Chapter 46 Closer

Weeks later …

Alex walked into the Drover's kitchen like he had done many times this last month. This time he found the girls playing cards, but Stevie wasn't around. 'Hey Alex!' Alex greeted the women and took of his hat. 'I'm sure we're not the ones you were planning to visit', Regan said smirking. 'Well no, but I did have a message for you.' 'And that is?', Regan asked, looking curious at him, but it didn't made her stop taking another snack. 'Marcus asked if I could tell yah if diner for tomorrow can be an hour later.' 'Oh fine by me!' Kate gave Regan a push. 'Come one, it's your turn.' 'I was trying to help a visitor, you know!'

Alex still stood there, starting to feel a bit uncomfortable. 'She's in her room', Moira said quickly, noticing his behavior. He smirked at her. 'Is it okay if I check on her?' 'I don't think she will mind, but a knock will be good.' 'Of course, thanks'.

Alex made his way to the hallway, while Grace checked him out. 'Pity he's already taken.' 'Grace!', Regan shot her an amused look. 'What?' 'I thought you were getting close with Riley', Kate said curious, not sure if there was something going on between them. There was some chemistry, but Riley had that with women on a regular basis. 'Nah, Riley is a bit too short, small and young. Alex is the real deal.'

'Don't even think about it', Regan said quickly seeing that sparkle in Grace's eyes. She knew Grace had her way with men. 'I wouldn't dare, though if Stevie isn't interested I would sure give him a try'. 'She's interested', Kate concluded, 'you can tell in the way she looks at him.' Regan nodded, throwing another card on the table, without having an idea if it was a good one, 'So back of'. 'Yeah yeah', Grace mumbled seeing Regan had made a bad move. The two ladies hadn't turned into good friends. In some ways they were a bit alike and that sometimes collided.

Alex walked upstairs, not sure which room belonged to Stevie. So he just knocked on one of the doors. 'Stevie?' He thought he heard something so he pushed the door a bit. Stevie glared at him, turning a bit on her bed. 'Hey'. 'I didn't wake you, did I?' Alex asked, hoping that that wasn't the case. 'No not at all', she smiled, 'I just wanted to have some time alone.' 'Oh ...do you want me to leave than?' Alex asked a bit insecure, already regretting the fact he had stopped by. 'No, don't go. Feel free to join me.'

Stevie sat up a bit and she placed her hand next to her, asking him to take a seat. He kicked of his shoes and sat down, leaning against the head of the bed. They looked at each other with big smiles, though there was a nervous glance covering it. 'This is really the quickest time I've ended up in bed with a girl', Alex smirked. 'Cause you already did the trick.' Stevie laughed, her hands holding on to her belly. 'Yeah I see that!' She shot him a look. 'No you're not fat.' He said immediately. Stevie rolled with her eyes. 'You look beautiful.' She pushed him. 'What?' 'I don't look beautiful. My hair is a mess, my shirt the oldest I have and I gained too much weight already.'

'I like you anyway', he said, looking at her sweetly but serious. A big smile was covering her face know. She even started to blush a bit. Alex shook his head amused. 'Yeah cowgirl, you scrub up well when you're pregnant'. He curled up his nose. 'You're crazy Ryan.' She shook up a bit, startled, grapping to her stomach right away. Alex looked confused and worried at her. 'You're okay?'

When she started to smile, he got even more confused. 'She or he is kicking me very hard!' 'What?' Alex said excited, moving closer to lay his hand on her. 'Here. Wow, this is the first time it's this hard'. Alex felt it and laughed. 'That is indeed hard. This must be a little fella.' 'Why?' Stevie bounced a bit back, a slightly teasing annoyed look on her face.' Girls can kick really hard too you know!' Alex smirked at her, bending down.' You're a boy, aren't yah? A real Ryan.'

'A real Ryan? Well that will give me lots of fun.' Alex looked up, gazing at her for a moment. He wasn't really sure how she meant it. She caught his stare and smiled at him, reassuring. She brought her hand to his face. 'I hope she will be just as much fun as you are', she said softly, while she showed a sweet smile which melt his heart. 'Or just as much fun as his mother.' They both smirked, but couldn't stop gazing at each other, taking over by a more serious look.

He felt the need to kiss her, but he wasn't sure. Alex couldn't resist moving up and she could see him doubt, but he ended up giving her a kiss on her cheek. She couldn't really look at him, as he sat back next to her. This time it wasn't the baby moving in her stomach. She had to restore herself, before looking aside her, giving him another sweet smile. He watched her in such a cute way that she could have kissed him right away. But something was holding her back.

She looked down, brushing a lock of hair behind her eyes. 'I think I will lay down', she said softly, making her way under the sheets. Stevie looked at him, in the hope he would follow. Alex hadn't been sure, but her asking gaze gave him the sign to pull the sheets over him. It was a weird situation. They were now facing each other. She had to hold her hand back from wanting to cares his face. 'Are you tired?' Alex asked, wanting to break the silence. 'A bit', she gave him a smile. 'You?' 'A bit too.'

She gazed into his blue eyes. 'The baby has become a bit more quiet.' Stevie wasn't sure what she wanted or where this moment would lead them to. She only knew she wanted him close. 'Really?' Alex smirked a bit, moving his hand to her belly. He figured if she would let him above the sheets, she wouldn't mind under the sheets. So he did and she kept staring at him, her shirt had moved up a bit and he now was caressing her skin. She could feel her breathing get a bit heavier, trying to keep her calm.

Alex kept his eyes focused on her, seeing how far she would let him go. She had a hard time to resist him. 'Alex ...' 'If you want me to stop', he whispered. She moved closer, laying her hand on his face. Their faces were just a few centimeters away from each other. He could feel her breathing. Her eyes were a bit restless looking at him, trying to fight her feelings. 'I ... you better ...' It was enough for him to take his hand way. 'Sorry', he mumbled, moving a bit back.

Her hand was still supporting his face. 'It's okay', she smiled softly. 'I just think it's better not to ... I mean, not that I don't like it, but ...' 'I understand.' Stevie once again smiled at him, hoping he didn't feel rejected. She just didn't want to rush into things and if she would let him she knew she couldn't resist and with both of them already in bed together; they sure wouldn't be able to stop.

'Can you just hold me?', she asked, seeing Alex agree just a second later. 'Come here', he reached out his arm, turning a bit to lay on his back while she snuggled up against him. Her right hand holding on to his waist. She lay her head against his chest, trying to move her back a bit so there was no pressure on her stomach. Alex brushed her hair away. 'You're comfy?' She gave him a big smile. 'This is nice.'

Some time later she had fallen a sleep. Alex wasn't really planning to stay the night, but he was too scared that if he would pull himself away, she would arouse. So he stayed, till she turned around a bit restless. He bended over her, giving her a soft kiss on her cheek, whispering; 'See you tomorrow beautiful.'