Chapter Eight

Two weeks later

Jenny was putting the polishing touches on her econ essay when a knock sounded at the door. After setting aside her laptop, she glanced down at Sarge on the floor. “Are you expecting a hot date? Cause I know there’s no way in hell whoever is behind that door is here for me.”

Sarge raised his head and thumped his tail. As Jenny started across the floor, she wondered if she’d forgotten about Connor or Jeff coming by? Pregnancy brain had hit her with a vengeance, and she was terrible at remembering things lately.

When she flung open the door, she gasped. Why in the hell was Brett standing before her. “What are you—”

Brett grabbed her to him. After he molded her against his perfect body, he dipped his head and his mouth slammed against hers. The synapses in Jenny’s mind were firing at warp speed. She wanted to push him away and slap him for thinking he could just show up out of the blue and maul her, but she also wanted to push him down onto the foyer floor and ride him like a prize stallion.

Pulling his lips from hers, Brett began kissing a warm trail across her jawline. “I need you, Jenny,” Brett murmured in her ear.

“But you said you couldn’t be with me,” she protested, her chest heaving.

“None of that matters. All I want is to be buried inside you one more time.”

Well…damn. Jenny sure as hell couldn’t argue with that one, nor would she let the rational side of her argue that the last thing she needed was another Brett Evans booty call. Grabbing him by the hand, she began pulling him upstairs to her bedroom. Once they got inside, Brett was on her again before she could close the door.

His hands ran up underneath her dress to rip her underwear down her thighs. He swept her up in his arms and carried her over to the bed. After he laid her down on the mattress, Brett’s strong hands gripped her knees. His eyes flared with desire as he pushed them wide apart and cool air swirled around Jenny’s hot, aching core. Arching her hips off the bed, she silently willed him to put his fingers or his mouth where his intense gaze was.

Slowly and meticulously, Brett slid his fingers slid down her thighs. Jenny bit down on her lip, willing herself not to scream in frustration. When his thumb brushed against her clit, she couldn’t stay silent anymore. Her head came off the pillow as she cried out his name. He gave her a sexy smile as he slid two fingers deep inside her and as they pumped in and out, his thumb continued rubbing against her clit. The friction was maddening, building higher and higher until she exploded with bliss.

As her walls convulsed around Brett’s fingers, Jenny’s eyes flew open and she shrieked with pleasure, but confusion quickly replaced her orgasmic bliss. Instead of feeling the heat of Brett’s body looming above her, she found she was all alone in the bed. Instead of Brett’s hand between her legs, it was her own.

“Son of a bitch,” she grumbled as she drew her hand above the sheet. Utterly disgusted with herself, she turned over. It was one thing to have a sex dream, but it was completely pathetic to have the starring role be played by the very jackass who didn’t want to be with you.

Brett was so much more than just a handsome face and rockin’ body from her spank bank. She had fallen for him. Sure, she barely knew him, but what she did know was perfection. If things had kept progressing, she could have seen herself even loving him, but sadly, fate hadn’t given her the chance. All because Brett was a coward.

Since she hadn’t seen or talked to Brett in weeks, it was like he’d never existed. He felt like a figment of her imagination. Then again, he had been too real for imagination. She could still taste his lips on hers, feel his hands on her body, hear the deep rumble of his laugh. It was more like he was a ghost from her relationships past.

No one in her circle mentioned him. Connor and Jeff had been tiptoeing around the situation since she’d called them crying about what had happened between her and Brett. She’d never intended to call them, least of all crying hysterically, but her hormones and heartache had won out over any semblance of her sanity. Jeff had insisted she not be alone, and he’d driven over to pick her up. She’d ended up sleeping in their guest bedroom—well, trying to sleep. Brett had been the last person to stay in the room, and she stayed awake thinking of him. Her imagination ran so out of control, she almost believed she could smell him.

After that initial night, it was like an elephant in the room. Brett became the proverbial Voldemort, AKA He Who Must Not Be Named. Instead, her conversations with Connor and Jeff revolved around the pregnancy, which was progressing nicely.

Jenny’s thoughts were interrupted by her alarm going off. Grabbing her phone off her nightstand, she quickly turned it off. She didn’t have to glance at the calendar to know she was officially six weeks pregnant, and that meant the very important first ultrasound. The first scan would not only show if the embryo was progressing or not, but it would show if there were single or multiples. Jenny couldn’t help being a little apprehensive at the prospect of having twins. Her fear wasn’t about having to raise two babies at once, but more about what carrying twins might do to her body. Of course, she felt like a selfish asshole for even thinking about what it would mean to her. Connor and Jeff would be over the moon with not one but two babies.

Since she was supposed to meet Connor and Jeff for breakfast before the scan, she dragged herself out of bed and trudged across the floor into the bathroom. After a quick shower, she felt a little more human. She would have given anything for a cup of coffee, but she’d sworn off it after the transfer. Even though she could have had decaf, it would have totally defeated the purpose of a caffeine fix.

After surveying her closet, she threw on a sweater dress and her knee boots. Since she wanted to look her best for the big day, she put on more makeup than she usually did and then used her straightener to put waves into her hair. When she threw a final glance at herself in the mirror, she was pleased with her outward appearance. She might’ve been a mess on the inside, but she looked like she had it all together.

Grabbing her keys and purse, she then gave Sarge a scratch behind the ears and a pat on the head before walking out the door. Connor and Jeff had made a reservation at Ray’s on the River, an upscale restaurant in Buckhead. Even though it was chilly outside, she hoped they had booked a table overlooking the water.

Thankfully, the usual morning gridlock was waning, and she was able to make it to Ray’s without being late. When she strolled through the doors of the restaurant, she didn’t see the usually punctual Connor and Jeff waiting on her. She turned her gaze to the crowd to search for them. At the sound of her name being called behind her, she whirled around.

Jenny sucked in a shocked breath at the sight of Brett. Her exertions, coupled with the sight of him standing there, caused her to pitch forward. Before she could stop him, Brett’s hands came to up her shoulders to steady her. “Are you okay?”

When the room stopped spinning, she shrugged out of his grip. Although she didn’t want him touching her, she was almost thankful for it. Feeling him meant he was real, and she wasn’t hallucinating. After what seemed like an eternity, she found her voice. “Wh-What are you doing h-here?”

“I needed to talk to you.”

“Ever heard of the phone?”

Brett gave her a tight smile. “I was afraid you would hang up on me.”

“So, you decided it would be better to corner me in a crowded restaurant?”

“Actually, it was Jeff’s idea.”

Jenny gasped as a wave of betrayal washed over her. “You’re lying.”

“Think about it—how would I have known you were here unless he told me?”

Jenny fought the urge to snap that he could have been stalking her. Instead, she ducked her head in defeat. “But he knows what you put me through.”

Brett’s hand reached out to cup her chin. “He also knows how I feel—what I’ve put myself through.”

Jenny jerked away. “I’m glad to know that for Jeff, some bullshit bro-code outweighs the feelings of his future child’s mother!”

“He knows I’ve been in fucking agony the past couple weeks after the way I hurt you.”

“What are you trying to say?”

Brett’s eyes closed as if he were in pain. “I made a mistake, Jenny, the worst fucking mistake of my life.” His eyes popped open, and he stared earnestly at her. “I should have never pushed you away. I should have tried talking things through with you…and even with Jeff. I should have given us time to work through the awkwardness of the situation. Instead, I was a giant pussy and ran.”

“Yes, you did.”

Taking her hand in his, Brett said, “I will never be able to forgive myself for making you feel unworthy, but if you’ll give me a second chance, I promise I will work my ass off to never hurt you again.”

Never? What was he saying? He’s thinking long-term? Furrowing her brows at him, Jenny asked, “You really mean that?”

“From the depths of my heart.”

His declaration caused Jenny’s head to swim. once again “I think I need to sit down.”

“Let me help you.” Brett wrapped an arm around her before leading her outside. Before she could ask where he was taking her, he steered her over to a table overflowing with flowers.

“You really go all out when you apologize, don’t you?” she mused as he pulled a chair out for her.

With a chuckle, Brett replied, “Considering what an epic douchebag I was, I figured it was going to take a pretty grand gesture. I just hoped you would hear me out long enough to see it.” He then took his seat across from her. They sat staring at each other for a few moments before Brett cleared his throat. “So, uh, how have you been?”

Tilting her head, she gave him a teasing smile. “You’re really asking me that?”

A sheepish expression came over his face. “Hey, cut me some slack. I’m trying not to drown in uncharted territory here.”

“The wounded part of me says I should tell you I’ve been perfectly fine and haven’t thought about you at all over the last few weeks.” Jenny sighed. “But the truth is, I’ve been completely miserable.”

Hope swam in Brett’s eyes. “You have?”

“Yeah, I have.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

Jenny giggled. “You’re really off your game today.”

Brett laughed. “I sure as hell am.”

A waiter interrupted them by coming over to take their drink order. Once they were alone again, Jenny leaned forward in her chair. “There is something I’d like to know.”

“What’s that?”

“Was it really just the surrogacy thing, or was there more that turned you away?”

“Of course it was just the surrogacy thing. How could there be anything else about you that I didn’t like?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess I hoped there was another reason—one I could easily change.”

“There’s not a damn thing I would change about you, Jenny.”

“Seriously?”

“After watching you on the farm, I knew you were someone really special. You accepted and appreciated every facet of my life. You got to me in a way no other woman had in a long, long time.” He winced. “I know it’s fucking cliché, but I got scared. Even though I should have been thrilled that you were so entwined with my family, it just overwhelmed me, like it was too much too fast.”

“I wish you had told me that.”

“I know. I wish I had, too, but if there’s one thing you need to know about me, it’s that I’m not always good at expressing myself. I’m not in tune with my feelings and emotions like Jeff is.”

“We could’ve taken the time to work on talking things out in normal situations, but this isn’t a normal situation.”

“I know.”

“If we’re going to try to make this work, I’m going to need you to be able to talk to me when you’re feeling unsure. I can’t have you running every time things get uncomfortable.” When Brett opened his mouth to assure her, she stopped him. “Take a moment to think about it. Things might be weird now, but they’re going to get a whole lot weirder as this pregnancy progresses.”

“I can handle it. I know I can.”

Tilting her head at him, Jenny countered, “You can handle my body changing? My ass and stomach expanding with stretch marks, my boobs filling with milk to feed your brother’s baby?”

“It’s never been about your body for me.”

“Hmm, I think I would beg to differ considering how you bailed on me because you were so disgusted at touching me. I also seem to remember how much you appreciated my body that night at the Hilton.”

“Of course I did, but the reason I came back to O’Malley’s after that first time wasn’t just about your fabulous rack or hot ass.”

“It wasn’t?”

Brett shook his head. “I liked you, Jenny. I enjoyed talking to you, not to mention the fact that you wanted to meet my horses. If I had wanted just a quick lay, I could have hooked up with one of the rodeo groupies.” He stared intently at her. “But I didn’t.”

After processing the enormity of Brett’s words, Jenny groaned and buried her head in her hands. “Here you are being all noble about that night when all I wanted was a quick lay?”

With a chuckle, Brett said, “I feel so used.”

Peeking at him through her fingers, Jenny sighed. “It wasn’t totally my fault—it was the stupid hormones I was taking for the transfer.”

“Now we’re deflecting?”

“Maybe.” She pulled her hands away from her face. “The truth is, I would have never been able to sleep with you if I hadn’t liked you. I liked you that first night I met you, and I was so stoked when you showed back up again.”

“Does that mean I’m forgiven?”

“Yes.” At Brett’s elated expression, Jenny shook her head. “But on a trial basis.”

“Excuse me?”

“I’m not a big fan of pretty words. I’m more about actions.”

“And what happened to my grand gesture here at breakfast?”

“Don’t get me wrong, it’s very nice, but there’s something else I need you to do.”

“What’s that?” Brett asked skeptically.

“I want you to come with me to the ultrasound today.”

While Jenny expected Brett to balk at the prospect, his response surprised her. “Okay.”

“Okay?”

He nodded. “I’m fine with it, as long as Jeff and Connor don’t mind me being there.”

“I don’t see why they would, considering they helped facilitate our reconnection.” Jenny dug her phone out of her purse. “But I’ll text them just in case.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

Jenny furrowed her brows at Brett. “What do you mean?”

Before he could reply, Connor and Jeff appeared, seemingly out of nowhere. Feeling flustered, Jenny replied, “I thought you guys stood me up.”

Jeff smiled. “We’ve been at a table inside the whole time.”

“You have?”

Connor nodded. “We wanted to be close by to lend our support in case things went badly.”

“While that is very sweet, I’m still pissed at you guys.” Although she tried her best to glower at them, it was hard considering the earnest expressions on their faces.

“I could say we’re sorry for interfering, but we’re really not. We could see what was best for you two even when you couldn’t,” Connor said with a grin.

Jenny glanced between him and Jeff. “And you’re really okay with me having a relationship right now? If memory serves me correctly, our contract states that I was to remain celibate for the duration of the pregnancy.”

Brett’s eyes widened in horror. “You gotta be kidding me!” he shouted in a strangled voice.

Holding his hands up, Jeff said, “Now wait a minute.”

“I think it’s time for some contract renegotiating,” Brett countered as he crossed his arms over his broad chest.

Connor and Jeff laughed. “I agree,” Jeff answered. He grinned at Brett. “I think we can make an exception in this case.”

Brett grinned back at his older brother. “I’m glad to hear it.”

After shaking her head slowly back and forth, Jenny said, “I can’t believe I’m sitting here discussing my sex life with my potential boyfriend’s brother.”

“Your potential boyfriend’s brother who happens to be the father of the child you’re carrying,” Jeff corrected.

With a roll of her eyes, Jenny laughed. “Oh yeah, that makes it sound so much better. We’re ready to be on the Maury show.”

After the guys chuckled at the prospect, Connor said, “More than anything, we want you to be happy, and we want Brett to be happy. If the two of you can be happy together, then great, and if you can’t be together long term, then okay for that.”

Jeff nodded. “No matter what happens, we’re here for both of you. From here on out, we’re totally Switzerland when it comes to any drama. If a few weeks or months down the road, you find you’re not right for each other, Brett will still be my brother, and Jenny, you will still be our surrogate.”

Jenny exchanged a glance with Brett. “I think that sounds very fair.”

“Me too.”

Connor grinned. “I’m glad to hear it since you both will be a part of our child’s life.” After glancing at his phone, he said, “Now we have just enough time to grab something from a drive-thru before the ultrasound appointment.”

“There’s a McDonald’s around the corner,” Jeff suggested.

“That sounds good. I’m starving,” Jenny replied.

Brett took some cash out of his wallet and tossed it onto the table to pay for their drinks. After gathering up the daisy bouquets in his arms, he smiled. “Let’s go take a peek at the baby.”

Jenny glanced at Connor and Jeff. “If that’s okay with you.”

“It’s fine,” Jeff replied as Connor nodded.

As they started out of the restaurant, Brett asked, “Will they know if it’s a boy or a girl today?”

Shaking her head, Jenny replied, “No, it’s too early.”

“And we don’t want to know,” Connor piped up.

“You don’t?” Jenny asked.

“We want it to be a complete surprise,” Jeff answered. “Of course, you’re welcome to find out later on.”

As she unlocked her car, Jenny thought about it. Somehow it didn’t seem fair for her to know and not the guys. Even though she had their permission, it would feel like she was keeping something from them, and she never wanted to do that. “I think I’d like it to be a surprise too.”

While Connor and Jeff smiled at Jenny, Brett said, “Fine. Since I won’t know what exactly to buy, don’t be surprised if Uncle Brett shows up to the baby shower with a pony!”