*Christian's POV*
I'm awoken by my phone going off and I unwrap myself from Anastasia. As always, I wake finding my head on her chest, my arms clinging to her like she might float away. Even in sleep I gravitate toward my girl.
My angel groans. "I don't want to go to work."
It makes me grin as I reach for my phone. "It's Saturday."
"Oh, thank God!" She rolls towards me and wraps herself around me this time, holding me in place. "After everything this week, I need to spend the morning right here." She taps my chest. "You're not going anywhere."
Still ringing, I look down at my phone and see that it's my mother. Fuck. I answer it before it goes to voicemail, worried something has happened.
"Hello?"
"Christian. I've missed you."
"Is something wrong?" Why is she she calling? Looking down I see my angel craning her neck go look at me. She tries to push herself off of me, but I hold her tight, not wanting her to move. She's warm and comforting. I need her close.
"Anastasia called me."
"She did?" I look down and raise an eyebrow at my stubborn woman.
"Yes, awhile ago. Before you say anything or hang up, I need to get this out, okay? Just give me a few minutes of your time."
I decide to switch it to speaker so that Anastasia can listen. If Mom does have something to say, she can say it to both of us. "Okay, Mom. Go ahead."
She sighs into the phone, sounding relieved. "It's taken me some time to navigate this whole situation and I apologize. I don't want to be estranged from you anymore, Christian. I know you are a smart young man and that you love her. I don't know her and I still have my reservations, but those won't change unless we spend more time together. I can't continue on without my son or my grandchild in my life. I know we said some terrible things and I think that was partly because of the Ethan situation, but Elliot and I talked some things over and I realized there was a lot we didn't understand. I want the opportunity to apologize to Anastasia face-to-face and mend our family before the baby comes and our family grows even more."
I'm surprised by what she says, but relieved. I can feel my eyes getting wet at the thought of our family being whole again. "We'd really like that. Ana deserves an apology."
"Yes, she does, Christian."
"I know that everything with Ana and I happened so fast, but I love her. I've put her through so much shit, Mom, and she's stuck by me. If you're going to be angry at one of us, it should be me. I want you to understand that she is it for me. Once you get to know her, you'll love her and you'll see how unnecessary your reactions were."
"I do hope so, Christian. When she called me I really thought she was overstepping a boundary, but after mulling it over and talking to your father, I realized that she was just trying to protect you and make you happy. I thought she had wanted us out of her way... I was worried that she was trying to trap you and keep you to herself... but calling and begging that we mend this for you shows me that she wants what's best for you. She is so dedicated to you. I'm hoping that you're just being hard on yourself when you say you're the one I should be mad at. She's pregnant and so young. She needs love and support. She's probably feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders right now and we made it worse. I responded in the worst way possible, Christian. I just didn't want someone to come in and ruin your life. I really do want the best for you. Someday I hope you can forgive your father and me. We're new to this. You've never brought anyone home before."
A sense of affection comes over me for my mother. It has been what feels like ages since that part of my heart has warmed. My mother has always had my whole heart and I think she's having trouble letting go. My heart belongs to Ana now, although I'll always love my mom. "It's new to all of us. We'll figure it out one way or another. Thank you for calling, Mom."
"Yes, I've taken enough of your time. Have a great day. I love you, Christian. So much."
"I know, Mom. I love you, too."
When I hang up, I find Anastasia grinning up at me, her lip between her teeth. She looks positively giddy for me. I grab her and flip her to her back, holding her hands above her head.
She yelps and I bite playfully at her bottom lip. "What am I going to do with you, young lady? You really called and duked it out with my mother? For me?"
"Are you angry?" She looks worried.
"No, baby. I'm impressed...and so fucking turned on." I crash my lips into hers and release her hands so they can explore the skin on my back. No one has ever fought my battles for me. I've always fought my own. But this feisty little creature below me is ready to go to war for me. Fuck she's incredible.
*Ana's POV*
When we finally unwrapped ourselves from each other, it was half past noon and I had to tell Christian that Ethan and I planned a shared housewarming/congratulation hang out for the two of us. It's only going to be the six of us, and still, he didn't seem very enthused with the idea but I told him I was having it if he was there or not and I was only telling him to invite him.
With Kate's help I am able to clean up quickly and set out the veggie and fruit trays and all the refreshments. We decide to order pizza once everyone gets here since it's just the few of us. I didn't need to stress myself out anymore than I already have. Tonight Ethan is bringing his new girlfriend, Dhvani, and I'm excited to meet her. He seems completely smitten with her so I hope she is good for him.
It isn't long before Christian and Elliot show up with some beers and Ethan shows up last with his new girlfriend and I can't help but wonder if he was fashionably late so he could make an entrance. I roll my eyes at the thought.
"Make way! New Calvin Klein model coming through!" Kate teases, giving her brother a hug.
"Who are you? I'm sorry, now that I made it big I'd forgotten you little people."
"Ethan Andrew!" I feign hurt.
"Except my Stasia. I'd never forget you."
"...Uh huh!" He pulls me in for a hug and I squeeze him hard.
"Nice digs you got here, Steele. Maybe I should move in."
I roll my eyes. "I don't have the time nor the patience to be living with a man child. Now stop being a menace, and introduce me to your hot girlfriend!"
"Okay, okay. Stasia, this is my lovely girlfriend, Dhvani. Dhvani, this is my best friend, Anastasia." Ethan looks giddy being able to introduce the two of us and it's adorable.
"Nice to finally meet you Dhvani. I've heard so much about you." I give her an honest smile and am relieved when she looks at ease. No jealousy then.
"Likewise. I'm hoping that we become friends so we can team up on this guy." She puts an arm around him and I laugh.
"Oh, I like her, Ethan! She's a keeper."
I introduce her to Christian and I see her eyes hood for a moment, but I can't blame her. He's striking. She's got her own beautiful boyfriend to play with so she can look. But no touch.
"Ana... I hope you don't mind, but a friend of mine asked if she could come... she's going through a tough time and I thought maybe she could use some fun. She should be here any minute." Dhvani looks embarrassed but I wave her off.
"The more the merrier. If she's friends with the two of you I'm sure she's great."
"Actually Ethan hasn't met her either... I was kind of hoping she wouldn't be so hard on him if she was surrounded by his friends..."
I laugh. "You are one brilliant woman. Come on," I throw my arm around her. "Let's get some drinks."
While I busy myself playing bartender, Ethan fires up the Wii, betting Christian and Elliot he's better at Wii Golf than them. He looks very comfortable with Christian, but I know he's still wondering what the hell happened yesterday. I'll have to talk to him. I'm hoping tonight they bond and make it easier on me.
The doorbell rings and Elliot hollers that he'll get it, but I watch as he just stands in the doorway, the door hanging open. Concerned, I make my way over and push around his large frame to see what has got him frozen. Standing there cocking her pretty little head, feigning confusion is Emma. Elliot and I make eye contact and both look behind us at Christian.
Stopping mid-swing, he sees us staring. "What is it?" Making his way to us, he spots her. "Emma!" His eyes are hard, his brow pronounced, as he hands Elliot the Wii remote. Pushing his brother aside and making his way between us, he grabs her by her arm. "What the fuck do you think you're doing here? You shouldn't be here!"
"Dhvani invited me." Her voice is quiet, high, and sugary sweet and I want to vomit on her.
"You mean you invited yourself! I made it perfectly clear when you tried texting me earlier that we will have no more contact!"
"Christian?" His head jerks to me when I say his name. His murderous look turns to panic. I know he's worried how I'll react. "Dhvani invited her. It's okay." I don't want to deal with the amount of questions that would come from the others if we refused her entry and I want Dhvani to feel comfortable with us. My stomach is sick thinking about her in my home, but I need to be mature about this. I'm hoping that this is a terrible coincidence and we'll never see her again after tonight.
He looks at me like I've lost my ever-loving mind. "Ana, she's not welcome-"
"Dhvani and Kate are going to be suspicious if we kick her out. And I suspect that Emma has no way of explaining herself considering you had her sign an NDA." My eyes fall on her, watching her nod.
After a beat, he turns back to her. "Don't touch me. Don't touch Ana." He lets go of her arm and Elliot and I part to let them both through.
"Em, you made it!" Dhvani stands and hugs her friend tight, happy to have someone else here she knows, I'm sure.
Ethan takes one look at her and chokes on his beer, causing Dhvani to break her embrace with her friend and smack his back. "How many of these have you had?" She teases.
"Not enough." He gives me a glance and I put my finger to my lips. His girlfriend doesn't need to know how fucked up this situation is.
I return to the kitchen where Christian is making himself a double whiskey. I press my way between him and the counter, wrapping my arms around his neck. "I know this is awkward and miserable, but just pretend she isn't here. Let's just sit back, relax, and have fun." I press a kiss to his mouth. My stomach cannot handle him moody or raging all night. I feel like I'm already fighting the bile in my stomach. "Do you know what she prefers to drink?"
His eyes search mine for second and I cock an eyebrow, knowing he does. "Fuck." He closes his eyes and shakes his head, looking annoyed with himself. "Yes. Vodka and cranberry."
"Ah, the basic white girl drink. Got it." I tease, knocking his hip with mine in an attempt to cut the tension. I make her drink and grab another beer for Ethan, knowing he would have downed the other, letting Christian finish up. She's sitting on the opposite side of the sectional next to her friend so I have a seat in the middle of the chaise side of the sectional, leaving Christian the corner to curl up in.
He carries over his tumbler and my favorite water bottle that counts down the ounces someone drinks. "Here's your sippy cup." He gives me a wink as he sits behind me, one leg bent, the other laying across the chaise, and pulls me into his lap. My backside sits comfortably between his bent leg and groin and I relax back.
"Don't make fun of my cup! It takes a lot of water to grow a baby." I smack his arm playfully.
"Oh, you're pregnant?" Dhvani looks pleasantly surprised, but her friend beside her looks like she might throw up on my new cream rug. That's right girl. I'm carrying his baby.
I smile. "I am."
Christian rubs my stomach and I can feel the affection radiating off of him. "Sixteen weeks along. I can't wait for our baby bear."
I turn my head to smile at him and he pecks my lips. "Now that we're all settled, let's order pizza. What kind do you want?"
I crinkle my nose. My stomach is sick at the thought of eating. "You choose for us. My stomach is too upset from having to smell Elliot."
"Hey!"
My head falls back in a laugh. "If that offends you, maybe don't drink Captain Morgan next time." The smell of the dark amber liquid makes me hold back a gag. It doesn't help that the smell is always so strong.
"Your baby has no taste." Elliot retorts, giving me a wink.
"I think Uncle Elliot is the one with no taste." Christian chimes in, his comment making me giggle.
"Oh you got jokes, yea? You're buying the pizza then." Elliot states, pulling up the pizza app on his phone. "I'm too offended to open my wallet right now."
XxXxXx
"AH! Christian! Put me down!"
"NEVER!"
"Pop my bubble! POP IT! I CAN'T PLAY!"
We're playing Super Mario Brothers on the Wii and Christian keeps picking up my character and running around with it over his head instead of letting me play.
"I can't pop it, Kate! Christian won't put me down!" Her character finally floats low enough to the ground for her bubble to pop and Ethan's character comes behind her and picks her up, throwing her off the cliff.
"God damn it, Ethan! If you're going to keep killing me at least pop my bubble!" Her comment makes us laugh.
"Eee, Christian! it's coming for us! Run!"
He laughs behind me, pressing a kiss to my temple. "Don't mind me carrying you now, do you?"
"Run! Run Christian! Run fast!" I yell, between giggles. I'd take get-togethers like this over nights out any day of the week. Seeing Christian so free and animated has me falling even more in love with him.
When the level ends, we hand our remotes to the others and Christian excuses us so we can refill our glasses.
When we get to the kitchen, I grab the front of his t-shirt and yank him down to me so I can give him a long, hard kiss.
"Fuck, Ana! What was that for?" He's panting, the tent in his jeans evident.
"Do you know how fucking sexy you are like this? So free and easy going... every time you laughed just made me more and more wet." I run my hands up over his chest, loving the feel of the hard muscle under my palms.
Suddenly, he grabs me under the swell of my ass and picks me up, my legs naturally wrapping around him.
"What are you doing, Ace?"
"I need to be inside of you." He says quietly, taking me quickly to the bedroom, the pads of his bare feet silent against the hard floor.
He closes and locks the bedroom door behind us, then drops me on the bed, yanking my yoga pants down my legs. "I'll make this quick, but you have to be quiet." He reminds me, making quick work with the fly of his jeans. "Fuck, angel, you have me fumbling like a damn teenager."
I grin while I watch him pull himself out and pump his length a couple times. "We are sneaking around like teenagers..."
Giving me a sexy smile, he winks and drops down on top of me, checking to make sure I'm wet enough before guiding himself in.
*Christian's POV*
As we make our way back from the bedroom, I slide my fingers through my hair, trying to hide any trace of our fuckery. Unfortunately, taking one look at Ana, Kate notices.
"You had sex!" She points to us.
"What?" Ana feigns innocence, but I can't help my grin. I'm not going to deny I was balls deep in my girl a minute ago.
"If you want to hide your misconduct you shouldn't put your hair in a messy bun after." Misconduct? I laugh.
"Just jealous you didn't get it in, yourself." I give her a wink and find my way back to my seat pulling Ana into my lap. She curls into me, her feet resting between Ethan and me, her palm resting over my heart. Her eyes close as she relaxes and I press a kiss to her forehead.
The others continue to play games, but my eyes keep wandering down to my sleeping girl. She took the presence of Emma so well and I am awed by her. I feel like this morning was a fresh start for us. We're mending ourselves and mending the relationship with my family. I know it's only going to get better from here and I think we're in a good spot to start couples therapy. It seems that everything that happened last night solidified her faith in me and I hope the trust, too. I haven't had the guts to ask her to go to couples therapy with me because the lack of trust wouldn't have allowed her to be honest even in therapy. We're both new to this relationship thing and it's made us ignorant and immature about navigating this one. I'm hoping that therapy will have us maturing together and growing closer.
My phone buzzes on the arm of the couch beside me and looking down, I see it's Emma. I roll my eyes.
*She can touch you. What makes her so different?*
*Everything. Lose my number.*
I quickly block her number after I respond and settle back into the couch, sliding down, and reposition the pillow so I can lay with my girl. Ana wakes and curls up against me and my heart swells knowing that she doesn't care that all the others are here.
Emma announces to the room that she has to go, but neither Ana or I move or even acknowledge her. I continue to watch the others play and even join in on their playful teasing and I can feel the relief in Ana's body now that she's gone. With a sigh, her muscles relax and her body is limp against mine. I'm not happy about the stress my prior contract has put on her and our baby and she better never show her face again. I'm ready to leave my past behind and concentrate on the future.
A/N: Let me know if you'd like a teaser.