Savor (8 page)

Maxx

“Pick a color!” Erin yells viciously, and I shove another piece of soft pretzel into my mouth.

Luke told me I could have pretzels. It’s not my fault he didn’t specify. Please don’t rat on me. I miss salt! I miss the salt!

“I like pink…”

“You’re not attending your 5th birthday party; you’re going to a nice dinner.”

Did I mention just how much I hate fancy dinners? And white tablecloths? And the fact that I can’t go to those places because I’m pretty sure I never use the right fork. Who feels the needs to put that many forks on the table? I mean, really.

Erin suggests, “How about a deep purple?”

“So I can look like a grape?” I point to my growing stomach. “Veto.”

“Red?”

“That’s your color. Besides, when you wear it, people scream ‘Look how hot she is walking down the runway’ when I wear it, people scream ‘Hey Kool-Aid!’.”

Erin rolls her eyes and tries not smirk. “Fine. Navy blue? It’s the new black.”

“Do I look like a sailor to you?” I shove the rest of the pretzel in my mouth. Shaking her head she huffs, “Green?” Before I can answer, she shakes her head again. “God, you look terrible in green.”

I would be offended if she wasn’t right.

“Black it is.” She pulls an off the shoulder dress from the rack and hands it to me. “Aside from it being the only way to stop you from being so damn difficult, it’s also slimming and I know with the baby bump you’re beginning to feel—”

“Like a moo cow. And I’m not even that pregnant yet.” I snatch the dress from her.

Marching into the dressing room, I begin to change when she asks, “So, everything’s okay with you and Kellar?”

I wiggle out of my yoga pants. “Yeah…” The word drifts from me while I briefly return to our conversations from the night before. “I mean we talked a bit about things, but I know we’ll have to talk more again later. Just trying to enjoy him while he’s here for the weekend, ya know?” Once I’m in the dress, that looks surprisingly flattering, I open the door. “Sucks he’s only here for the weekend.”

Erin smiles proudly. “Damn. I’m good.”

My eyes look at my reflection in the mirror and I agree, “That you are.”

I hate to admit that this is the first time I’ve felt remotely sexy since I found out I was pregnant, but it’s the truth. For the most part, I’ve only felt like an overweight ball. I know some women feel glowy and special. The only glow I have is the one post puke or when I’m inches from a cupcake that Luke won’t let me have.

“I’ll grab the heels. Leave that dress on. You’re leaving the store in it.”

“Erin that’s not how—”

She rips the tag off and gives me another sarcastic look. “It’s how it works because I said so. Now grab your shit and let’s go. Don’t want you late for your date with Kellar, though when is he ever on time?”

I smirk and do as she says. Once my clothes are folded up neatly and in my hands with my purse thrown over my shoulder I exit the dressing room area, accidentally bumping into someone.

“Sorry,” I quickly apologize picking up my dropped yoga pants.

“Really?” The voice catches my attention. Looking up, I notice Liz smiling down at me looking perfectly put together, like always.

Swear this girl has a wardrobe only Mattel could make.

“Oh it’s you,” my voice mumbles.

Her eyes roam over my attire and she folds her arms. “You look fancy.”

“You look slutty.”

“Thanks.” She winks cocking her hip.

“That’s not supposed to be a good thing.”

“Depends on your views in life.”

I don’t…I don’t even…I just—no.

In a warm tone, she asks, “Did everything work out with Unbreakable?”

Surprised by her question, I don’t respond.

What exactly does she know?

“Did he finally get his head out of his ass and confess he’s in love with you, or are you two still doing that cat and mouse bullshit? I haven’t really talked to him since he asked me to let the kid stay at my hotel. Missed his last fight at the tournament too. I had a family emergency out of town. Tried texting him, but he barely responds.”

In disbelief, I let my jaw open but still say nothing.

Did you know that’s why he was with Liz? Did you know and not tell me? We talked about this! You’re supposed to be a good friend and let me know! What do you mean you tried and I wasn’t listening…

“Can you hear me?” her voice squeaks.

“Sorry,” I say, clearing my throat and trying to shake off being struck stupid. “Yeah. We worked everything out.”

“Good.” She smiles, which feels weird.

I’m rather creeped out right now. Remember that scene in the Addams’ Family Values where Wednesday smiles, and the entire camp looks scared? Yeah. That’s how I’m feeling right now.

“Are you pregnant?” She points to the small bump. When I nod, Liz smiles again this time softer.

Still creepy.

“Good for y’all…” She wets her lips slowly and says, “I have to admit, I’m glad someone broke Unbreakable. He deserves a little happiness, you know? I mean, not that he ever opened up or wanted to talk, but you could tell something inside of him just needed to be broken to be fixed.”

Am I really having a deep conversation with someone that thinks there should be a Math class devoted to counting calories?

“Maxx!” Erin’s voice calls, rounding the corner. The minute she sees Liz, she tilts her head. “Is America’s Next Top Vegan bothering you?”

“Always a pleasure, Erin,” she snips.

“No, gluttony is a pleasure. This is like a diet: painful.” Turning her head back to me, she says, “Let’s go, Maxx. Your
boyfriend
is waiting.”

“Take care, Liz,” I politely say, and she merely nods before heading back to the dressing room.

“Take care?” Erin mocks me before bumping me with the bag holding my shoes. “Really?”

“She was—I mean, we—but she—,” I fail to explain.

“Pregnancy brain is really doing a number on you,” she mutters, pulling me towards the car.

Once we’re in, I tuck away the clothes I was wearing, slide on the heels Erin picked out, and cave to her every makeup direction, applying retouches while she drives. No more than twenty minutes later, we arrive in front of TKO, and I shoot her a confused look.

“I don’t know,” she grunts as she parks the car. “I was gonna take you home, but Kellar made it perfectly clear to me to drop you off here rather than waste all the gas.” Before I can object, she bites, “Get out. I have dinner plans of my own.” Shaking my head, I reach for the shopping bag, when she insists, “Leave it. I’ll drop it off at home for you. Just take your wallet and phone.”

“Thanks, Erin.” I grab them from my purse. “For the whole spa day thing too. It was really relaxing. And much needed.”

“Remember to thank Kellar. He paid for it.” She wiggles her eyebrows at me.

I giggle and shut her car door. Quickly, I relocate myself to the inside of the bar, a little surprised that the door is unlocked but not completely.

For someone who has such pride in his bar, the moron forgets to lock the front door quite often.

The sound of my heels bouncing off the empty walls is the only noise in the entire place. It’s weird. In a place that’s always busy, even when the doors are shut, it’s eerie that it’s this quiet. I place my wallet and phone on the bare bar.

“Hello…” I call out continuing on my path towards the back. I check Frank’s office, which is empty, the staff room, my office, and even the rooms where the fighters warm up. Annoyed I call out again, “Hello…”

“I’m in here!” Logan’s voice finally responds.

How long has he been letting me wander around like a lost child in the mall looking for him? I swear I’m gonna punch him.

My body travels up the back stairs and into the ring where I see Logan standing with his back to me looking out to where the crowd would be. “Why are you in here? Are you having a walk down memory lane? It wasn’t
that
long ago.”

“Feels like a lifetime ago,” his voice mumbles before turning around.

Immediately, I notice the chocolate frosted cupcake in his hand. My stomach grumbles in response.

Fair enough. We haven’t had a cupcake in a very long time. LONG TIME!

With a cocky grin, Logan says, “See something you like, Maximus?” I try not to glare as he extends a hand for me to take. When I do, he pulls me a bit closer but not all the way to him.

“I’m not supposed to have cupcakes.” I pout while watching Logan break it apart.

“I won’t tell,” he playfully says in return, handing me the bigger piece.

I smile back, thankful to have the treat. Lifting my half up to take a bite, something catches my eye.

Who puts a toy ring in a cupcake? It goes on top. It’s not a cracker jack box.

“They’re supposed to put those on top, Logan,” my voice scolds while I drag my eyes up to him.

More nervous than I’ve ever seen him, I watch him lower himself onto one knee and my body freezes, afraid to move another inch.

“You were standing right there, Maximus. Right. There. That’s where you were when I realized I couldn’t keep denying you forever. I’m not fucking perfect. I never say the right thing. I rarely ever fucking
do
the right thing. I’ll never be that guy. But I’ll always be the guy that makes you smile. I’ll always be the guy that buys you books. I’ll always be the guy that lets you kick his ass at video games. And I’ll always be the guy that will love you if let him. Maximus, you told me my name wasn’t a curse but a blessing. The world chants it. The Kid wears it proud. And the one in your stomach will probably love it too. Will you? Will you say yes to something I should’ve asked you forever ago? Will you say yes to taking my name and letting it be yours?” My jaw trembles as he pulls a ring out of his pocket. The cupcake tumbles out of my grip as he slides a diamond princess cut ring on my finger. “Maxx Hughes, will you marry me?”

Not even making the effort to wipe away the tears on my cheek, I nod. “Yes! Yes!”

Logan pops up and presses his lips roughly against mine as the sound of cheering fills the room.

Pulling away, I’m surprised and relieved to see all of our family standing around.

Did you know they were here? Did you know this was coming?!

I look up at him to see his blue eyes filled with joy and his chest swelling with satisfaction. Trying to play off the situation, I wipe away another tear and fuss, “I really wanted to eat that cupcake.”

“I called it,” Erin sighs folding her arms across her red dress covered chest.

When did she change?

“Congrats,” Luke calls out sliding his hands in his black dress pants pockets.

“Big ones!” Stuart yells from his side.

“It’s about time,” C.J. comments from beside Erin, he’s also dressed up in a pair of black slacks.

Logan drapes an arm around my shoulder and pulls me in closer to kiss my forehead.

Erin snaps, “Shut it. Be thankful the boy did it at all. Wasn’t sure he’d ever get here.”

“Fuck off,” Logan chuckles at her.

“Mouth,” Dean says from beside Tony.

Tony elbows him in the side. “Go hug your parents, Kid.”

Quickly, Dean makes his way around and into the ring where he immediately hugs us both. After a tight squeeze, he looks at me with the same glisten that’s in Logan’s eyes and asks, “You ready to be a Kellar, Mom?”

“Definitely…” I plant a kiss on his forehead before looking back up at Logan who is still gleaming with excitement.

Can you believe it? I mean…really. I don’t even know what to say. What? Of course you’re invited to the wedding. Do you even have to ask?

You know if you’d put your money on betting against me getting married, like I did, you would be paying up big right now. I never thought I would fucking say this, but I’m actually really glad to be getting married someday. I can give the Kid the family he deserves, my future spawn the stability I never had, and Maxx that happily ever after she’s always wanted. Besides, I like knowing that the massive rock I put on her hand, with the help of Luke’s expertise, will keep assholes at bay when I’m away. You think Maxx looks hot when she’s normal curvy? Her pregnancy curves have my dick more at attention than ever before.

Stumbling into the house, I let my lips find hers again, twirling our tongues together for the fourth time since we got out of my car.

I thought make up sex and jealousy sex were fucking hot, but something tells me engagement sex is gonna blow them out of the fucking water.

Her hands tug at the buttons on my shirt as her teeth nip at my bottom lip moaning in the process. When I open my mouth to groan back, her tongue assaults mine and forces me to push her against the wall.

Fuck making it up the stairs.

My fingers slip under her dress between her legs, thankful she’s given up wanting to ever wear underwear, and slide them inside. With a sharp gasp, she shuts her eyes and tosses her head back while my other hand grabs her leg to wrap it around me. Pulling them out slowly before pushing them all the way back in causes her hips to rock, desperate for my fingers to fuck her.

Pleased, I state in her ear, “Your body only comes for me. Got it?” Maxx immediately moans again, her hands clutching at my shirt. With only a few more sharp pushes, her pussy clamps down giving me the orgasm that belongs to me.

Out of breath, she tries to say, “Shouldn’t we go upstairs?”

Unbuckling my pants, I suck on her earlobe, enjoying the uncontrollable whimpers coming out of her. I let my tongue slide down her neck before informing her, “Maximus, the only thing you should do is come for me again.”

Before she can say anything, I slide my cock inside her, the tightness is enough to make me wish I could bust a nut right then. Maxx’s moans get louder as I go deeper, keeping up a slower pace than I want. Lifting up her other leg, I do my best to hold coming at bay when her head hits my shoulder on a cry of ecstasy.

How the fuck am I supposed to keep it together when she does that?

“Faster, Logan,” she begs, her fingers tugging at my hair.

Groaning, I deny the request, “No.”

Another pout mixed with a whimper escapes her, “But I need it faster…so close.”

“No.” My hips continue rocking at their hypnotizing speed. Pushing my lips next to her ear, I say on each thrust, “My. Fiancé. My. Rules.”

Unsure if it’s the thrusts or the words that undo her again, I’m pleased when she screams out, “I’m coming!”

The pressure from her pussy desperate to milk my cock wins as I let go, thankful I made her come at least twice before I caved.

I swear I used to be able to hold on longer than this. I’m talking hours. Fuck. What is she doing to me?

Still struggling to breathe, she leans her head back against the wall and says, “Shouldn’t you put me down now? I know I’m not light.”

Doing my best to not bark in frustration, I reply, “Don’t make me carry you up the stairs to prove that you’re not heavy.” Her face scrunches like she’s about to argue with me, so I slip our lips together. Softly, I roll my tongue around hers until the insecurities that were stiffening her body disperse. I pull away, eyes still closed and whisper the words on her lips, “Maximus, you’re so fucking beautiful, baby. And you carrying my kid only makes you even more gorgeous than I fucking thought possible. So stop.” I open my eyes so she can see how serious I am. “No more of that too heavy bullshit. No more of the too big bullshit. You’re fucking sexy, and I’m about to go upstairs and show you that all over again…”

With a wicked smirk, she slips her tongue out to tease my top lip. “I wanna taste you first…”

And let’s add that to the reasons I’m glad she’s about to be Mrs. Logan Kellar. Yes, she does. She takes my entire name. She becomes my entire name. Look, I can’t finish this fight now because my cock’s ready to go again, but this isn’t over…