A/N: I have another prompt for One Night Stand that is a true testament when it comes to pregnancy. Enjoy!

A/A/N: Merry Belated Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!

One Night Stand

Twyla Mercedes prompted: Belle's car breaks down and Ryan steps in to drive her around. (Rated K+)

Out of all the lousy luck in the world, Belle couldn't believe her car decided to give up the ghost. And the timing couldn't have been more perfect since she was well into her second trimester. Of course, the baby decided not make things smoothly for the mother-to-be. It was like overnight that her body ballooned. Not only did her tiny bump become more pronounced but her ankles and feet had swelled. In addition, she was experiencing leg cramps if she was standing on them for too long.

Belle took the necessary precautions and followed the doctor's diet recommendations, including the exercise regimen to keep fit and healthy. While for the most part she was doing well… she still on occasion had a round of nausea. Her morning sickness cleared up but it didn't mean she was a hundred percent out of the woods.

This particular morning had Belle feeling queasy the moment she got out of bed.

She drank some hot tea with a ginger slice and ate dry toast with watermelon. It eased the nausea for the most part, but Belle was still feeling unwell. Unfortunately, she didn't have the luxury to miss work, and after she was dressed and ready, then she discovered her car problem.

"Damnit!" She laid her head on the steering wheel and lightly tapped her forehead.

She could call in but she couldn't afford to do that just yet. Walking was out of the question. There was no way she could make the trip in her state. The last thing she wanted to do was call Ryan again. He had been so kind and thoughtful the last time she had called with her late-night cravings that she didn't want to be the damsel in distress every time something comes up.

Not to mention she felt like she was taking advantage of him.

In a way she was. It was never her intention to call him for anything, but that one night she couldn't help it. The craving was too much for her to bear, and she never thought he would actually follow through. But Ryan Gold did. He went beyond the call of duty and took out the seeds in the watermelon when it upset her. He stayed until she was full and sleepy.

The next morning he called to make sure she was all right. It was almost too much for her to handle so she fought back the tears as they conversed. She wanted to tell him the truth badly but the words were stuck in her throat. After she hung up she vowed never to call him again. At least not until she was ready to tell him that the baby was his.

However, Ryan didn't seem to get the memo to leave her be.

Both he and Bae would visit her at the library and he would bring her some sweets and mints in case she needed them. Bae would give her pictures he drew of her and the baby. There was no doubt that the young boy was enamored with her and Belle was with him too. How could anyone not? Yet the matter with the father was something she was uncomfortable with. She had no one to blame but herself; she wasn't going to deny that knowledge. But Belle wished he wasn't so damn wonderful.

Ryan Gold was a perfect gentleman and it was unbelievable how great he was. He was considerate in ways she never knew a man could be, not even Gary was as chivalrous. He would bring her lunch and sometimes he would talk to her. It was usually about Bae but now and then he would share something personal.

Belle never intended for anything to get this far. Since his visits started she didn't have it in her to be rude and kick him out. Ryan had every reason to be in the library like anyone else. And he was so charming in his awkward way. How could she not enjoy his company?

And she did. Much to her regret.

He told her about his divorce and how his ex-wife remarried. He told her how it was his dream to own his business and how he fell in love with this small town and decided to move here. He told her about his tough childhood and how he grew up with a con artist. He told her this and more.

And she shared things about her life too.

She told him about how her Mum was a single parent and that Belle's father was scarcely in the picture. She told him about how her mother was responsible in inspiring her love of books. She told him how she would love to see the world one day.

They became friends. She even introduced Ryan to Ruby when they ran into each other at Granny's. Naturally, Ruby had to tease her about the "silver fox" afterwards, but Belle insisted they were only friends. That was the first time she actually said it aloud, but she found that it was a good word to describe what they were to each other.

And through it all, she still couldn't tell him he was the father.

Furthermore, she didn't want him to do anything for her.

Getting out of her car, Belle slammed the door and thought she better start making the trek to her job. Even though the library wasn't far away, throw in a pregnant belly, and legs prone to cramps you had the making of a long journey.

Belle managed to walk ten feet before she realized she was going to be late if she took a break every two steps. Regardless how she rallied against it, Belle saw no other choice. She pulled out her cell and called Ryan.

Within minutes, Ryan showed up with Bae in toll. He was on his way to work too, and since it was a weekend, Bae wanted to tag along to help his Papa. Belle was grateful and she didn't miss the concerned furrow of his brow as she slid into the passenger seat.

"You should have called me earlier if you had car problems," he told her as soon as she closed the door. "Do you have enough water? Your ankles—"

"I know and I do," she assured him. "It's okay Ryan. I'm stubborn and I thought I could make it there, but I was wrong."

"I have no problem driving you around. All you need to do is give me the word."

She smiled while inwardly she was cringing. Mentally she was planning on calling Ruby to help her take the car in to get it repaired and to do so ASAP that way she wouldn't have to rely on Ryan.

As the car rolled forward, Belle felt her insides tensed and her head pounding.

Keep it in. Keep it in. Keep it in, she kept repeating in her head. It wasn't Ryan's driving that made her feel ill, but the morning sickness that didn't want to leave.

She kept her mouth firmly pressed together and did her best to make it look like she wasn't going to vomit. Sweat began to gather at her temples and she could feel the heat rising in her.

When the car finally stopped, Belle couldn't hold it back. She lurched forward and her breakfast spewed out. Once the retching ended, Belle's face was flaming hot with embarrassment and she kept her face down so she wouldn't have to see the look of disgust on Ryan.

Bae, on the other hand, was impressed.

"That was a gusher!" he exclaimed.

She couldn't help it. Belle laughed because it was such a little boy thing to say. However she didn't know how an adult boy would say so she thought she better face the music.

"I am so sorry Ryan. I promise I will pay for any damage. I will clean it up too."

But he was smiling. Smiling!

"It's all right Belle. It's all part of the beauty of pregnancy."

Was he for real? "Really?"

"No. The morning sickness can be a…" Looking back at Bae, he changed his word choice. "…pain. Never apologize. It happens and I will do the cleaning. You get to work. My boss won't mind if I'm late."

Belle didn't know what to say. Was this man a saint in disguise?

"I'll make it up to you. And I don't want you to say no. Is that clear?"

Ryan nodded. "Have a good day at work."

And she did.

The man's a keeper. Now… if we can get pass this friend zone. Next I have one more prompt for this verse per request.