying to help me, but he’s got expectations and is worried. I’m worried too. God, if I don’t get out there, how is Amelia ever going to afford Harvard, or to learn to play piano or—”

Rose laughs, making me stop. “Slow down, Nic. She’s not even born yet. Let’s get her to walking before we book her future, let alone Harvard. I mean, it’s cute as hell and answers some of my questions, but chill.”

I swallow, shaking my head as I realize what she’s saying. “Rose, I’m gonna sound stupid, but from the moment I first saw you almost six months ago, I felt deep inside that my life was going to somehow change at the fundamental level. I think you feel the same way, or else you would’ve told me to get the fuck out that second night I came back to the boutique.”

“Maybe,” Rose admits. “But what if I just wanted another dose of Grade-A dick?”

I snort, laughing lightly. “Something tells me that’s not your style. But what if I just wanted some of your Grade-A pussy?”

Rose laughs, and I continue. “Rose, you’re right. I’m an adrenaline junkie and I love my job. Hell, the name of it fits me perfectly. But the way I see it . . . this is my next adventure, here with you and Amelia.” I gesture to the house around us with its simple, practical things, and I smile. “You planned to do this alone, but you don’t have to. I want to be here.”

Rose blinks, and I can see the tears shining in the corners of her eyes, and as they begin to roll down her face, I’m lost.

“Isn’t that what you want too?” I ask, coming back over and kneeling in front of her. “I mean, you’ve had months to adjust to this, and I’ve only had a couple of weeks, but I’m doing the best I can. I’m trying to get to know you. Hell, I’m falling for you and having all these thoughts, picturing us showing Amelia the woods, teaching her how to swim and ride and explore, and being a family. My search for another place to stay here in town hasn’t gone so well because . . . well, I keep wanting to share your bed. Isn’t that what you want too?”

Rose nods her head, sniffling loudly. “It is. I just didn’t know if you did. I’m falling for you too.” She tries to wipe her cheeks, and I reach up to help her, sweeping the droplets away with my thumbs. She laughs at my attempt, finally using the neckline of her shirt to wipe the rushing tears as her smile gets larger. “God, I’m sure I look horrible.” She swipes under her eyes, smearing her makeup more than wiping it off.

“Well,” I admit, trying not to laugh out loud, “you do kinda look like a raccoon right now, but not a rabid mean one, just like one of those cute big-eyed stuffed animal ones you want to snuggle. Hold on, let me get you something better.”

She laughs at my attempt at humor, finally using a tissue I quickly grab to wipe the rushing tears, and her smile gets larger. “Sorry, these hormones are like whiplash. The other day, I cried at a dog food commercial.”

Smiling, I run my hands over her arms, marveling at the texture of her skin. Hormones might make Rose cry at dog food, but it also leaves her with skin that’s smoother than silk. “It’s all right, baby. I’ll just call it practice for when Amelia cries and I have no idea why. Just rock and shush and hope for the best . . . it seems to work on you, and hopefully, it’ll work on her too.”

To show her that it works, that’s exactly what I do, pulling her to stand with me and swaying her body with mine as we dance to imaginary music. She wraps her arms around my waist, and I gently run my hand through her hair, inhaling the heavenly scent that is undeniably Rose. “It’s gonna be okay. We can do this. You and I are gonna figure this out, and we’re gonna be a family.”

She relaxes in my arms, the tears replaced with soft scratches as she runs her nails up and down my back. Our bodies press closer together, and my cock, which has behaved itself long enough, says it’s ready to take over.

Rose feels it too and hums in appreciation. “God, I missed you.”

She tilts her head up to look at me, and I see her eyes zero in on my lips. Taking her cue, I move to kiss her, soft butterfly kisses at first but quickly, the fire we’ve been stoking with our Skype chats for the last week flares. I sweep her into my arms, moving toward her bedroom and setting her down gently on the edge of the bed.

“I see you missed me too.” Rose laughs softly as I reach for the tie at the back of her neck. Her dress is sexy but simple and is thankfully easy to remove. Sliding it down her legs, I take a moment to watch as she lies back on the bed, her ‘angel’s wings’ hair spreading behind her and down over the swells of her breasts. It’s breathtaking, and I admire her changing body until Rose squirms a little. “What is it?”

“You look gorgeous, glowing and round as you grow our little girl,” I reply, my throat thick with desire and emotion. I take off my shirt, letting her get an eyeful before I move down to kiss her belly. After a soft kiss on her tight little bump, I slide to my knees in front of her, running my hands over her knees and easing them apart. “Seems like I promised a little something more than belly kisses earlier.”

Rose smirks down at me, getting to her elbows to watch me. “It does seem like you did, but—”

Before she can finish her sentence, I pull her panties down and off, diving in to lick and suck her. I’m voracious. After watching her play with herself in HD for the past week, I’ve thirsted deep in my soul for her, and as my tongue laps her juices into my mouth, Rose moans my name deeply, running a hand through my hair. “Fuck, yes . . . I’ve so dreamed of your tongue.”

“Hopefully, not just that,” I tease before I start sucking on her clit. Rose makes a squeak that’s half gasp, half scream of pleasure as I nibble and let my tongue flutter over the tip of her clit, cupping her ass and not letting her squirm away at all.

It doesn’t take long. Rose has been on edge as much as I have despite our nightly masturbation marathons, and soon, she’s trembling, grinding her pussy into my mouth as she starts to come, bathing my lips in her honey.

The drink of her precious sweetness only ignites another hunger deep inside me, and I get to my feet, undoing my belt and stripping off my pants and boxers. “How do you want it?”

Rose bites her lip, licking once as she thinks, then gets onto her hands and knees. “We can do it this way almost until the delivery, I found out,” she teases me. “And if you’re good . . . well, you used fingers there once. Maybe you can do more.”

“And if I’m bad?” I tease, running my hand over the curve of her ass. Her offer is amazing, but right now, I need a little distraction or else I’m going to be a two-pump chump as turned on as I am.

“If you’re bad . . . then you can definitely do more,” Rose purrs, looking back over her shoulder.

So not fucking helping. I don’t care, though, and I take my cock in hand, lining up and filling Rose in one long stroke. It’s like completion, coming home, whatever you want to call it, and we both moan deeply. “Fuck, you’re perfect for me.”

“Keep telling me that,” Rose moans, pushing back until my cock is all the way inside her. We pause, both of us breathing deeply as the moment stretches out. Finally, Rose wiggles her ass, telling me without words what to do next.

Every movement is natural as I start stroking in and out, swirling my hips and pumping deep into her. There are no words needed, nothing beyond the gasps and moans that come from deep within our bodies, so deep I swear they’re coming from our very souls.

This isn’t fucking . . . this is something more. My cock is squeezed and massaged inside her with each inch I thrust, and I can feel her body electrified as I return the pleasure. It’s amazing. I’ve never felt this close to someone before, even Rose herself during our hot encounters.

We speed up, my cock pumping fast and deep inside her before switching to shorter strokes that draw out our pleasure, making sure we don’t rush. Reaching underneath her, I cup her breasts, pulling her up to nibble at her neck while my cock stays buried inside her, stroking her body and memorizing every curve with my fingertips.

“Nic . . .” Rose finally moans as I pinch her nipple lightly while sliding my other hand down to stroke her clit. I can feel her heart thundering under my fingertips, and I let go, lowering her carefully to the bed before taking her waist in my hands. My fingers sink into the soft curve there, and I take hold, stroking fast and deep inside her. Faster and faster I go, not hammering her but driving deep with every pump, giving her what we both need and making my eyes roll back in my skull it feels so fucking good.

Our orgasms hit us like a lightning bolt, simultaneous and massive. Her pussy flutters and squeezes me tightly, and I explode, filling her with everything I have. Sure, I know I can’t get her pregnant again right now . . . but there’s nothing like filling her and claiming her as mine just as she claims me as hers.

We collapse into the bed, and I gather Rose in my arms, holding her close as she’s not the only one on the verge of tears after how intense that just was. “You okay?” I whisper, and she hugs me tightly. “Rose . . . thank you. For everything.”

“Tell you what. You’re paying for half of the electricity, at least,” she says, turning to look me in the eye. “And the food. Do that and you can stay as long as you want.”

I smile and kiss her little button nose. “I plan on doing a lot more than that. But let’s start there and with breakfast in the morning. I want to take my girl out for pancakes.”

Rose shakes her head, sighing. “No good pancake restaurants in the area. How about waffles?”

“Deal.”